News
Minden 56, West Ouachita 36
Lakeside 34, North Caddo 0
Haughton 45, Glenbrook 6
St. Fredericks 21, North Webster 14
North DeSoto 38, Byrd 20
Capt. Shreve 42, Northwood 7
Benton 38, Woodlawn 6
Haynesville 28, Homer 26
Logansport 50, Bossier 8
Wossman 30, Southwood 0
Green Oaks 20, Booker T. Washington 18North DeSoto 56, Natchitoches Central 21
Calvary 58, Bunkie 12
Neville 44, Evangel 27
Parkway 42, Loyola 41
My name is Eric Lee and I am running for Minden City council District C. I am a native of Minden and have lived and worked in Minden my entire life. I have an Associate Degree in Applied Science and a Technical Diploma in Instrumentation, as well as Certifications with the Louisiana Department of Health plus others.
My father retired from the City of Minden as did I, which has given me a lifelong perspective of public service. I believe the residents of District C deserve a voice. Someone who will listen to their concerns and bring those concerns to the City administration, as well as keeping the residents informed.
I am a firm believer in reliable and solid infrastructure and will work to improve the infrastructure in my District. With 35 years of working with the city crews, managing a department, and dealing with city budgets I feel I am very qualified to represent District C and help improve our District and the City of Minden. I appreciate your vote.
Our information concerning Tre’veon Jackson was through the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and a sister publication. We cannot now verify this information and have therefore removed it.
North Louisiana Crime Lab deploys new DNA analysis software
The North Louisiana Crime Laboratory in Shreveport has begun using new DNA analysis software designed to help forensic scientists solve cases more quickly and accurately. The software uses advanced algorithms to analyze and compare DNA profiles from evidence samples, potentially accelerating processing times in criminal investigations across Caddo, Bossier, and surrounding parishes. Lab officials say the technology will help address backlogs and improve the quality of forensic evidence available to prosecutors.
Campti man arrested after stolen vehicle recovered
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested a Natchitoches man Saturday evening following an investigation that began in the Hagewood area, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright. On September 12, 2026, NPSO deputies responded to a residence in the 6800 block of Louisiana Highway 6 near Hagewood after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle. Later that evening, an NPSO deputy on patrol observed a vehicle matching the description and license plate of the stolen vehicle traveling in the Washington Street area of Natchitoches. The deputy followed the vehicle while additional law enforcement units responded to assist. With assistance from the Natchitoches Police Department, deputies stopped the vehicle and safely took the driver, identified as Donald R. Coleman IV, 24, of Campti, into custody without incident.
Archery deer season opened Saturday in four areas
Archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 19, in Deer Areas 3, 7, 8 and 10. All other areas open Oct. 1. Hunters need a basic hunting license and deer license, and all hunters must obtain tags before hunting, carry them in the field and tag a deer before moving it. Tags must be validated within 72 hours. Season dates, area boundaries and WMA rules are at wlf.louisiana.gov.
Upcoming Events
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.”
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.
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.
Word of the Day: Urbane
Phonetic: /ur· bane/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
notably polite or polished in manner
an urbane diplomat
fashionable and somewhat formal
the hotel’s urbane sophistication
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.
Ricky Lee Moore
August 29, 1955 — September 17, 2026
Minden/Heflin
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, Bistineau Cemetery, Heflin, under the direction of Rose-Neath, Minden.
James Christopher “Chris” Bennett
December 13, 1971 – September 16, 2026
Sarepta
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Funeral service: 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home.
Burial: Atlanta Cemetery, Atlanta, La.
Stanley E. Tubbs
December 15, 1953 – September 10, 2026
Minden
Memorial service was held September 20, 2023.
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.)
By Pat Culverhouse
A Minden man has been charged with felony hit and run after he allegedly struck another vehicle, causing serious injury to the driver, and fled the scene.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said 36-year-old Kerry Michael Garland was arrested at his Kennon St. residence Sunday around 6:20 p.m. in connection with the incident.
McIver said Garland allegedly struck a vehicle at the intersection of Claiborne Ave. and East Todd just before 7 p.m. Friday and sped away. The driver of the vehicle which was hit reportedly suffered a serious injury to her arm plus other less serious injuries.
