Jackie “Shag” Ratcliff

July 18, 1954  –  February 13, 2025

Cotton Valley, La.

Private memorial service: later date.

Malinda McConnell Gore

September 1, 1956  –  February 14, 2025

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until noon, Central Baptist Church, Springhill.

Funeral service: Noon, immediately following second visitation. Central Baptist Church.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery.

Wendell Ray Boyd

February 8, 1946 – February 16, 2025

Heflin, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. February 18, 2025, Madden Cemetery, Dubberly, La., under the direction of Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold.

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

---

By Pat Culverhouse

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but one particular photo posted on social media may prove to be worth time behind bars for an Arkansas man following his arrest by Springhill police on multiple charges.

Chief of Police Will Lynd said 54-year-old Law Lawezleon Munchete Davis of Waldo has been booked on charges of racketeering, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen things and fugitive warrant from Columbia County, Arkansas.

Davis is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond has been set.

Davis reportedly was arrested earlier this week after a Springhill resident reportedly notified Springhill police that he spotted a UHaul truck and trailer which had been posted on a social media site as stolen in Arkansas.

Reports say officers found the vehicle parked at a business on Hwy. 371, contacted Davis, the alleged driver, and questioned him. While officers reportedly ran his identification and conducted a safety search of the suspect, a pipe used for smoking methamphetamines fell to the ground as he removed his coat.

Officers also found a large amount of suspected methamphetamines in a black box tucked inside the coat the suspect was wearing.

During a subsequent search of the UHaul, officers reportedly located a pair of motorcycles, one dirt bike, numerous household items and several sets of golf clubs.

Police learned one of the motorcycles had been stolen in Springhill; the other in Texarkana, Texas. Officers reportedly obtained video footage showing the suspect taking a motorcycle from a Springhill residence on Hwy. 371 and loading it into the UHaul.

A business owner in the area where the vehicle was parked reportedly told police the suspect had attempted to sell him the trailer and a welding machine.

More information came to police the following day when a victim whose storage unit had been broken into came to police with a list of items taken. Investigators identified items found inside the truck which reportedly were stolen from the storage unit.

According to police reports, Davis has a criminal history that includes several burglary and theft charges, plus charges for possession of illegal narcotics. Lynd said the investigation of the incident is continuing.

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.

---

Parade Day in Minden is no longer scheduled for Saturday – thanks to Mother Nature and the prediction of high winds and possible hail.

Both parades are now slated to roll Sunday … MLK/Black History Parade and activities will start at 2 p.m., with Gloria Smith Moody serving as Grand Marshal.

Minden Mardi Gras will begin at 4 p.m., led by Grand Marshal Sen. Adam Bass.

All the food, fun, safety and security planned for Saturday’s events – JUST NOW THEY’RE ON SUNDAY. Come out and play.

---

Bryndasa Boston, a 27-year-old black female of Minden, has an active warrant from a theft that occurred at Walmart.

Boston and her mother were arrested for not scanning multiple items at the self-checkout in March of 2024. However, Boston failed to appear in court and another warrant was issued for her arrest.

Anyone with information on Bryndasa Boston is encouraged to contact MPD Detective Lt. Jason Smith at 318-371-4226 (office), 318-268-1441 (cell) or email at  jksmith@mindenusa.com.

All information will be confidential.

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

---

Monday, February 17 is Presidents’ Day. Officially Washington’s Birthday at the federal governmental level, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and served as the first U.S. president from 1789 to 1797.

As many states and cities followed suit, some states that had been celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12 combined the two into Presidents Day.

Special thanks to Wikipedia.

---

Friday

Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 47.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

---

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

February 22

8:30 a.m. Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners, Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Proceeds used for 4-H Youth Gardening and 4-H Scholarships.

March 1

Noon, Chili Cook-off Fundraiser benefitting The Grace Closet and LaMa Animal Rescue, Sharpe’s Department Store, Springhill.

