The 10-run rule came into play Friday, when Opelousas Catholic Vikings defeated Glenbrook Apaches in the LHSAA Non-select Division IV Championship game.
The Vikings got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Beckett Boyd tripled, scoring two runs, Kross Gillen doubled, scoring two runs, Braylon Harris was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, Mark Collins drew a walk, scoring one run, Jordan Luna drew a walk, scoring one run, Rowen Bergeron was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, Myles Collins drew a walk, scoring one run and a wild pitch scored a run.
Luna earned the win. The righty surrendered no runs and no hits over five innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Landry Powell took the loss. The reliever went three innings, gave up no runs on one hit, striking out one and walking one.
Sam Ricord began the game for Glenbrook. The righty allowed four hits and seven runs (six earned) over one-third of an inning, striking out none and walking two.
Apaches turned one double play in the game.
(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)
In an intergovernmental meeting convened by the Webster Parish Police Jury (WPPJ) on Tuesday, May 7, discussion between board members and President Jim Bonsall commenced where it was decided the jury would amend Ordinance 688.
Ordinance 688 establishes the function, membership, executive director and authority of the Office of Community Services (OOCS). It stated, “The Webster Parish Police Jury delegates to the Webster Parish Office of Community Services all powers and authority to operate a community services program in Webster Parish.”
Bonsall said, “This amendment really defines the relationship between the OOCS and the WPPJ. They do some things on their own, we do some things. They do a lot of things that we don’t know they do. They do stuff over there every day that we are responsible for that we don’t even know they do.”
According to Bonsall this amendment would relieve the jury of liability but still allow the OOCS to continue doing business as usual.
Webster Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson agreed.
“For the last several decades this organization has been treated as a hybrid element of government,” Jackson said. “For audit purposes, it has its own audit and tax I.D. number. For at least the last 7 to 8 years we have had some significant legal issues that occurred that we found out about after the fact. As your lawyer it is very difficult to deal with significant events when you have no knowledge of them on the front end.”
The OOCS offers several programs to the community including transportation, HeadStart services, Section 8 housing, family daycare, low-income energy assistance and food services.
“These are very worthwhile and necessary things. They are spending a great number of dollars in the community, but this body is responsible for what they do,” said Bonsall.
This amendment would allow them to continue offering their programs but would ultimately give their board the responsibility and authority to manage their affairs and would remove the jury from accountability.
This discussion continued during the regular jury meeting, and it was voted unanimously to be adopted. This ordinance will be later followed by legislation.
“It’s about a four-month process where we will evolve this hybrid organization into a fully functional entity with its own accountability structure,” explained Jackson. “This will take some time to do that.”
Bonsall clarified, “I don’t want anything to happen to any program they do. To be honest with you, a deal came up with Mary Whitaker (former Executive Director of OOCS). It was an honest mistake. They used some in-kind services for their match for a grant that was paid for by another federal grant. It got caught up with years later and to this day there is still $300,000 on our books that we owe the federal government that still has not been settled. They have had bus wrecks and people have gotten on the bus after the wreck and sued OOCS which ultimately sued us. That’s the kind of thing I don’t want us to have the liability on when we really don’t know their business.”
The ratification of this amendment will not ensue any real changes as far as how the OOCS functions. They will continue to offer the same programs and will remain operable from the same building.
Heflin, LA- Tommy Lance Russell passed away at his home, after a lengthy, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, in the early morning hours of May 8, 2024.He was surrounded by family and special friend, Chasity Austin.He was 75 when he went to be with his Lord and Savior.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Heflin Baptist Church in Heflin.Officiating will be his sons, Johnny Ray Rowland, Jr., and Jason Bryan Rowland.
Mr. Russell was born on November 8, 1948, in Ringgold to Billy Lance and Martha Brunson Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 33 years, Mary Nell Noles Russell; close friend, Don Austin and brothers-in-law, Richard and John Noles .
Mr. Russell was a lifelong resident of Heflin.He grew up in a Christian family where he and his sister, Sharon, regularly attended Bistineau Baptist Church, where his Dad served as Deacon.From a young age, Mr. Russell worked in the family dairy and beef operations.He often commented on how mean Jersey bulls could be and compared the differences between Holstein and Jersey cattle.Mr. Russell would sometimes say with tongue in cheek how much he enjoyed getting up at 4 a.m. “to go milk.”
