Thursday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

*Info provided by National Weather Service.

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When it’s Springtime in Minden, there is plenty to do. If you’re feeling hungry the last Saturday of the month, fly down to Walmart Supercenter for the Minden Lions Club Spring Chicken Charbroil.

Beginning at 9 a.m. (until sold out) April 26, the group will be serving ready-to-go box lunches for $10.

Even if you aren’t hungry yet, they keep well in the refrigerator and warm up quickly in the microwave.

Tickets available from any Lions Club Member but aren’t necessary. All proceeds go back to the club’s community projects.

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The air was clear, the sky clean, the fried chicken forever crisp through that long-ago spring when all was new except our underwear because we were young and bold and free, the freedom coming mainly because of the faulty underwear or lack of it altogether.

There was also immaturity involved.

It was a simpler time.

This spring of new memories brings back that one and old memories, and when we say “old” we are talking memories with wrinkles, although we recall those days, THAT spring, in living color.

Those were the Salad Days, when we were young and free with good teeth, strong abs, and stretchy bladders, and Mountain Dew was cheap and easy to come by.

“Hey buddy, got a Dew?” we would ask on nearly every Lincoln Parish street corner.

“Anything for you,” the kind soul would say, and hand you not one Dew, but two.

In the sugary sweet Soft Drink Kingdom, there is nothing better than a cold Dew — unless it’s two Dew. A double Dew.

Even better? A gaggle of Dew … Or is it a bevy? Perhaps a pod … Memory fails here.

But not all memory … I smell that spring in my nose, taste it on my lips, feel it on my skin. Possibly that’s sunburn. And still …

Life was grand. If we’d have been a bell, we’d have been ringing, dawn ’til whenever.

Alas, we go from the Memory Penthouse to the Memory Outhouse for a moment here and recall it’s been 15 years this week since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, more or less, off the Gulf Coast. (We’re thinking more, not less.) More than 130 million gallons of heavy crude into the ocean.

It was called, technically, a “spill,” which is something I do with milk in my kitchen. Five million barrels of crude oil in the Gulf is more like a gaggle or bevy or pod, whatever means “a whole lot.” Ask an oiled-up pelican or sidelined shrimper if it was a “spill.”

Funny how we use words to minimize.

In a perfect, cartoon world, next time they’ll hit a Mountain Dew well and won’t be able to get it capped. Ever. You’d have fish and shrimp and even oysters jumping into boats and nets, happy as the day they were hatched. And I’d be vacationing at the Redneck Riviera right now, playing with the caffeine-laced sharks and jellyfish.

It’s good to riff like this now and then, especially in the infancy of spring, the season that invented idle thoughts and daydreams. Without imagination and hope, we’re no more than a gaggle of bear. (I know that’s not right. I think for bears it’s “pack” or “sloth.” A sloth of bears. If you run into a sloth, you’ll want to drink about 14 Mountain Dews and hustle down the trail…)

The point is, dream a little. Let your imagination tickle your innards, which, believe it or not, is the old slogan for Mountain Dew. It was even written on the bottle, when Dew used to come in bottles. “It’ll tickle your innards,” a hurriedly drawn little cartoon hillbilly was telling you. On some bottles, there was an outhouse — Lord only knows why — and a jug of moonshine masquerading as Mountain Dew, which is what moonshine was often called back home on Route 2.

Bottled drinks used to have a much higher standard of creativity.

And I used to have a higher tolerance for Dew. Today, a soft drink in this bureau is rare as a cinnamon roll or a donut. Concession to age. But every now and then, as a salute to spring or if I don’t need to sleep for 42 hours or so, I’ll pop one (actually unscrew one since we have the new-fangled tops) and enjoy the taste of a youthful, carefree spring.

Now and then, it’s good to have your innards tickled, no matter your age. Now and then, it doesn’t hurt to just Dew it.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will award diplomas during three Commencement ceremonies Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15 in Prather Coliseum.  

The ceremony for graduates from the College of Business and Technology and the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14. 

The ceremony for graduates from the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. 

The ceremony for graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Louisiana Scholars’ College will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15.  

Also during the 10 a.m. ceremony, NSU’s graduate class of 1975 will be recognized and awarded 50-year diplomas in celebration of their Golden Jubilee.  

All ceremonies will be live streamed via http://www.nsula.edu.   

For a detailed schedule, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and candidate information, visit http://www.nsula.edu/graduation. 

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

April 24-26

The Easton Hoyt Archery Shooters Association Pro/Am Tour returns to Camp Minden.

April 25-27

Highway 80 Sale. Yard sales, antiques and more along historic U.S. Highway 80.

April 26

7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Rummage Sale. Gymnasium of First Baptist Church, Minden. Proceeds go to a mission trip to No. Carolina for FBC youth.

9 a.m. (until sold out) Minden Lions Club will be serving ready-to-go chicken charbroil box lunches for $10 in the parking lot of Walmart Supercenter. Tickets available from any Lions Club Member but aren’t necessary. All proceeds go to the club’s community projects.

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Rain or Shine. Trails & Trellises Garden Tour, sponsored by Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners. Visit www.phlmg.com or facebook.com/PHLMG/  for information.

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Furry Friends Fundraiser, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, 605 Main Street, Minden. Percentage of proceeds will be donated to LaMa Animal Rescue to help with vet bills and expenses incurred from Doyline hoarding situation.

April 28

5 until 7 p.m. Manic Monday, 217 N. Main St., Springhill, sponsored by LaMa Animal Rescue. Burger, chips, pickle, drink and dessert: $12.

April 29

10 a.m. until 2 p.m.,Greater Minden Chamber Job Fair and Resource Expo 2025. Minden Civic Center. There is no charge for a business or resource provider to participate. There are a limited number of spots available. Please respond no later than Thursday, April 24. Spots are first come, first serve. Contact the chamber at 318-377-4240 or info@mindenchamber.com . Event is in partnership with Coordinating & Development Corporation, City of Minden, Webster Parish Schools, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Noon until 1 p.m. Lunch and Learn, Webster Parish Library, 521 East and West St., Minden. Dr. Mark Wilson with LSU AgCenter will present Ornamental Flowers Use in Landscape. Open to the public; no pre-registration required. Bring a sack lunch.

May 1

7:30 a.m. Minden Community House. National Day of Prayer with City of Minden. Pray with local leaders.