March 22

Noon  until 3:30 p.m. MVP Room Minden Rec Center, 1000 Recreation Drive, Minden, Hearts & Halos, a heartfelt and creative event honoring families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss. This free event is designed to offer healing through creativity, support, and connection. Spaces are limited to 30 attendees (plus 1 optional guest per registrant). RSVP is required to secure your spot. Register here: https://forms.gle/qwm5TLhhbNN5Ujbx9 

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/share/19MTtduPTF/

March 31

DEADLINE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Meriwether Wealth and Planning is proud to support local students by offering four (4) $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. They are able to double their scholarship offerings this year thanks to the generosity of their clients.

Applications are available at https://www.meriwether.com/resources and must be received by Monday, March 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.

---

The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Wednesday, Feb. 19:

BANE, RICKIE

99477 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

BILES, DAVID PAUL

99119 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

BRIDGES, KENDALL GARY

99236 Simple Burglary

Restitution owed to the victim- $850.00, plus $127.50 fee = $977.50 total

BROWN, ANDREA PARKER-SMITH

98042 Possession of a Schedule III CDS

BURNS, VALENCIA

99001 False Personation of a Peace Officer or Firefighter

DICK, ROBERT MCKINNEY

99336 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

FLOURNOY, DAMETRICK

99478-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99478-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99478-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

FLOURNOY, RACHEL

99499 Ct. 1 Aggravated Assault

99499 Ct. 2 Aggravated Assault

GALLMAN, LANDON MARTIN

99476-CT.1 Misdemeanor Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile

99476-CT.2 Contributing To The Delinquency Of Juveniles

GILL, D’MARCUS A.

99479-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99479-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99479-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99479-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

HENDERSON, SHAMEKA M.

99467 Theft Under $1,000.00

HICKINGBOTTOM, JR., WILLIE JOE

98575 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Defendant need not appear if balance is paid in full. Balance $108.00 as of 2/13

HUDSON, BRIAN RAYNARD

99472 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

HUDSON, BRIAN RAYNARD

97803 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

JACKSON, LADARREN

99238 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

JOHNSON, CADE B

98704-CT.1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

98704-CT.2 False Imprisonment With A Dangerous Weapon

JOHNSON, CADE B

99378 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

LYONS, TERRANCE LEE

97504 Attempted Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

MARTIN, BRANDON EVERETT

99115-CT.1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

99115-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

MIMS, ALMEYCIA

99461 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty- Eight Grams)

MURRAY, SHAVIAIRRIE JUWAN

96886 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or

Controlled Dangerous Substance

POOLE, ANDRE L.

98371 Theft Under $1,000.00

POOLE, ANDRE L.

INCOMING Monetary Instrument Abuse

RASCOE, DEVON

99217-CT.1 Simple Burglary

99217-CT.2 Forgery

Restitution owed to the victim- $825.00, plus $123.75 fee = $948.75 total

REYNOLDS, JAMES ANTHONY

98631 Home Invasion

RICE, DEREK RODRIQUEZ

99453-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

99453-CT.2 Attempted Armed Robbery

99453-CT.3 Aggravated Battery

99453-CT.4 Aggravated Battery

SEAMSTER, LATAVION K

99480 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

99480A Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

SIKES, BRENT D

INCOMING Theft Under $1,000.00

SNELL, JACOLBY TYRONE

INCOMING Accessory After The Fact

INCOMING Manufacture/Transfer/Possess Machine Guns

INCOMING Manufacture/Transfer/Possess Machine Guns

STOKES, ROSEMARY

99489 Theft Under $1,000.00

A Bond Return MPD

MISD, ATTORNEY Determine Counsel Charles Smith

UNDERWOOD, JEANETTE

98198 Theft of $5000 or More but Less than $25,000

Restitution owed to the victim per the report- $6,102.17, plus $915.33 fee = $7,017.50 total

WALKER, DEXTER D.

99472A Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

WILSON, BRADLEY MANNING

98319 Ct. 1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

98319 Violation Of Protective Order

WORTHAM, ASHUNTI D

T129924 Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

T129924A Switched License Plates

WORTHAM, ASHUNTI D

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

INCOMING Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

INCOMING Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

ZUBER, JENNIFER M.

99470 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

---

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will hold a public meeting to discuss its proposed 2025-27 hunting regulation notices of intent (NOI) on Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom.