Mr. Russell was a product of the Webster Parish School System as he attended Heflin High School from grades 1-12.He was a proud member of the graduating class of 1966 as evidenced by the memories he shared from his school age years.After graduation, Mr. Russell attended Northwestern State University with several of his friends.He enjoyed his years at NSU and became a regular attendee at the annual “State Fair Game” played between Louisiana Tech and NSU.Even though “Tech” won most of those contests, Mr. Russell treasured the friendly rivalry between he and his friends from “Tech”, notably Don Austin and Stewart Beatty.Later on he took great pride in the fact that his only daughter, Carrie, and his youngest son, Cory, graduated from NSU.In addition, he swelled with pride again as two of his granddaughters, Madison and Rheagan Rowland graduated from NSU.
In 1971, Mr. Russell began a distinguished 34-year career as a Quality Control Inspector at General Electric Corporation in Shreveport.He would work there until his retirement in 2005.It was during his early years at “GE” that he began a courtship with Mary Nell Noles, whom he had known most of his life.Mr. Russell also began a relationship with Ms. Noles’ two young sons, Johnny and Jason, who at the time were 4 and 3 respectively.Little did he know the incredible impact, as their Dad, he would have on them that would last the rest of their lives.Mr. Russell and Ms. Noles were married on September 14, 1973, and remained married until her death on June 17th, 2006.Soon after they were married a daughter, Carrie April, was born and a few years later a son, Cory Lance, came along.Together, they formed a family that was rooted in Christian values, love, and discipline.Mr. Russell provided and cared for his family until his death.He unconditionally loved his 4 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren showing it not just with words, but with his frequent selfless, giving actions.
On June 1, 2008, Mr. Russell entered into marriage with Melinda Sanders whom he shared common interests with by having family members that lived in the same vicinity.Together, they enjoyed their large extended family that was formed.Mr. Russell and “Mella”, as she is affectionately known, enjoyed traveling together, going out to eat, shopping, and watching “westerns” together.
Mr. Russell was a long-time member of Heflin Baptist Church where he served as Deacon for 32 years.He was an inaugural member of the Heflin Lions Club, served in the Minden Jaycees, and enjoyed playing golf and fishing with his friends.
Mr. Russell is survived by his wife of 16 years, Melinda Sanders Russell, of Heflin; sister, Sharon Morrow and husband, Billy of Heflin; sister-in-law Judy Noles of Heflin; children: Johnny Ray Rowland, Jr., and wife Sherri of Dubberly, Jason Bryan Rowland and wife Marla of Benton, Carrie April Russell Woodard and husband Jody of Heflin, and Cory Lance Russell and Mallorie Williams of Benton; grandchildren: Madison Rowland of Haughton, Morgan Rowland Hall and husband Gray of Minden, Cade Woodard and wife Jaci of Shreveport, Cody Woodard and wife Maddie of Baton Rouge,Rheagan Rowland McMinn and husband Brooks of Benton, Pearce Russell of Benton, and Ava Russell of Benton; great-grandchildren: Remi McMinn, Stone Woodard, Garrison Hall, and Allyn McMinn; aunt and uncle, Faye and Jack Harrison of Hall Summit; step children: Bryce and Brody Lafitte, Brianne Lafitte Ivy and husband Blake; numerous grandchildren who loved Papaw dearly; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and loving companion and dog, Dixie.
Pallbearers will be Cade Woodard, Cody Woodard, Pearce Russell, Reed Waldron, Bryce Lafitte, Gray Hall, Brooks McMinn, and Anthony McMaster.
Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Heflin Baptist Church, Walter Brunson, Harold Holley, and Scott Mizell.
The family wishes to extend a huge debt of gratitude to Passages Hospice and special friend/caregiver Chasity Austin.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Children’s Ministry Fund at Heflin Baptist Church.
A call for Minden Fire Department at Webster Junior High Thursday fortunately was for something minor. Fire Chief Brian Williams said around 12:30 p.m., his department received a call for a structure fire. When they arrived, they found it was a bad ballast that had begun to smoke. By 1 p.m., the all-clear was given and students returned to class.
“Grilling on Main” 2024, the annual Minden BBQ Cookoff Festival, was the main business of the Minden Downtown Development Commission and Minden Main Street meeting Tuesday evening.
Sponsorships and contestants are still being sought for the June 7-8, 2024 event, for everything from entertainment to cornhole competition. All events, including Lil Grillers, the Kids Area, Cornhole, entertainment, food and shopping vendors, fireworks, and smacking on lots of good grilled meat, will take place in downtown Minden.
