United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:
Food: crackers, powdered milk, Ramen noodles, spaghetti, soup, cornbread mix, biscuit mix, rice
Household goods: sheets, towels
Clothing: men’s shoes
Thank you for supporting UCAP!
UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.
Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Our slate of Officers, Board Members, and Advisory Board Members will be presented for the 2025-2026 term, and a memorial service will be conducted for society members who have passed away since our last meeting.
This year’s guest speaker will be Justice Jay B. McCallum, Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Justice McCallum is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He also holds a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a delightful speaker, combining humor with an always meaningful message.
Following the meeting, refreshments will be served at the Stagecoach Trail Museum. We look forward to welcoming our Society Members and guests!
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.
President Trump has stated numerous times that “I am going to return your country to you … I’m going to give you back your country!” What he has done to achieve that goal in a mere 17 days is astounding.
Let me recap his dizzying pace:
He demanded Mexico stop illegal immigration into the U.S and block the river of fentanyl. Mexico initially appeared to resist then quickly folded. Canada, with its flaccid, idiotic prime minister also initially resisted Trump demands, then quickly folded. Panama immediately agreed to reduce the Chinese influence in the Panama Canal. Venezuela and Colombia tried to appear defiant but soon submitted. Venezuela has even returned 6 American hostages.
The anti-American U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is on its way out. It’s wasteful and shameful spending is too lengthy to document. Here are only a few examples of the waste and abuse:
$1.5 million to “advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Serbia’s workplaces and business communities,”$70,000 for production of a “DEI musical” in Ireland, $2.5 million for electric vehicles for Vietnam, $47,000 for a “transgender opera” in Colombia,$32,000 for a “transgender comic book” in Peru, $2 million for sex changes and “LGBT activism” in Guatemala,$6 million to fund tourism in Egypt, hundreds of thousands of dollars for a non-profit linked to designated terrorist organizations, millions to Eco Health Alliance—which was involved in research at the Wuhan lab, hundreds of thousands of meals that went to Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters in Syria, funding to print “personalized” contraceptive birth control devices in developing countries, hundreds of millions of dollars to fund “irrigation canals, farming equipment, and even fertilizer used to support the unprecedented poppy cultivation and heroin production in Afghanistan,” benefiting the Taliban.
The list goes on and on—and has all been happening for decades!
The fifty-one former intelligence officials who lied about the Hunter Biden laptop prior to the 2020 presidential election have all had their security clearances revoked. Trump this week also banned men from competing in women’s sports.
Being scrutinized are many of the FBI agents who participated in the weaponization against Trump, the J6ers, pro-lifers, Catholic churches, and parents—who were deemed “domestic terrorists”—of public-school students who challenged the forced masking and vaccinations of their children during Covid and the existence of Woke, pornographic and transgender literature in public school libraries.
The Department of Education (DOE) is on the chopping block. The DOE has not been primarily focused on educating students in decades but, instead, upon indoctrinating students with Critical Race Theory madness.
Further, thousands of federal employees have been offered a buyout package but they are leaving one way or the other.
Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader was with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and, with his typical bluntness, Trump made clear that Israel will be protected, and that the Gaza Strip will become something entirely different but never again the killing fields it has been for decades.
Trump has also reimposed harsh sanctions against Iran such that it will no longer be funding terrorist proxy groups but also said he would like to come to some sort of an agreement with Iran. However, under no circumstances will Iran possess a nuclear weapon. He further exemplified what courage and leadership look like when someone asked Trump about the continuing efforts of Iran to have him assassinated. His response was epic. He stated he had already given instructions and that if Iran assassinated him “that country will be obliterated. There won’t be anything left.”
We’ve never had an American president who successfully shrunk the size of the federal government or significantly diminished its oppressiveness in our lives. I doubt the lawsuits being filed in opposition to these executive actions will get very far because the changes Trump is making fall within his core constitutional powers as the head of the Executive Branch and Commander in Chief.
This is an historic time for us to witness and be alive. There is no doubt that the relentless prayers of millions of us have put our nation in this very hopeful position. May God continue to guide, bless, and protect this nation He ordained and may the world be blessed and uplifted by the strong presence of America to which President Trump literally gives his life to ensure President Lincoln’s dream: That our,
“Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth.”
(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana. He has witnessed up close several Speaker races. He can be reached at RoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com .)
Maurico D. Murphy, 35, 100 block Katie Lane, Minden: arrested Feb. 5 by MPD on six outstanding warrants. Bond set $1,500 cash or $20,000 surety.