May 3

9 a.m. Minden Kidney Walk beginning in the First Methodist Parking lot on McDonald Street.  Registration forms are available online at http://www.mindenmedicalcenter.com at the bottom of home page or at Minden Medical Center Business Office 346 Homer Road.  Early registration $30 and after April 25 it is $35.  Students are $25.  Registration guarantees your t-shirt for event. Proceeds from race will go to Kidney Foundation. 

May 9

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Minden Civic Center. Leading Legacies, a Women in Business Event. Presented by Catherine C. Hunt, realtor, LAState Realty, LLC and Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce.

May 10

10 a.m. Check in for Ride For W.H.O. Poker Run. Cash Magic, 1011 North Arkansas St., Springhill.

May 12

6 p.m., Night at the Museum, Peggy Adkins, mayor of Sarepta will share about her life and time as mayor. Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden, 318-377-3002..

May 30

6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Seeds Women’s Center “Totally 80s Bingo.” Minden Civic Center, 520 Broadway, Minden. Sponsorships needed. Call Amber Bradford at 318-639-0907 for more information.

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

ALLEN, CHRISTIE L.

99548 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

ALLEN, LAEVERETTICA QUEVETTE

98967 CT 1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98967 CT 2 Public Bribery

Make sure forfeiture of 2005 Chevy Tahoe is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

ARNOLD, CHADWICK DUANE

98958 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000.00

Restitution owed to the victims- $4,244.04, plus $636.61 fee = $4,880.65 total

BEALE, JUSTIN CLAY

99537 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

BOYD, SCOTTY DEANDRE

99506 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

BOYD, SCOTTY DEANDRE

T-737-09 Maximum Speed Limit

T-738-09 Driving Under Suspension

BROWN, KATHLEEN NICOLE

99599 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

BUTLER, SHYANNE MARIE

98753 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

COLEMAN, MARLON T.

99328 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

CORNELIOUS, JOHN KERRY

98808 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

COX, CHRISTOPHER DAVID MARC

99385 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99385 CT. 2 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

99385 CT. 3 Speeding 16-24 MPH

COX, JAIDYN KYLE

99514 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

DUNNKING, JUSTICE

98792 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

ELKINS, LAMARIO J

INCOMING Violation Of Protective Order

FLOURNOY, RACHAEL

99547 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

FRANKS, JULIE C

99177 Simple Burglary

99177A Battery of a Dating Partner

99177B Simple Battery

FRANKS, JULIE C

98833 Gross Littering

FRANKS, JULIE C

99440 Violation Of Protective Order

GILLINS, DANYETTA R

99546 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

HALL, JALON GLENN

99384 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

HAYDEN, RONALD WAYNE

99531 CT 1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

99531 CT 2 Sale/Distribution/Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription

HILLMAN, JASON MICHAEL VAUGHN

99010A Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

Please make forfeiture of Firearm part of any plea/sentencing agreement

HODGES, TYLER KENE

99068 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

JENKINS, CARNESHA

99587 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

JERNIGAN, RONALD DAVID

99142

Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen

*BDCC OC 3/17 Trial 10/20

A Status Hearing WPSD

Holland, Hugo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl

LILES, DAVID M

99610 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

*BDCC St Conf 6/9 Trial 10/20

LOWE, MICHELLE LEE

99533 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MAKOWSKY, MICHAEL WAYNE

99242 Ct. 1 Theft Under $1,000.00

99242 Ct. 2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000.00

Restitution owed to the victim- $292.35, plus $43.85 fee = $336.20 total

MALHAM, JOSHUA W

99556 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

MANNING, JAMAREA JAYVEON

99292 Violation Of Protective Order

MAYFIELD, DEVIN PAIGE

99514 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

MENDENHALL, DARIUS JARAY

99149 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law

MILLER, IRA L.

99182 Theft Under $1,000.00

MOORE, DEMARCUS JERICHO

99054 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99054 CT. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

99054 CT. 3 Following Too Closely

PEARSON, ANGELINA M.

99602 Violation Of Leash Law

REEVES, CELESTE L.

99601 Violation Of Leash Law

SEEGERS, GARY A

99600 Violation Of Leash Law

SHINE, KAYLA

96311 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

Children are still missing school as of 4/23/2025

SIMS, JR., MARTIN WAYNE

99555 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

Please make forfeiture of firearm part of any sentencing/plea agreement

TOLEDO-COLLAZO, ERNESTO LUIS

98955 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

WALKER, JAMES LEE

99243 Ct. 1 Theft Under $1,000.00

99243 Ct. 2 Criminal Trespassing

Restitution owed to the victim- $173.16, plus $25.97 fee = $199.13 total

WASHINGTON, III, PRENTIS BERNARD

99158 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

WEIDNER, BRADLEY JOEL

99143 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WEST, JOSEPH MICHAEL

99395 Aggravated Assault

WIGGINS, CYNTHIA GAIL

99438 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WIGGINS, CYNTHIA GAIL

98682 Simple Burglary

WILLIAMSON, MICHAEL LOYD

99598 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99598 CT. 2 Speeding 11-15 MPH

99598 CT. 3 Improper Lane Usage

99598 CT. 4 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

T059923 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T059923A Switched License Plates

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

97893 Issuing Worthless Checks ($999 – $4,999)

Restitution owed: $4,218.36 check amounts + $1,665.08 fees = Total Amount Due: $5,883.44

5/13-paid $200. New balance is 5543.44 as of this date.

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

99089 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

99089 CT 2 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

99089 CT 3 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

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Demmer Franklin Price

March 31, 1956  –  April 19, 2025

Bernice/Springhill, La.

No services planned at this time.

Obituary through Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Jaclyn Elizabeth Strong

March 14, 1985 — April 23, 2025

A private graveside service will be held to honor her life.

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

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By Pat Culverhouse

Minden’s Deputy Chief of Police Tokia Harrison has been trained in life-saving techniques in classrooms, but Saturday she found herself in a position to put those lessons to use in a real-life emergency.

Harrison and MPD Officer Kendale Booker were working a security detail for an event at the Forestry Building on the local fairgrounds when a woman suffered a medical emergency.

“She just passed out,” Harrison remembered. “At the time we didn’t know if was a heart problem or something else, but we knew we had to do something.”

Harrison and Booker immediately called for an ambulance, and then their training kicked in.

“We moved the people away to give us room and began performing CPR, each of us switching places as we learned in our classes,” she said. “There was a lady attending the event who was a nurse, and she helped.”