“A major difference this year falls in our People’s Choice competition, where each competitor is being given their choice of meat, which will NOT be provided,” said Main Street Director Taylor Wren. The voting public will be given wristbands for a fee and will be allowed to taste samples from the People’s Choice competitors. Once they have voted on their favorite, the wristband will be cut-off. “One winner will receive a $1,000 payout,” Taylor added, explaining that participation in this competition is optional with all team entries.
Barbecue Competitors Alliance (BCA) and local teams consist of four people with a $185 entry fee per team. Winners will receive a monetary payout with a total winner payout of $10,000. Categories are brisket, chicken, and pork spareribs.
“All contestants must follow BCA guidelines,” Taylor said. “All three meats must be cooked to qualify for Grand Champion.”
More sponsorship opportunities and event attractions will develop over the coming weeks. For more information, contact Taylor at 318-371-4258 or www.mindenla.org/gom. Interested judges may also contact Ms. Wren.
The next MDDC/Minden Main Street meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13 at 5 p.m. in the Pelican Room at Minden City Hall. This is a public meeting.
Sunny, with a high near 82. North wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Monday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Monday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Tuesday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Tuesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.
Scroll through a wide selection of amazing and cute pets and cast your vote for as many of them you feel would make the best Pet Mayor of Minden! Each vote is $5 and you can vote as many times as you would like for your favorite pet. We received 48 Candidates of the best around. It’s going to be a tight race! Every vote counts!
Click on View Details on each pet to learn more about them and why their owner feels they should win this prestigious honor.
Voting will take place May 9 – May 27. $5 per vote.
Pet Candidate Owners- feel free to save the image of your pet on our website and share to your social media accounts to ask your friends and family to vote for them!
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Minden Animal Shelter. Plans include to build a new shelter to house and protect those awaiting a forever home.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Harrington’s Communications, JDM Custom Cabinets, Rocking Rooster Veterinary Services, TG Companies, LLC, Ace Hardware, b1 BANK, Bobbies Hobbies, Buffington Veterinary Hospital, Cinnamon Creek RV Park, Gibsland Bank & Trust, Harper Chevrolet-GMC, Home Federal Bank, Mayor Nick Cox, Mike’s Hometown Spirits, Meriwether Wealth & Planning, Minden Animal Clinic, Police Chief Jared McIver, Spotless Paws, Minden Family Dental, Minden Farm and Garden, Under Dawgs Sports Grill and Yocom Law Firm.
The Webster Parish Library is redefining summer learning by introducing a brand new program – Discovery Camp 2024.
This new program will mark a significant departure from the traditional summer reading programs that most families have grown accustomed to over the decades. It will now offer many more interactive experiences, enrichment and literary exploration through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) while also keeping reading as an integral part of camp.
“As the first public library system in our area to host a STEM based camp in place of a traditional Summer Reading Program, we are excited for this revamp,” said Kim Sentell, Director of Marketing for Webster Parish Libraries. “Our parish is very fortunate to have a very forward-thinking library director, Savannah Jones, who recognized a need for a shift from traditional summer reading programs to immersive STEM enrichment experiences, which represents a strategic response to the evolving landscape of education and technology. By embracing STEM education, our libraries are not only equipping children with essential skills for the future but also fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.”
Sentell credited Youth Services Coordinator Cassidy Duck as an “instrumental force” behind the scenes. Duck has curated a lineup of special performances and programs that align with the STEM enrichment focus of Discovery Camp 2024.
Registration for camp is set for Saturday, June 8, at both Minden and Springhill locations. Registration Day will be filled with entertainment and exploration including a highlighted feature- the Discovery Dome. This dome is a state-of-the-art inflated dome theatre provided graciously by the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Registration at the Minden location will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 6 p.m. in Springhill. In order to ensure everyone has a chance to experience the Discovery Dome, registration is necessary.
Discovery Camp 2024 will offer an opportunity to also earn library bucks for every book read or special performance attended. These bucks can be traded for incentives that will further engage children to experience other resources available to them through the library system. All books read must be logged into Beanstack.
For more details on Discovery Camp 2024 and its exciting lineup of activities or for more information on Beanstack, updates can be found on the Webster Parish Libraries Facebook page or by visiting their website at http://www.websterpl.org.