Steven C. Olmstead, 74, 100 block Curtis St., Cotton Valley: arrested Feb. 6 by Louisiana State Police for DWI third offense. Bond set $10,000.
Tevin Mack, 30, McIntyre Rd., Dixie Inn: arrested Feb. 7 by WPSO on two counts criminal neglect of family, driving under suspension, failure to use seat belt. Bond set $1,500.
Teadrein R. Burris, 27, 800 block Peach St., Minden: arrested Feb. 7 by MPD for disturbing the peace, criminal trespass. Bond set $1,250.
Dexrech F. Douglas, 48, Lewis Ave., Cotton Valley: arrested Feb. 7 by Cotton Valley PD for simple burglary. Bond
set $30,000.
Latanya Hawkins, 44, 100 block Kennon Pit Rd., Heflin: arrested Feb. 7 by MPD on outstanding warrant/fugitive from MPD. Bond set $500 cash.
Caleb McNeil, 34, Horseshoe Loop, Doyline: arrested Feb 10 by WPSO for contempt of court. No bond set.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.)
For the third time in history, Minden will be sending more than $2 million to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of the sick children treated there.
As the auction came to a close Sunday, the total collected from the four-day long event was $2,320,036.
Co-Chairs Melissa Brown (left and Laura Hollingsworth did the honors of presenting the check Sunday night.
Be sure to see Webster Parish Journal’s Tuesday publication for a slide show recap and story of the weekend.
The City of Minden has issued a boil advisory for the customers on the 100 Block of Ewell St., all of George St., all of Plum St., all of Peach St., all of Hill St., all of Dianne St., and all of Harris St. due to a broken water main from aging infrastructure. Mayor Nick Cox said crews worked on it all day Saturday and on into the dark of night. It is now repaired, but residents should still boil until the water has been tested and residents notified it is safe.
By Marilyn Miller
Many things about the Minden St. Jude Auction have changed over the past 50 years. But some things will always remain the same.
“I look at all the things that are still in play, but are bigger and better,” said Cynthia Garrison Payne, who served a 10-year stretch as chairman of the Minden Auction starting back in the late 1980’s. “I started the second year that the auction took place at the Minden Civic Center,” she recalled. “Pete Treat and Pam Loftin were co-chairmen when it started (in 1976 at KASO Radio).”
Cynthia was soon joined by John C. Campbell as co-chairman…and the names then started coming…Pattie and Charlie Odom, Jeanette Green (finances), Chuck and Nancy Hines, Jenell Fox, Donna and Tim Greer, Lucy Dickinson, Pat Culverhouse, Phil and Anne Demaline, Brad and Charlotte Reynolds, Andy Nelson, Kenneth Greer and many more.
“Charlotte Reynolds has been associated with the auction for the longest number of years,” she added. “And I know there were so many more. We just had a great time. Oh, Andy Nelson was somebody we couldn’t do without. He was the only cameraman we had…he was always there. Phil and Kenneth Greer did the boards.”
There was close to 30 “volunteers” back in the late 1980s. There are 400 today.
The City of Minden gives more per capita to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital than any other entity in the United States. And according to Cynthia, it’s been that way since early on. “That’s raised and collected…it’s been like that.”
“We would stay a month collecting all the money,” she recalled, “Because everything was done by hand.” Yes, the bids were taken by hand over phones that the workers supplied. “We’d tell everybody, don’t forget your phone. Then we’d take them and plug them in. And this was before everyone had cell phones and computers.” And, of course, there was no internet.
Not having the internet is one of the biggest differences in the auctions today and those 30 to 40 years ago. People couldn’t be reached as they can today.
When the local cable company started broadcasting the auctions, John C. Campbell told Cynthia that she had to go on the air, after all, she was a chairman. Cynthia said, “no way,” but he finally won. “After 10 minutes, John said that’s enough,” she laughed.
Most fund-raisers last a maximum of 10 years. How has the Minden St. Jude Auction hung on for 50 years? It’s tragic to say, but there has been a high incidence of children with cancer in Minden for the last 50 years. “And Minden rallies around its children.”
For instance, St. Jude’s always picked the auction dates for Minden. Then, one year, the date landed on the same weekend as the Super Bowl.
“We just knew we weren’t going to do well that year. Not everybody had cable,” Cynthia recalled. “But then Denise Whaley, a twin and the daughter of Toby and Susan Whaley, died after spending about two weeks at St. Jude’s.” Susan was working for KASO Radio at the time.
Minden did as Minden does, it came together and supported the Whaley family by supporting the auction. Cora Lou Robinson, a rabid supporter of the auction, painted a portrait of the Whaley twins and it was auctioned off, with the understanding that the painting would be given to Toby and Susan.