Harrison said the ambulance responded very quickly, the EMS personnel took over and applied defibrillators. She was then transported to the hospital where, Harrison said, she appears to be recovering.

“The last time I checked she was doing OK,” she said.

Harrison said officers in the Minden police department receive annual training for certification as first responders, and just recently completed a more strenuous Tactical Emergency Casualty Care for Law Enforcement Officers training.

That training was conducted by Brian Sparks, who serves as the MPD’s Special Response Team medical officer. Sparks, who is a certified tactical paramedic, also owns SMR Training Solutions.

“Brian and his group worked us really hard in both tactics and cooperation with EMS during that training,” she said. “I didn’t know all the things he and his people were teaching us would be put to use so quickly.”

Harrison said this incident was the first time she had ever been called upon to put her training to practical use.

“For both of us, our training just kicked in at that moment,” she said. “While the EMS people were working on the lady, we were doing what we have been trained to do in cooperating with them. It worked just fine.”

Harrison said both she and Booker believe what they did Saturday evening should only be considered a part of their responsibility to Minden’s citizens.

“We were doing what we were supposed to do…doing our job as we are expected to do, and love to do, every day,” she said.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

United States Election Assistance Commission has recognized Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s office for excellence in election administration with a national Clearinghouse Award for Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining and Training Poll Workers. The office also received an honorable mention award for their “I Voted” sticker.

Webster Parish Clerk of Court Holli Vining said she believes Louisiana has one of the best election systems in the country, from top to bottom.

“The awards we win for that system are always an honor and a sense of pride for those of us who work so hard to provide honest, accurate and fair elections to the public,” Vining said.

“This award and honorable mention are incredible honors that recognize the countless hours of hard work that go into administering Louisiana’s elections,” Landry said. “I am immensely proud of my staff for implementing this recruitment program to help alleviate our state’s poll worker shortage. Poll workers are an essential part of the election administration process, and we are always looking for innovative ways to recruit more citizens to serve their communities by working the polls.”

Election commissioners are vital to the democratic process, so recruiting and retaining those commissioners is a top priority, Vining pointed out.

“We faced some special challenges last year across the state with a shortage of commissioners prior to the Presidential election. Clerks across the state, along with the Secretary of State, have begun recruiting commissioners on social media, as well as some creative efforts, such as,  sending letters to school principals to distribute to teachers and visiting college campuses or job fairs,” Vining added. “The Legislature is currently considering legislation that would increase commissioner pay which, if it passes, would go a long way toward making sure we have enough commissioners.”

Webster Parish has not experienced commissioner shortages, as some parishes.

“It takes about 160 workers to man the polls on election day, and I like to have at least 30 more available in our commissioner pool to fill in for those who can’t work,” Vining said.    

Anyone interested in serving as a commissioner can view a training video and instructional pamphlet on my website and take the test electronically.

“Before big elections we have a pre-election meeting to refresh the commissioners on important procedures,” she said.    

Also known as the “Clearies,” the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) presents awards annually to celebrate the hard work of election offices across the country. Now in its ninth year, this year’s Clearie Awards honored programs that took place during the 2024 presidential election year. The EAC is an independent, bipartisan federal agency solely focused on election administration. Submissions were judged on innovation, sustainability, outreach, cost-effectiveness, replicability, and the generation of positive results.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Here’s a reminder to dog lovers: What better place to hold a fundraiser for the Under Dogs of Doyline than Under Dawgs Sports Grill?

Owner Claudine Thomas said from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26, a percentage of their profits at the sports grill will be donated to LaMa Animal Rescue in Springhill.

“Our hope is to bring in enough to help with vet bills and expenses incurred due to the rescue of the animals from the Doyline hoarding situation,” she said.

In early March, nearly 2 dozen dumped dogs in the Doyline area led law enforcement to property on Stable Dr., where they discovered more than 70 dogs of various breeds, ages and sizes living in squalor in pens and crates. While inspecting, deputies also found bodies of dead animals, including dogs, a horse and goats.

Owners of the property, Kimberly and Adam Crowley are in parish custody facing multiple charges of cruelty to animals. Adam Crowley is being held on a $500,000 bond. Kimberly Crowley is also facing an additional charge of felony theft  with a $510,000 bond set. Their property was condemned.

LaMa’s rescue operation involved several volunteers and a quantity of animal carriers. Donations to assist in its efforts can be made by contacting the group’s web page at https://lamaanimalrescue.org/donate, and/or patronize Under Dawgs April 26 and purchase food and drinks to help.

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Wednesday

A slight chance of showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10 a.m. and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Wednesday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Thursday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Friday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

* Info provided by National Weather Service

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(A Life I Didn’t Plan, But Am Grateful to Live)

PETROGNANO, TUSCANY— Two full days off. That’s a rarity over here, and I don’t take it lightly. I spent those two days doing the kind of work I love—getting several long-simmering projects moving forward back home, catching up on Zoom calls with the restaurant teams covering new and current projects, and even watching a couple of movies with my wife, who’s here with me this spring helping lead the charge. We took time for an outstanding Easter lunch with our friend Marina and her family, then ended each day watching the sunset—cool, crisp, quiet, and better felt than explained.

This current leg of RSJ Yonderlust Tours began in early March, two days after my daughter’s wedding. No pause button. Life just kept moving. We started in Spain with a group of 25 Americans. It was my fourth time in the last four years leading a tour through that part of the world. Some of the travelers were familiar faces—folks who’ve joined me on previous tours. That always makes things easier. They know the rhythm, the way I travel, the way I host. They settle in fast.

After Spain, I flew straight to Tuscany and hosted three groups back-to-back-to-back. The first two were what I call the RSJ Yonderlust Foundational Tour. It’s the flagship. The original. The gold standard. These are the tours I’ve led for years, and they’ve become the entry point for most people who travel with me. I’ve probably hosted more than 40 of these in Tuscany alone. It never gets old.

Part of that is because of the place—Tuscany makes it easy. The land is beautiful. The food is outstanding. The people are warm and welcoming. That kind of hospitality can’t be faked. But the other part—the more important part—is the people who choose to come here with me.

The early moments for first timers are always filled with quiet uncertainty. I can see it in their eyes at the airport—so many questions still bouncing around:
Did I pack the right things?
Are we going to have enough to eat?
Will I like the other people in the group?
Is this going to feel like a forced itinerary or a real experience?

