By Brad Dison

On Friday evening, October 1, 1970, thousands of people gathered at the Palazzo Dello Sportin (Sport Palace) in Milan, Italy. People peacefully entered the event center until suddenly, 30 minutes before the event was scheduled to begin, security personnel closed and locked the doors. The crowd outside, which numbered around 2,000, was unsure why the doors were locked. Security personnel tried to explain that the building was filled to capacity. Within a short time, the peaceful crowd’s mood began to change. They began yelling at security to open the doors. Then, someone threw a rock and broke one of the event center’s many windows. Another person joined in. Then another. Before long, rocks seemed to fly from everywhere and shattered several of the event center’s large windows.
Police officers tried to restore order, but the crowd shifted their aim away from the event center and onto the policemen. As rocks rained down on the policemen, they called for backup. As the number of policemen at the event center increased, so did the number of rioters. Reporters at the time estimated that another 2,000 more people joined in the riot against the policemen. Finally, police reinforcements arrived. With no other non-lethal option available to them, the officers fired tear gas into the crowd. The rioters held out as long as they could but were ultimately forced to withdraw.

When the riot was over, seven policemen and an unknown number of rioters were injured. Policemen arrested 63 rioters. Although the Palazzo Dello Sportin suffered several smashed windows during the riot, most of the people inside were too occupied by the event to be aware of it. The battle between the angry mob and policemen had a soundtrack which may have fueled the rioters. Ironically, one of the songs the rioters and policemen heard was “Street Fighting Man”. On that Friday night in 1970 in Milan, Italy, an otherwise peaceful crowd became violent when they were turned away from a concert by…the Rolling Stones.

Source:

1. Evening Standard (London, England), October 2, 1970, p.18.

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Katherine Louise McGill
August 4, 1959 – October 2, 2021
Visitation:  Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Services:  Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Burial:  Haughton Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana.

Beverly Ann Graves Winslow
April 23, 1952 – September 25, 2021
Services:  3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Rose-Neath’s Southside Chapel, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Esther May Small
May 8, 1918 – October 3, 2021
Services: Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Logansport in, Logansport, Louisiana. 

Jacqueline Ann Hirst
September 9, 1943 – August 30, 2021
Memorial service will be held at a later date in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Betty Woodward Gay
May 27, 1923 – September 28, 2021
Service: Friday, October 8, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Burial: Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana.

Emmett D Renois, Jr
May 11, 1932 – October 5, 2021
Services: Friday, October 8th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk St., Mansfield Louisiana.
Visitation: Friday, October 8th, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. until service time.
Burial: Grove Hill Cemetery, in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Sammie June Boggs
June 27, 1932 – September 27, 2021
Graveside service: Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery, 556 Cass County Road 1641 Jefferson, Texas 75657.
Visitation: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  at Rose-Neath Funeral home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111.

Allen “Rusty” Tilroe Bamburg
May 17, 1947 – October 3, 2021
Services: Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta, LA at 10:00 AM.

Genette Wells Straughan
December 3, 1946 – October 3, 2021
Services: Thursday , October 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk St., Mansfield Louisiana.
Interment: Zions Rest Cemetery in Wallace Community, Louisiana.

Barbara G. Garcie Sepulvado
March 21, 1959 – October 4, 2021
Services: Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zwolle, Louisiana.
Visitation: Thursday morning at the funeral home from 8:00 am -9:00 am. 
Burial: in the church cemetery.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

For an unprecedented fifth time, the Minden City Council failed to pass a budget for 2021-2022, causing City Clerk Michael Fluhr to tell them “you are bringing this city to its knees.”

Fluhr said that as of 4:01 p.m. Thursday, September 30 – the close of the 2020-2021 fiscal year – the city began operating at 50 percent of last year’s budget. When that money is gone, the State will be forced step in to take over the city.

“And all major funds already show a deficit of approximately a half-million dollars,” Fluhr continued. “What it means is that, for example, the street department can only use 50 percent of its money to cover potholes.”

Fluhr said he passed the word to Mayor Terry Gardner to tell all departments to make no purchases unless it is an emergency.

“The money goes out the door very fast,” Fluhr said. “I understand what your problem is with the budget. It’s not the money; everybody knows that.”

At past council meetings and budget workshops, remarks were made from District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker that pay raises for two employees were the main reason she was not voting in favor of the budget.

Walker, along with District A Councilman Wayne Edwards and District C Councilman Vincen Bradford consistently voted no when the budget was on the council agenda.

Fluhr went on to ask the council for a reason they are not communicating with one another. He reminded each one that this is the last budget for which they are responsible.

“Your term ends in 2022,” he said. “There is one more budget coming, but if you are not re-elected, then you are gone, and somebody else can handle the problem.

“I urge you, come together and discuss it,” he continued. “You are going to ruin the city and you don’t make any friends with the employees. Sooner or later, the hammer falls and the state is knocking on the door.”

Around 10 Minden residents and one from Sibley came forward during audience comments to ask questions, basically echoing Fluhr’s comments about healing the dissension among the council and mayor.

Minden resident Dennis Myles asked about other city employees who may need or want raises.

“There are other city employees that are receiving raises,” Gardner said. “I consider them substantial raises.”

When asked which employees are receiving raises, Gardner said, “the entire line crew, the entire water crew and the street department. All of those we are bringing up to where we can hire more. That’s all in the budget and was all discussed in workshops.”

Myles pointed out that three years into the current administration, “it’s been one controversy after another. It’s embarrassing, and I think it’s time for it to stop. You’re sabotaging the city. The individual agendas and egos are going to have to be set aside for the greater good for all the citizens.”

He implored the council and mayor to iron out their differences and come to a compromise to take the city forward, as did Randolph Walker.

“I’ve been to the workshops,” Walker said. “All you do is justify the things you don’t do.”

He then addressed the mayor and Bradford.

“What’s going on with you two?” he asked, referring to apparent bickering and disagreements. “Is this a domestic squabble? Me and my wife have problems, but I don’t go out in the street and broadcast it. Nobody wants to hear that. Go kiss and make up.”

Photo by Bonnie Culverhouse: Minden City Clerk Michael Fluhr (foreground) talks to the Minden City Council about the consequences of not passing the budget.

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Well now, that sure was something, wadn’t it?