A rotting spot on the end of tomatoes is called blossom end rot. It is very common on tomatoes, peppers, and watermelons. This is caused by a lack of calcium in the plant. It is a physiological disorder not a disease. When fruits are growing rapidly, sufficient amounts of calcium fail to reach the end of the fruit, resulting in a deficiency of calcium in the developing fruit.
Blossom end rot begins as a small, water soaked spot. The spot develops into a dark brown, leathery area on the bottom end of the fruit. The surface of the spot shrinks and becomes flattened or sunken. This disorder is most severe following fluctuations in soil moisture (either too dry or too wet). Remove the affected fruit when the symptoms are first observed will help to promote the good development of healthy fruit.
Well, how do we fix this issue? One way is to use calcium nitrate. Calcium nitrate is a fertilizer containing 2 important nutrients that plants need, calcium and nitrogen. Some use it when planting the tomatoes and others use it after the rot starts. One teaspoon per each plant applied to the root growing area of the plant is the rate of use. Do not apply within 2 inches of the plant stem. Water in after the application. Another application is recommended in 2 weeks. Only make applications in the cooler part of the day.
Another calcium additive is to use milk or a tums tablet. This is adding the calcium needed to the plant. They most likely won’t work as fast as the calcium nitrate. Also mulching and irrigation will help to prevent this condition. After the years crop has finished you might want to take a soil sample to check the ph of the soil. Liming the soil if needed will help as well.
So, lets get ready for the BLT sandwiches with the beautiful tomatoes that you grew yourself. Don’t forget to plant some extra for the neighbors.
Excitement is building as Visit Webster Parish announces the return of its highly-anticipated annual Lake Bistineau Spring Paddle event, set to take place Saturday, May 11 at Lake Bistineau State Park.
This immersive event offers outdoor enthusiasts and families a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscape of Lake Bistineau while enjoying a morning filled with adventure and fun. Participants will gather at the picturesque boat launch located at Lake Bistineau State Park, 103 State Park Road in Doyline, La. Check-in will commence promptly at 8 a.m., followed by essential safety instructions at 8:30 a.m., and the grand launch at 9 a.m.
Embark on a captivating 5-mile paddle journey through the enchanting scenery of tupelo and cypress trees, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the lake’s waters. With luck on our side, we may even catch glimpses of Louisiana’s diverse wildlife thriving amidst the lush surroundings.
“We’re thrilled to invite locals and visitors alike to join us for our annual Lake Bistineau Spring Paddle event,” said Serena Gray, Executive Director of Visit Webster Parish. “It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature, enjoy some outdoor recreation, and create lasting memories with family and friends.”
Participants are encouraged to bring their own kayaks, canoes, or pirogues, along with essential safety gear including life vests, water, hats and sunscreen. Following the paddle, attendees can relish in a delectable fish fry and groove to the lively tunes of Braydon Watts during the post-event festivities.
Best of all, this event is completely free of charge, making it the perfect outing for families and friends seeking a delightful morning adventure on the water.
For those interested in extending their stay, Lake Bistineau State Park offers cabin and campsite rentals. For more information on accommodations, please contact Lake Bistineau State Park at (318) 745-3503.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Lake Bistineau firsthand. Join us for a morning filled with exploration, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
Visit Webster Parish is the official destination marketing organization for Webster Parish, Louisiana. Dedicated to promoting the area’s attractions, events, and natural beauty, Visit Webster Parish strives to showcase the unique experiences and hospitality that the parish has to offer to visitors and residents alike. For more information, visit www.visitwebster.net.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum has been selected as a recipient of a 2024 Louisiana Culture Care Fund Grant administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Award amounts were based on annual operating budget. The museum falls into the less than $100,000 category making it eligible for an award of $5,000. The museum operates on a budget of less than $50,000 annually. The funding provided by this grant is designated for use toward general operating expenses such as payroll, insurance, and utilities. The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is extremely grateful to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for its continued support.
Funding for this 2024 Culture Care Fund has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Recipients include 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural organizations, public libraries, and state and federally recognized tribes with strong humanities focus, such as museums, historic sites, and archives. The Louisiana Culture Care Fund originated to support Louisiana’s cultural non-profits during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to provide this vital funding.
A familiar voice will no longer be answering calls to the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office from the public or dispatching officers to situations that might be hazardous.
After 21 years and three months of service, Lt. Terry Clark, head of the Sheriff’s Office communications/dispatch unit, is retiring and co-workers say her shoes will be hard to fill.