I tell them right away, “You’ve worried about enough already. From this moment forward, you have nothing to worry about. Seriously, nothing. All is covered. Everything. Lodging, meals, transportation, wine, tips, tours, guides, decisions—you name it. Just relax. Let us take care of you.”

They don’t believe me at first. That’s OK. By day three, all do. That’s usually when the questions start shifting. “Where else are you traveling?” “Tell me about the trip to Sicily.” “What’s next year’s itinerary look like?” That’s the moment they stop looking for a plan and start embracing the experience.

Those first two Tuscany tours this spring were filled with folks new to the RSJ Yonderlust family. But the third group, the one that just wrapped, was what we now call Tuscany 2.0. That tour is for folks who’ve already done the foundational tour. We stay in a different villa. We explore different towns. We eat in new restaurants. Same region, fresh experience.

What made one of the tours this spring even more special was that every traveler in the group was from Mississippi. That’s a first for me. Even on the Mississippi Tours I host, I’ve never had an entire group made up of folks from back home. It added an extra layer of comfort and familiarity. Some of the guests in the 2.0 group have travelled on six of my tours. Five of them are heading with me to Holland and Belgium tomorrow—for their seventh RSJ Yonderlust tour.

They settle in immediately. No learning curve. They know how I host. They know how we travel. It’s not a vacation anymore—it’s a reunion. And over the years, the friendships have grown deeper. I know about their kids, grandkids, hobbies, and hometowns. It’s like those long-standing childhood friendships you slip back into without missing a beat.

I’ve always valued friendship. But there’s something about this season of life that’s made me value it even more. Maybe it’s age. Maybe it’s perspective. In my twenties, I probably took it for granted. It wasn’t until I hit forty that I started to understand what really matters: faith, family, friends, food, and fun. The Five Fs. Those aren’t just things I talk about—they’re the backbone of my personal life and they guide my professional life, too. When the first four are in place—as they are in restaurants and travel—the fifth one— fun— shows up on its own.

Working with my boots-on-the-ground team, Marina and Jesse, has become one of the greatest joys of this chapter. They’re more than colleagues. They’re family. They flew to Mississippi for my daughter’s wedding in March, then immediately turned around and went back to work with me here. We laugh. We play jokes on each other when the guests are out exploring. Sometimes I feel like a fellow sibling, sometimes a friend, other times like the dad of the group. Those relationships are real, and they mean the world to me.

Tomorrow, we head to Amsterdam for the RSJ Yonderlust Holland/Belgium tour. It’s only the second time I’ve hosted that one, but it’s already become a favorite. The cities are charming, the culture is vibrant, and the food is good. But more than that, it’s meaningful because I get to work with Jesse and Marina in their homeland. Both of them are Dutch. To see them share their heritage with our guests is something special.

People often ask how I can leave my restaurants for three or four months at a time to do these tours. The answer’s simple—I’ve got the best team I’ve ever had. In 37 years of restaurant ownership, I’ve never been surrounded by a more committed, more talented, more values-driven group of leaders.

They’re not just holding down the fort. They’re carrying out our mission with passion and purpose. That mission—“to give our guests exceptional experiences through fanatical, wall-to-wall hospitality”—isn’t just a sentence on a wall. It’s something we live every day.

A few years back, we committed—really committed—to our five core values: Hospitality. Quality. Consistency. Cleanliness. Community. Once we centered everything around those five, everything changed. Two years out of COVID, our culture started to take off. The energy shifted. The results followed.

I’ve always said I love work. Some people raise an eyebrow at that, like work’s supposed to be a negative word. But outside of my family and friends, it’s my greatest joy. I don’t hunt. I don’t fish. I don’t play golf. I do restaurants and I do travel, sometimes 18 hours a day. That’s what fills me up.

I’ve told my kids for years—figure out what you love, then find a way to make a living doing it. That way, you never really “work” in the traditional sense. That’s not to say there won’t be stress or problems. But when you’re doing what you love, even the problems become chances to learn and improve.

A few years ago, I hired an executive coach named Donald Burns. He works with me and also coaches our C-suite and restaurant leadership teams through three meetings every week. He introduced me to the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen—getting just 1% better every day. That stuck with me. One bite of the apple. Not the whole orchard.

And when I think about everything we’ve built, it’s humbling. There are moments—on a hilltop in Tuscany, beside a canal in Amsterdam, or standing by a quiet loch in Scotland—when I pause and think, What a gift this is. I can’t believe I get to do this.

I didn’t plan it this way, I don’t take it for granted, and I definitely don’t take credit for it—it’s just something I’m deeply thankful to get to do, and something I’ve been blessed to share with others.

And it all comes down to people. The guests who trust me enough to spend their time and money traveling with me across the world. The partners and team members like Marina and Jesse who make the journey smoother and more joyful. The friends I’ve made along the way, many of whom started as strangers. And most of all, the people back home—the ones who keep the restaurants humming, who carry the torch of our mission, who lead with values and conviction every single day.

This work, this life, these people—I don’t take a second of it for granted.

I’m grateful. Humbled. Honored.

Onward.

Risotto

Add a teaspoon of saffron threads to the stock in this recipe and top the finished product with Parmigianino Reggiano and you’ll have Risotto Milanese. 

2 TB  Extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup Shallot, minced
2 cups Arborio rice
½ cup Dry white wine
4 cups Stock (vegetable, chicken, seafood or combination), heated
2 tsp Kosher salt

Combine stock and salt in a sauce pot over low heat,

In a heavy bottom skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and sweat for 1 minute. Add rice and toss to coat, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.

Add white wine and turn heat up, continuing to stir, and reduce until all wine has evaporated.

Reduce heat to low and slowly add hot stock, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking to the pan. Cook to desired texture.

Yield: 6 cups

(Robert St. John is a chef, restauranteur and published cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)

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A 10-run second inning helped propel number two seed Lakeside Lady Warriors into the LHSAA Division IV (Non-Select) state quarterfinals with a 17-2 win over 15th seed Ringgold Monday.

Meredith Robinson’s three run homer got the Lady Warriors big inning started, then doubles by Raleah Harris and Madilynn Squyers followed by run-scoring singles by McKenna Chreene and another double from Emily Jones piled up the runs.

Teal Austin’s bases-loaded triple had put Lakeside into an early 3-0 lead in the first inning.