To register for the meeting, go to https://wlf-la.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_96uzly6VRwSuNhHVXznKgw.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted notices of intent for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 hunting seasons, 2025-26 general and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) hunting seasons and rules and regulations, 2026 general and WMA turkey hunting season and rules and regulations, and 2025-26 migratory bird hunting season and rules and regulations at its January meeting. The LWFC also adopted several amendments to the NOI at its February meeting.

To view the full notice of intent, proposed amendments, all regulation changes and proposed hunting season dates for the upcoming hunting seasons, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/commission-action-items.

Public comment will be accepted through 4 p.m. on March 7, 2025. It will also be accepted at LWFC monthly meetings from now through March 6. Comments may be submitted directly to Dr. Jeffrey Duguay, LDWF Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA. 70898-9000 or 225-765-2353 or by e-mail at jduguay@wlf.la.gov.

For more information, contact Dr. Jeffrey Duguay at 225-765-2353 or jduguay@wlf.la.gov.

---

Charles Eugene Wells, 54, Sarepta: arrested Feb. 10 by WPSO for DWI third offense, driving on roadway lane for traffic. No bond set.

Phillip Floyd, 42, Highland Dr., Bossier City: arrested Feb. 10 by Dixie Inn PD for disturbing the peace/public intoxication.

Dedrick C. Erving, 33, 100 block McArthur St., Minden: arrested Feb. 11 by MPD on warrant for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines). Bond set $2,500.

Kenyaskey Moore, 40, 700 block Peach St., Minden: arrested Feb. 12 by MPD on two warrants for distribution of CDS Sch. II (crack cocaine). Bond set $50,000.

Hannah M. Yates, 32, 8th St., Springhill: arrested Feb. 10 by Springhill PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), expired vehicle registration, no insurance.

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.

---

Recently, crashes involving 18-wheelers and other vehicles have been noted during periods of heavy rain along the I-220 corridor at the I-49 interchange in Shreveport, and other interstates across the state.

In the coming weeks, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will be applying a friction surface treatment to the I-220 pavement in both directions at the I-49 interchange in Shreveport as a supplemental safety measure. This treatment will add a level of friction that helps motorists maintain better control in both wet and dry driving conditions.

Even with added safety features, it is imperative that drivers make good decisions behind the wheel, especially during wet weather on busy roadways or anytime driving conditions change, in an effort to help prevent crashes and ensure the safety of all road users.

DOTD officials strongly urge motorists to drive responsibly during inclement weather, particularly heavy rain events.

DOTD recommends the following tips to help avoid crashes and other incidents, especially on high-speed roadways such as interstates:

Slow down: Wet roads reduce traction, so you should slow your speed to maintain control of your vehicle.Increase following distance: You won’t be able to stop your car as quickly on a wet road, so keep more distance between you and other vehicles.

Brake gently & early: Avoid slamming on your brakes, which can cause your car to slide forward.

Avoid standing water: It can be difficult to determine exactly how deep standing water is, which can lead to skidding or hydroplaning.

Turn on your headlights: This increases your visibility and helps other drivers see you.

Avoid cruise control: Cruise control can increase the chance of losing control of your vehicle in wet conditions.

Pull over if visibility is low: If visibility is almost zero, such as with heavy fog or torrential rainfall, pull over onto the roadway shoulder if it’s safe to do so.

Remove distractions: Drivers should make every attempt to reduce or remove unnecessary distractions, should as cell phone use.

Never drive while impaired: Remember to never get behind the wheel while impaired, and this can include prescription medication that may affect judgment.

---

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of February 7 through 13. Civil suits are public record.

February 7

Centric Federal Credit Union vs. Unopened succession of Byron Renee Marcel, monies due.

Michael Pepper, Rachel Pepper, Jerry Phillips vs. KSA Engineers, City of Minden, Cleve Batte Construction, damages.

Connexus Credit Union for Steven Greene, executory process.

February 10

Lynda Gail Myers Womack, succession over $125K.

Richard Harmon Drew Jr., succession over $125K.

Newer LLC dba Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing vs. Myequanek Gill, executory process.

Lee Ware III vs. Emma Grace Damato, custody.

Christianna Hall vs. Timothy Hall, protective order.

Shelter Mutual Insurance vs. Delexus Sharvanta Tell, damages.

