Tuesday, October 20
Fair Parade Downtown Minden At 5 p.m.
Livestock Weigh-In 6 p.m.
Poultry And Rabbit Show 4:30 p.m.
No Rides Until Wednesday

Wednesday, October 21
Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m.
Rides Start At 6 p.m.. ‘Armband Nite”
Gate Entrance Fee: $3.00/Rest Week
4-H Swine Showmanship At 6 p.m.. Then Swine Weight Classes (Livestock Arena)
Pet Show At 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 22
Doors Open At 8 a.m. (Coffee & Donuts Served)
Senior Citizens Day 9 a.m. Until 1:30 p.m. (Civic Center)
Rides Start At 6 p.m.. “Armband Nite”
4-H Goat, L a.m.b, Beef Showmanship At 6 p.m.
4-H Dairy And Doug Sale Showmanship At 7 p.m.

Friday, October 23
Buyers’ Luncheon At 11:30 a.m.
Livestock Auction At 1 p.m. (4-H Show Barn)
Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m.
Rides Start At 6 p.m.

Saturday. October 24
Fair Gates Open At 12 p.m.
Kids Day! 1 p.m. To 5 p.m. (Kid’s Special Ends 5 p.m.)
Free Admission For Kids 12& Under
Pizza Eating Contest At 3 p.m. Forestry Bld) Sponsored By Johnnys Pizza

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Thank goodness that the weather is not as hot as it has been.  When the weather is good everyone feels better.  Our store has suddenly become quite busy with the deer hunters.  The deer hunters are all talking about the pictures on their cameras.  It’s almost like Christmas for them.  

It’s finally time for some fall gardening.  Turnips, mustard, broccoli, cabbage, collards, and a few other greens. I just spilled about a pound of turnip seed awhile ago.  When you get turnip seeds in your shoes, it is not pleasant.  I learned a bit of trivia this week.  One of my venders from Texas that we buy plants from, explained 1015 sweet onions.  These sweet onions are planted on October 15.  Not a day later or a day sooner.  This gives them the exact time to produce the onion. That is why they are called 1015.  I had never been told that before.  Good thing to know, especially if I get to be on Jeopardy.

My old friend, Mr. Al Davis, once told me that you can plant potatoes in the fall.  Just use the ones from the grocery store.  He was a great advice giver on gardens, raised the bests tomatoes around.  His favorite was the Whopper tomato.  We have a few folks growing fall tomatoes.  Mr. Carl Collins tomatoes have gotten about 36 inches tall.  He is taking really good care of them.  I think he wants fresh tomatoes for Thanksgiving dinner.

Have a great week.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, September 28:

BEALE, JUSTIN CLAY
100228 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

BEALE, JUSTIN CLAY
99537 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

BROWN, FLOYD JAMES
99923 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

BUMPERS, ANTONIO
100596 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

CALHOUN, DAWN SHERMAN
100243 Cruelty To The Infirmed

CALHOUN, DAWN SHERMAN
100071 Violation Of Protective Order

COLSTON, MICHELLE R
99162 Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)

DARNER, JEFFERY CHARLES
100617 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

DAY, BRANDON SCOTT
INCOMING Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE
98327 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
98327 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE
98526 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

EVANS, SHANA L
100391 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or
Controlled Dangerous Substance

FISK, NAKITIA ILENE
100330 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100330A Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

GANDY, SLAID M.
INCOMING Vehicular Homicide

GILES, JOSEPH ERIC
99847 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

GILES, KEVIN LEE
99393 Simple Burglary

GREEN, TADARRIUS
100200-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
100200-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

HANNA, LORIE JESTER
INCOMING Criminal Conspiracy

HAYS, ASHTON BRIAR
99766 CT 1 False Imprisonment
99766 CT 2 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

HOOD, JR., MARTY LYNN
100614 CT 1 Theft Under $1,000
100614 CT 2 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

JACKSON, GERALD AKIM
100578 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

JERNIGAN, RONALD DAVID
99142 Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen
99142A First Degree Rape (Under the Age of 13)

JOHNSON, BOBBIE RAY
INCOMING Obstruction Of Justice
INCOMING Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

JONES, TERRANCE JAMALL
100615 CT 1 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
100615 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

LEWIS, SHAINA R
99916 Simple Burglary

LIRETTE, CHARLES J.
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate
INCOMING Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MARTIN, AMANDA
100456 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MARTIN, ANDREW JAMES
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)

MAXEY, JR., DAVID LYNN
100335 Stalking

MCKAN, KRISTI BURTON
100586 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Fourth or Subsequent

MERCER, TODD HUTCH
100359 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

MERCER, TODD HUTCH
100359 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

MILLER, DAIMALIK
100484 Simple Robbery

MILLER, ZACHERY L.
99998 First Degree Rape

MOORE, JR, REGINALD DELONE
100585-CT.1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
100585-CT.2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

NUGENT, ROCHELLE ALLEN
100618 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

SANDERS, JUSTICE
100584 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
100584 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

STANLEY, WILLIAM CADE
100445 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100445 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100445 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

VESSELS, TRENT DUANE
100212 Second Degree Battery
Restitution owed- $5,685.34, + $852.80 fee = $6,538.14 total

WASHINGTON, ANGELA
97148 CT 1 Second Degree Murder
97148 CT 2 Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence

WEBB, NATHAN EDWARD
INCOMING Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
INCOMING Criminal Trespassing

WEIDNER, BRADLEY JOEL
99143 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WILTCHER, JIMETTE ADELE
100619 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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By Jessica Gorman

In July 1920, an interesting ad appeared in the Webster Signal. It announced the organization of the Consumers Co-Operative Co. of Minden. While it outlined plans for the business and the construction of a very large building in downtown Minden, the primary objective of the ad was to sell stock in the company. 