Moose Jernigan earned the win for Lakeside, giving up three hits and two runs (zero earned) over three innings, striking out nine and walking one. Jayla Joyner took the loss for the Lady Redskins.

Leadoff hitter Chreene led Lakeside with four hits in four at bats. Jones and Squyres each collected multiple hits.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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By Paige Gurgainers

The Wood Ducks have taken flight again and added another band to their collection. They participated in the Easter Showdown Tournament and came out once again undefeated and with a 9-0 record for the season so far.

The tournament kicked off Saturday, April 12, in game one against the Astros. Gavin Sparks drove in six runs on four hits to lead the Wood Ducks. He tripled in the third scoring three, tripled in the second scoring two and tripled again in the first scoring one. He also managed to squeeze a double in as well, scoring one. The team continued to pile up a cumulative 22 hits in the game, winning 21 – 6.  

Their second game of the day against the Hawks they amassed 10 hits in the game with Cooper Thomas and Gavin Sparks each driving in two runs. Evan Harmon also collected two hits for the Wood Ducks in three at bats. Overall, the team had a strong golden-eye at the plate, taking home the win for the final game of the day, 10-4.  

They dove into Sunday’s games bill first against the Bulldogs. Kase Wood stepped on the mound first for the Wood Ducks, only giving up one hit and zero runs over three innings. Cooper Thomas drove the middle of the lineup, leading the team with three runs batted in and adding another feather to their hat. 

This win secured their place in the semifinals game, going up against the Hawks again in a bird to bird face off, but ultimately the Wood Ducks grabbed the victory in a walk-off fashion, 4 –3.  

They went up against the LA Prospects for their final game of the weekend. Kason Shaw was dominant on the hill, ringing up 12 strikeouts, only surrendering two hits and two runs over five innings. Shaw and Sparks were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for the Wood Ducks, with Shaw stealing two bases. The Wood Ducks came out victorious in a 4-2 win.  

The undefeated team will be playing again in the Treyson Naron Fourth Annual Memorial Tournament on May 3 – 4. The games will be held at the Lawson Bo Brandon Sports Complex in Haughton. 

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Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has announced it received more than 39,000 student applications for the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program for the 2025–2026 school year. Of those, nearly 35,000 students have been determined eligible.

The number of eligible students the program can serve depends on the funding allocation approved by the Louisiana Legislature during the current session. Governor Jeff Landry requested just over $93 million for the program in his executive budget, which would serve approximately 12,000 students.

“These astounding numbers show just how vital the Gator Scholarship is to Louisianans. With over 39,000 applicants, this program is helping parents of children with disabilities and low-income families. The Gator Scholarship is finally putting parents in the driver’s seat and allowing them to select the learning environment that best suits their needs and values,” said Gov. Landry.

Student applications were accepted from March 1 to April 15. In total, the LDOE received 39,189 applications. Of those:

• 34,848 have been deemed eligible for funding

• 81% of applicants come from families at or below 250% of the federal poverty level

• Nearly 3,000 applicants are students with disabilities

“This is among the largest turnouts for a new ESA program in the nation,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Louisiana families are making it clear—they want more educational options and the freedom to choose what works best for their children.”

Student Funding Prioritization

The LA GATOR Scholarship Program is funded annually by the Louisiana Legislature. If there is not enough funding to cover every eligible student, awards are prioritized in this order:

• Students currently in the Louisiana Scholarship Program or LA GATOR

• Students with a disability under IDEA or from families earning ≤250% of the federal poverty level

• Siblings of current LA GATOR or LSP students

• All other eligible students

If multiple students fall in the same priority group, applications are ordered by submission timestamp. Students who applied earlier within the window are prioritized over later applicants.

What’s Next

Along with waiting on a funding decision from the Louisiana Legislature, the future of LA GATOR also depends on a vote later this month by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) to extend the program’s current management contract – which is set to end in June. Already approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the contract amendment extends the current contract to June 2026 and includes the operation of LA GATOR for the 2025-2026 school year.

Families will be notified of their child’s priority status and suggested next steps before the end of April. Award notifications will be issued after the Louisiana Legislature finalizes the state budget and Governor Landry signs it into law. The current legislative session is scheduled to end no later than June 12.

Transition from the Louisiana Scholarship Program to LA GATOR

The Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) will continue through the end of the 2024–2025 school year and officially end on June 30, 2025. Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, eligible LSP families who applied for LA GATOR will transition into the new program. Early estimates show that at least 91% of current LSP families applied for LA GATOR.

LSP Students Receive Top Priority

Students who participated in LSP during the 2024–2025 school year are part of Phase 1 of LA GATOR and are designated as Priority 1 for funding.

Of Governor Landry’s over $93 million request for LA GATOR, $43 million is dedicated to cover all current LSP students.

These over 5,000 students will be the first group considered for awards once legislative funding is finalized.

If an LSP student remains at the same school, they will continue to receive the same award amount they received through LSP until they finish the school’s final grade or leave the school.

About the LA GATOR Scholarship Program

The LA GATOR Scholarship Program is Louisiana’s first education scholarship account (ESA), providing scholarship accounts to eligible students. Parents can use these funds for approved educational services, such as:

• Nonpublic school tuition and fees

• Tutoring and educational therapies

• Textbooks and curricula

• Dual enrollment courses

• Uniforms 

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

ADAMS, DEVAN KYLE

T037923 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle – Crash

AKINYEMI, EMMANUEL

T026925 Speeding 1-10 MPH

ANDERSON, ELROY

T036325Operating A Vehicle Without ProperRequired Equipment

T036325A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

ARCHER, ANGELA WIDEMAN

T002825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T002825A Following Too Closely – Crash

ASCENIO, SELENA

T036425 Speeding 16-24 MPH

75/55

AULTMAN, PATTY LUNSFORD

T036525 Speeding 11-15 MPH

68/55

BELL, KAITLIN

T036625 Window Tint

BENNETT, JOHN RANDALL

T035425 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

BOYD, CLAYTON D

T035525 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T035525A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T035525B Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