We watched the (very long) meeting of the Minden Uncivil City Council last night. The Great Facebook outage of twenty-twenty-one put the Journal stream out of business for the night, so we all had to go the YouTube route to watch the latest show of the City Hall Circus. Come one, come all and see the Mayor in the Lions Den.

That’s right, some folks didn’t watch from home. They were up at city hall laying verbal punches into Mr. Mayor. It wadn’t pretty. It wadn’t even ugly. It was downright embarrassing. Not embarrassing for the folk laying out the licks. They were doing the greatest thing an American can do, that being the whippin of a politician. Nuthin against Mr. Mayor or any of the council in general, but it’s good when people give their elected officials what fer.

But we’re just plumb embarrassed that it’s gotten to this point. We don’t tell people we’re from Minden when asked because this last Thursday at four oh one post meridiem, the city went to 50 percent of its operating budget from last year. That bit of cheddar will last between two and six months depending on who you’re asking. Like most all things that involve our city government, there’s not a lot of concrete right answers or even people coming together to try and agree on all the variations of the wrong ones.

If there’s one thing the council can agree on it’s that they can’t agree on anything. That’s what’s so embarrassing. So what’s the result? Well, one of the many citizens who came before the microphone last night told the honorables that people are on their way out the proverbial door. Sayin fare-the-well to what’s known as the Friendliest City in the South.

She was correct.

Population is dipping. People heading out west, east, north, south and all the directional variations thereof. Now the Journal doesn’t want the parish to suffer, so folks if you just gotta move, head on down Sibley way or up towards Spranghill. Lotta land round there.

But we digress. This young lady was right when she passionately told the assembly that people are embarrassed and people are tired and people just aren’t going to take it anymore.

And that’s the truth.

Compromise was a word used a lot. Coming together was a phrase used a lot. We think it’s time though, friends, to stop kidding ourselves. There’s no compromise coming. There’s no coming together. This rift is too wide and personal and mean and ugly. Too much said. Too much done. Lines drawn in the sand. Mutually assured destruction.

No compromise is coming.

And maybe that’s for the best. Maybe all that’s left is for Daddy to come in. Father being the state in this analogy. Let the grownups come in, start calling the shots and put right what needed to be put right a long time ago.

We don’t want that. Truthfully, we can’t even believe we’re saying it (typing it rather), but that’s where we are at this point in time. It’s painfully and plainly obvious, so obvious that the visually challenged can see it clear as the sun in the Sahara, that we need saving. There had been talk of the attorney general getting involved. Talk of the district attorney. Talk of malfeasance and other big political words. Looks like that was all smoke and mirrors.

So with a council that won’t talk to the mayor and a mayor that just spent three hours being a punching bag from the community, there’s no more hope here. The hope is kinda what killed us, we suppose.

Just let the state come in and cut us to the bone and let out all that bad blood out so we can start over. Sure don’t seem like there’s any other way now.

But then again, what do we know?

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said it well when he told Minden Lions Thursday, “We are busy, but we are blessed.”

“Between (deputy) Chief Hank Haynes, CID, all our patrol guys, all my administrative staff, we are very busy,” Parker added. “But we are very blessed to be serving the citizens of Webster Parish.”

Parker went on to say, the sheriff’s department in Webster Parish is celebrating 150 years in existence. One hundred forty-five employees serve about 38,000 parish citizens covering around 615 square miles on an annual budget of $15 million.

“I am currently the sixteenth sheriff and very honored to be that,” he said.

Parker spent some time remembering the two deputies lost to the department in the past few months.

“Billy Collins – never to be forgotten – he served with me for 11 years with the sheriff’s office at BDCC (Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center) as one of my supervisors out there,” Parker said. “He did a very good job.”

A 15-year employee, Deputy Trey Copeland, who also worked at BDCC, died after a high-speed chase in his part-time position as a Cotton Valley Police Officer.

“Both were doing what they love to do,” he said. “They loved coming to work for the sheriff’s office, and representing us at BDCC, then serving their communities more.”

When Collins was killed in the line of duty, working part time as a Doyline Police Officer, Parker faced the most difficult job – notifying the family.

“I turned around, and there were hundreds of law enforcement officers all over,” he said. “The one person I asked to drive me to that location to notify Billy’s family: Trey Copeland. That man drove me to that location. Then three months later, he died following that chase. Tragic, tragic situation.”

Parker has implemented a Pastoral Patrol Program.

“It’s been a great lesson for us,” he said. “We’ve had 10 to 12 pastors from all over the parish that have become part of our family at the sheriff’s office. They ride with our deputies. They are there for emotional and psychological support.”

Over the last year, WPSO units have made the following arrests and seizures within the parish:

Arrested more than 125 narcotic dealers/users;
Seized 9 vehicles including one 18-wheeler;
Seized 12 pounds of Methamphetamines with a street value of more than $600,000;
Seized approximately 48 pounds of Marijuana with a street value of more than $30,000; and,
Seized approximately 25,726 illegal prescription pills valued at around $110,000
There has been a special arrest of a man scamming the elderly and infirmed. The individual was arrested with warrants in parishes and counties as far as Tennessee.

“My Sex Crimes Unit has made approximately 15 sex crime child-related cases, which involved one individual being arrested on charges of four counts of Distribution of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography,” Parker said. “This person was in possession of 52,560 files. He was labeled as Louisiana’s number one top Child Pornography downloader.”

The sheriff also updated Lions’ members concerning the possible move of the women’s jail to a facility at Camp Minden.

“We are still waiting on a contract with the National Guard,” he said. “But we’ve found the perfect building with all the infrastructure in place.”

Other subjects covered included (parish) animal control and school resource officers, which have been very beneficial to the schools.

The sheriff’s motto (he’s having a sign made) is for his deputies, but it is applicable to the community they serve.

“Make a difference,” he said.

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The Minden Lions Club was honored to have Dr. Jayda Spillers as guest speaker on Thursday, Sept. 23. Dr. Spillers is the Vice Chancellor of Education and Workforce Partnerships at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College.

She shared with the Lions her passion for technical education and helping to connect students with the regional workforce. Dr. Spillers spoke about the benefits of dual enrollment opportunities for area high school students as well as Jump Start, Louisiana’s innovative career and technical education (CTE) program. Jump Start prepares students to lead productive adult lives, capable of continuing their education after high school while earning certifications in high-wage career sectors.