“Terry has made our dispatch unit a group that we can all be proud of and depend on,” Sheriff Jason Parker said during a retirement reception in her honor. “I don’t know if we can say enough about how critical this unit is to all of us, or how important her leadership has been over these years. We love you and we will miss you.”
“This has been a wonderful time for me and I certainly will miss all of you,” Clark said to a large gathering of deputies, friends and family. “I may be retiring, but I will still be seeing you occasionally. I am going to miss all of you.”
Kelli Anne Long, 43, Caney Lake Rd., Minden; arrested May 8 by WPSO on warrant for theft. Bond is set at $10,000.
Richard Blasingine, 46, Horseshoe Loop, Doyline; arrested May 8 by WPSO on outstanding warrant for cruelty to a juvenile.
Krystal Rachelle Cedars, 38, 100 block 4th St., Sibley; arrested May 8 by MPD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, missing headlight, fugitive warrant from Calcasieu Parish.
Torry Jovon Capers, 31, 300 block Weston St., Minden; arrested May 8 by MPD on outstanding bench warrant.
Anthony J. Sims, 35, 200 block N. Middle Landing, Minden; arrested May 8 by MPD on two outstanding bench warrants. Bond set at $600 cash or $20,000 surety.
Reggie E. Talton, 61, 200 block Shadows Lane, Dubberly; arrested May 8 by Louisiana State Police on charges of DWI First Offense, hit-and-run.
Jason Todd Bethany, 51, Sanders Rd., Springhill; arrested May 8 by Springhill PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), driving under suspension.
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.
Online voting open for Minden Pet Mayor. For more information and to nominate your pets, please visit https://mindenpetmayor.com/ . Contact: Ashlee Drake, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor, (318) 377-2144, ext. 433 or petmayor@mindenusa.com .
9 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Freedom Walk 2024 at Broken Bean. Sponsorships available. Registration $25 per person. All proceeds go to Minden Adult and Team Challenge. Live music, food, fun, games and more … ends at 4 p.m. Register online at www.laatc.com/freedomwalk or at Broken Bean. Call 318-382-0203 or 318-469-5393 with questions.
May 24, 25
A committee of former Thomas & Rhone Elementary School students have planned a reunion for all former students, faculty and staff. This reunion is schedule for Memorial Day Weekend, Friday and Saturday, (May 24 and 25). All activities will be held at the Shongaloo Civic Center, 119 LA 2 Alt Rd, in Shongaloo, La.
May 28-30
9 a.m. until noon, Robotics Camp. Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology Junior Camp for students in grades 3-7. Registration is free and will be open through noon Thursday, May 9. The Junior Camp is limited to 30 participants. For more information or to register, visit www.NSU.LA/ETcamps.
May 29
10 a.m. until 1 p.m. National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Minden Recreation Center. Community Health Fair with exercise demonstrations, BINGO, lunch and door prizes.
June 4-6
9 a.m. until noon, Robotics Camp. Northwestern State University’s Department of Engineering Technology Advanced Camp for students in grades 8-10. Williamson Hall. Registration is free and will be open through noon Thursday, May 9. The Advanced Camp is limited to 15 participants. For more information or to register, visit www.NSU.LA/ETcamps.
The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of May 3. All civil suits are public record.
May 3
Marcus Ray Patillo, succession over $125K, probate.
Bryan Anthony Miller II vs. Alexis Nicole Lloyd Miller, divorce w/children.
Gitsit Solutions LLC vs. Jewel Frances Clement, Eric Streetman, executory process.
Joshua Scott Stahl vs. Rudy Quinonez, protective order.
Carter Federal Credit Union vs. Gary W. Flint, monies due.
May 6
William Francis Stanley Jr., succession over $125K, probate.
Wilma Maude Chambless, succession over $125K, probate.
Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs. Conda L. Waites and Jared T. Waites, monies due.
Celishia Williams Johnson vs. Freddie Johnson, divorce.
Sylvia Sharon Thomas Edwards Schonfarber, succession over $125K, probate.
May 7
Earl Brown, succession under $125K, probate.
Tarus Duvul Williams, succession over $125K, probate.
Isiah Heath individually and on behalf of minor child, Chrishanna individually and on behalf of minor child vs. Robert Russell, M.D., Minden Medical Center, Cristal Kirby, M.D., damages.
Mary Emanuel vs. Milton Lyle Emanuel III, protective order.
Ronald Layne Schildroth, Tara Schildroth vs. Jacob Heckendorn, Carl W. Hood, Old American Indemnity Co., damages.