BUGGS, CHARLESSA

T036725 Failure to Use Safety Belt

COLE, ASHLEY D

T036825 Following Too Closely

COLEMAN, STEVEN

T036925 Failure to Use Safety Belt

COOPER, DANNY

T037025 Speeding 11-15 MPH

58/45

CULBERT, JR, WILSON JEROME

T037125 Window Tint

DIAZ, MELISSA

T037225 Following Too Closely

DODD, LISA

T037325 Speeding 11-15 MPH

DODSON, HELENA

T037425 Speeding 16-24 MPH

*88/70

DORNAN, WILLIAM M

T037525 Failure to Use Safety Belt

DUNN, RONNY PAUL

T037625 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

EDWARDS, ANTHONY J

T037725 Failure to Use Safety Belt

FAIRLEY, MARY L

T037825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

FEASTER, ANITA L

T037925 Failure to Use Safety Belt

FOSTER, JONATHAN KREE

T038025 Failure to Use Safety Belt

FRANKS, ROSHELLE DENISE

T038125 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

GOESSMAN, PAMELA ROXANNE

T038425 Failure to Use Safety Belt

GORDON, JR, JAMES A

T038225 Failure to Use Safety Belt

GORDON, JOHN AUSTIN

T038325 Failure to Use Safety Belt

GUILLOT, JOHN TIMOTHY

T038525 Failure to Use Safety Belt

HYMES, ASHLEY

T038625 Speeding 16-24 MPH

71/55

JOHNSON, KRISTINA

T035625 Speeding 11-15 MPH

T035625A Failure To Secure Registration

T035625B Operating a Vehicle Without an Inspection Certificate

T035625C Improper Equipment (License Plate)

*70/55

JOHNSON, OKIMO RANDELL

T001225 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

JOYCE, HEATHER

T001325 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T001325A Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

T001325B No Insurance

KING, WENDY

T038725 Operating A Vehicle With Obstructed Windshield And/Or Window View

KOCKS, DAVID

T038825 Speeding 11-15 MPH

85/70

LANGSTON, LILLLIE ROSE

T038925 Operating A Vehicle Without Proper Required Equipment

Single vehicle crash

LEWIS, JR., EDGEL DAVID

T111124 Switched License Plates

T111124A No Insurance

T111124B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

LEWIS, SHAMARCUS T

T039025 Failure to Use Safety Belt

LOFTIS, LANCE DEVIN

T035725 Speeding 11-15 MPH

T035725 Operating An Unregistered Vehicle And/Or Vehicle Without Proper Number Plates

68/55

LYONS, NIKKI RENEE

T039125 Failure to Use Safety Belt

LYONS, NIKKI RENEE

T039225 Failure to Use Safety Belt

MARTIN, MONICA LYNN

T039325 Speeding 25 & OVER

80/55

MCBROOM, CLAYTON

T035925 Speeding 1-10 MPH

*55/45

MCCAULEY, SASHA LATRICE

T035825 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

MCCURTY, JACKENDRICK

T034424 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T034424A No Insurance

MCKAY, DONNA LAWONE

T039425 Window Tint

MCKINNEY, ASIA ASHONTRICE

T039525 Speeding 11-15 MPH

68/55

MCLEMORE, ERIC

T108624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T108624A Improper Driving Left Of Center

T108624B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MELLEN, BREANNA

T056424A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MONDAY, ALEXIS GABRIELLE

T031625 General Speed Law (School Zone)

MONTGOMERY, PRENTICE

T036025 Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

T036025A Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

T036025B Operating A Vehicle Without Proof Of Insurance

MORENO, JR, PEDRO

T039625 Speeding 11-15 MPH

70/55

MORGAN, MADISON LEANN

T039725 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

OYARA, SHAUNIKA MICHELLE

T039825 Speeding 11-15 MPH

70/55

PHELPS, CHARLES DYLAN

T039925 Displaying/Possessing An Invalid Registration Certificate Or Registration Number Plate

PHILLIPS, COURTNEY KRISTINE

T040025 Failure to Use Safety Belt

PILCHER, TRAMEL

T040125 Failure To Obey Traffic-Control Signal

T040125A Unlawful Use Of A License

PILGER, PAUL J

T107224 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

T017224A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T017224B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

RAMOS, LOGAN WAYNE

T040225 Window Tint

RAMSEY, JACK CORY

T040325 Improper Lane Usage – Crash

REID, MICHAEL A

T036125 Speeding 25 & OVER

*95/70

RICHARD, AUSTIN RAY

T040425 Window Tint

T040425A Making/Issuing/Using A False Certificate Of Inspection

T040425B Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

T040425C Failure To Change Address

T040425D Prohibited Vehicle Modifications; Wheel Well

RICHARDSON, JASON RAY

T040525 Driving Left Of Center

RIETHER, LUKAS ALLEN

T040625 Improper Driving Left Of Center

ROTTENBERG, MARVIN G

T040725 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle – Crash

RUSS, JOSEPHEUS ALONZO

T040825 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SAAVEDRA, RAFAEL SANTIAGO

T040925 Failure to Obtain Special Permit

SALAS, TONY

T041025 Speeding 16-24 MPH

72/55

SHELTON, KLEANE ARMAIYA

T041125 Speeding 11-15 MPH

70/55

SHEPPARD, JAMES R

T041225 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SIBERT, JASON DANE

T041325 Failure to Use Safety Belt

SMITH, GAVEN CARTER

T041425 Speeding 16-24 MPH

73/55

SMITH, MITCHELL EARL

T102324 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

SNEED, BILLY R

T041525 Improper Lane Usage – Crash

SUMRALL, TIMOTHY SHANE

T041625 Speeding 16-24 MPH

72/55

SZUSZCEWICZ, ROBERT MATTHEW

T041725 Speeding 16-24 MPH

90/70

TAYLOR, JONATHAN RUTLEDGE

T041825 Speeding 25 & OVER

98/70

TELLIS, LATOYA D

T041925 Speeding 11-15 MPH

70/55

THOMPSON, JOHN KEVIN

T018525 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

TILLEY, BOBBY RAY

T042225 Following Too Closely – Crash

TILLEY, BOBBY RAY

T042125 Speeding 11-15 MPH

70/55

TRISTAN, CHRISTOPHER SILVA

T042025 Improper Child Restraint

WALTERS, BREANNE NICOLE

T036225 Speeding 11-15 MPH

*70/55

WASHINGTON, KANESE L

T080720 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T080720A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

WHEELER, MARZETTE EUNICE

T042325 Failure to Use Safety Belt

WILLIAMS, RYAN D

T042425 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T042425A Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

WILSON, STEVEN LYNN

T042525 Operating a Vehicle with no License Plate

WIMBERLY, MATTHEW R

T042625 Window Tint

WITHERS, CODY CHARLES

T042725 Speeding 11-15 MPH

70/55

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Are the “good ol’ days” of the Bassmaster Classic behind us? Has the Super Bowl of bass fishing lost its luster? Have we lost a generation of fans who refuse to watch a Bassmaster weigh-in? Has real time live coverage become a factor deterring people from wanting to attend the Classic weigh-in?  Here’s my perspective on whether it’s time to address some of the issues facing the Bassmaster organization. 