According to the Chief, information was received which identified Garland as a potential suspect, and video from a home surveillance camera showed the suspect’s vehicle speeding from the scene.
McIver, accompanied by police officers, went to Garland’s residence Sunday afternoon. During questioning, he reportedly showed officers the vehicle he was driving at the time and gave a statement admitting he had left the scene of the accident.
In addition to felony hit and run, Garland is also charged with violating general speed law and no insurance. He is being held at police headquarters awaiting transfer to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond has been set.
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.
Lataurus Gaston is wanted in connection with an offense that occurred on July 9.
After completing the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for the offenses related to the incident.
The following is the charge and associated bond:
Please contact the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Lataurus Gaston.
All information will be confidential.
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.
Robert L. Montgomery, 86, of Minden, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of the life he so lovingly built.
Born on January 11, 1940, in Baskin, Louisiana, Robert learned the value of dedication, heart, and hard work early while farming alongside his family. After graduating from Baskin High School in 1958, those foundational values shaped him into the ultimate provider—a devoted, steady, and selfless family man whose wife and daughters were always the center of his world.
Robert loved his soulmate, Katherine, from the moment they met in May 1961. They were married just a month later in June, beginning a beautiful 65-year journey of unconditional love, devotion, and shared life. As a protective, doting Daddy to his two daughters, he filled their home with warmth, safety, and joy, later beaming with pride as a loving Pawpaw to his grandson, Timothy.
A natural talent with a gentle spirit, Robert lived life with enthusiasm and rhythm. Self-taught on the guitar, he shared his gift by singing and playing with the men’s group during worship services. He cherished simple, joyous moments with his family—boating, water skiing, and spending Thanksgiving holidays around campfires at campgrounds across Louisiana in their RV. As co-manager of the local skating rink, he delighted in roller dancing, especially with his young daughters gliding alongside him. His sense of adventure led him to earn his pilot’s license, gracefully navigating the skies in his single-engine Cessna, and later finding one of his greatest passions on the open road riding motorcycles with his younger daughter, Terri, and son-in-law, Joe.
Throughout his career, Robert brought integrity, warmth, and a welcoming smile to every role he held. In the 1970s and 80s, he built lasting friendships while working at Sanitary Dairy. At the Skating Palace in the 1980s, he became a beloved father figure to generations of young people who lovingly viewed him as a mentor and guide. He was later promoted to manage the skating rink in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, before returning home to Louisiana in the mid-1980s to work the Y line at LAAP through the mid-1990s. Following the plant’s closure, he served the City of Minden with the Street Department and ultimately fulfilled his lifelong love of aviation by managing the Minden Airport until his retirement in 2002.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Katherine; his cherished daughter, Tina Montgomery; and his precious grandson, Timothy Johnson. He is also survived by a special cousin, Kathy King (TX), who honored Robert and Katherine by officiating their 50th
anniversary vow renewal; Bill and Louise Rushing (LA); Dorothy Turberville (FL); and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as countless friends who were like family to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix H. and Nellie Rushing Montgomery; his brother, Lewis C. Montgomery; his sister, Joe Ann Montgomery Price; his beloved daughter, Terri Montgomery Toland; and two special sisters-in-law, Juanita Vance and Doris Pennock.
Robert’s legacy is defined by his boundless warmth, his unwavering devotion to those he cherished, and the quiet strength of a life lived for others. Though he will be missed beyond measure, his love remains a lasting comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Rose-Neath Funeral Home for honorably carrying out his wishes for cremation, and to the wonderful nurses, aides, and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice for their tender care and loving kindness over the past several months.
A private family memorial to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at a later date.
By Pat Culverhouse
Local law enforcement officers have many crime solving tools at their disposal, but one special officer needed only her nose to track down a Haughton man attempting to flee a simple traffic stop.
Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said K9 Officer Reef helped end an hours-long manhunt last week when she successfully tracked 31-year-old Jarred Craft through wooded areas in and around Dixie Inn. Reef reportedly led officers to a Dixie Inn location where Craft was taken into custody.
McIver said the manhunt began when Craft reportedly fled on foot after he was pulled over on the morning of Friday, Sept. 11 by MPD Officer Daveon Benjamin for traffic violations while traveling east on Interstate 20.