Dr. Spillers was invited and introduced by Lion Earl Meader, NWLTCC chancellor (pictured at right).

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The Minden Lions Club is pleased to welcome Dr. Francis Oguntodu as its guest speaker for Thursday, Oct. 7.

Dr. Oguntodu grew up in Mesquite, Texas. After finishing his undergraduate degree at UT Tyler, he attended Ross University School of Medicine, received his Master of Medical Science degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and completed his residency at Genesis Health System.

Dr. Oguntodu is board certified in family medicine and is currently accepting new patients at his office, Elite Family Medicine, located at #2 Medical Plaza in Minden.

When Dr. Oguntodu is not in his clinic, he is working in MMC’s ER or seeing MMC inpatients as a hospital medicine physician. Dr. Oguntodu and his wife, Adaeze, are proud to call Minden their new home.

The Minden Lions Club meets Thursdays at noon at the American Legion Memorial Home, located at 119 Pine St. in Minden.

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We’re already at the midseason mark for high school football. Five weeks sure have gone by in a blink, and Webster Parish teams are getting ready to make the push for district titles and playoff positioning.

The Journal, and our media partner KASO/KBEF Radio, have teamed to compile stats for all four Webster Parish high school football teams.

As follows are the leading players for each team in passing, rushing and receiving:

Lakeside (3-1):

Passing
Jacob Whitehead: 19 completions on 28 attempts for 180 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions

Rushing
Ashton Stewart: 38 carries for 256 yards and 4 touchdowns
Cade Boley: 7 carries for 62 yards and 1 touchdown
Jacob Whitehead: 9 carries for 52 yards and 3 touchdowns

Receiving
Cade Boley: 8 catches for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns

Glenbrook (3-2):

Passing
Ty Feaster: 60 completions on 92 attempts for 910 yards with 12 touchdowns and 4 interceptions

Rushing
Rhett Johnson: 15 carries for 125 yards and 1 touchdown
DJ Carter: 13 carries for 94 yards and 5 touchdowns
Tre Kent: 23 carries for 89 yds and 1 touchdown

Receiving
Turner McLelland: 20 catches for 361 yards and 5 touchdowns
Cason Clemons: 15 catches for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns
Maddox Mandino: 7 catches for 143 yards and 3 touchdowns

Minden (2-3):

Passing
Andrew Cooper: 32 completions on 69 attempts for 456 yards with 3 touchdowns and 5 interceptions

Rushing
Daylen Robinson: 84 carries for 510 yards and 6 touchdowns
Andrew Cooper: 53 carries for 328 yards and 7 touchdowns
Zedekiah Harris: 18 carries for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns

Receiving
Jaylin Williams: 15 catches for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns
Cameron Mitchell: 8 catches for 102 yards and 1 touchdown

North Webster (2-3):

Passing
Colin McKenzie: 668 yards with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions

Rushing
Jamarcus Stephens: 47 carries for 453 yards and 9 touchdowns
Cooper Sanders: 36 carries for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns
Colin McKenzie: 42 carries for 195 yards and 4 touchdowns

Receiving
Jamarcus Stephens: 17 catches for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns
Jatareon Robinson: 9 catches for 209 yards for 2 touchdowns
Seth Dehart: 6 catches for 160 yards and 2 touchdowns

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By Josh Beavers

Lakeside Junior High will play its final game of the 2021 season this evening. The Warriors are taking on Haynesville in homecoming action.

The Journal caught up with Lakeside Junior High head coach Jeff Stewart to discuss the importance of athletics in a school as well as thoughts on the team in general.

The Journal: Coach, thank you for speaking with us today. I guess the first question would be would you mind telling us a little about yourself. How long have you coached the team?

Coach Stewart: This is my third year as the head junior high football coach. This is my fifth year at Lakeside. The first two years I was an assistant coach with the varsity program.

The Journal: Why do you enjoy coaching?

I enjoy coaching (and teaching) because I am a service-oriented person. I believe certain personality types are drawn to specific professions. Doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. have a need to help people. That’s why they choose to do what they do. I believe teachers fall into this same category. I know I don’t come across to most people as very approachable or “warm,” but make no mistake about it, I love my community and I love the kids at our school. I want to do my part to make our community a better place. I love our students, I love our athletes and I hope by coaching and teaching at Lakeside I am making a positive impact on our South Webster Parish community.

The Journal: Why is it important for young people to play sports?

Coach Stewart: There are so many reasons I believe playing sports is important for young people, but if I could wrap it all up into one thought it would be that participating in sports helps young people develop positive character. Work ethic, integrity, commitment, self-discipline, tenacity, and grit are all characteristics that make a person successful in life and these characteristics are developed in organized competition. I believe sports mimic life. If you are successful in sports, you can make it in life.

The Journal: What are your thoughts on the team this season?

Coach Stewart: We have a lot of positive team qualities. Our guys work hard and understand what we are working toward. Unfortunately at this point, our record does not exactly translate to all the good things we have going on. We have a lot of young football players which means we are subject to make mistakes. We only have four 8th grade starters who played last year. Our veteran starters are doing an awesome job. Brock Case, Bryce Parker, Kameron Lewis, and Noah Redding anchor our team as returning 8th grade starters and all of them will be contributors next year on the varsity football team. However, this means 18 of our starters have either never played football before or only 6th or 7th graders. Our “underclassmen” do a great job, but they are still learning. Our 7th graders didn’t see a lot of playing time last year because we had a substantial group of kids in our 8th grade class (substantial in total numbers and athletic ability). Additionally, we had a limited schedule due to Covid, so this year’s 8th graders did not have the experience they would have otherwise had if it were not for the pandemic. Our sixth graders are our largest group and several of those sixth graders are starting for us. So long story short, we have a lot of young inexperienced players on our team. Our future is bright. I tell the JH Players all the time that JH football is “Varsity Prep.” We focus on discipline, hard work, and commitment. Using that mission statement as our beacon, we are right on track.

The Journal: Are there ways the community can get involved and help?