The image included with this column was featured in the ad as a rendering of the building they intended to build. In terms of Minden, that building was massive. It would have easily been the largest building in town and was planned for the corner of Broadway and Pine Streets on the site currently occupied by the Civic Center. In January 1920, Roy Hazenfield, a real estate broker in Decatur, Illinois, bought several lots in the area. Frank Suffern acted as attorney-in-fact on behalf of Mr. Hazenfield. A week and a half later, a quit claim deed was filed transferring the property to Mr. Suffern.  

Frank Suffern was also from Decatur, Illinois. In 1902, several men from Decatur organized the Roanoke Rice Milling Company near Jennings. Mr. Suffern moved to Jennings to manage the company. By December of that year, the organization of the Suffern Brick & Grain Co. in Houston was announced. Suffern was looking for investors. It seems that company never materialized and it was only a short time before he returned to Decatur where he sold pianos and had dealings in real estate. Reportedly, he also aspired to manufacture his own pianos. 

Over the years, Frank Suffern tried his hand at many different businesses in Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas. Nothing seemed to stick. Problems also seemed to follow him, sheriff’s sales, lawsuits, disputes with city officials, an arrest. His story reminds me a lot of Minden’s founder Charles Veeder. 

By 1919, Frank Suffern was back in Louisiana. First at Boyce where he seemed to be dealing in real estate. Newspaper ads claimed he was “financial agent for one of the largest life insurance companies in the South” but the company was not identified. Meanwhile, he sets his sights on Minden. An oil news article in the Shreveport Journal claims that Suffern planned to build a rail line from Minden to the Homer oil fields to provide both passenger service as well as transportation for supplies to the oil fields. Several questionable claims are made in the article including that Suffern had large land holdings in Webster Parish. I find no evidence of any land purchases before January 1920 when Roy Hazenfield buys the Minden property and transfers it to Frank Suffern and nothing to indicate he ever owned any property outside of Minden.

In July, Frank Suffern advertised his new business, the Consumers Co-operative Co., to be organized in Minden. The building was to extend 210 feet along Broadway and was to be three stories tall. It was to include a 60-room hotel, garage, 1,000 seat movie theater, and eight stores available for rent. The remaining space would house a large department store, Consumers Co-Operative Co. To occupy the stores for rent, he hoped to attract a drug store, jewelry store, cash & carry grocery store, ladies ready-to-wear store, a barber shop, and a hardware store. The store fronts would be plate-glass and the ceilings were to be stamped metal. The building would include a vacuum cleaning system and have its own power plant, water works, and ice plant. Frank Suffern had big plans and yet that ad is the only mention I find of the Consumers Co-Operative Company of Minden anywhere. 

The ad also named the men who were to serve as officers of the company. Frank Suffern would be president and general manager. J.M. Davis of Hattiesburg, Mississippi was to be secretary-treasurer. I have not been able to identify Mr. Davis. The ad claims he had graduated from “a prominent agricultural college,” had been teaching for several years, and was farm advisor for Forrest County, Mississippi. Just which college he graduated from is not disclosed. C. Ray Widick was to serve as first vice-president. He is identified as purchasing agent for Suffern-Hunt Cereal Mills of Decatur. His employment at the mill checks out as he was listed as a bookkeeper. Finally, Charles A. Laudermilk of Atlanta, Georgia was to be vice-president. He was said to be a clothing merchant. All indications are that he worked as a clerk in a gentleman’s clothing store. The ad positioned each of these men as more prominent than the evidence seems to indicate. I also have found no other suggestion they had any mutual dealings.

The Suffern family didn’t stay in Minden long. They lived in and operated the Park Hotel on the corner of Broadway and Pine Streets. In 1924, Frank Suffern built a new hotel on Sibley Road near the Louisiana & Arkansas Railway shops. Today, the lot where it was located is between Hamburger Happiness and Mercy’s Closet. This hotel, the Southland Hotel, included between 16 and 20 rooms and three stores on the first floor.

I haven’t quite decided what I think about Frank Suffern. I have lots of questions, but no solid evidence of whether his business dealings were legitimate or not. In the least, I think he may have been a lot like Charles Veeder. Both men seem to have been always looking for the thing that would make them successful and they both seem to have struggled to find it. 

(Jessica Gorman is Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, President of the Minden Cemetery Association, and an avid genealogist.)

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Minden Lions Club members are planning and chickens everywhere are nervously looking over their shoulders.