Craft reportedly crossed both lanes of traffic on the interstate, entering a wooded area. While searching for their suspect, MPD officers and Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies were informed a caller in Dixie Inn reported an attempted break-in at a residence.
A description of the suspect of the attempted break-in matched that of Craft.
MPD Officer Kendale Booker and Reef were called to the scene where the K9 picked up the scent. Reef reportedly tracked the suspect through a heavily wooded and brush-covered area and returned to a nearby residence where Craft was taken into custody by WPSO deputies.
Craft was booked on charges of reckless operation, expired registration, no proof of insurance and resisting an officer. No charges reportedly have been filed in connection with the incident at the Dixie Inn residence.
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.
By Tiffany Flournoy
MINDEN, La. — A Minden man pled guilty Sept. 11 in Webster Parish District Court to felony charges involving possession of child sexual abuse material and indecent behavior with juveniles.
Timothy L. Gonzales, 36, of the 1400 block of Lewisville Road in Minden entered the courtroom wearing a jail jumpsuit, his hands cuffed and feet shackled, escorted by a Webster Parish sheriff’s deputy. He stood before Judge Parker Self and formally admitted guilt to the two charges.
The case began with a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that led the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to open an investigation. According to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, investigators alleged Gonzales uploaded child sexual abuse material to a social media account and found multiple conversations containing sexual content in which he was communicating with children ages 13 to 15.
Gonzales was arrested in June at his place of employment and booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. His bond was set at $450,000. The Minden Police Department assisted LBI with the investigation.
Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland represented the state Friday, while Gonzales appeared with William Eades of the Webster Parish Public Defender’s Office.
Before accepting the pleas, the court advised Gonzales of his constitutional rights under Boykin v. Alabama. After questioning Gonzales and his attorney, the court determined that the pleas were made freely and voluntarily and that Gonzales understood the rights he was giving up.
Holland summarized the facts of the case for the court. Gonzales then withdrew his previous pleas of not guilty and pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material and indecent behavior with juveniles.
Gonzales waived all delays in sentencing.
On the child sexual abuse material charge, Judge Self sentenced Gonzales to eight years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence. He was given credit for time served.
On the indecent behavior charge, Gonzales received a seven-year hard-labor sentence, suspended, followed by five years of active supervised probation. The sentence was ordered to run consecutively with the eight-year prison sentence.
As conditions of probation, Gonzales must pay a fine and court costs during the first three years. He also must pay a $71 monthly probation fee or perform community service as directed by his probation officer.
Gonzales was served with sex offender notification requirements in open court.
The court advised Gonzales that he has two years to seek post-conviction relief. Because he pleaded guilty, he was also advised that he does not have a right to appeal the convictions in the same manner as a contested trial verdict.
Mugshot of Timothy L. Gonzales courtesy of the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General press release immediately following Gonzales’ arrest in June.
By Josh Beavers
Johnny Rowland asked me a question during my interview that I’ve thought about for a long time.
“Are you sure?”
I understood why he asked. I’d spent 15 years in the newspaper business, and by the end I was publishing two papers and running a print shop with more than 40 people on the payroll. I had never stood in front of a classroom. I barely knew the man across the desk, and he had every reason to pass on a burned-out newspaperman looking for a second act.
He also warned me I’d miss adult conversation.
I told him I was sure, though I had my doubts. Newspapers were dying, and I’d stopped finding meaning in the work long before I admitted it to anyone. What I did know was that I wanted to spend the rest of my working life doing something that mattered.
The reason I was in that office at all was Becky Wilson. Becky taught in room 316 at Lakeside before me, and when she moved on, she put in more good words for me than I probably deserved. She became assistant principal at Minden High and later principal. She earned her doctorate. Today she’s the district’s personnel director. Only two teachers have called room 316 home in more than two decades, and I’m the second.
Rowland hired me, and the first ten weeks were awful.
I second-guessed myself every day. I spent a lot of nights wondering if I’d walked away from a good career for nothing. Somewhere in there, I worked up the nerve to ask him how he thought I was doing.
He said he couldn’t be happier and that it would get easier. Then he told me I cared, and that caring was the most important thing a teacher could bring into a classroom.