Coach Stewart: Community Support is imperative. Obviously we need financial support to keep our athletic programs going, and we welcome any monetary support someone is willing to offer, but it’s not just about money. Simple cost effective actions can help. Local businesses can support by painting their windows and letting our football players as well as parents, teachers, administrators and support staff know that their community is behind them. Put a support sign in your yard. If you see a student athlete in their uniform, ask them about their sport, ask them what position they play, tell them you are going to come see them play (and actually do it). Our kids are proud of their school, proud of their sport, and proud to represent their community. Many people think coaches are overgrown kids living vicariously through their athletes and we just concentrate on “playing and winning,” putting other life lessons aside; but I guarantee most coaches are more concerned with the over personal development and wellbeing of their student athletes than whether or not they win or lose a ball game. If we can develop the positive characteristics in our student athletes I mentioned earlier, winning games on the fields and courts, as well as winning in life is a natural by-product. If our community shows interest and supports our efforts, I truly believe our kids will work to live up to expectations. Remember to make a small investment in the children of our community and it will pay dividends to everyone and the well being of our community in the future.

The Journal: Thank you for your time, coach. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Coach Stewart: IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A WARRIOR!!!!

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Lakeside Junior High School is hosting its second annual Homecoming tonight at 5:30.

Just like the high school version, which is slated for Friday, our junior high students will not know who is the princess and queen until the ceremony.

As follows are bios of Lakeside’s 6th-8th grade maids:

Sixth Grade

Morgan Miller
Morgan is the daughter of David and Kandice Miller. Her hobbies include cheerleading, hanging out with friends, going to the lake, and traveling to the beach. Morgan plans to go to college after graduating Lakeside and study to become a doctor.

Avery White
Avery is the daughter of Jay and Melissa White. Her hobbies include dancing, watching Netflix, and spending time with friends. After she graduates, Avery plans to attend Louisiana Tech where she will major in education.

Seventh Grade

Emily Jones
Emily is the daughter of Mrs. Amy Jones. She is a current member of the Lakeside Junior High Cheerleading team as well as the junior high softball team. Her hobbies include hanging out with friends, riding on the boat, tubing, and shopping. Emily plans to attend Baylor University to become a pediatrician.

Adleigh Moore
Adleigh is the daughter of Melissa and Chad Moore. She is a current member of the Jr. High cheerleading team and is also proud to be on the honor roll. She enjoys going to church, swimming, reading, and playing sports. After Adleigh graduates high school, she plans to attend the University of Hawaii to become an anesthesiologist.

Eighth Grade

Teal Austin
Teal is the daughter of Dub and Penny Austin. She is a current member of National Honor Society, the Lakeside Jr High Softball team, cheerleading team, and track team. Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, playing softball, camping, and tubing on Lake Claiborne. Teal plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she will pursue a degree in pharmaceuticals.

Bailey Mangrum
Bailey is the daughter of Misty Austin and Lance Mangrum. She is a current member of the Lakeside Jr. High cheerleading team as well as National Honors Society. She enjoys playing with her dog, spending time with family and friends, summertime, shopping, and going to church. Bailey plans to attend LSU Shreveport to become a sonographer.

Adeline Hedrick
Adeline is the daughter of Chris and Nicole Hedrick. She is a current member of the Lakeside Jr. High cheerleading team, National Honor Society, and 8th grade class president. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling to new places, and sunset boat rides. Adeline plans to attend LSU to become an ultrasound technician.

Isabella Vise
Izzy is the daughter of Chase Vise and Ashley Monroe. She is a current member of the Lakeside Jr High softball team and the 8th grade class reporter. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, hunting, fishing, and tubing on the lake. Izzy plans to attend LSU Baton Rouge where she will pursue a degree in orthodontics.

Meredith Robinson
Meredith is the daughter of Justin and Haley Robinson. She is a current member of the 4H, the Lady Warrior Softball team, and the 8th grade class secretary. She enjoys being with family and friends, riding horses, attending Yellow Pine Christian Church, fishing, hunting, shopping, and showing livestock as a member of the Webster Parish Livestock club. Meredith plans to attend the University of Texas for her undergraduate and continue her education to become an orthodontist.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

During the September meeting of the Minden City Council, council members voted 3-2 against a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana to receive $75,000 in grant funds for the relocation and rehabilitation of the Minden Animal Shelter.

District A Councilman Wayne Edwards said in a community meeting of his district, as well as B and C, that he cast a dissenting vote because of where Mayor Terry Gardner wants to put the shelter.

“We did not turn down the (grant),” Edwards said. “We turned down the location (existing building on Talton Street). The information submitted to the state in order to secure that grant required a location be added to the documentation.

“Had the funding been identified as being separate in the narrative, there would have been no problem,” he concluded. “At that time, we may have found a more suitable location, but for that amount of money, you can’t build what we were building.”

Some local residents would rather not see a new shelter near a school, with J.A. Phillips in close proximity.

District C Councilman Vincen Bradford said the only way Gardner can secure the money for a new animal shelter is “to have canine (K9) dogs.”

“The layout had several areas just for canine (K9) dogs,” he said. “He’s got to have police dogs or contact other people to bring in their canine dogs. So, he’s not telling you everything.”

“In this instance, K9 is just an abbreviation for canine,” Gardner said. “We aren’t talking about service dogs or police dogs – just dogs. Canines.”

The animal shelter is currently on Ewell Street. While it could be updated with the money, Gardner said there is no room for expansion.

“What I would like to see is a shelter and adoption facility for the animals,” he said. “That’s why it would require work on any building, whether it’s Talton Street or somewhere else. That just happens to be a building the city already owns. It’s just sitting there.”

Gardner agrees with Edwards that the Talton Street facility cannot be remodeled for $75,000.

“I feel like I can raise the rest of the money,” he said.

Where he disagrees is when Edwards said the paperwork for the cooperative agreement required a location before the money would be awarded.

“That’s just not true,” Gardner said. “Yes, there are stringent regulations that include inspections of the property as it’s being remodeled, but we did not have to give a location in order to get the money.”

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Trent Ryan Alston, 41, of Magnolia, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for driving on the fog line, driving while intoxicated and open container.

David A. Fowler, 30, of the 2700 block of Goodwill Rd., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on a warrant for contempt of court.

Jacob Jones, 28, of Bienville, was arrested by WPSO for probation violation.

