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.
Raelynn Spears May 18, 2026 — September 18, 2026 Minden/Sibley Funeral service: 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Rose-Neath. Burial: Gill Cemetery, Minden.
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.)
A 21-year-old Minden man who was the alleged victim of a domestic assault on Tuesday, Sept. 15 now finds himself facing a similar charge for an incident which reportedly occurred just days earlier.
Tristan Hayes Coburn reportedly was arrested Sunday on a charge of domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. He is being held under a $25,000 bond.
Coburn is accused of wielding a knife at his father, 47-year-old Benjamin Ware, during an argument on Friday, Sept. 11 and reportedly stabbing him in the hand. Four days later, Ware was charged with domestic abuse battery with serious bodily injury when he allegedly struck Coburn in the face and threw him to the ground during a fight at a business owned by Ware in the 1100 block of Shreveport Rd.
Coburn was charged after detectives viewed surveillance video footage of the alleged Sept. 11 attack. During the incident, video evidence reportedly showed Coburn grabbed a knife, waved it in Ware’s face and threatened him by pointing it at his throat.
During the incident, the father reportedly attempted to grab the knife and was stabbed in the hand.
An arrest warrant was issued after detectives viewed footage of the incident, but the arrest was delayed due to the injuries Coburn reportedly received during the Sept. 15 altercation. He reportedly came to police headquarters Sunday, was advised of the warrant and placed in custody.
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.
The Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission held its regular public meeting last week at the Springhill Civic Center, with commissioners looking ahead to a busy final quarter of the year.
Work continues on the commission’s new office, with logistics being worked out for everything from the remodel to phone service, internet and the security system. Staff is also working through the process of surplussing old equipment.
Louisiana Overland Adventure Trails (LOAT) has developed a Webster Parish Offroad Map that will launch on the tourism website next month. The trail through Webster Parish covers roughly 200 miles of off-road opportunities.
Two adventure motorcycle events are already scheduled for October. Both will begin in Springhill and travel throughout Webster Parish, including Minden.
The commission approved five $2000 advertising grants:
The Springhill Main Street for the Springhill Christmas Wonderland event to be held Nov 28,
The Springhill Main Street for the Draggin’ Main event to be held Oct 10,
The Springhill Northwestern Chamber of Commerce for the Mistletoe Market to be held Nov 28,
The City of Minden Recreation Center for the Minden Rec Fall Festival held at the end of October,
Hearts and Halos for the 2nd Annual Angel Baby Fun Run and Halo Fest to be held Oct 10.
Also, a sponsorship of $2500 was approved for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Brownsfields Program and Louisiana Main Street Small-Scale Real Estate Developer Training to be held in Ruston on Sept 29 and Oct 23.
The program holds particular significance for Commissioner Sara McDaniel, who said the assistance she received through the program made it possible for her to renovate and bring new life to the Villas at Spanish Court.
“I want to give a personal word of testimony for them,” McDaniel said. “They gave me a 0% interest loan to remediate the asbestos and lead paint at the Villas, and without that I would not have been able to do this.”
Commissioners also discussed the continued growth of tourism throughout Webster Parish and the expectation that it will continue to improve.
Chairman Ty Pendergrass noted the number of tournaments being scheduled at the Minden Recreation Center.
“Sports tourism is about to be cranked out in South Webster Parish, for sure,” Director Amie Poladian said.
With fall approaching, commissioners expressed excitement about all of the activities taking place across the parish.
“I like where we’re going and what things are happening in Springhill,” Commissioner Derek Melancon said.
Commissioner Rachel Miller agreed. “I’m excited about the fall in Webster Parish and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Commission members continue to encourage residents to experience Webster Parish through the eyes of a visitor.
That could mean exploring one of the parish’s many trails, biking or off-roading, attending a local festival, shopping at a local business, touring a museum, shopping at antique or thrift stores, visiting a farmers’ market or enjoying a meal at a locally owned restaurant.