I’ve leaned on that more times than I can count.
He was right about it getting easier. He missed on the adult conversation, though. I’d take a room full of juniors and seniors over most grown-up small talk. After 15 years in business, I got used to every conversation having an angle, and I had plenty of my own. That part of adult life didn’t end when I left. I still talk to grown folks every day who are working me for something, and some of them make it pretty obvious they think I’m too dumb to notice.
Kids don’t work that way. When a senior talks to me, they aren’t after anything. They haven’t been beaten down by the world yet. They still believe they can do something big, and part of my job is keeping that alive. Sophomores are another story. A few of them still make me wonder about my career choice.
I couldn’t give you a confident definition of a direct object, and some English teachers would find that alarming. I’ve made peace with it. What I care about is whether a kid can read something hard and understand it, and whether that kid can write and speak clearly enough to be taken seriously. Rowland hired me because he thought I’d care, and he told me that was enough.
The faculty at Lakeside has turned over completely since I walked in. I’m now the longest-serving teacher on campus. Wilhelm Gray is in admin now, so he doesn’t count. Twenty-two-year-olds fresh out of college call me “sir,” which took some getting used to. Some of them have the same look I had during those first ten weeks.
Rowland recently told the school board he’s retiring, effective Dec. 20. He’s given more than 30 years to this parish’s schools, the last 10 as superintendent.
“I’ve made mistakes,” he told the board, “but my intent has always been to help the students, teachers and employees.”
Whatever the mistakes were, I know about the intent. I’m one of the people it helped.
Short of death, I plan to be in room 316 for the next 15 years. At some point, one of those young teachers down the hall is going to stop me and ask how I think they’re doing. I already know what I’ll say. I learned it from him.
Josh Beavers is an award-winning columnist who earned four Best Columnist awards from the Louisiana Press Association. He traded the newsroom for the classroom in 2013, convinced that teaching young people to write, to think, and to become productive members of their community was the more important work.
The burn ban has been extended for an additional thirty (30) days until October 17, 2026. It will remain in effect until that day unless it is modified, terminated, or extended.
It was another standing-room-only crowd for the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum Gala on Monday, Sept. 14 at the museum on Pearl Street. The silent and live auctions brought in $19,000, which makes the event the largest money-maker for the year. Perryman Welding sponsored the “good eats,” for the event, while Dr. Richard Campbell and Tracy Campbell (pictured above) auctioned off everything from wedding cake to wedding rings, some going for $300…others for eleven hundred. Cudos to those who donated cakes, cookies and other goods.
Items for the silent auction were largely donated by DC Pawn, Red Blooms, Woods Tank, Ace Hardware, Gray’s Jewelry, Jennifer Heard Art, Brick Street Coffee, Mason’s Baking Basket, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, The Villas at Spanish Court, Steve’s Clockworks and Jewelry Shoppe, and Bayou-Custom Etching & Laser Services. Phil McInnis (pictured above) took a long look at a copy of a painting by Cora Lou Robinson. Did he bid?? He did go home with several good-looking cakes!
“Thank you to everyone who was unable to attend but sent a contribution,” said Jessica Gorman, association and museum director. “You make this museum possible. Without your support, we would not be able to do what we do and Webster Parish would not have a place to preserve its history. Thank you for supporting this museum, for supporting our work, and for ensuring that our history continues to be preserved.”
Intake # 26291 “Dutchess” is a female Anatolian Shepherd mix available at Minden Animal Shelter. She is approximately 6-7 months old and weigh 31 lbs.
Dutchess is a very friendly gentle girl. She sits on command and has been house trained. She’s good with other dogs and loves people and going for walks.
Available for rescue through 501c3 group or approved adoption (MUST fill out application for adoption)
Adoption fee– $150 (covers spay, age appropriate vaccines, deworming, flea prevention and heartworm prevention)
Adoption application-https://forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6
To find a previously featured pet, simply go to the “Search” box at the top right corner of websterparishjournal.com, type in “Pet Project,” and click on “Search.”
By Travis Chapman
The Glenbrook Little Apaches stormed into Rayville Monday evening to face off against the Riverfield Raiders and wasted no time putting on a show before Mother Nature decided she had seen enough football for one night.