Krisdien C. Odums, 27, of the 500 block of Hillside Ln., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation, simple criminal damage, driving under suspension and two counts of hit and run.

James G. Stroud, 36, of Coushatta, was arrested for improper telephone communication.

April Williams, 37, of Sarepta, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies on two active warrants.

Terrance Lyons, 28, of Sarepta, was arrested on a warrant for speeding and one for no driver’s license.

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United Christian Assistance Program needs the following items:

Food: canned fruit, dry pasta, powdered or canned milk, rice

Clothing: men’s socks and underwear

Household Goods: king and queen sheets, towels

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

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By Josh Beavers

These are always the toughest. I scarcely know where to begin when tragedies such as this strike. So, I guess it’s just best to start at the beginning. His mother named him Decari Tyree Markray and he was 20 years, 4 months, 2 weeks, and 5 days old.

And on Saturday morning, the Lord called him home.

Decari, a 2020 graduate of THE Doyline High School, was killed in a collision on Airline in Bossier City. The news began showing up in Facebook feeds an hour or so after the young man’s death.

And last night, the school he called home updated its social media page to inform the community at large of the tragedy and tell the world “Decari will forever be known as the DHS MVP.”

Dr. Grady Smith was Decari’s principal in junior high. He told us all how difficult it is to lose a student and shared a candid picture from 2014 when Decari and his friends were gathered in the office.

“All of these guys were in junior high, and I had to bring them in and go off about something,” he wrote and added a series of appropriate emoticons to illustrate the irritation at the time but also the fond memory that such an event tends to leave in the heart years later when the world has moved on and lessons from mistakes have been learned.

He spoke of Decari and pointed out a young man in a blue and red hoodie, khaki uniform pants, and charcoal gray sneakers.

“Decari probably didn’t say a word in that meeting,” Smith wrote as he remembered the young man as a quiet and thoughtful child. “I eventually left Doyline High, and those junior high kids grew up, became state champions and graduated. And Decari became a legend on the court that many will talk about statewide for years to come. As his principal, I can’t remember an ounce of trouble I had with him.

“His life just started,” he added at the end.

After graduation, Decari went on to the Cavalier basketball team at Bossier Parish Community College. His bio on the school’s website tells us that Decari was majoring in criminal justice.

That he played basketball, baseball and ran track for the Doyline Panthers.

That he was the District MVP, State Finals MVP, Parish MVP, First-Team All-Area.

That his favorite subject was math and he enjoyed listening to music and being with his friends.

That Dwayne Wade and Kevin Durant were his favorite athletes, and his favorite TV show was SpongeBob SquarePants and Spider-Man was his favorite movie.

That he wanted to earn a degree and make a difference in the world.

And that he was inspired by his mother.

His mother, Lakechia Markray, was as strong as one could be Saturday night as she grappled with one of the universe’s greatest injustices – when a parent outlives their child.

She said a lot on her social media page but one of the phrases that stood out from others was that her son was “loved my many.”

And that’s one of the greatest things social media has given us. For all the bad things that come with giving people instant access to the world and the ability to share their opinions and anger, our virtual society also gives us the chance to help one another, to lift those in need, and remember those who leave us.

That was Facebook all day and night Saturday, and that will be Facebook today and tomorrow and beyond as those who knew Decari share stories of good times, laughs, smiles, wins, losses, sadness, and love and of life. All the images that were burned into memory as one young man led his life and came into the stories of others doing the same.

Ricki Lunsford – “You shine, you lead, and you strive. That’s the kind of guy you were.
I just cannot believe I’m writing this.”

Unnika Miller – “Lord knows Decari was my brother, one who tried to shield me from making any mistakes, talking to no-good guys, or ever giving up on school or sports. He literally cheered me on and supported me from the sidelines to the stands to behind a screen when he couldn’t make it. Long Live A LEGEND! Forever our MVP! #12”

Megan Elizabeth James – “Students aren’t just people who fill desks. They are souls who fill our hearts. I will never forget his smile, his laugh, or his hugs.”

Decari is the son of Lakechia Markray and Eric Trimble. He has two siblings – Zahria Ware and Eric Trimble, Jr.

Arrangements are pending for Decari. The family has established a Go-Fund Me account to help offset the costs of his funeral. Details can be found on the Doyline Athletics Facebook Page.

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Katherine Louise McGill
August 4, 1959 – October 2, 2021
Visitation:  Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Services:  Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Burial:  Haughton Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana.

Beverly Ann Graves Winslow
April 23, 1952 – September 25, 2021
Services:  3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Rose-Neath’s Southside Chapel, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. 

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Minden  36
Leesville  49

By Whitman McGee

The Minden Crimson Tide traveled down to Leesville Friday night for a rematch of their epic quarter-final matchup during last year’s playoffs. The result was different this time; however, as the Wampus Cats prevailed over Minden by a final score of 49-36.

Leesville (3-2) started the contest red-hot with senior running back Caleb Gallashaw scoring a 59-yard rushing touchdown on the very first play of the game. Minden (2-3) then turned the ball over on a bad exchange from center to quarterback. The error eventually led to another Gallashaw score.

This was the third week in a row where Minden found themselves down double digits in the first quarter. Things were starting to look bleak for the Tide. Minden needed a score in a big way.

After a solid Jakobe Jackson return, a score is just what they got, as Cameron Mitchell rushed his way into the end-zone off of a jet-sweep. Carter Barnett’s extra-point attempt was good, and Minden was now only one score away from tying the contest.

Minden forced a Wampus Cat three and out but couldn’t capitalize, having to punt the ball back to Leesville. Isaiah Thornton snagged his third interception of the season and gave the Tide the ball back with 3:25 left in a thrilling first quarter.

A failed screen attempt led to another Minden turnover as Jashawn Lyles picked the ball off and totted the ball to Minden’s five yard line. Leesville got pushed back to the 20 yard line due to a penalty but still scored on Caleb Gillashaw’s third of five total touchdowns on the night.

Minden scored just once in the second quarter on a Jacolby Snell 11-yard rushing touchdown. They went into the half down 14-28.

The Tide started the second half with the ball, and after a string of favorable Andrew Cooper rushes, running back Daylen Robinson marched his way in for the touchdown.

The extra point was blocked but Minden was still within one score, trailing 20-28.