Residents are also encouraged to share their experiences on social media and tag @VisitWebsterParish. Those posts help showcase the people, places and activities that make Webster Parish a destination for visitors.
The next meeting of the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission will be held in November. Meetings are held every other month and are open to the public.
For more information about upcoming meetings, events and attractions throughout the parish, visit the commission’s Facebook page or its website at VisitWebster.net.
SIBLEY, LA — Mark your calendars, grab the kids and come ready to have a great time! The Town of Sibley is bringing the community together for Sibley’s Night Out, a local celebration of National Night Out, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sibley Town Hall.
This isn’t just another community event — it’s a BLOCK PARTY! The evening will be filled with food, music, entertainment, games and plenty of opportunities to visit with friends and neighbors.
There will be free hot dogs, bouncy houses and activities to keep the kids entertained. Local organizations will have tables throughout the event where they will be sharing information, handing out treats and goodies, and providing games and activities for everyone.
And don’t forget the giveaways! The Sibley Volunteer Fire Department will also be on hand with smoke detectors to distribute to residents as well as other surprise giveaways.
Sibley’s Night Out is also a chance to meet the people who help serve and protect our community. Members of the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sibley Police Department and Sibley’s elected officials will be there to visit, answer questions, or simply sit down and enjoy the evening with the community.
The evening will feature a DJ and special performances by the Lakeside High School Cheerleaders and Red Line Danceline.
COME OUT. CONNECT. CELEBRATE SIBLEY!
The Town of Sibley encourages everyone — all ages — to come out and enjoy the night. Catch up with neighbors you haven’t seen in a while, meet someone new, bring the family, and enjoy a night of fun right here in our community.
Sibley’s Night Out is about neighbors helping neighbors, building relationships and celebrating what makes Sibley a great place to call home.
Everyone is invited. Bring your lawn chairs, bring the kids and bring your neighbors — and let’s have a BLOCK PARTY!
If your business, church, group or organization is interested in reserving a spot or if you are interested in volunteering, please call Sibley Town Hall, 318-377-0345, for more information.
SIBLEY’S NIGHT OUT
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Sibley Town Hall
Sponsored by the Town of Sibley in celebration of National Night Out
Guest speaker for the Thursday, Sept. 24 meeting of the Minden Lions Club will be Kathy French, director of marketing and sales for the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission.
Kathy manages marketing efforts for the Port Commission’s 5,000-acre multimodal industrial and commerce center. She leverages a diverse operational background, having held key positions including engineering supervisor at General Motors, production supervisor/industrial engineer at UPS, market research project manager for U.L. Coleman Companies, and community relations director at Community Renewal International.
A Louisiana Tech University alumna, Kathy holds a B.S. in industrial engineering and an M.S. in industrial/organizational psychology. She is the proud daughter of a retired Army colonel and Vietnam veteran, and she actively serves her community through the 8th Air Force Consultation Committee, Downtown Shreveport Rotary, NDIA Red River Chapter, and LA InfraGard.
Kathy will be introduced Thursday by Lion Patony Morrow, weekly program chair.
The Minden Lions Club meets Thursdays at noon at the American Legion Memorial Home, located at 119 W. Pine St. in downtown Minden.
United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:
Food: soup, biscuit mix, rice
Household Goods: twin sheets, pots & pans, bowls
Clothing: men’s shoes
Thanks to all for supporting UCAP!
UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.
The Minden Evening Lions Club recently welcomed District Governor Trey Dowden to a meeting at the Fair Office, where members celebrated the club’s history of service and discussed upcoming projects.
Young Cub Club member Serenity opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance in front of a wall filled with banners and awards documenting the club’s accomplishments dating back to the 1990s.
Club President Ryan Seegers and First Vice President Jayce Stewart Craig updated members on several priorities, including preparations for the upcoming fair and continued support for two important Lions initiatives: the Louisiana Lions Camp and the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation.
During the meeting, Tammy Jo Roy Trainor was honored for 10 years of service as a Lion. She received a Milestone Chevron Award from Lions International in recognition of her dedication to the organization and its mission.