February 11

Discover Bank vs. Emily Sibley, monies due.

Discover Bank vs. Natalie N. Richardson, monies due.

Barbara J. Sparks vs. Jim David Hereford, damages.

February 12

Diedra Ansel Cobb, succession over $125K w/petition to probate.

Thomas Leon Smith, succession over $125K.

William Michael Matthews, succession over $125K.

Omeria Washingtonn Peters, succession under 124K.

February 13

Capital One vs. Bettye E. Frye, monies due.

Loshonder Marshall vs. Robert Marshall, divorce.

---

Jack Morgan Fuller

September 5, 1932 — February 10, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: Noon Sunday, February 16, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Bistineau Cemetery, Heflin.

Barbara Sue Clayton Kimble

March 23, 1936 — January 30, 2025

Graveside memorial at a later date.

Kathleen Johnson Strickland

October 17, 1958 — January 25, 2025

Inurnment: 2 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, Gardens of Memory.

Carolyn Marie Burdine Smith

January 27, 1943 — February 3, 2025

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, Williamson Cemetery, Gibsland, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

---

By Paige Gurgainers

Issues regarding a $25K grant awarded by CenterPoint Energy resulted in a heated discussion following an early exit for councilwoman Nicole Frazier at last Thursday’s City of Springhill workshop.  

According to city attorney Nelson Smith, since the grant was applied for on behalf of the City of Springhill, it was his recommendation to send the funds back due to grant requirements stating it cannot be awarded to a governmental entity, in hopes of avoiding any issues with the city and auditors.  

Frazier, who applied for the grant under the “umbrella of the city,” did it in hopes of using the funds toward establishing a tutoring/learning center in the Westside Community Center.  

“I am not here to debate, if you want to send it back that’s fine, but I was under the assumption… because I talked to the mayor about projects and making our Westside Community Center a viable place for quality of life. This is not our first conversation, it’s just public now,” said Frazier. “An email went to the mayor and went to the clerk. When I did the grant, it was not told to me that it could not be done under the city’s umbrella.” 

The center is owned by the City of Springhill, and Frazier said she could have applied for the grant under a different foundation but wanted it to be for city use.  

“I thought everything was clear,” she continued. “I did it on behalf of the city because I thought we all were a team, and we all wanted the greater good for the greatest number.”  

Frazier explained that she spoke with state representatives and multiple organizations in Springhill that expressed their interest and support for helping make this a sustainable project.  

“If I thought I was wasting my time, I would have never wasted your time and especially mine because I wanted that for our whole city,” she said. “I put it where the greatest need was. I am not a criminal. It is not personal. I have good ethics.  

“Most people that live in District 1 are poverty kids that come and go to school. That walk without a sidewalk. It is not fair. It is injustice. I work hard to make everything I do for the city shine, from every parade to every article – blood, sweat and tears,” Frazier continued. “I sit here with my colleagues that are arguably saying that something is wrong. I am not offended. I am just disappointed.” 

The city attorney, Mayor Ray Huddleston and board members agreed there were no issues with what the money was intended, but the procedure by which the grant was applied.  

Councilwoman Stacey Willard also added this needed to be done with board approval. She said, “We have to give approval. We have never discussed that you or whoever is involved in this is going to start a learning/tutor center because that is something that we are going to have to continuously fund.” 

Ultimately, it was decided the funds would be sent back to CenterPoint to avoid issues with future audits, but since the grant program has ended, they were unsure of whether the money would be accepted.  

Other issues discussed during the workshop included the unfinished Splash Pad – the contractors overseeing the completion of the project wanting more money and threatening to sue engineer John French personally – along with city vehicle usage and a pay raise for the mayor and Chief of Police Will Lynd.

---

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Sometimes growth is about connectivity, and City of Minden officials are discussing a new connection between Lewisville Road and Methodist Camp Road to make direct access easier and encourage growth.

On a recent trek to Washington DC, this was one of the projects pitched for funding by City Councilpersons and Mayor Nick Cox.

“The road would go from Lewisville, all the way back to the (Minden) airport and Methodist Camp along a high line that is currently there,” Cox said. “It would provide an extra exit for Glenbrook School.”