Leesville pulled away by chalking up three consecutive successful trips to the end zone; the Cats led at one point by a score of 49-20.

Minden fought hard until the end though, scoring twice more adding two successful 2-point conversions along with them.

But it was just too little too late for the Tide as even though they outscored the Wampus Cats 22-21 in the second half, the damage was already done.

Minden coach Spencer Heard noted that one of the biggest problems was “spotting them points early,” which the Tide did by committing turnovers.

“It’s a couple of things,” said Heard. “We can’t turn it over offensively and especially not give them scores off of it. The other thing is our defense had a couple of turnovers in the first half that we as an offense didn’t capitalize off of.”

Even after a tough loss, there are still positives to be taken away from this matchup. One of those being quarterback Andrew Cooper completing 11-13 of his passing attempts for 166 yards.

Opening up the passing game is pivotal to Minden’s success and it looks like, slowly but surely, things are improving and this Crimson Tide offense is warming up.

We know the talent is there with guys like Andrew Cooper, Daylen Robinson, Jaylin Williams, and so many more leading the charge. It’s all about consistency and ball control for the Tide. It’s about playing like you’re down while not spotting your opponent those points right off of the bat.

At the end of the day, Heard said he appreciates the effort most of all, telling The Journal, “I thought our guys played extremely hard. I wasn’t disappointed with their effort at all.

Heard continued, “We didn’t play as clean as we needed to play, but I thought the effort was there.”

Next week Minden comes back home as they’ll prepare for their big homecoming game against a well-rested North Desoto Griffins squad.

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Glenbrook  51
Magnolia School  6

The Glenbrook Apache defense forced three turnovers and a safety in the Mariners first four possessions Friday night. Not to be out done, the Glenbrook offense scored on each of its six first half possessions to take a 44-0 lead into the half. Final score from Shreveport: 51-6 in favor of the team from Webster Parish.

After recovering a failed on side kick to open the game, the Apaches took just five plays to score as DJ Carter found the end zone from 10 yards out.

The Apache defense quickly established their presence as Grayson Williams pounced on a Mariner fumble on their 11 yard line.

DJ Carter recorded his second rushing touchdown of the night on a 4-yard pitch around the right end.

Collin Greg played spoiler on the Mariners’ next offensive series by picking off an errant pass and giving the Apaches possession at the Magnolia 44 yard line.

Ty Feaster took just one play to find Turner McLelland running open across the middle of the field for the 44-yard touchdown.

Things went from bad to worse for Magnolia as another ill advised Mariner pass was plucked out of the air by Maddox Mandino and returned 26 yards for an Apache touchdown.

After a bad snap on the very next possession, the Mariner offense put the ball into play from their own one-yard line. Hayden Harmon slammed the ball carrier into the end zone to give his team a safety and two points.

With 2:24 remaining in the secondd quarter, Ty Feaster found Maddox Mandino on a quick pass for a 40-yard touchdown.

As time in the first half was winding down, Dayton Sims stepped in front of a Mariner pass for the Apaches’ third interception in the first half.

With less than a minute remaining, Ty Feaster found Rhett Johnson open in the left flat for a catch and run from 59 yards out to round out the scoring for the first half.

With a running clock the entire second half, both teams found the end zone once for the final score of 51-6.

“Our guys took care of business tonight, and it all sets up for a really big game next week at Haynesville,” said Glenbrook head coach David Feaster.

The Apaches move on to 3-2 on the season and 2-2 in District 1-1A.

Next Friday the Apaches will travel to Haynesville for a 7:30 p.m. kick off.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

The weather may not always be fair, but one thing you can count on: with the exception of 2020 and Covid, the Webster Parish Fair will be here every October, fair and square.

As always, a parade at 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, will kick off the annual event (line-up is 3:30 p.m.) At publication time, parade entries were still being accepted. Call Donnie Irby at 377-6250 for more information.

Daily events at the Webster Parish Fairgrounds (unless otherwise stated) are as follows:

Tuesday, October 5 (Gate fees $1 and $1 rides)
5 p.m. Fair parade, downtown Minden
5 p.m. Livestock weigh-in
6 p.m. Poultry and Rabbit Show
6 p.m. Live Entertainment (Echota Records)

Wednesday, October 6 (Gate fee $2/rest of week)
9 a.m. until noon Special Kids Day
5 p.m. Fair Gates open “Armband Nite”
6 p.m. 4-H Swine Showmanship then Swine Weight Classes (livestock arena)
7 p.m. Live Entertainment

Thursday, October 7
9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Senior Citizens Day at the Minden Civic Center
5 p.m. Fair Gates open “Armband Nite”
6 p.m. 4-H Goat, Lamb, Beef Showmanship
7 p.m. 4-H Dairy and Doug Sale Showmanship
7 p.m. Live Entertainment

Friday, October 8
11:30 a.m. Buyers’ Luncheon
1 p.m. Livestock Auction (4-H barn)
5 p.m. Fair Gates open
7 p.m. LIve Entertainment (Justin Armstrong)

Saturday, October 9

Noon Fair Gates Open
1 until 5 p.m. Live Entertainment (Karaoke Contest by Echota Records)
1 until 5 p.m. Kids Day! (Five rides for $5)
2 p.m. Pizza Eating Contest sponsored by Johnny’s Pizza
7 p.m. Live Entertainment

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North Webster  32
Jonesboro-Hodge 34

North Webster could not match Jonesboro-Hodge in the second overtime of Friday’s thriller at Baucum-Farrar Stadium.

The Knights answered a Tiger score in the second extra period and lined up for a must-have two-point conversion to send the contest into a third OT. North Webster’s Jamarcus Stephens got the call, lining up at running back and barreling down near the goal line where he was swarmed by Jonesboro-Hodge defenders.

Despite a valiant effort, Stephens came up one foot short of the goal line, sending North Webster’s record to a surprising 2-3 with a 34-32 loss.

Jonesboro-Hodge improved to 4-1 with the win.

Stephens had a pair of touchdowns and added a pair of interceptions for the Knights defense. The Knights also got a rushing score from QB Collin McKenzie and for the second straight week Jacobreious Walker returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

North Webster now finds themselves on a three-game losing streak entering district play next week at home against Bossier.

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Lakeside  54
Beekman Charter  20

By Josh Beavers

There are a lot of names that will be mentioned in this story.