Members also enjoyed a baked potato bar with all the fixings, providing time for fellowship before turning their attention to club business.
The club is continuing its tradition of giving through several seasonal collection drives. Members are gathering diapers, wipes and other baby essentials for local families; paper products and supplies for the Council on Aging; and canned goods for the Spirit of Christmas food drive.
Raffle tickets are also being sold for a Henry Golden Boy lever-action .22 rifle, with proceeds benefiting the club’s programs and community service efforts.
Guided by the Lions’ motto, “We Serve,” the Minden Evening Lions Club remains actively involved in the community. The organization shares its meeting space at the Fair Office with the Minden Civitan Club and is preparing for another busy season of volunteer service as the fair approaches.
I have been asked about the perceived rise of Sharia law in the U.S. I wanted to address that issue and do so here.
Could Sharia law take hold in the U.S.? The short answer is—if America is eternally vigilant in protection of our Constitution—”no.”
Let me begin with two principles: 1). The First Amendment makes clear that our rights to freedom/free exercise of religion and freedom of conscience are inviolate; Are broadly unlimited. However, conduct resulting from those religions is not. 2). Our U.S. Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land. That means the fundamental rights, which we cherish and know so well, to equality and equal protection, freedom of speech, due process of law, and individual liberty cannot be trumped.
However, we also live under a system of co-federalism, meaning the state and federal governments are set up as co-equals. This means that while the Supremacy Clause makes federal law dominant if there is a conflict with state law, our system of dual federalism provides that each level of government is sovereign and autonomous within its own defined legal and territorial domain. (The Tenth Amendment provides overarching authority here because it reserves all powers not explicitly granted to the federal government to the states and to the people).
That is our constitutional form of government in a nutshell.
So, back to Sharia law and Sharia courts.
Sharia law is viewed by Muslims as the divinely ordained path and command of Allah (God) in every aspect of life. Sharia law derives from the Koran, considered the primary and most sacred source of God’s word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and it outlines theological principles, morality, and broad standards of human conduct. After the Koran are two other sources of authority, the Sunnah—the examples, traditions and customs of Muhammad, and the Hadith, his recorded sayings and actions. This is the basis of the religion of Islam.
As such, Sharia “law” and Sharia courts derive authority from religious texts and interpretations by clerical leaders rather than from neutral civil law. For this reason, Sharia court rulings often vary based upon different theological interpretations, meaning there is no real legal consistency or predictability as there is under the rule of law in our American judicial system.
For example, our Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. However, traditional Islamic criminal penalties require punishments such as amputations, lashings, and stoning for certain offenses. That is why Sharia “law” is better understood as harsh penalties masquerading as a religious doctrine.
Some Americans are concerned that in predominantly Muslim cities and states that a majority of a Muslim population could vote in, local Sharia law and ordinances. In fact, I believe that the only reason Sharia “law” has made any progress at all in the U.S. is because it has masked its harsh, authoritarian dimensions by claiming to be merely a “religion” under the 1st Amendment and, therefore, may be followed. But it is much more than that.
That is why I made the point earlier that while free exercise of religion is a powerful constitutional guarantee, conduct resulting from that freedom is not. Muslims who simply worship in mosques as followers of Islam are free to do so. However, the first time one of the Muslim clerics orders someone’s hand cut off for stealing or a woman stoned for adultery because it is called for under Sharia law, the cleric will be arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and murder.
In fact, traditional Islamic jurisprudence allowed for a father or paternal grandfather to contract a marriage for a prepubescent girl without her consent. The first time that happens in the U.S., the adults responsible would be arrested for human trafficking, rape, indecent behavior with, and/or carnal knowledge of, a juvenile.
Followers of Islam may believe as an article of faith and worship that such views are mandated by the Koran, but the moment they illegally act upon them here they will be arrested and prosecuted under American law.