One of the club’s largest fundraisers, the semi-annual chicken charbroil, is scheduled Saturday, September 26 at the Walmart parking lot.

Ready-to-serve chicken halves, expertly grilled over charcoal fires by Lions’ chefs, will be available from 9 a.m. until all are sold. 

Dinners are $10 each, payable at time of pickup.

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Shreveport Police Department warns public about warrant scams

The Shreveport Police Department is warning the public about scams involving fake warrants. The federal government will never email someone a warrant, and neither will the Shreveport Police Department. Warrants are not delivered through emails resembling coupons, shipping confirmations or extended car warranty offers.

Haughton family in Washington fighting to free son held in Chinese prison

Caddo Parish Constituents, U.S. State Department

The family of Nelson Wells Jr. of Haughton traveled to Washington, D.C. on Monday to continue their more than decade-long fight to secure their son’s release from a Chinese prison. Wells Jr. has been jailed in China for years and has developed serious medical issues, according to his family. His parents — Cynthia Wells and Nelson Wells Sr. — have been appealing to U.S. officials and the Trump administration for intervention on humanitarian grounds. The family is asking for prayers and public support as they continue their advocacy.

Parish LIHEAP funds exhausted
Natchitoches Parish Office of Community Services

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds for Natchitoches Parish were exhausted as of Sept. 15, and the program is temporarily unavailable, the Nsatchitoches Parish Office of Community Services said. Residents can still apply through the office’s online portal for consideration when funding is restored. The office also runs the Community Services Block Grant, which covers education, employment, housing, food and emergency assistance, along with USDA commodities, the Senior Companion Program and Food for Seniors, which distributes monthly food boxes to residents 60 and older on the fourth Thursday of each month. The office is at 200 Church St., Room 210, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with a noon to 1 p.m. lunch break. The phone number is 318-357-2220.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of September 18 through 24:

September 18
Herman Sidney Maxwell Jr., succession over $125K.
Neishataka Dudley vs. Bernard Ray Brown Sr., divorce.

September 21
Larry James Monzingo, succession over $125K.
Lydianne Vulliamy Hammons, succession over $125K.
Kaycee Nehls vs. Jeremy Nehls, protective order.
First Tower Loan vs. Jozeder Wheeler, monies due.
First Tower Loan vs. Robert Evans, monies due.
Tina Strother Wilkins vs. Len Lamar Wilkins, divorce no children.

September 22
Junior Lee Jolley vs. Jessica Jolley, divorce, no children.

September 23
Bank of America vs. Joshua Matthew Rodriguez, monies due.
Roy Lee Kirkham, Shirley Bogues Kirkham, succession over $125K.

September 24
State of Louisiana, Jimmy Dillon vs. Gina L. Dillon, Non-support.
State of Louisiana, Caroline E. Dinkins vs.Collin G. Lewis, Non-Support.
State of Louisiana, ShaCourtney Jenee Grant vs. Ramone D. Franklin, Non-Support.
State of Louisiana, Tierra Rai Jean Bowden vs. Dre J. Calhoun, Non-Support.
State of Louisiana, Alexis Danyell Coleman vs. Justin Bridges, Non-Support.
State of Louisiana, Anna Mechelle vs. James T. Lindsay, Non-Support.
Fred Calvin Cooley, succession under $125K.
Tonnette Shevon Lewis vs. Mark Wilson, Wilson Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, damages.

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Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

First Saturday of every month

4:30 p.m. (dinner at 6 p.m.) Pine Grove Methodist Church – on Lewisville Road (Hwy 159) in Minden – hosts a Music Circle.  Please bring your instrument and sit in for a good ol’ spirit-filled gospel time. Contact Randy Rogers at 318-268-0132 for more information.”

October 1

6 p.m. Lakeside Homecoming Parade. Line up at 5:15 p.m., Sibley Town Hall.

October 3

9 a.m. until … Sarepta High School “Celebration of Friends,” 210 Vines Street, Sarepta. Contact Information: Betty Coile Shows, 318-678-3900 or bcoile66.shsfriends@yahoo.com or Janet Gray Reeves, 318-847-4270 or text to 318-578-3053.

9:30 a.m. The Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net invites all veterans to join us for coffee and fellowship at Huffman Manor, 1114 Broadway in Minden. These gatherings are held on the first Saturday of every month. Every veteran is encouraged to attend when possible, as you may be the listening ear, source of encouragement, or friendly conversation that a fellow veteran needs.

October 10

8:30 until 10 a.m. 2nd Annual Angel Baby Fun Run

Halo Fest: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (free to the public) Halo Fest,Miller Quarters Park 198 Gleason Street Minden, hosted by Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness. Fun Run Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/AngelBaby2KRunWalkAndFundraisingEvent

October 13

5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Sibley Night Out and Grand Opening for the Town Hall Playground at Sibley Town Hall. Any business, church, organization or group who wish to reserve a spot to set up and hand out information, have giveaways, and/or provide activities for the kids may do so by calling Town Hall at 318-377-0345. Anyone wishing to volunteer may do so by calling Town Hall at 318-377-0345.