Captains Hulk Hurley, Joltin’ Jett Jones, and Colossal Cash Smith led the charge as the Apaches took the opening snap, and on the very first play, Brooks-Lightening-Lewis announced, “We’re not here for sightseeing,” rumbling 25 yards down the field. A few plays later, what looked like a bad snap turned into a highlight reel when Lewis scooped up the bouncing ball and raced 48 yards to the end zone like he had planned it all along. The Apaches led 6-0 with 4:35 left in the first quarter.
On defense, BK Ingles and Hulk Hurley flew downfield and delivered textbook tackles, while Captain Case Parker turned into Riverfield’s personal backfield tour guide. On a crucial 4th-and-long, Parker stormed in for a sack to hand the ball back to the Apaches.
The offense needed exactly one play to say “thank you.” One snap, 45 yards, touchdown! Lewis called for the ball, Nasty Nash Leonard took the hand off on a sweep with blockers out front and just like that, the Apaches stretched the lead to 13-0 early in the second quarter. Parker wasn’t finished either, recording back-to-back tackles for loss and making life miserable for the Raiders.
Lightening Lewis kept the offense moving with some sharp passing, and The Nightmare, Noah Minter nearly closed the first half with an interception that would have made the highlight film. The Apaches carried a 13-0 lead into halftime.
Then, the biggest defender of the night arrived: a thunderstorm. Lightning flashed, sheets of rain rolled in, and the game was called early. Final score: Apaches 13, Raiders 0.
Some teams win by a mile. Some teams win with style. The Little Apaches won with speed, sacks, teamwork—and apparently, a little help from the weather forecast.
The weather also forced a punt for the upper elementary game, shortly after warm-ups.
Your Apaches find themselves on the road for the 3rd straight year, Monday, 9/21/26 as they travel to Monroe, LA to face off against the OCS Eagles.
FAMILY ON THREE!!!!
By Marilyn Miller
Some of the winners didn’t hang around in the heat to get their awards handed to them by race coordinator Devin Martin and his teams from Run Minden and Active Minden. But most toughed out the 92-95 degree weekend weather to stand on the blocks to get their unique awards and have their photos taken.
The second annual Kisatchie Crusher took place at Caney Lakes north of Minden, and included the Gravel Crusher 18, 43 and 66 & Single Speed Category, plus the 5k and 10k Crusher runs. On Sunday, athletes competed in the Fondo Crushers 18, 33 and 54, the MTB Crusher Beginner, MTB Crusher Cat 3, MTB Crusher Cat 2 & Single Speed, and the MTB Crusher Cat 1.
Top finishers in the 5K were Kevin Deiber, TJ Hughes and Gigi Garcia. Top 10k winners were Jordin Miller, Jason Engle and Charlie Chandler. The Gravel 18 winners were Everett McKeller, Kade Stephens and Matthew Masterson. Top finishers in the Gravel 43 were Ryan Stoa, Tomas Douthat, and George Rangel. Gravel 66 top finishers were Benson Hall, Kane Lacombe and Hayden Slack.
MTB (Mountain Bike) top finishers were Richard Muller, Ryan Farmer and Jordin Miller. Cat 3 MTB top finishers were Everett McKeller, Trent Humphrey and Jeffrey Juneau. Cat 2 MTB top finishers were Kyle Coke, Hayden Slack, and Carlos Guiterrez. Cat 1 MTB top finishers were Benson Hall, Justin Miller and Buddy Caskey.
A breakdown with times are as follows:
5k Crusher — First place, Kevin Deiber, Morgan, Utah, 19:39; Second place, TJ Hughes, Minden, LA, 27:32; Third place, Gigi Garcia, Barksdale AFB, LA, 27:32; Fourth place, Braley Raborn, Minden, LA, 28:05; Fifth place, Mark Hall, Minden, LA, 28:05.
10k Crusher — First place, Jordin Miller, Minden, LA, 45:16; Second place, Jason Engle, Haughton, LA, 46:30; Third place, Charlie Chandler, Minden, LA, 47:08; Fourth place, Luiz Nunez, Minden, LA, 55:05; Fifth place, Jason Tomlinson, Minden, LA, 56:02.