Sharia law will fail here because it fundamentally reflects a hatred for America and a refusal to assimilate and to adopt our legal system, cultural values, and political beliefs. The Islamic faith may be freely engaged in, but it may not hide its violent dictates behind a veil of religion in order to create its own separate and sovereign society or judicial system in our country.
(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana. He has witnessed up close several Speaker races. He can be reached atRoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com.)
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.”
September 22
6 until 8 p.m. Minden’s National Night Out. Call Minden City Hall for a party in your district.
September 23
10 a.m. The Columns of Germantown will host a free Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation. The event is open to residents, families and members of the public.
September 24
10 a.m. Emergency Preparedness Community Outreach, Sibley Town Hall. Everyone is welcome! It’s FREE and filled with necessary information. For information, call 318-377-0345.
2 until 3 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group, MMC cafeteria. Minden.
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.
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.
Phonetic: /cal· um· ny/ Part of Speech: Noun Definition a misrepresentation intended to harm another’s reputation denounced his opponent for his defamatory insinuations and calumny the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm another’s reputation He was the target of calumny for his unpopular beliefs.
Latarus Camille Gaston, 38, 100 block Church St., Minden: arrested Sept. 18 by Minden PD on warrant for exploitation of elderly persons. Bond set $1,000.
Rodney L. Markray, 37, 200 block Shirley Dr., Minden: arrested Sept. 18 by Minden PD for resisting an officer. Bond set $750.
Dominecia K. Flournoy, 24, 300 block White Oak Dr., Minden: arrested Sept 18 by WPSO for speeding, on warrant from Minden PD. Bond set $650.
Kenneth W. Gipson, 24, 100 block OakTree Lane, Minden: arrested Sept 18 by WPSO for driving under suspension, no break lights, on warrant.for no drivers license. Bond set $501.
LaJayden Harris, 19, 100 block Holoman St., Minden: arrested Sept. 18 by WPSO on warrant for simple criminal damage to property. Bond set $3,500.
LaDarrien JaVontae Wallace, 38, 400 block South College St., Minden: arrested Sept. 19 by Minden PD for resisting with force or violence, on multiple bench warrants. Bond set $30,000 surety or $1,000 cash.
Kyle Logan Young, 19, Cotton Valley: arrested Sept. 20 by Cotton Valley PD for domestic abuse by strangulation. Bond set $10,000.
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.
Raelynn Spears May 18, 2026 — September 18, 2026 Minden/Sibley Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden. Funeral service: 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Rose-Neath. Burial: Gill Cemetery, Minden.
James Christopher “Chris” Bennett December 13, 1971 – September 16, 2026 Sarepta Funeral service: 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home. Burial: Atlanta Cemetery, Atlanta, La.
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.)
At approximately 2 p.m. Saturday, several fire departments, including Springhill District 11 traveled to a woodland fire to assist the Taylor, Ark. fire department on Hwy. 19, just south of Hwy. 160. Upon arrival the incident commander requested the following agencies for help: Macedonia, Lake Earling, Springhill and Walkerville departments, along with Arkansas forestry and numerous law enforcement agencies.
According to Ayden Duncan, PIO for the Arkansas forestry, resources used for the incident included around 75 people, 4 fire plows, and 1 air tanker. The Air tanker, which is contracted by the Arkansas forestry flew in from Arkadelphia Ark. to assist with the fire early Saturday morning. They made four passes over the fire at 400 feet and 1,700 feet between 6:27 p.m. and 7:01 p.m. and landed back at Magnolia airport at 7:10 pm.
The fire was contained and will be monitored for the next several days..
Total damaged acreage stands at 200 acres. No structures were lost and one report of a deer stand was destroyed. The fire was one of several in the state of Arkansas over the weekend. Soon after, Bradley, Ark. Fire Department responded to a smaller wildland fire, bringing the total acreage across Arkansas to 3,460 acres.
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. Friday, 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.
The Webster Parish Fair Princess Pageant will be held beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026. Girls ages baby through 18 years are invited to participate in the Princess Pageant. The pageant will be held at the Minden High School Auditorium.