November 7

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Mission Adoption Bazaar, Craft, Makers Fair, Bake and Casserole Sale, Silent Auction and Lunch 

First Baptist Church, Family and Community Life Center, Minden. 

All proceeds go to participating families adopting and/or fostering.

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Word of the Day: Laconic

Phonetic: /la· con· ic/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition

using or involving the use of a minimum of words
concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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Cody Rogers, 36, of the 100 block of 15th NW St., Springhill, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office for criminal trespass and possession of CDS Sched. 1.

Quinton Specks, 35, of the 500 block of East Rd., Cullen was arrested by Springhill Police on a felony distribution warrant for Sched. 1 Methamphetamine. Specks was arrested while already incarcerated on unrelated charges.

Samantha Kay Allen, 31, of the 200 block of Industrial Drive, Plain Dealing, was arrested by Springhill Police on distribution of Methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute narcotics and possession of CDS with a firearm.

Quincy Kartell Bryant, 31, of the 100 Critter Creek, Minden, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, for the possession of Sch. I with intent to distribute.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Kevin Ballard Sr.
June 3, 1971 — September 23, 2026
Doyline
Visitation: 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2026 West Lake Baptist Church, Doyline.
Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: at Point Chapel Cemetery in Doyline.

Jim Herford
December 31, 1936 — September 18, 2026
Minden
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

James Thomas Bearden
January 12, 1971  –  September 17, 2026
Minden/Sarepta
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2026, New Sarepta Baptist Church, Sarepta.

Wanda Faye Whittaker
July 22, 1935 — September 21, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

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Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service

Escaped Caddo Correctional Center inmate Tre’veon Jackson, 24, was captured Tuesday night in Marshall, Texas by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

U.S. Marshal Brian Barber said Jackson’s capture was a cooperative operation between the Western District of Louisiana and Eastern District of Texas.

Jackson is currently being held in the Harrison County Jail on federal charges. Jackson escaped from a Caddo Parish deputy’s custody around 10:15 p.m. Sept. 14 outside Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport on Kings Highway while being transported back to the Caddo Correctional Center. Following his escape, he carjacked a vehicle at the Marriott hotel at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City and led police on a chase before abandoning the vehicle near Highway 80 and Interstate 220. He remained at large for eight days. Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. thanked local, state, and federal law enforcement for their collaboration in locating and apprehending Jackson.

Caddo Sheriff Takes Responsibility, Announces Security Reforms Following Escape

Hours before Jackson’s capture was announced Tuesday night, Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. held a media briefing at the Caddo Correctional Center to address the security failures that enabled Jackson’s escape. Whitehorn took full responsibility. A second deputy should have been assigned to transport Jackson, the sheriff said. Whitehorn announced a series of protocol reforms, including mandatory dual-deputy transport for all inmates classified as high-risk. The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office noted that Jackson — a convicted armed robber who also faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder — should have been transported under heightened security procedures given his criminal history.

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Think your jambalaya has what it takes to be the best on Main Street? Sign up to compete in the Jambin’ on Main Jambalaya Cookoff on Saturday, November 7, in Downtown Minden! 

Team Registration:

https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/10341

Interested in Sponsoring?

Support your community and showcase your business at the Jambin’ on Main 2026! By becoming a sponsor, your business helps make this local tradition possible while gaining visibility among hundreds of attendees and online followers.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/8018

Want guaranteed seating throughout the day as you enjoy team tasting and LSU football? Enjoy under tent seating for up to 10 guests with front row cook team access and big screen football!

Table Registration:

https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/10342

We hope to see you there! 

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Webster Parish Journal is in Week 4 of our 2026 Pick’em Contest, and we will be closing early, due to a Thursday ballgame between Minden High School and Bossier (at Bossier). So be sure and get your picks in EARLY!

You can click below for this week’s games, pick the winning teams and get in the running to win $100. The game closes out at 6 p.m. Thursday, and a new game starts Monday.

Our four parish high school teams will be featured in the contest, as well as some college and pro teams and two tie breakers.

Each week, the contest closes at 6 p.m. before Friday’s high school games, unless there is a Thursday game, then it closes at 5 p.m. that day.

Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal. If you win, your photo will be taken with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. Remember, you must 18 or older to play.

Thank you to all our sponsors this year. In addition to Title Sponsor Under Dawgs, Broken Bean will be our anchor sponsor. Others include Holcomb’s Body Shop, A.J. Price Tire, Brown Chrysler, Shelter Insurance, KASO/KBEF and Mike’s Hometown Spirits with Hugh Woods Specialty Meats and Catering. Please patronize these local businesses.

So, fire up your phones, tablets or computers to pick ‘em, click the button below and get started.

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It’s only taken me 60 years to write about how they met.  It was in 1937 or ’38.  He was 22 and making $10 a week working as a delivery boy for a grocery store.  His rural route took him right by her house.  

She was 15 and just out of high school.  As strange as it may sound nowadays, his job was to drive through the country and barter with local farmers – swap them things they needed for eggs, chickens, and fresh vegetables so he could take them back and sell them at the grocery store.  