There was a time when the Bassmaster Classic was the event of the year in the world of professional bass fishing, and it still is but in a different manner. People around the world tune into this event as more and more top anglers continue to come across the pond and fish against the best anglers in the world.

For years, arenas were packed to the roof to watch a Classic weigh-in. Crowds up to 20,000 were so big, they had to turn away fans due to the limited capacity of the arena. It wasn’t just a weigh-in, it was a show! It was where celebrities showed up, including Presidents, to watch the best anglers in the world at the biggest event in the world of professional bass fishing. 

It was a sponsor’s exposure dream show with truck and boat wraps highlighting their company logos. Every Bassmaster Classic’s huge video board honored champions and the history of the sport. But the pinnacle of excitement was the drama of not knowing who would be leading at the end of the daily weigh-in.

Then what most thought was the greatest thing to happen to the sport of professional bass fishing, ESPN purchased B.A.S.S. (Bassmaster organization) and offered live daily coverage. This took the sport to another level, but it eliminated the suspense of the weigh-in because people already knew what each angler had based on the live coverage they watched all day.   

Even when the daily live TV coverage stopped, people switched over to the internet where live coverage continued up to one hour before the weigh-in. So, they (B.A.S.S.) once again eliminated the suspense and the drama that comes with a Classic weigh-in. 

Attendance is down for a lot of major sports across the country as live TV/internet coverage has allowed people to stay home and watch it from the comfort of their favorite chairs with their own supply of snacks that don’t cost a fortune. 

No longer do fans have to sit in long traffic jams or wade through thousands of people trying to enter a stadium. No longer are they willing to pay up to $50 for parking as host cities abuse and take advantage of people wanting to attend a Classic. It’s just easier to watch it from home!

So how can the Bassmaster organization fix this problem? First, if they are going to continue with live coverage, maybe move the weigh-ins back to the lake. Or they need to make sure the Expo show is at the same location as the Classic weigh-in so that fans don’t have to pay double parking to attend both.  

When it comes to live broadcasts, maybe they need to shorten the coverage so that fans don’t know exactly what the anglers have until they watch the weigh-in. 

If I remember right, the Classic weigh-in used to be delayed a few hours and aired at night. But with social media today, I’m not sure if that’s even possible. With respect to live coverage, you can’t put the genie back in the bottle.  

The time has come for B.A.S.S. to re-evaluate the Bassmaster Classic and how it’s being covered. While live coverage has been a game changer for the sport of professional bass fishing, B.A.S.S. now has the task of trying to figure out what’s more important — people attending a Classic weigh-in or continuing with live up-to-the-minute TV and internet coverage.

‘Til next time, keep your hooks wet, fresh line on your reels and go fishing every chance you get.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Brad Dison

As a teenager, John “Duff” Lowe was a budding pianist.  In February 1958, a friend of his from school knew of Duff’s playing ability and asked him to join his band.  With little consideration, 15-year-old Duff agreed.  Being in the band was tough on Duff.  On Sunday afternoons, the band would rehearse for Saturday night gigs which were anything but frequent, and his bandmates lived on the other side of the city.  Just to get to rehearsals, Duff, too young to drive himself, had to take two buses.  Like the rehearsals, their sporadic bookings were usually across town as well.  With his school schedule, Duff was unable to meet up with the band during the week.        

On Saturday afternoon, July 12, 1958, five months after joining the band, Duff and his bandmates went to a shop owned by Percy Phillips.  Percy sold a variety of consumer goods including electrical appliances, batteries, and bicycles from the front of the shop.  In the back of his shop was a soundproof room where Percy had a small and simple recording studio.  Bands paid a small fee to make a recording, and each song was recorded in a single take directly onto an acetate disc.  On that hot July day, Duff and his bandmates went to Percy Phillips’s back-room studio and recorded two songs: “That’ll Be the Day,” a cover version of Buddy Holley’s 1956 hit song, and an original slow-paced doo-wop song called “In Spite of All the Danger.”  Duff and his bandmates were proud of the record, but they could not afford to make duplicates.  To solve the dilemma of who would keep the record, they decided that each band member would get to keep the record for a week, then he would pass it to another member.  Duff was the last member in the rotation.   

The band was, as the expression says, going nowhere fast.  Duff tired of the long treks to and from rehearsals.  He was also missing out on the camaraderie that the other band members were experiencing during the week.  Two years after joining the band, Ricky Tomlinson, leader of another band called “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers,” heard about Duff’s abilities.  With the lure of fame and fortune, and more importantly, less bus trips, Ricky convinced Duff to abandon his current band and to join his band.  Have you ever heard of “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers?”  They failed to become household names and only lasted a short time.         

Duff became a successful stockbroker.  In 1981, Duff was looking in his sock drawer when he found the old 10-inch acetate record that he and his original band had recorded at Percy Phillips’ studio 23 years earlier.  We can only speculate as to Duff’s reaction to finding the recording which everyone thought was lost forever.  Duff eventually sold the record to one of his former bandmates, Paul, and it is said to be the most valuable record in the world.  That 10-inch acetate disc, recorded with Duff as a member of the Quarrymen, was the first recording of the band that became the Beatles.

Sources:

1.     “John Duff Lowe – Piano,” The Original Quarrymen, accessed April 20, 2025, http://www.originalquarrymen.co.uk/html/duff.html.

2.     “The Percy Phillips Studio Collection,” International Beatle Week, accessed April 20, 2025, https://www.internationalbeatleweek.com/special-events-percy-phillips/.

3.     “The Quarrymen – That’ll Be The Day,” Youtube, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/R4_LMMKq8Hw?si=_xdGsglSsFxWO_yf.

4.     “In Spite of All the Danger – The Quarrymen,” Youtube.com, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/RuuOAA9ekbg?si=qWnhgZc9v5EqIisZ.