Entry forms may be obtained by emailing wpfairpageant@gmail.com. and must be received by September 28. For more information regarding age divisions and entry fees, visit the Webster Parish Fair Queen Pageant Facebook page. All winners of the morning Princess pageant divisions will serve as the royal princess court for the 2026 Webster Parish Fair Queen.
The Fair Queen Pageant will also be held at Minden High Auditorium at 4 p.m. on October 3. The Webster Parish Fair Queen is chosen from among high school seniors representing high schools in Webster Parish. These representatives are chosen by their respective schools. The Queen, along with her Royal Courts, will ride in the Webster Parish Fair Parade.
Candidates seeking federal, state and local offices met with area residents during the Greater Minden Chamber’s Coffee with the Candidates on Thursday, September 17.
Held at the Webster Parish Council on Aging, the event provided voters with an informal opportunity to learn more about the candidates who will appear on the November 3 ballot. Instead of following a traditional forum or debate format, attendees were able to move around the room, ask questions and speak directly with candidates over coffee.
Candidates representing several races attended the event, including those seeking seats in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, Louisiana Public Service Commission District 5, Minden City Council, the Minden police chief’s office and multiple Webster Parish School Board districts.
The gathering gave voters the chance to discuss local concerns, hear directly from candidates and become more familiar with the choices they will make at the polls. It also allowed candidates to listen to residents and better understand the issues affecting families throughout the community.
The Greater Minden Chamber organized the event as part of its Minden Votes 2026 initiative, which is designed to help local voters stay informed and engaged throughout the election season.
Those who were unable to attend can visit the Chamber’s Minden Votes 2026 candidate information page to find information about the candidates running for office.
Early voting will be held October 20 through October 27, excluding Sunday, October 25. Early voting locations will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Events such as Coffee with the Candidates give community members a valuable opportunity to become informed before voting and remind residents of the importance of participating in the decisions that shape Minden and Webster Parish.
Springhill September 14 low was 75F high was 98F September 15 low was 76F high was 99F September 16 low was 77F high was 98F September 17 low was 76F high was 96F September 18 low was 72F high was 97F September 19 low was 69F high was 101F September 20 low was 69F high was 95F
Minden September 14 low was 77F high was 97F September 15 low was 76F high was 98F September 16 low was 78F high was 95F September 17 low was 76F high was 96F September 18 low was 72F high was 96F September 19 low was 71F high was 97F September 20 low was 70F high was 97F We recorded no rainfall in the past week.
Looking ahead.
Lows in upper 70s and highs in the upper 90s. There’s a chance of rain each day with Monday and Tuesday possibly recording the most. Quite possibly add up to. 75 100s of an inch.
As the week goes on, our temperatures will start to be almost seasonally correct… Next weekend we could see Lows in the upper 60s and highs in the upper 80s.
We are at a severe level of drought and moderate to high fire danger and still under a burn ban in Webster Parish. There’s a chance of a tropical system in gulf in the next 8 days. That means anywhere it could form. See the screenshots below.
(Jerry Strahan was a first responder in fire and emergency services for almost 45 years. He lives in north Webster Parish and has written weather articles for other publications.)
Minden Behavioral Health Clinic will join The Farm at Cultural Crossroads of Minden to host Recovery Day 2026, a community event celebrating recovery, reducing stigma and connecting individuals and families with local resources.
The event will be held Thursday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Farm, located at 410 E. Union Street in Minden. Everyone is welcome to attend.
“Recovery Month celebrates the message that recovery is possible for everyone,” said Marsha Hayes, clinic manager for Minden Behavioral Health Clinic. “It is a time to recognize the achievements and progress of individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges.”
Recovery Day is being held in recognition of National Recovery Month, observed annually throughout September. The event will honor individuals on their recovery journeys while recognizing the families, professionals and community organizations that support them.
Approximately 15 organizations are currently expected to participate by hosting resource tables and sharing information about services available in the area. The local health unit also plans to provide blood pressure checks, and an educator will be available to share potentially lifesaving information about Narcan.