However, the name of the bidder who won wasn’t readable (remember, everything was done by hand). Cynthia called the phone number on the bid sheet and found out the winners were Greg and Samantha Beech of Shreveport. Not only did they donate the portrait to the Whaley family, they have volunteered every year since.
Denise Whaley. Stanton Haynes. Brock Castle. Justin Morris. And too many more have fallen victim to childhood cancers. Most of those cancers are curable today. And there have been success stories as well.
Raising money for St. Jude’s happens in various ways, from Chili Cook-offs, with Susan Whaley’s Sunday School Class at First Methodist supplying the back-up chili to stretch sales, to every school in south Webster Parish collecting yearly, starting with Cora Lou Robinson’s classes at Richardson Elementary.
“I attribute what the schools raise today to Cora Lou,” Cynthia noted. And the success of the chili cook-offs can in large part be attributed to George French.
Cynthia remembers the time that she got a call from an “older” woman, who told her she wanted to make a contribution, but Cynthia would have to pick it up. “She told me she’d been hiding the money from her kids and grandkids. It was over $200, which was like $1,000 to you and me.”
One year there was a piano that had to be picked up in bad weather. The job got done, and it was a beautiful piano. The first raffle was A Teddy Bear.
Cynthia, who is in remission from cancer, says that she looks at childhood cancer differently because of her experience. “The chemo…the radiation. I can’t imagine sending my child to go through what I did.”
The former chairman of the Minden St. Jude Auction is the daughter of the late Richard B. and Vesta Garrison. Her grandfather, William Richard Garrison, and her father, were both tax assessors for Webster Parish. Her dad served over 40 years. She had one brother, the late William R. (Dickie) Garrison.
She is married to Joe Payne, and they have two sons, Adam Payne and Daniel Payne. Joe has worked in Materials Management at Minden Medical Center for over 20 years. Cynthia is a 1976 graduate of Minden High School, and she attended Louisiana Tech University.
“You cannot say enough good things about St. Jude’s,” Cynthia said. “You hear it’s a happy place, which is hard to believe, but it’s true. And they think Minden is a special place.”
Which we are.
By Paige Gurgainers
There is no denying that the Minden St. Jude Auction is an “all hands-on deck” outfit with many working parts going on behind the scenes. It takes all kinds to make this auction successful year after year. Two of the OGs, Charlotte Reynolds and Annette McDaniel, have filled multiple roles since the inception… 50 auctions ago.
Auction chair Laura Hollingsworth describes the duo as being anchors for their team.
“Annette and Charlotte are the longest working volunteers up here. They are two very special ladies and love the St. Jude mission with all their hearts,” she said. “We are blessed beyond measure to have them.
Charlotte can be found sitting behind a computer inputting raffle item bids (probably grateful that she no longer must do it by hand) while Annette is busily taking care of the paperwork that ensues following the announcements of the ones winning all the raffles.
When speaking to these two there is no denying the leaps and bounds the auction has experienced over the last five decades.
“I started working at the auction during the first one,” said Annette. “Mr. Pete Treat came to the Lion’s Club and asked us if we would be interested in helping him do a fundraiser after his child passed away.”
Unknowing at the time that she would be able to relate to his story many years later when her own great-grandson, Brock, would be diagnosed.
Annette frequented St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital while Brock was being treated and was amazed at the differences since her first visit.
“When I first went to St. Jude the kids were behind plexiglass. They were not allowed to touch their loved ones while they were being treated,” she said. “After years of research by the hospital, they are now able to walk up and down the halls and participate in a ton of activities. If you’ve never been or had a child go there, you cannot imagine what that place is like. The best thing is that none of it costs the patient one thin dime.”
St. Jude provides the patient and their families with treatments, transportation, food, housing and much more. They can provide these services at no cost due to donations made by the Minden St. Jude Auction and other supporters throughout the year. It costs approximately $1 million dollars a day to run the facility.
“I never imagined we would make $1 million much less $2 million,” said Annette. “But every donation counts. No matter how big or how small.”
She reflected on the amount that was raised during their first year raffling off everything from Cokes, cakes and covers. She said, “It was just a tad over $25K I believe.”
Charlotte, who began volunteering at the auction when it was still taking place at the radio is fully aware of the work that began Thursday as the auction kicked off.
“After the auction every year, I am so tired, but me being tired for a week is nothing compared to what those kids and their families go through as they are being treated for cancer,” she said. “So, me being tired is worth it. We know why we are up here…it’s for the children.”