She was raised in an area of North Louisiana called The Pint. I believed they called it that because it was near a “point” where the Bayous D’Arbonne and Middle Fork ran together.  The term probably got just a little countrified over time.  It was an area of the country where you couldn’t swing a dead cat and not hit someone called Colvin.  She was a Pint Colvin.  

She used to tell me that there were three sets of Colvins:  The non-church going (drankin’) Colvins, the church going ones (some who would only drink in moderation, and always behind closed doors, and lastly the Colvins “who didn’t take nothin’ off nobody.”  She liked to think we belong mostly to the latter and consequently, if you ever saw her coming when her Scotch-Irish temper was up, you’d best clear the road.

The day they met she was wearing a pair of overalls and swinging an empty gallon kerosene container.  It had a potato crammed on the spout to keep its contents from sloshing out.  The kerosene was needed to fuel their stove and the lamps around her house.  The boy coming from the grocery store had a tank of kerosene and a pump to fill her can.  Back then a gallon of kerosene cost about 15 cents.

Just like the pretty young girl awaiting his arrival, the truck he drove must have been a sight to behold.  It had a chicken coop on the roof to hold the chickens picked up on his route.  

They met and chatted long enough for him to find out she had a steady boyfriend.  It didn’t stop him from coming back around.  Because he was seven years older, her parents thought he was too old for her and made them stop seeing each other.  

He never left her mind though and one day he received a letter asking him to stop back by.  They courted for a couple more years and were married at a preacher’s house in Arcadia.  They brought along a few friends to act as witnesses.  Their first daughter Phyllis Jean was born two years after they were married.  During World War II he was drafted at age 28 and sent to serve in the Philippines.   While he was away, their first son, James Thomas, Jr. , Jimmy, was born and named after his father.  

Once the war was over, she was still at home with no husband and living with two young kids on a small monthly government stipend.  She saw other husbands coming home.  She decided to write a letter to the U.S. Army inquiring why a husband with two children wasn’t home yet.  The letter she wrote helped him get out of the army and back home with his family.  

They added two more sons to round out a family of four.  Benjamin Kimble was followed by David Randall in 1956.  That’s me, Randy, Laura Nell and James Thomas “Jake” Rogers’ baby boy.  

And that’s how Mama and Daddy met.  Daddy said he had to work overtime to beat that boyfriend’s time.   I’m glad he did.  Mama’s not with us anymore, neither is Daddy or Jimmy.  But that makes it all the more special to have the opportunity to tell their love story.

Randy Rogers was raised in Dubach and now lives in Minden, LA.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Friday, September 25:

BAUGH, JERESTIN L
99339 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
99339A Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

BEENE, GERALD
100327 Simple Burglary

BILLUPS, JUSTIN SLADE
99913 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99913 CT. 2 Improper Passing
99913 CT. 3 Speeding 11-15 MPH

BIRDEN, III, JAMES
99414B Obstruction Of Justice
Please make sure forfeiture of 1,877 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

BREWER, DAMIEN D
100365 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator

BREWER, DAMIEN D
T025722LA Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
T097124A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

BURDITT, DAVID TROY
100039 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

CARROLL, TONYA MARIE
100193 Forgery

CHARLES, BRANDON MICHAEL
100000-CT.1 Aggravated Battery on a Police Officer
100000-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
100000-CT.3 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
100000-CT.4 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100000-CT.5 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
100000-CT.6 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

CLARK, CHRISTIAN
100611 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

COLEMAN, WILL PARKER
100389 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100389 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

EVANS, DAVENGELO LAJUAN
97438-CT.1 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
97438-CT.2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
Restitution owed to the victims – $7,554.23 + $1,133.13 fee = $8,687.36 Balance as of 8/31/26 is $3,193.36

FRAZIER, OLIVIA LEE
100545-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100545-CT.2 Sale/Distribution/Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription
100545-CT.3 Speeding 16-24 MPH
100545-CT.4 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

GOMEZ, ALEXIS DAVID
100277 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

GRAHAM, ERIN LYNEE
98897 Forgery
Restitution owed to the victim $5,545 + $831.75 fee = $6,376.75 total Balance as of 09/09/26 is $1,726.75

HOWARD, AMBER MICHELLE
99861 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HUBBARD, KEVIN BRIAN
99977 Second Degree Kidnapping

JOHNSON, PRINCESS MARIE
100348 Aggravated Battery – Domestic Violence

JONES, JACOB D
99406 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

JONES, TARENZO JASHUN
100580 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

KEE, CHRISTOPHER
99862-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
99862-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

KEYES, CHESTER MUHAMMAD
100186 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

LEMONS, GREGORY SCOTT
100303 Simple Burglary

MAXIE, CAROLYN TAYLOR
100610 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
OC 8/17 St Conf 12/14

MCCUEN, BROOKSY JAKE
100039 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

MCKINNEY, DRAKE EDWARD
100115 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

MCLAIN, ASHLEY S
100616 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

MENDENHALL, TYTRAVION
100402 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

MILLER, KENNETH CASH
100492-CT.1 Possession of CDS I Marijuana (More Than Fourteen Grams)
100492-CT.2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
100492-CT.3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