Hayes said bringing organizations together gives community members an opportunity to learn about assistance that may be available for mental health, substance use recovery and overall well-being.
In addition to the resource tables, attendees can expect food, music, games, fellowship and other activities in a welcoming outdoor environment. Individuals will also share personal stories of hope, growth and second chances.
The theme of the event emphasizes that recovery does not look the same for everyone. Different people may take different paths, but support, connection and access to resources can make a meaningful difference along the way.
The event is not limited to individuals currently in recovery.
“We hope our community will join us in celebrating recovery, promoting hope and supporting one another,” Hayes said. “Whether someone is seeking help, supporting a loved one or simply wants to learn more, they are welcome.”
Recovery Day 2026 will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, September 24, at The Farm at Cultural Crossroads of Minden, 410 E. Union Street. Organizations interested in participating or anyone seeking additional information may contact Marsha Hayes or Pamela Williams at 318-371-3001.
Minden’s defense forced nine fumbles in the game while the Tide offense rolled up 38 first quarter points to outlast West Ouachita 56-36 in a non-conference contest Friday at W.W. Williams Stadium.
Two of those fumbles were returned for touchdowns. Tyree Davis rumbled 35 yards in the big first quarter for a score and Braylen Ferrel sped 39 yards with a recovery in the third as the Tide picked up its third straight win to open the season.
Quarterback Kaiden King had a hand in the first three Tide scores of the night on TD passes of 23 yards to Jaden Johnson and 31 yards to Ian Clark, then on a 10 yard scamper.
King’s contribution put Minden up 22-0 with 7:22 still remaining in the first quarter. He would score again on a 23-yard run at the 4:12 mark in the opening stanza as the Tide built a 38-0 lead.
West Ouachita scored with just seconds remaining in the opening quarter to make it 38-6, then finished off an eight-play, 55-yard drive to bring the score to 38-14.
Another King TD pass, a 31-yarder to to Lucas Owens for a 44-14 Minden lead, was followed by a pair of West Ouachita scores and a 44-28 Tide halftime lead.
Minden extended the lead to 50-28 on Ferrell’s fumble return early in the third quarter, and King’s fourth TD of the night, a 35-yarder to Clark, made it 56-28. West Ouachita closed the high-scoring affair on Kaleb Carprue’s four-yard run with 9:32 left in the game.
King had a big night in the win, throwing for 156 yards with 10 completions in 19 attempts. He also picked up 43 yards on the ground on six carries.
Owens led Tide rushers with 49 yards in 10 tries while Johnson added 15 yards in two carries. Johnson also caught four passes worth 32 yards and one touchdown. Emmanuel Kinsey had two catches for 27 yards, Clark had two catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns and Owens caught one for 31 yards and a score.
West Ouachita’s Carrie led all rushers in the game, picking up 80 yards on 13 attempts. Teammate Drake Cummings netted 73 yards on 13 carries.
Although West Ouachita outgunned the Tide on the night by a 307 to 245 total, Tide defenders came up with big plays when needed. The Tide recovered eight of the Chief’s nine fumbles.
Minden puts its perfect record on the line in a Thursday contest, traveling to Bossier for the kickoff of the District 1-4A schedule. The Bearkats are 2-1 on the young season, taking their first loss last Friday by a 50-8 score to Logansport.
After the Buc’s entered the field showcasing their pyrotechnics and fireworks, the Apaches went to work on the some 130 dressed out Buccaneers. While the scoreboard may have been wearing a lot of red at end of the game (45-6, Buc’s), but for the first 18 minutes, the Glenbrook Apaches were making the Haughton Buccaneers wonder if they had accidentally scheduled a game against another big time 5A opponent.
The Apaches stepped onto the field against 5A Haughton Buccaneers, the fourth-largest school in Louisiana, and promptly proved that enrollment numbers don’t make tackles, catch passes, or block anybody.
Haughton put together a solid opening drive, but the Apache defense eventually stiffened and forced the Bucs to punt. Then came one of the first big defensive statements of the night.