The auction will run until Sunday, February 9. You may visit on-site at the Minden Civic Center, or tune in LIVE on KASO-AM 1240 or KBEF-FM 104.5, Optimum cable channel 11 or watch through live stream on the website: www.mindenstjude.com .
By Pat Culverhouse
A pair of parades scheduled to wind through Minden streets Saturday, Feb. 15 will be under close scrutiny by local agencies to ensure the safety of both participants and anticipated crowds.
Officials from the Minden Police Department, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security, Ward Marshal’s Office and the City of Minden met Thursday to organize a security game plan for the MLK Black History Parade/Youth Rally and Mardi Gras parades, both scheduled the same day.
Plans include closing nearly 40 city street intersections along the parade routes, securing major intersections with obstacles to discourage potential vehicle intrusion and traffic control once the events are completed.
Routes to redirect traffic during parades have also been outlined, and exit routes after the parades have ended have been identified. Plans also have been made to ensure all agencies are on the same radio frequencies.
“One thing to remember is the tragedy that occurred in New Orleans was after the parade had ended. We would want to focus on what we need to do to maintain a presence for a period of time after these are over,” said Brian Williams, Webster Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said his department, in conjunction with Homeland Security and the Sheriff’s Office, could provide drone coverage of the parades to add another layer of security.
“This would give us a different view of things…it would allow us to see the areas that are congested and might need extra patrolling,” he said.
Officers in marked cars will be manning intersections, and side-by-sides from city police and Homeland Security will be constantly monitoring the parades. First responders will also be on hand at the staging area at Minden Presbyterian Church’s parking lot on Broadway.
“We want to be sure our presence is known,” McIver said.
Taelor Hamsher, 33-year-old white female, is wanted for allegedly battering a co-worker during a verbal altercation at their job in May, 2024.
Anyone with information on Taelor Hamsher 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.
By Bonnie Culverhouse
It may be a while before City of Minden officials see the fruits of their recent trip to Washington DC, but seeds were planted with federal departments that should help with much-needed projects to see Minden grow.
One way to grow is with a good water system.
Mayor Nick Cox and city councilmen Andy Pendergrass, Carleton Myles and Michael Roy took a flight to the nation’s capital to discuss funding for Phases 2 and 3 of a planned water project.
Phase 2: Miller Quarters Water Trunk Replacement Project
The city is seeking nearly $2.5 million in federal, state and local funding to replace a 100-year old 10” water main, which connects downtown Minden’s elevated water tank to the city’s water treatment plant.
This water main is looped from two different directions to provide resiliency to the city’s distribution network but is unable to continue to meet the needs of Minden’s 11,248 residents, 4,817 households and nearly 400 businesses. The Miller Quarters Water Trunk Replacement Project stretches from the water treatment plant to downtown or approximately 5,600 feet.
Project timeline is 16 months
Funding & Support Needed
Estimated Funding Needed: $2,456,000
Construction: $1,992,100
Engineering: $166,000
Topographic Surveying: $7,500
Boundary Surveying (if required): $9,500
Right-of-Way Acquisition (if required): $15,000
Project Representation: $66,500
Contingencies: $199,400
Potential Funding Opportunities
• U.S. Economic Development Administration
Public Works Program
• FY 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending
Phase 3: Main Street Water Trunk Replacement Project
For this phase – at a much laster date – The City of Minden is seeking more than $1.96 million in federal, state and local funding to replace a century-old 10” water main, which connects downtown Minden’s elevated water tank to the city’s water treatment plant.
This water main is looped from two different directions to provide resiliency to the city’s distribution network. The Main Street Water Replacement Project stretches from Miller Street to downtown or approximately 1,500 feet.
“This is the nightmare phase that no one has ever wanted to tackle,” Cox said. “But we are having water issues in that area. We are going to have to bite the bullet and do it. That line is getting brittle and keeps breaking.”
Project timeline is 18 months
Funding & Support Needed
Estimated Funding Needed: $1,961,000
Construction: $1,581,100
Engineering: $134,000
Topographic Surveying: $7,000
Boundary Surveying (if required): $9,000
Right-of-Way Acquisition (if required): $15,000
Project Representation: $56,500
Contingencies: $158,400
Potential Funding Opportunities
• Delta Regional Authority Community
Infrastructure Fund
• FY 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending
Minden’s contingency, along with lobbyist Alex Holland requested aid for several projects that could actually be funded by more than one department in a layering move referred to as “Capital Stacking.”
Cox said with Holland’s help, the group made presentations to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development and Delta Regional Authority.