But there are five that need to be shared first: #75 Gavin Garland, #60 Bruce Bunton, #54 Jamarion Evans, #50 Kris Redden, and #77 Keegan Bryan.

This is the Lakeside offensive line. And they paved the way for four Warrior skilled position players to rack up more than 250 yards rushing and five touchdowns as Lakeside hammered Beekman Charter Friday night by a score of 54-20.

Games are won on the offensive and defensive lines. And while defensive linemen don’t receive as much attention as the linebackers and defensive backs, the big men who anchor the line on the defense do get a chance to make headlines with sacks and tackles for loss. The offensive lineman, however, leads a largely anonymous life on the gridiron, overlooked by the fans and left out of the news stories.

So, when a team puts on a rushing performance like Lakeside did last night over north of Bastrop, it’s worth a mention and applause for the five anchors of the offense.

Ashton Stewart led the way on the ground as he racked up 160 yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts. Jacob Whitehead contributed two touchdowns to go along with 62 yards rushing, and Rokedrick Smith chipped in 34 yards and a score. Rounding out the onslaught of rushing touchdowns was Cade Boley with a score on his only carry of the night. Well, his only carry of the night that wasn’t nullified by a penalty.

Both schools combined for 25 yellow flags totaling more than 200 yards in penalties. The game lasted well into the Friday night and was much longer than most contests that feature run heavy teams. Those types of games are usually over quite a bit sooner because they don’t have an excessive amount of clock stoppages due to incomplete passes.

At least four Lakeside touchdowns were called back for infractions. However, truth be told, it didn’t really matter because the Warriors eventually scored a few plays later on each of those possessions.

Beekman started the scoring first with two big passes on the opening drive. On the next play, the Beekman running back scored on the ground from seven yards out. Warrior Toby Askew picked off the try for two and Beekman led 6-0 at the 10:03 mark of quarter one.

On Lakeside’s opening possession, Stewart and Smith moved the ball down the field in rapid fire runs. One. Two. Bam. Bam. Less than three minutes after Beekman scored, Lakeside added its first of many touchdowns on the night. Smith was responsible for this touchdown as he went around the left side from a few yards out to even the score at 6.

Jaden Miller recovered a fumble when Beekman took back possession. This led to a 25-yard run by Jacob Whitehead. A touchdown toss from Whitehead to Smith was called back due to a hold. Moments later, another Smith touchdown was nullified due to penalty.

A few plays later, Lakeside finally scored. This one came from Stewart as he bruised into the endzone from three yards out. Smith scored on a reverse for the conversion to give Lakeside a 14-6 lead. The Warriors never trailed again.

Beekman scored on the ensuing drive, but Lakeside answered with a 38-yard touchdown connection between Whitehead and Cade Boley. The try for two failed but Lakeside was now up 20-14 with seven minutes until halftime.

Jaden Miller recorded a sack and Koby Mangrum had a tackle for loss; then a Warrior got a hand on a Beekman punt to give Lakeside the ball with another chance to score before intermission.

Another Cade Boley touchdown was nullified by a holding penalty, but Jacob Whitehead soon scored on the ground (from 10 yards out), and Stewart converted the try for two. Score at the half was Lakeside on top 28-14.

Beekman recovered an onside kick to open the next half and quickly scored through the air to pull within eight points. Ty Manness intercepted the try for two pass attempt. Beekman would not score again as the Lakeside defense (and Beekman’s own penalties) kept the Tigers far away from the endzone.

Cade Boley would score the next two touchdowns for Lakeside. The first came on a nine-yard run. Stewart added the two-point conversion. And the second Boley score came on the defensive side of the ball as he picked off the Beekman quarterback and returned the interception 60 yards for a touchdown. The try for two failed, but Lakeside now had a 22-point lead, 42-20.

Toby Askew made a dynamic tackle on the next Beekman drive, and Ty Manness recovered a fumble that was forced by Jake Wilkins.

On the next Beekman possession, Jaden Miller and Koby Mangrum continued their stellar play, but it was newcomer Jake Wilkins who reached in and caused and then recovered a fumble.

In the fourth quarter, Whitehead scored again to increase the lead to 28 and the scoreboard to shift to 48-20.

And the final touchdown of the night might have been the most dynamic as a Warrior or Warriors got a hand on a late Beekman punt and sent it spiraling and veering to the home sideline. Josh Sebald plucked it out of the air like LSU’s Craig Steltz from 15 years ago, and the young Warrior returned the ball 25 yards for the final score of the evening.

Next up for Lakeside is a homecoming game against Lincoln Prep.

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With anything new, there are always growing pains. Whether it’s a new job, career move, or maybe a life altering event like Covid 19, we never know the date or the time when these things will happen. High school bass fishing has exploded on a national level and the growing pains are obvious. Today, I’ll give you my perspective on the problems and some of the solutions that I feel will make a difference.

Over the last few years, I’ve had the honor and privilege to speak to high school anglers and their families. The first thing I noticed with high school anglers is their perception of what professional bass fishing really is. All they seem to focus on is what they see on TV or in magazines, along with the logoed jersey’s the pro’s wear. What they don’t understand are the sacrifices anglers and their families make for the pros to go out and make a living by trying to be the best at catching little green fish called bass. They see the cool truck and boat wraps with advertising promoting all their sponsors. They watch the You Tube videos the pros put out on a regular basis which, by the way, are all very insightful and educational for both novice and high-level anglers. But during my speaking engagements with these high school teams, the first question from a high school young man every time I open the floor up for questions is, “How do I get sponsors?” These young anglers think that getting sponsors is the end-all that will enable them to turn professional.

Here’s the reality…making it as a professional bass angler is a long shot at best. The game has changed over the last ten years and it’s no longer about catching bass and winning tournaments. Today’s professional angler must have the ability to sell not only himself, but a product as well. Sponsors today want a guy who is social media savvy, has good communication skills, and can promote and sell. It’s all about the return on the dollar. Can or will the angler be able to help the company he’s representing, sell more product? I always tell young anglers today, take business classes and above all else, take a speech class. An angler must be able to stand up in front of a crowd and talk intelligently. Catching bass and winning tournaments are still important, but some anglers are making a good living simply because they are great promoters, not only of themselves, but the companies they represent.