MITCHELL, JUAN CALESTRO
100581 Operating A Vehicle While Under Suspension For Certain Prior

PERRYMAN, JUSTIN W.
98315 Hit & Run Driving Resulting In Death Or Serious Bodily Injury

REECE, DARREN
89402 Disturbing The Peace Violent/Tumultuous
Has incoming felonies arrested 9/3/26 in Division E

REEDER, RALTERRIAN
99103A Racketeering

SMITH, DEMICHAEL DAMONTREAL
100217 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

STAPLES, REBECCA MASON
99799A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99799A-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

STARLING, FLOYD
100563 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense

TAYLOR, SHEILA DENISE
100613 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

TRIPLETT, JR., ROBERT VERNON
99974 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

VALDEZ, JR, BASILLO ADRIAN
100277 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

WALKER, DEGARYUS DARNELL
100232 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100232 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

WHITFIELD, JR., TIMOTHY EDWARD
100530 Disturbing the Peace by Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition

WHITFIELD, JR., TIMOTHY EDWARD
100535 Entry On Or Remaining In Places Or On Land After Being Forbidden

WILLIS, RODERICK DANTRESE
99642 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99642 CT. 2 Speeding 25 & OVER
99642 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles
99642 CT. 4 Window Tint

YOUNG, LEVERT L
100041 Simple Battery

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By Shakera Williams

Every day, we hear nutrition advice from friends, family, social media, television, and the internet. While some of this information is accurate, many common nutrition beliefs are actually myths. These misconceptions can make healthy eating confusing and may even prevent us from making the best choices for our health.

The good news is that nutrition does not have to be complicated. Understanding the facts behind common food and nutrition topics can help us make informed decisions that support healthy aging, heart health, blood pressure control, and overall well-being.

Today’s “Nutrition Myth or Fact?” activity will challenge what you think you know about food. As we go through each statement, decide whether it is a myth or a fact, then learn the science behind the answer. You may be surprised by some of the results!

Myth or Fact #1

Brown eggs are more nutritious than white eggs.

Answer: Myth

Egg color depends on the breed of the hen. Brown and white eggs contain similar nutrients.

Myth or Fact #2

Frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh.

Answer: Fact

Produce is often frozen shortly after harvest, helping preserve nutrients.

Myth or Fact #3

You should drink eight glasses of water every day.

Answer: Myth

Fluid needs vary. Foods and beverages contribute to hydration.

Myth or Fact #4

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A.

Answer: Fact

One sweet potato provides more than a days worth of vitamin A.

Myth or Fact #5

Sea salt is lower in sodium than table salt.

Answer: Myth

Both contain about the same amount of sodium by weight.

Myth or Fact #6

Eating breakfast can help you meet your daily nutrient needs.

Answer: Fact

A balanced breakfast provides important nutrients and energy.

Myth or Fact #7

Carbohydrates are bad for you.

Answer: Myth

Healthy carbohydrates provide energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Myth or Fact #8

Fiber can help support heart health.

Answer: Fact

Fiber may help lower cholesterol and support digestive health.

Myth or Fact #9

Natural sugar is always healthier than added sugar.

Answer: Myth

Foods with natural sugars often provide additional nutrients, but sugar is still sugar.

Myth or Fact #10

Canned vegetables can be part of a healthy diet.

Answer: Fact

Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties when possible.

Myth or Fact #11

Protein is important for older adults.

Answer: Fact

Protein helps maintain muscle strength and healthy aging.

Myth or Fact #12

You can eat as much healthy food as you want without gaining weight.

Answer: Myth

Portion size still matters.

Myth or Fact #13

Herbs and spices can add flavor without adding sodium.

Answer: Fact

They are a great way to reduce salt while boosting flavor.

Myth or Fact #14

A food labeled fat-free is always healthy.

Answer: Myth

Fat-free foods can still contain added sugars and calories.

Myth or Fact #15

Popcorn can be a healthy snack.

Answer: Fact

Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and contains fiber.

Myth or Fact #16

Eating late at night automatically causes weight gain.

Answer: Myth

Total calories and food choices matter more than the time of day.

Myth or Fact #17

Beans are a good source of both protein and fiber.

Answer: Fact

Beans are nutrient-rich and budget-friendly.

Myth or Fact #18

Skipping meals helps with weight loss.

Answer: Myth

Skipping meals can lead to overeating later.

Myth or Fact #19

The Nutrition Facts label can help you identify foods high in sodium.

Answer: Fact

Checking sodium content can help guide choices.

Myth or Fact #20

Pumpkin is rich in nutrients and can be part of a healthy diet.

Answer: Fact

Pumpkin provides vitamin A, fiber, and other nutrients.

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By Josh Beavers –

Lakeside travels to DeRidder on Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the East Beauregard Trojans, and the Warriors will make the trip with something they did not have until last week: a win, and a dominant one.

After opening the season with losses to Jonesboro-Hodge and Waskom, Lakeside put together its most complete game of the year last Friday in Sibley, blanking North Caddo 34-0. Freshman Malik Thorn ran for three touchdowns, quarterback Levi Bogdan broke a long scoring scramble, and the Lakeside defense held North Caddo to almost nothing. The Warriors (1-2) now face a 2-1 East Beauregard team with a chance to even their record.