Haughton picked up a fourth down and appeared to be threatening again, but on 3rd-and-10, Action Ace Rollen decided the Bucs’ drive needed a change of address. Rollen rose above the big Buc receiver and nabbed the ball in the end zone for an interception, giving the Apaches the football and a huge dose of momentum.
Glenbrook moved the football and picked up several first downs, but a bad snap gave Haughton the ball at the Apache 18. One play later, the Bucs’ talented senior running back, who will be playing football at the next level, found the end zone to make it 7-0 with 4:42 left in the first quarter.
But the Apaches weren’t going anywhere.
After a great the ensuing return, The Beast, Carson Whitehead ripped off a huge 41-yard run up the gut from an amazing hole the Apache offensive line opened, and appeared from my cohort and I’s perfect position from the track field……(which is another story…you may insert an eye roll here) that Whitehead had clearly made it into the endzone, but the line judge somehow had him down at the Haughton 2-yard line.
The Apaches were knocking on the door.
Unfortunately, a penalty wiped away a Glenbrook touchdown where Day-Day Davis Powell walked in untouched from another great blocking scheme, but the ensuing field-goal attempt was blocked.
Haughton took over at its own 11 and eventually extended the lead to 14-0 with 7:39 remaining in the half.
On the ensuing kick return, Darron-Hollywood Hollingsworth broke loose with one defender standing between him and six points. Just as it looked like Hollingsworth was headed for pay dirt, a Haughton defender came flying from behind and punched the football loose.
The Bucs recovered — and two plays later, scored again.
Just like that, a game that had been a competitive back-and-forth battle suddenly had the scoreboard reading 21-0. Still, the Apaches kept swinging.
The fighting Apaches continued to move the chains offensively, while the defense refused to completely fold. T-Bubba-Davis Edwards came up with an interception with 1:19 left in the first half, giving the Apaches another chance to put points on the board.
A blocked punt later gave Haughton possession at the Apache 21, and the Bucs managed to punch it in before halftime.
The score was 35-0 at the break, but the scoreboard didn’t tell the entire story of the first half.
Haughton added another touchdown on a long quarterback option early in the second half, stretching the lead to 42-0.
And then the Apaches answered with perhaps the prettiest offensive play of the night.
Freshman quarterback Braxton Bull Tibbitt, made plays against a much bigger and more experienced opponent and delivered a pass that was tipped into the air.
Hollywood made the top drill look more like a Hollywood Premiere and came down with the football and took it to the house for an Apache touchdown.
Tibbitt finished 5-of-13 passing for 67 yards and a touchdown, while Hollingsworth hauled in 2 catches for 32 yards and the score.
Whitehead led the Apache ground game with 72 yards on 13 carries, including a 41-yard burst, while CP-10, Carson Powell added 21 receiving yards and Rowdy Ryan Reagan contributed 14.
Defensively, Glenbrook recorded 23 total tackles, led by ole Luscious Louie Collins with 5 tackles. Huddy Glasscock and Davis T-Bubba Edwards each recorded 3 tackles, while Ace Rollen had 3 tackles to go with his interception. Ryan Reagan and the Swiss Army knife, Tanner Cox added 2.5 tackles apiece, with Cox also recording a pass breakup. All of this after the Apaches took a big injury loss from defensive Edge, Channing-Wreckin-Rainey.
And, of course, two Apache interceptions — Rollen and Edwards — gave the defense a couple of moments that made the Bucs’ offense think twice.
The Apaches ultimately fell 45-6, but this wasn’t a night where Glenbrook simply showed up and took its lumps.
For roughly the first 18 minutes, the Apaches went toe-to-toe with a 5A powerhouse. Then a bad snap, a couple of costly penalties, a fumble and a few other miscues allowed Haughton to turn small cracks into a big lead. But the Apaches kept fighting.
Against a school that dwarfs Glenbrook in size, the Apaches showed something that doesn’t fit on a roster sheet: plenty of fight.