Let’s get back to the question of the day,…is high school bass fishing good or bad? The biggest issue with this level at this time, is the fact that a lot of high school kids are not being taught proper fishing etiquette. I’ll compare it to Little League baseball. You have parents and coaches volunteering their time to provide leadership and teach kids the skills they need to improve and get better as baseball players. But some of these volunteers have no clue on how to do this, but at least they’re stepping up and doing what nobody else wants to do. It’s the same for high school bass fishing. You have boat captains (usually dads) stepping up and driving the boat so their kids can participate in the bass tournaments. I truly applaud all those who volunteer their time just so their kids can fish a tournament. But here’s the problem, these same volunteers have no clue on what tournament etiquette even is. Therefore, there are so many confrontations on the water today with older tournament anglers, who understand the unwritten rules of the water. I make it a point to start every lecture I give with tournament etiquette. They need someone to teach them what it means to cut someone off, to understand what hole jumping is, to know the proper way to launch their boat without blocking the boat ramp and creating chaos. They need to be taught to respect another angler’s space or spot they’re actively fishing, and that it’s not good etiquette to use binoculars to see where a popular angler is fishing and then go and fish his spot after he leaves. These are just a few of the things that inexperienced boat captains and young anglers today do not know. Legendary Pro Dion Hibdon (former Bassmaster Classic and FLW Champion) told me years ago that the number one problem on the water today is that the young anglers coming up don’t understand fishing etiquette. He said that fishing etiquette should be a required course, just like hunter safety, before an angler can fish tournaments.

To wrap this up, my biggest complaint currently is the fact that these high school tournaments are too big. It’s not unusual to have 500 boats in a tournament and that’s way too many, not only from a conservation standpoint, but safety issues as well. These events need to limit the number of boats they allow for a high school tournament. Other major bass fishing circuits have limits, why not high school? I still believe high school bass fishing is awesome and great for the sport and its future. But just like any other sport, it needs to be taught the right way by people who know and understand the unwritten rules of the water. I know there will be someone who thinks I’m anti-high school fishing, but nothing could be further from the truth. I just want these youngsters to learn and be taught the right way so everyone can get along on the water. Good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host Hook’N Up
and Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live

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Betty J. Kobs
October 4, 1936 – September 9, 2021
Services: Sunday, October 3, 2021 at the home of James and Betty Kobs.

Robert Shelton Bayles
October 11, 1975 – September 27, 2021
visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Service:  Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield

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Editor’s Note: This is the introduction given by Scotty Blackwell as he announced Jake Chapman as the 2021 Minden Man of the Year. The Journal featured the Woman of the Year in Tuesday’s update.

Well thank you! What a joy, privilege and honor it is to be with you all this evening. As Tracey said, I’m Scotty Blackwell and I am the Minister of Music at Minden’s First Baptist Church. As “one year” residents of Minden, my wife Jessica and I would like to offer our thanks to this wonderful community for welcoming us with open arms. We look forward to raising our family here.

I have been asked to introduce to you this year’s “Man of the Year”!

When I think of the heading “Minden Man of the Year” a few things come to mind:

First, wow! What a title! Right!? I mean, being recognized as the “Man of the Year” should swell a guy’s heart with pride knowing that his peers have chosen to honor him as being the exceptional stand out amongst the rest of the field of candidates. I’m confident that many names were enthusiastically submitted and much deliberation went into this decision and this particular man rose to the top with a general consensus that he is very well deserved.

Secondly, I think of extraordinary & observable qualities. The Man of the Year for a city must been seen. Although he may (and does) love his home life and time with family, he’s most certainly needed to be involved in numerous functions and events for people to notice his hard work and dedication. So naturally, this means that he is a champion of his town. I know personally, in this individual, there is a deep love for his neighbor and he is very much loved by his friends and acquaintances.

The third thing that comes to mind would be the word community. This year’s Minden Man of the Year absolutely loves his community. If it’s happening in Minden, this guy is usually right in the midst of it. Being a community-focused man gives evidence on where the man’s heart really lies. He takes great pride in his city, its friendliness and cleanliness. He wants the best for his community and it shows in more than his words but also his actions.

Now, onto who this Man of the Year actually is.

Now, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve only been here for a year, which means I equally know each of you for maximum, one year! However, with this guy, I feel like we go back decades.

He is a very well deserving man with a servants’ heart. He’s the father of three awesome children that are all very active in their church’s children and youth groups, which is reflective of his leadership in the home. He is a committed and devoted husband. He’s a deacon at the First Baptist Church here in Minden and when you consider the Biblical qualities found in a deacon, he embodies the very description.

Let me take a moment and read it to you:
1 Tim 3:8-13 “Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. The men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach…Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

This man is also an outstanding musician and vocalist serving the church weekly, without fail, as a vital member of its music ministry, of which I am very grateful.

He loves the city of Minden and has served her in many ways. He’s a former Lion’s Club president, a member of the Webster Parish “Top 15 under 40”, was involved with the “Next Generation of Minden”, serves the Chamber of Commerce and very involved in the planning and function of city-wide events.

He has served as Emcee for several events including the St Jude 5&10K’s, various tournaments, and other Main Street functions. In addition to all of that, he has attended several ribbon cuttings, performed the National Anthem and the list continues. He invests not only his money but his time and energy into many programs that benefit the City of Minden. He is well-deserving.

This man BLEEDS “crimson and white” (this is slightly hard for me to say but, Roll Tide!)! He’s an avid donor and booster for Minden High School and Minden High School Athletics. He worked with a close friend to compile an Athletics Record book for Minden High that spans from its inception to today. He’s also the color commentator for Minden High Football having called more than 100 games.

These past two years have been difficult ones, to put it mildly, and his role in the workplace was challenged, but our Man of the Year rose to the task. He was charged with the oversight of the Paycheck Protection Program also known as PPP that helped an enormous amount of people retain their businesses and livelihoods. His success in this endeavor was so great that it resulted in his promotion to a Vice Presidential role at Gibsland Bank & Trust.

This is but a small, condensed list of the accomplishments, leadership skills and work ethics he possesses. So when you mention Minden’s Man of the Year, for many people, their minds go to one man, and I’ll repeat once more, he is well-deserving.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you this year’s Man of the Year, Jake Chapman!

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