The win did not come easily at first. Lakeside opened the game at its own 20, and Thorn picked up a first down on the first snap. A sack and a miscue stalled the drive after that, and the Warriors had to punt. North Caddo managed one first down before facing fourth and long, and the Lakeside secondary broke up a pass in the end zone to take the ball back on downs.

The next Lakeside drive showed what the offense could do. Facing third and long, Bogdan rolled out and threw across the field to Eric Jones for a 14-yard gain and a first down. Thorn followed with a 15-yard run into North Caddo territory. Jones went around the right end for another first down, and when the drive reached fourth and 2, Jones carried again and got it. A fumbled exchange between the center and quarterback ended the threat, with North Caddo recovering at its own 17. A Lakeside facemask penalty added 15 yards for the Titans, and the first quarter ended without a score.

The Lakeside defense changed that in the second quarter. Jace Waller intercepted a pass to give the Warriors the ball at their own 33. Jaden Clark took a handoff to the left for a long gain to the North Caddo 41. On third and long, Bogdan dropped back, felt the pressure and took off. Nobody caught him. His 41-yard touchdown run put Lakeside on the board, and although the point after failed, the Warriors led 6-0 with 9:04 left in the half.

The defense kept the pressure on from there. Jones dropped a North Caddo ball carrier for a loss to push the Titans deep into their own territory, and on third and long, Jones and Nohlin Keen combined to bring down the quarterback. North Caddo had to punt from its own 4.

Brenan Hubbard fielded the punt and returned it all the way to the North Caddo 5. On the next play, Thorn swept left for his first touchdown of the night, and he added the two-point conversion to put Lakeside up 14-0 with 5:45 left in the second quarter.

North Caddo answered with its best drive of the half and moved to midfield, but James Roberson stopped the Titans behind the line to set up second and long. On third down, J’Quon Shehee nearly came away with an interception. North Caddo punted again, and Lakeside took over at its own 47 as time ran out in the half.

The second half belonged to Lakeside. North Caddo went nowhere on its opening possession, and Hubbard broke another long punt return, this time to the North Caddo 24. Thorn took a pitch to the right side all the way to the 4, then took another pitch the other direction on the next play for his second touchdown. The kick failed, leaving the score at 20-0 with 8:57 left in the third quarter.

North Caddo held the ball for several minutes on its next drive and picked up some yardage, but the Lakeside defense stiffened and got the ball back. Jones broke a long run to set up the Warriors near the goal line, and a few plays later Thorn scored his third touchdown. The extra point made it 27-0 with 3:40 left in the third. Michael Sheets then stopped a Titan ball carrier to force a fourth down on North Caddo’s next possession, and the Titans did not cross midfield again.

Roberson closed the scoring early in the fourth quarter. He carried to the right for a touchdown at the 9:45 mark, and the extra point set the final at 34-0.

The Lakeside offense finished with 330 yards, nearly all of it on the ground. Six different players carried the ball, and three of them scored. The Warriors also converted their only fourth-down try of the night.

Friday’s game in DeRidder sends Lakeside back on the road for the first time since the season opener at Jonesboro-Hodge. The Warriors will bring a defense that has not allowed a point in its last four quarters.

LAKESIDE STATISTICS

Passing: Levi Bogdan 1-for-4, 14 yards.

Rushing: Malik Thorn 14 carries, 99 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 two-point conversion. Jaden Clark 8 carries, 71 yards. Eric Jones 5 carries, 59 yards. Levi Bogdan 2 carries, 39 yards, 1 touchdown. James Roberson 2 carries, 35 yards, 1 touchdown. Colby Procell 3 carries, 13 yards. Team totals 316 yards rushing.

Receiving: Eric Jones 1 catch, 14 yards.

Team: 330 yards of total offense, 14 passing and 316 rushing. Lakeside went 3-for-6 on third down and 1-for-1 on fourth down.

Defense: Nohlin Keen 11 tackles, 4 solo. Caleb Barber 9 tackles, 5 solo. Stanley Owens 6 tackles, 1 solo. James Roberson 5 tackles, 2 solo, 1 tackle for loss. Noah David 5 tackles, 2 solo. Michael Sheets 3 tackles, 2 solo. Eric Jones 3 tackles, 1 solo, 1 tackle for loss. J’Quon Shehee 3 tackles, 1 solo. Colby Procell 2 tackles. Peyton Campbell 2 tackles. Jace Waller 1 interception.

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There’s no better place to celebrate Dolly Parton than the Louisiana town where one of her most beloved characters came to life.

This October 9–11, Natchitoches invites visitors to spend a weekend celebrating Dolly with Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration. Inspired by Dolly’s unforgettable role as Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias, the three-day celebration brings together music, movies, local businesses and plenty of pink for a weekend in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.

Natchitoches has long held a special connection to Steel Magnolias. The beloved film was shot in and around the city, and decades later, visitors still come to Natchitoches to experience the places that made the movie so memorable. This October, that connection takes center stage as the community celebrates Dolly’s legacy in true Natchitoches fashion.