According to Cox, a local businessman owns property adjacent to Gardens of Memory Cemetery.

“If he so desired, he could develop that property for housing, which we need because we are really landlocked,” Cox said. “With all the growth potential Minden is seeing, we need to ‘get our house ready,’ so to speak.”

When that happens, infrastructure would be in place.

The presentation included the following:

Lewisville Road to Methodist Camp Connector Project

PROJECT TIMELINE: 26 MONTHS

The City of Minden is seeking nearly $6.4 million in federal, state, and

local funding to construct a new road that connects Lewisville Road

and Methodist Camp Road. The construction of this new road will not

only make Minden’s airport more accessible, but will also alleviate

traffic congestion, prevent crashes, and increase pedestrian safety near

Glenbrook School. The proposed roadway will stretch 1.25 miles and is

located in a growth area for Minden.

Funding & Support Needed

Estimated Funding Needed: $6,344,380.85

Traffic Counts: $8,000

Environmental: $38,600

Survey: $69,600

Preliminary Design: $48,200

Geotechnical: $28,900

Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study: $33,800

Utility Relocations: $26,700

Engineering: $698,200

Construction Inspection: $577,760

Construction: $4,814,620.85

Potential Funding Opportunities

• Delta Regional Authority Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program

• FY 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (pending inclusion in TIP)

---

It just takes perseverance. Eric Brown and Matt Alexander have been chasing down that first-place finish in the annual Minden St. Jude Chili Cook-Off for who knows how many years. This past weekend, the team of “Chili Man, Chili Man” put all the right ingredients into the pot and captured First Place Overall for 2025.

And their efforts helped raise more money than ever before for the chili competition, according to chairman Randy Stevenson. The cook-off for St. Jude took in a total of $14,139, a whopping $4,000 more than last year.

The team of “Chili of the Aegis,” led by Brian Martin and Brock Davidson, took the “Peoples’ Choice trophy.

“Best in Show” went to “Cast Iron Chili” makers Clay and Hunter Dixon.

Overall team finishers were Rick Whitehead with Team Pratt, “Recycled Chili,” second; Stewart Burson and Richard Gray, “Dixie Overland Construction,” third; “La Flama Blanca,” fourth, and “Fat Bottom Chili,” fifth.

A large crowd took advantage of the beautiful weather to visit with the 34 chili-making teams outside of the Minden Civic Center, while listening to the sounds of two well-known bands, Ben Abshire and “Mojo” and the “Beaux Adkins Band.” Tasting cups were sold for $5.

---

Love to read but can’t make it to the library? No worries—we’ll bring the library to your front door!

Our Homebound Delivery Service operates across all of Webster Parish, delivering books, audiobooks, and more every two weeks—right to you! Whether you’re recovering from surgery, have mobility challenges, or just need a little extra convenience, we’re here to help.

How It Works:

Choose Your Service: Let us know what materials you are interested in and request to join our biweekly rotation!

Let Us Curate for You: Our knowledgeable staff can hand-pick materials based on your interests!

Delivery & Pickup Every Two Weeks – No stress, just great reads!

Sign up today and let the library come to you! Visit https://www.websterpl.org/community to register and start enjoying the convenience of home delivery!

---

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 59. East wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night

A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 74. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

---

By Jessica Gorman

I started writing a completely different article, scrapped it, started over. Tuesday evening, I learned of the closing of the California Historical Society. A historical organization that has existed for 153 years is gone. They tried to save it. They failed. It’s not their fault. Its extensive collection will now be housed at Stanford University.

Did you know that museums and historical organizations everywhere are facing this same challenge? They are doing everything in their power just to survive. You know what else they are doing? They are adapting, employing new technology, finding innovative ways to share information, and they are always looking for ways to do more with less. They continue their commitment to the work despite the uncertainty that they’ll have the resources available to do it. They are understaffed and underfunded and yet they keep pushing forward.

In addition to my position as executive director of the museum, I also serve on the board of directors for the North Louisiana Historical Association. I know people involved with other local historical organizations. We all seem to share the same concerns and the same frustrations. We’re not sure what the future holds. We only know that we must do what we can.