MTB Crusher Beginner — First place, Richard Muller, Shreveport, LA, 30:25; Second place Ryan Farmer, Marshall, TX, 31:08; Third place, Jordin Miller, Minden, LA, 31:41; Fourth place, John McLemore, Minden, LA, 32:40; Fifth place, Thomas James, Minden, LA, 32:49.
MTB Crusher Cat 3 — First place, Everett McKellar, McKinney, TX, 40:44; Second place, Trent Humphrey, Haughton, LA, 41.55; Third place, Jeffrey Juneau, Harvey, LA, 1:00:13; Fourth place, Owen Chapman, Minden, LA, 1:23:16.
MTB Crusher Cat 2, Single Speed — First place, Kyle Coke, 1:15:34. Second place, Hayden Slack, Bossier City, LA, tie 1:21:52, Second place, Carlos Guiterrez, tie 1:21:52; Third place, Eric Simolke, Bossier City, LA, 1:24:03; Fourth place, Vernon Rainwater, 1:36:12; Fifth place, Brian Smith, Shreveport, LA, 1:52:00.
MTB Crusher Cat 1 — First place, Benson Hall, Ruston, LA, 1:39:03; Second place, Justin Miller, Shreveport, LA, 1:56:06; Third place, Buddy Caskey, Bossier City, LA, 2:08:12.
Gravel Crusher 18 — First place, Everett McKeller, McKinney, TX, 1:09:23; Second place, Kade Stephens, McKinney, TX, 1:09:28; Third place, Matthew Masterson, Gonzales, LA, 1:11:18, Fourth place, Bowen Meshell, Shreveport, LA,1:14:06; Fifth place, Nathan VanWinterswyk, Bossier City, LA, 1:12:03.
Gravel Crusher 43 – First place, Ryan Stoa, Baton Rouge, LA, 2:34:36; Second place, Thomas Douthat, Baton Rouge, LA, 2:54:42; Third place, George Rangel, Shreveport LA, 2:57:23; Fourth place, Garrett Johnson, Shreveport, LA, 3:08;22; Fifth place Stephen Poss, Baton Rouge, LA; 4:28:50.
Gravel Crusher 66, single speed category – First place, Benson Hall, Ruston, LA, 3:12:33; Second place, Kane Lacombe, Calhoun, LA, 3:16:32; Third place, Hayden Slack, Bossier City, LA, 3:32:04, Fourth place, Cody Fruge’, Breaux Bridge, LA, 3:32:21; Fifth place, Michael Adams, Lake Charles, LA, 3:32:44.
Results were provided by RAD Racing.
The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, September 21:
CRAVENS, ALLTON B.
98115B Second Degree Murder
EDWARDS, ROTOYA C.
99938 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Per report $2,085.70 to Dixie Mart, plus fee $312.85=$2,398.55
FUMICELLO, DEBORAH DEE ANN
100241 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
GUISE, ZONQUES
100165-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
100165-CT.2 Possession of Schedule II CDS
100165-CT.3 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance
Please make sure forfeiture of $8,201 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.
MANNING, JAMAREA JAYVEON
100117 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
MASON, KEYSHAWN
100203-CT.1 Manufacture/Transfer/Possess Machine Guns
100203-CT.2 Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault
MCINTYRE, ROBBIE WILLIAM
99981 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
NEWSOM, TREY
100023 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
NEWSOM, TREY
100471-CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense
100471-CT. 2 Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
100471-CT. 3 Failure to Use Safety Belt
PINK, ELLIS ALVIN
99513-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
99513-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
POTTS, TIFFANY
T127824 Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License
T127824A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate
T127824B Operating A Vehicle Without A Left Mirror
POTTS, TIFFANY
100306-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100306-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule IV CDS
RAMBIN, SHAWN DAVID
100350-CT.1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
100350-CT.2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
100350-CT.3 Failure To Obey Traffic-Control Signal
RICE, DEREK RODRIQUEZ
99453-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99453-CT.2 Attempted Attempted Armed Robbery
99453-CT.3 Aggravated Battery
99453-CT.4 Aggravated Battery
SCHINDLER, SHERIANNE
100012-CT.1 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
100012-CT.2 Operating A Vehicle While Under Suspension For Certain Prior
100012-CT.3 Window Tint
100012-CT.4 Operating A Vehicle Without Proper Required Equipment
100012-CT.5 Emanation of Excessive Sound or Noise – First Offense
100012-CT.6 Improper Display Of Temporary Plate
THOMAS, PEYTON LEON
99334 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
THORNTON, LASHONDA
98913 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
By Shannon Wright
The Town of Sibley held its regular Town Council meeting on Monday, September 14, with discussion covering road repairs, upcoming community events and ways residents can become more involved in their town.