The celebration begins Friday, October 9, with Dolly Bingo at the LSHOF at 5:30 p.m. Later that evening, channel your inner Dolly and head to Mama’s Blues Room for karaoke beginning at 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, October 10, start the morning with Books & Butterflies from 8 a.m. to noon at the Natchitoches Farmers Market. The celebration continues throughout the day with Truvy’s Downtown Traipse, inviting visitors to explore Natchitoches’ historic downtown and experience Truvy’s Specials offered by participating businesses.

Saturday evening, tease up your hair and get ready for Truvy’s Big Hair Affair at Parkway Cinema 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a fitting way to celebrate a character, a movie and a little bit of Southern style that have become part of Natchitoches history.

The weekend wraps up Sunday, October 11, with a Blush & Bashful Brunch at Flying Heart Brewery beginning at 9 a.m.

While you’re here, make a weekend of it. Stroll the brick streets of the Natchitoches Historic District, shop local boutiques, enjoy Louisiana flavors, take in the beauty of Cane River and discover the filming locations that helped bring Steel Magnolias to the big screen. As Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with history, Southern charm and plenty to explore.

Whether you’ve loved Dolly for decades, can quote Steel Magnolias from beginning to end, or simply need an excuse for a girls’ weekend in Natchitoches, Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend is your invitation to celebrate friendship, Southern charm and the legacy of a woman whose talent and spirit have touched generations.

Pack something pink, bring your best big hair and join us October 9–11, 2026, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

For complete event information, updates and weekend details, visit Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: A Dolly Parton Celebration at Natchitoches.com. Visitors can also explore Natchitoches.com for lodging, dining, attractions and everything needed to plan a weekend getaway.

Lodging link: natchitoches.com/stay/
Calendar link: natchitoches.com/calendar/
Embedded event link: https://natchitoches.com/truvys-blush-bashful-weekend-a-dolly-parton-celebration/

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Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met at the home of Honorary Chapter Regent Cindy Madden for their annual Constitution Week Tea. Mayor Nick Cox wrote a Constitution Week Proclamation for our chapter. Hostesses for the tea were Cara Buie, Cindy Madden, Maggie Salter, and Cindy Walker.

In 1955, the National Society DAR petitioned Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to commemorate Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution on August 2, 1956, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915.

Our guest speaker was Jerry Madden, Past President of Galvez Chapter SAR in Shreveport. He gave a presentation about Bernardo de Galvez, whose army routed the British from their forts in the Mississippi Valley, including Baton Rouge and Natchez. This prevented these British troops from being strategically moved up the rivers northward to participate in the war’s final battle at Yorktown.

Chapter Regent Donna Sutton began our meeting with the DAR Opening Ritual, followed by a lighted candle and a moment of silence to remember the victims of 9/11. She presented a PowerPoint to show the projects we participated in this summer. 

In June at Minden’s America 250 Celebration, our DAR/SAR Relations Chair Cindy Madden organized a DAR/SAR booth with children’s activities and information about DAR. Activities included secret codes and writing with invisible ink. Also to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Donna Sutton who is also our chapter Lineage Research Chair spent several months researching each of our 57 chapter members’ patriot ancestors. She wrote a short biography of each patriot and had all of the biographies printed into commemorative booklets, which are being distributed as gifts to our members.

On the 4th of July, Donna Sutton and our Historic Preservation Chair Mary Claire Kettler participated in the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s Annual Flag Raising Ceremony. They presented 11 veterans with certificates and America 250 challenge coins. 

DAR State Workshop took place in August in Baton Rouge. Our Chapter Regent was unable to attend this year, but she sent some things to donate on behalf of our chapter. For a state recycling project, she donated prescription medication bottles to use to make mini first aid kits, and eyeglasses to the DAR’s Lions Club donation box. Louisiana DAR collected over 300 pairs of glasses.

Also in August, Donna Sutton and Jessica Gorman, director of the Dorcheat Museum and a board member of our chapter, wrote and received a DAR America 250 Grant from the National Society DAR. The money was used to make a Revolutionary War display at the Dorcheat Musuem. The display includes mannequins in Revolutionary War costumes, a large vertical banner on a portable stand that lists the names of all of our current members’ patriot ancestors, information about each of the patriots, and information about three Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried in Northwest Louisiana. The display was unveiled at an Open House at the museum.

After closing the meeting, our chapter members filled out Christmas cards to send to an organization called Military Missions in Lexington, Kentucky. This is a nonprofit organization that sends cards and care packages to U.S. soldiers around the world. They have a website and a Facebook page with more information. 

DAR is a volunteer organization dedicated to education, patriotism, and historic preservation. Any woman age 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) is eligible to join DAR. For more information, contact us at dorcheatbistineau@yahoo.com

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Springhill Medical Center is holding an an Alzheimer’s/Dementia support group that brings together caregivers, family members, or individuals diagnosed with the disease to share personal experiences, exchange practical coping tips, and receive emotional backing in a safe, confidential environment. These groups are led by trained facilitators or healthcare professionals and meet in person or virtually.

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