The question has been asked if the museum is in a crisis situation. The answer is no, but the work to keep it funded never ends. The bills will always have to be paid. To be honest, right now, I’m feeling optimistic, maybe cautiously optimistic, but optimistic, nonetheless. I’m proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to new opportunities. At the same time, I see the trend. I know where we’re at. I’m acutely aware of the challenges we face and know we must meet them head on with real solutions.

So, what is the key to easing the uncertainty? You are. You are the determining factor. Museums and historical organizations need the financial support of the communities they serve. It’s that easy and that challenging, because it is completely out of our control. We can do the work, do it well, but we can’t make you want to support us. That’s your decision. In the end, the future of the museum is up to you.

Again, I’m feeling optimistic. There are opportunities I’m working to pursue and I hope you’ll join us in securing the future of preserving our shared history.

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

---

A 25-point fourth quarter explosion broke open a relatively close contest and propelled the Minden Crimson Tide to a 66-42 District 1-4A win over Northwood.

Tuesday’s win got the Tide back on the winning track in league play, upping its district record to 5-1 and 19-3 overall. Minden will try to improve on its district record Friday when they travel to Shreveport to take on Southwood’s Cowboys.

Minden’s Darnell Morris led all scorers with 18 points while Jaiden Franklin and Kameron Harris each added 11. Other Tide scorers included Christian Lofton with 9, Carmelo Smith added 7, Cameron Parker had 6 and Gerald Richardson tossed in 4.

---

Are you looking to improve your health and well-being? Come and join our Nutrition and Chair Yoga Class! This class is designed for all fitness levels and will provide you with valuable insights into nutrition and the benefits of chair yoga.

What to Expect:

•Nutrition Tips: Learn about healthy eating habits and how to make nutritious choices.

•Chair Yoga: Enjoy a gentle yoga session that can be done while seated, perfect for all ages and abilities.

•Q&A Session: Have your questions answered by an expert instructor.

Why Attend?

•Improve your overall health and wellness.

•Learn practical tips for a healthier lifestyle.

RSVP: To hold your spot, please call the Webster Extension office at 318-371-1371 or email Dr. Shakera Williams at sswilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your health and well-being. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Monday, February 24, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Webster Extension Office: 1202 Homer Road. Minden, LA

Cost: FREE

(Shakera Williams, M.P.H. is Assistant Nutrition Extension Agent- FCS for Webster/Claiborne parishes. Contact her at (318) 371-1371.)

---

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

February 15

11 a.m. MLK Black History Parade/Youth Rally, Downtown Minden.

5 p.m. Minden Mardi Gras parade rolls. Face painting begins at 3:30 p.m.

February 22

8:30 a.m. Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners, Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Proceeds used for 4-H Youth Gardening and 4-H Scholarships.

March 1

Noon, Chili Cook-off Fundraiser benefitting The Grace Closet and LaMa Animal Rescue, Sharpe’s Department Store, Springhill.

March 22

Noon  until 3:30 p.m. MVP Room Minden Rec Center, 1000 Recreation Drive, Minden, Hearts & Halos, a heartfelt and creative event honoring families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss. This free event is designed to offer healing through creativity, support, and connection. Spaces are limited to 30 attendees (plus 1 optional guest per registrant). RSVP is required to secure your spot. Register here: https://forms.gle/qwm5TLhhbNN5Ujbx9 

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/share/19MTtduPTF/

March 31

DEADLINE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Meriwether Wealth and Planning is proud to support local students by offering four (4) $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. They are able to double their scholarship offerings this year thanks to the generosity of their clients.

Applications are available at https://www.meriwether.com/resources and must be received by Monday, March 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.

---

Jack Morgan Fuller

September 5, 1932 — February 10, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: Noon Sunday, February 16, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Bistineau Cemetery, Heflin.

Barbara Sue Clayton Kimble

March 23, 1936 — January 30, 2025

Graveside memorial at a later date.

Kathleen Johnson Strickland

October 17, 1958 — January 25, 2025

Inurnment: 2 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, Gardens of Memory.

Carolyn Marie Burdine Smith

January 27, 1943 — February 3, 2025

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, Williamson Cemetery, Gibsland, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

---