Two resolutions were approved allowing the Webster Parish Police Jury to perform street work on Merriweather Road and to provide a load of SB-2 rock for the Town of Sibley’s stockpile. The rock will be used for additional street repairs, particularly on Frazier Road.
It is unknown at this time when the street work will begin. The repairs will come out of the town’s annual allotted municipality funding. Any costs above the regularly allotted amount will be billed to the Town of Sibley.
Mayor Robert Smart explained that the rock will provide an economical way for the town to address some of its road problems.
“We’ve got a couple of roads in town that are in bad enough shape that they really need to be overlaid, but there’s no funding for that, so this is the most economical way to repair these roads at this time,” Smart said.
The town is also preparing for this year’s Sibley Night Out, which officials say will be bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars. The event will be held Tuesday, October 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sibley Town Hall.
Several activities are being planned for the evening, Life Air Rescue is expected, which is always a big hit with the young people and the grand opening of the town’s new playground may also be incorporated into the event.
Sibley Night Out is an event for the entire community, with residents of all ages encouraged to attend. Families are invited to come out, bring their neighbors and spend some time getting to know others in the community.
Town Clerk Sherry McCann said volunteers are needed to help with the event.
“We need volunteers,” McCann said. “so contact me to get signed up.”
Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact McCann at 318-377-0345 or email her at smccann@sibleyla.gov. Those interested in being a vendor at the event are also encouraged to reach out to McCann.
Mayor Smart said the town hopes to continue growing the event in the years ahead.
“We’re going to try to make it bigger and better every year,” Smart said.
There are many great things going on in Sibley and one of them is their monthly community outreach programs. The next one will be held September 24 at Town Hall. The topic for this month’s program will be Emergency Preparedness.
The outreach programs have been well attended, and town officials hope to see even more residents participate in upcoming sessions. Residents who have attended previous programs have said they found the information helpful and informative.
Residents are also reminded that Sibley remains under a burn ban until further notice, according to the fire department.
The town encourages residents to follow the Sibley Town Hall Facebook page for community announcements and upcoming events.
The mayor and council continue to stress the importance of community involvement and remind residents that Town Council meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend and stay informed about what is happening in their community.
By Marilyn Miller
The rate of pay for STEP officers serving the Village of Dixie Inn has been unanimously raised from $45 an hour to $60 an hour. The new rate was recommended to the Board of Aldermen by Mayor Donna Hoffoss at the September regular meeting.
“The STEP program has really benefitted Dixie Inn,” Mayor Hoffoss said. “If you want to stay competitive, this is what you do.” The additional funds will come from the STEP program itself.
Illustrating her point, at the beginning of the hour-long meeting the Board approved a resignation this month by Officer Andrew Evans, who was taking a job with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office. By the end of the meeting, Evans had withdrawn his resignation.
In other police matters, the Board approved an increase in pay for Chief McNeill by $5.00 per hour since he is now also responsible for the Maintenance Dept. “He does a lot,” said Alderman Lance Milligan.
The police department was also given authority to begin looking for a “new” used car, which will bring the number of vehicles to five. “The STEP program needs two cars,” Milligan pointed out.
In other business, the aldermen unanimously approved:
Below: Dixie Inn resident Ricky Thomas visited with the Board of Aldermen for the village. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)
Organic matter is the main ingredient for healthy, fertile soil. If your garden or lawn does not have some good organic matter, it may not produce well. It is a good idea to add some source of organic matter every year to your soil.
Good sources are composted cow manure, leaves, old sawdust, straw, and grass cuttings. My husband told me, when I was complaining about the Lovebugs, that the Lovebugs contributed to making organic matter.