The Apaches take the fight again on the road for its third consecutive week to make war in Olla, LA against the LaSalle Tigers. We encourage all the Apache Tribe to make the short drive to support the Apaches, but if you can’t make it, Jerame Durden and I will bring you all the action live, on AM 1240 KASO and kbef.com.
Keep fighting, Apaches. Take care of the little things, and the big things will fall into place!
By Gray Haynes Friday night, the North Webster Knights traveled to Monroe to take on the St. Frederick Warriors. The game looked like it was going to be a scorefest through the first quarter, but it ended up becoming a defensive struggle as both teams settled in and adjusted. The game started with North Webster returning the opening kickoff out to their own 36 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Justin Stewart found wingback Ja’Kayden Jackson for 14 yards. Then, Steward scrambled for 8. On 3rd and 5 J’Quorion Easter picked up 20. It seemed like the Knights’ offense could not be stopped on this night. Jackson ran for 14, then Easter picked up 6 more; Stewart picked up another 6, and Ke’Shawn Evans took the ball across the goal line from 6 yards out. The PAT was no good. The Knights were up 6-0 to start the game. St. Frederick started from scrimmage at their own 30 yard line. They picked up 15, then 13, and then scored on the fullback dive of the triple option from 42 yards out. The PAT was good making the score 7-6.
North Webster took the ensuing kickoff out to their own 28 and moved the ball into Warrior territory. After reaching the St. Frederick 38, the Knights failed to convert on a 4th and 2 and gave the ball back to the Warriors. St. Frederick was able to pick up a few first downs, but eventually the Knights’ defense forced a punt from the 42. The Warriors’ punt pinned the Knights deep in their own territory. The Knights began their drive in the shadow of their own goal post at the 2. North Webster was able to move the ball out to the 16 where they faced a 1st and 10. Stewart found Jackson streaking through the St. Frederick secondary for 84 yards and a touchdown. The two-point conversion was good to make the score 14-7 in favor of North Webster. St. Frederick took the ensuing kickoff out to the 40 and matriculated the ball down the field culminating in a score from 4 yards out. The PAT was good to tie the score at 14 with about a minute and a half left in the 2nd quarter. Jardin Gill nearly broke away on the kickoff return but was tripped up at Warriors’ 45. The Knights were able to run the ball down to the 22 before the Warriors intercepted a pass at their own 5 yard line. They returned the ball back to the 40. A penalty on the interception return gave the home team the ball at the North Webster 45 with less than a minute left in the half. The Warriors had time for two plays before the half ended with the score knotted at 14.
St. Frederick took the second half kickoff out to the 45 where the returner was tripped up. The Warriors marched the ball down the field using the triple option. After the drive stalled out around the 15 yard line, The Warriors attempted a field goal on 4th down. Bryce Parrish got a big paw on the kick from the middle, and Chandler McKenzie sped around the end to also get a hand on the kick. After the scrum for the blocked kick, the Knights took over near midfield. They could get nothing going, and the two teams traded punts for the rest of the 3rd quarter. Both defenses seemed to have taken over this game.
The first play of the final period was a punt from North Webster to St. Frederick. The Warriors lined up in the I formation and began running their triple option. When they fumbled a pitch, the Knights pounced on the ball. The referee came in and spotted the ball and signaled that North Webster had possession. After a lengthy discussion with St. Frederick’s head coach, the referee decided that he had inadvertently blown his whistle and gave the ball back to the home team. The Warriors immediately attempted a halfback pass into excellent coverage. The receiver was able to haul in the pass for a gain of 44 yards down to the North Webster 20. Five plays later, the Warriors found the endzone from 1 yard out. The point after touchdown made the score 21-14 in favor of the home team with about 10:30 left in the game. The Knights were forced to punt from their own 35 and never got the ball back as St. Frederick mounted a run-oriented drive that ate up the clock. St. Frederick ended the game with two kneel downs from inside the North Webster 10. Next week, the Knights will be at home celebrating homecoming against Lakeview.