5.     The Daily Telegraph, August 18, 1981, p.8.

6.     The Westmorland Gazette, September 7, 2017, p.M73.

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

April 24-26

The Easton Hoyt Archery Shooters Association Pro/Am Tour returns to Camp Minden.

April 26

9 a.m. (until sold out) Minden Lions Club will be serving ready-to-go chicken charbroil box lunches for $10 in the parking lot of Walmart Supercenter. Tickets available from any Lions Club Member but aren’t necessary. All proceeds go to the club’s community projects.

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Rain or Shine. Trails & Trellises Garden Tour, sponsored by Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners. Visit www.phlmg.com or facebook.com/PHLMG/  for information.

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Furry Friends Fundraiser, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, 605 Main Street, Minden. Percentage of proceeds will be donated to LaMa Animal Rescue to help with vet bills and expenses incurred from Doyline hoarding situation.

April 28

5 until 7 p.m. Manic Monday, 217 N. Main St., Springhill, sponsored by LaMa Animal Rescue. Burger, chips, pickle, drink and dessert: $12.

April 29

10 a.m. until 2 p.m.,Greater Minden Chamber Job Fair and Resource Expo 2025. Minden Civic Center. There is no charge for a business or resource provider to participate. There are a limited number of spots available. Please respond no later than Thursday, April 24. Spots are first come, first serve. Contact the chamber at 318-377-4240 or info@mindenchamber.com . Event is in partnership with Coordinating & Development Corporation, City of Minden, Webster Parish Schools, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Noon until 1 p.m. Lunch and Learn, Webster Parish Library, 521 East and West St., Minden. Dr. Mark Wilson with LSU AgCenter will present Ornamental Flowers Use in Landscape. Open to the public; no pre-registration required. Bring a sack lunch.

May 1

7:30 a.m. Minden Community House. National Day of Prayer with City of Minden. Pray with local leaders.

May 3

9 a.m. Minden Kidney Walk beginning in the First Methodist Parking lot on McDonald Street.  Registration forms are available online at http://www.mindenmedicalcenter.com at the bottom of home page or at Minden Medical Center Business Office 346 Homer Road.  Early registration $30 and after April 25 it is $35.  Students are $25.  Registration guarantees your t-shirt for event. Proceeds from race will go to Kidney Foundation. 

May 9

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Minden Civic Center. Leading Legacies, a Women in Business Event. Presented by Catherine C. Hunt, realtor, LAState Realty, LLC and Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce.

May 12

6 p.m., Night at the Museum, Peggy Adkins, mayor of Sarepta will share about her life and time as mayor. Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden, 318-377-3002..

May 30

6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Seeds Women’s Center “Totally 80s Bingo.” Minden Civic Center, 520 Broadway, Minden. Sponsorships needed. Call Amber Bradford at 318-639-0907 for more information.

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Shameka Lachelle Cain, 46, Camelot Dr., Springhill: arrested April 21 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. II (cocaine), on outstanding warrant for failure to appear (theft). Bond set $5,000.

Lapatrik Joe Lister, 45, 700 block Plum St., Minden: arrested April 22 by WPSO on warrant for resisting an officer. Bond set $10,500.

Samuel Harding, 30, Magnolia Rd., Rodessa: arrested April 21 by WPSO on warrants for additional charges of resisting arrest, possession of CDS Sch. III. Already remanded by judge to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for resisting by force (two counts), failure to appear, introducing contraband into penal facility, resisting by force with injury, possession CDS Sch. I. Total bond set $107,500.

Kenneth Edwards King, Jr., 50, 400 block Bayou Oaks Dr., Minden: arrested April 21 by Minden PD on fugitive warrant from Panola County, TX. No bond set.

Precious M. West, 40, 100 block Squire St., Minden: arrested April 21 by Minden PD for failure to return a leased vehicle, multiple outstanding warrants. Bond set $10,000.

Kayla Dishon Shine, 33, 700 block Columbia St., Minden: arrested April 21 by Minden PD on multiple warrants, fugitive from WPSO. Bond set $1,000.

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.

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Linda Wimberly Galicia

August 20, 1946 — April 20, 2025

Minden, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Wimberly Cemetery in Ringgold, La. under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana.

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

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By Pat Culverhouse

What began as a physical confrontation in the parking lot of a Shreveport Rd. business just after 9:30 p.m. Friday has landed a Minden man in the parish jail for allegedly stabbing his opponent.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said 35-year-old Jaquario O. McGlothern, a resident of the 500 block of Verdis St., is charged with aggravated second degree battery as a result of the incident.

Officers reportedly were dispatched to the 1400 block of Shreveport Rd. to investigate a reported fight and upon arrival found a man suffering from stab wounds to his left arm and check. The officers were told the suspect had fled into a wooded area behind the business.

MPD Sgt. Anthony Miller reportedly pursued and observed the suspect as he emerged from the woods and entered a yard on Weston St. McGlothern reportedly was quickly taken into custody without incident.

During their investigation, officers learned store employees had witnessed the altercation and identified McGlothern as the aggressor.

McGlothern reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $50,000 bond.

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

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By Marilyn Miller

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”  Colossians 3:17

The annual “Good Friday Cross Carry,” sponsored by the Men and Women of Courage of Webster Parish, focused its efforts on Downtown Minden in 2025.

The day started at 7 a.m. with a Burrito Breakfast for all, served beneath the Ash tree. At 7:30, “We walked throughout Downtown Minden with a cross (two actually) as Christians united in Jesus,” said one of the organizers, Chris Plants. “We prayed for people and businesses, showing and speaking about Jesus in the public.”

Different speakers delivered the Word of God beneath the Ash tree until about 6 p.m.

At one point, the walkers ran into Phillip, a homeless, hungry man. They discovered that he had a family in El Dorado, AR, so they took him there (see video on Chris Plants’ Facebook page).

Also, during one stop at the Ash tree, the 10^th weekly drawing took place. Brian and Barbara Still’s ticket was drawn from the hopper. They are now owners of a Remington 700 SPS 30.06. According to drawing chairman Kevin McCann, funds from the drawings are used to finance the wheelchair ministry, Bible distributions, Civic Center rentals, and more.

The “Good Friday Cross Carry 2025,” interspersed with short messages from God’s Word, ended at 6 p.m.

Thanks were extended to the City of Minden, the Minden Police Department, food preparers, and to all those who joined in the walk, spoke God’s Word, and delivered the Cross from door to door and person to person.

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