May 8
Bank of America vs. Tiffany Orr, monies due.
VW Credit Inc. vs. Ricky Cain, petition.
Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Debora Lindsey, monies due.
Christie Blasingime vs. Richard Blasingime, protective order.
Jacqueline Caroline Waller Boyd vs. Schuyler J. Marvin District Attorney, name change.
May 9
Stacy Malham vs. Kastasia (Malham) Kemp, protective order.
Visitation: 12:30 p.m. until service time Tuesday, May 14, 2024,First Baptist Church, Springhill.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Charlotte Logan Suggs
Nov. 30, 1939 – April 9, 2024
Lisbon/Homer, La.
Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, Lisbon United Methodist Church, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Homes.
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 44-year-old Minden man is currently locked up in the parish prison on charges stemming from an argument with his domestic partner that became violent.
Keandre Roderick Dillard, a resident of the 700 block of Plum St., is facing charges of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and domestic abuse battery with strangulation after his arrest early Wednesday morning.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said officers responded just before 2 a.m. Wednesday to a complaint that a couple was fighting outside the Plum St. residence. Officers were already familiar with that address, the chief said.
“Since December of last year, officers have been dispatched to that address numerous times with several of those calls for service being classified as disturbance,” McIver said.
Investigating officers indicated Dillard has a criminal history showing a pattern of arrests for domestic abuse battery.
McIver said officers called the suspect outside the residence where they placed him in custody out of concern for young children who were inside. Witness interviews determined the suspect grabbed his female partner by the throat and pressed her against a wall, McIver said.
“While interviewing the female, one officer observed fresh blood from minor lacerations on the left side of her neck,” McIver said.
During interviews with one juvenile, officers reportedly learned physical altercations between the couple were almost weekly events and occurred while both children were inside the residence.
Dillard is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on bonds totaling $90,000.
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.
Minden City Council passed a new ordinance Monday that will affect 18-wheeler traffic on Country Club Circle.
By a unanimous vote, the council agreed to erect “No Thru Truck Traffic” signs on Country Club Circle between Homer Road and intersections of Germantown and Lewisville roads.
Signs will have to be manufactured and that could take two to three weeks, said Tyler Wallace, Director of Public Works at the city.
“We hope to have a local company make them,” Wallace said. “Then the Street Department will put them up.”
Wallace said there will be a minimum of four signs – one at the intersections of Country Club and Homer Road, as well as Country Club and Lewisville Road. Two signs will be necessary at the corner of Country Club and Germantown Road.
“They may be custom signs; they will be larger than the signs there now, and they will have reflectors and fines for violations,” he said.
The ordinance was required, not just to post the signs, but so police and deputies will be able to enforce a penalty for traffic stops.
It applies to commercial vehicles having more than two axles or a gross weight of 18,000+ pounds and thru-truck traffic traversing city streets without commercial reason to stop.
Exemptions include emergency vehicles, moving vans, livestock trucks and trailers, farm equipment, school buses, trucks belonging to the City of Minden and delivery trucks servicing addresses within the Country Club Circle stretch.
Violators who are convicted will face imprisonment for a period of not more than 30 days or by fines of not more than $500 or by both, at the discretion of the court.
“This (Country Club Circle) is not a truck route; it never has been,” said Mayor Nick Cox. “But it’s been treated as one. The city has spent a lot of money on Country Club, and we don’t want it torn up again right away. It’s also important to keep trucks off that road because of the number of children who live and play there.”
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Thursday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind around 10 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
* Information courtesy of National Weather Service.
Minden High School is seeking a new softball coach with the exit of Shelby Leach. Benton High School announced Tuesday that Leach has been named the new Lady Tigers head softball coach.
Minden High School Principal Dr. Rebecca Wilson said the school will miss Leach, and all she has accomplished.
“At Minden High, we feel it is important for us to help not only our students, but our teachers and coaches move on and up in their lives,” Wilson said. “We are excited for her and her next step and can’t wait to beat the Tigers next year.”
Benton Principal Whitney Clark said Leach brings a wealth of experience, having played at the collegiate level at Bossier Parish Community College and Southern Arkansas University before beginning her professional career.
Leach was assistant coach at BPCC, followed by a stint as head coach at Loyola College Prep, then became head coach at Minden High School in 2021, where she subsequently led the Tide to play-off wins in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Coach Leach was also voted the All-Area Coach of the Year in 2022.