Another good way of adding to your soil health is by planting cover crops. Vetch, peas, ryegrass and clovers are good cover crops. You can till them into your garden when you get ready to plant in the spring. We sell a large bag of soil that is a great way of helping the organic matter for your beds or garden. It is called Super Soil. It is a premium soil blend designed to promote healthy root growth, improve drainage, and rejuvenate your lawn or garden. Some have purchased it for the above ground beds also. Super Soil is made up of 1/3 Red River sand, 1/3 mature stable balanced compost, and 1/3 manure compost(cow, chicken, and horse). It weighs 2200 lbs. My husband, Randy, took some home to just fill in places in the yard that needed a little boost.
Say some prayers for rain this week. It looks like everything is burn up around our community, besides being so hot. Fall weather cannot get here quickly enough. Have a good 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.)
Moving has reminded me of many things I am capable of doing… and introduced me to a few abilities I did not know I had.
Over the past several weeks, I have assembled furniture, hung things on walls, used tools I had not touched in years and stared down instruction manuals that appeared to have been written entirely in hieroglyphics. There have been missing screws, backward pieces and more than a few moments when I seriously questioned my life choices.
But eventually, the furniture stood upright.
Even better, my daughters have been right beside me for much of it. They have helped sort hardware, hold boards in place, tighten screws and figure out which piece goes where. Watching them work has reminded me why shop was my favorite class in high school and why I believe more young girls should be encouraged to take it.
When people think about the classes that prepare girls for adulthood, shop class may not be the first one that comes to mind, but maybe it should be.
Shop taught me how to use tools, follow a plan, measure carefully and solve problems when something did not work the first time. It also taught me that I did not have to wait for someone else to come along and do things for me.
Those lessons stayed with me far beyond the classroom.
I am fiercely independent (sometimes to my own detriment, if I am being completely honest!) Some of that independence came from the confidence I gained through experiences like shop class. Some of it came from circumstances in my life that taught me not to depend too heavily on anyone else.
My past trauma deserves some credit for that.
There is a difference, however, between believing you cannot depend on anyone and knowing you do not have to depend on someone for every little thing. I am still learning that difference.
I have a good man who loves helping with things around our home. He is hardworking, supportive and not remotely concerned with outdated ideas about “men’s work” and “women’s work.” After working a 12-hour shift, he would still come home and help if I needed him, but I am sure he also appreciates walking through the door and discovering that the furniture has already been assembled.
Independence does not mean refusing help or trying to prove that you do not need anyone. It means knowing you are capable while also being secure enough to accept help when it is offered. It means choosing partnership instead of depending on someone because you believe you have no other option.
That is what I want my daughters to understand!!!
I want them to know how to hang a picture, assemble a bookshelf and use basic tools safely. I want them to be able to change a tire, check the oil and troubleshoot a problem before immediately calling someone else. I want them to understand that a drill belongs in their hands just as naturally as it belongs in anyone else’s.
More importantly, I want them to experience the feeling that comes from standing back, looking at something they built and saying, “I did that.”
That kind of confidence reaches far beyond furniture.
A girl who learns she can solve a practical problem begins to believe she can solve other problems, too. She becomes less intimidated by unfamiliar tasks. She learns that making a mistake does not mean she is incapable… it simply means she needs to try again, reread the directions or turn the board around because she installed it backward.
Those are useful lessons for building furniture, careers, relationships and entire lives.
I do not know whether any of my daughters will ever love shop class as much as I did. They may never want to build anything more complicated than a nightstand from a box. That is perfectly fine.
The goal is not to turn every girl into a carpenter. The goal is to raise girls who are not afraid to pick up the tools.
So, mothers, encourage your daughters to take shop if their school offers it. Let them help when you assemble furniture, fix something around the house or tackle a project. Give them age-appropriate tools and show them how to use them safely. Resist the urge to take over when they struggle.
Let them struggle a little. Let them figure it out. Let them experience the satisfaction of finishing something with their own two hands. Teach them that accepting help is healthy, but helplessness should never be expected of them simply because they are girls.
One day, they may have loving partners who are happy to help them. I hope they do, but I also hope they know that if no one else is available…and the bookshelf still needs to be built, they are fully capable of opening the box, picking up the drill and getting it done themselves!
(Paige Gurgainers is a mom of three girls, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)