Already funded and in the works is Phase 1, replacing the 100-year-old Shreveport Road water main.
In October 2024, City Hall received word of a $509,000 grant to fund most of the Shreveport Road water main.
The city originally budgeted $650,000 of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to replace the Shreveport Road water main from the railroad tracks to the water tower.
States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) is a competitive grant program through Delta Regional Authority provides direct investments for basic public infrastructure.
With this grant, only a portion of the budgeted ARPA money will be needed, which means the rest can be used for other projects.
City of Minden Public Works Director Tyler Wallace said bids for the Shreveport Road project will be opened at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 26.
“It’s possible the council will be able to vote to award the project at the March meeting,” he said.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night
Increasing clouds, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saturday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Sunday
A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.
Sunday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Monday
A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
* Information provided by the National Weather Service.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15, downtown Minden will be the site of MLK/Black History Parade celebration and a fun-filled day.
This year the parade will have 40 entries including seven bands for the fan-favorites’ Battle of the Bands. Competing are Minden High, Webster Junior High, Mansfield High, Woodlawn and Green Oaks from Shreveport as well as Ridgewood Band and Arcadia High School. Judges will be Jasmine Cooksey, LaGatha,D.Coleman McCoy.
Local vendors will be on-hand and the Youth Rally with Scholarship Winners will take place.
Gloria Smith Moody will serve as Grand Marshal of the parade.
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Mrs. Moody has spent a lifetime dedicated to education, Black history and civic engagement, leaving an enduring impact on countless students and community members.
Growing up in a hardworking family, the daughter of Thomas and Ollie Mae Smith, she was one of eight siblings—five brothers and two sisters.
A proud graduate of Scotlandville High School, Class of 1961, Mrs. Moody achieved the prestigious honor of Salutatorian. She continued her education at Southern University, earning her Master’s degree and Plus 30 in History and Library Science. Her love for history—especially Black history and civics—would become the foundation of her teaching career.
In 1967, at just 23 years old, Mr. Leon Hayes recruited Mrs. Moody to teach at Webster High School.
She was instrumental in launching the Veterans Program at Lakeside Jr. High, ensuring that veterans—especially Black veterans—were recognized and honored for their service. She also led the 4-H program, inspiring students to be engaged citizens.
Even in retirement, Mrs. Moody remains a fierce advocate for Black history education. On her 75th birthday, she personally purchased and distributed more than 75 Black history books to families in the community. She has also donated books to local schools in Webster Parish and maintains a personal Black history museum in her home. Her motto is simple but powerful: “History repeats itself.”
Entries are still being accepted for the parade. Click here to sign up: https://bit.ly/2025MindenMLKBlackHistoryParade .
Stressing over your Super Bowl pick?
Don’t. It’s the Philadelphia Eagles. No three straight championship rings for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Surely you’re frustrated by how the NFL striped shirts seem to give Patrick Mahomes and pals break after break after break. Chill. Change is coming.
Ticked off about the Luka Doncic trade? Relax. Luka Legend will be back in the DFW Metroplex soon, playing for the home team.
I’m not saying the Chiefs might not outscore the Eagles Sunday night in New Orleans. In the process, it seems inevitable that Mahomes and his homies will get a helpful call or three – despite NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell trying to claim impartiality by the guys with flags and whistles.
Get a good look at Luka in Lakers’ gear. But don’t get used to it.
And if you winced Sunday when you heard the news that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, supposedly signaling six more weeks of winter, give me a break.
Because I fully expect President Trump to give us a break.
Before he headed out for the tour of Inaugural Balls two weeks ago, 47 began rolling out far-reaching executive orders, fulfilling campaign promises, creating high anxiety among the opposition and in some cases, befuddling constitutional scholars.
He’s treating the status quo like Play-Doh.
He’s confronted Canada. And Denmark. And Venezuela, Columbia, the European Union, and Mexico. He is suggesting our neighbors to the north would make a fine 51st state. Greenland should be our land.
Our country voted for change, and we’re getting it in blizzard proportions.
So far, he’s focused on governmental priorities and his political agenda, as everybody expected.
But considering the major stories in the sports world, it’s only a matter of time. And he’s not wasting any.
President Trump once owned a pro football franchise, the USFL’s New Jersey Generals, and made several attempts to buy an NFL team – Dallas, New England, Buffalo and Baltimore were targets.
As sure as the Manning brothers will be in more than one commercial this weekend, DJT is not steering clear of sports.
Regardless of the final score Sunday night, he will decree the Eagles are champions. He’s used that strategy previously.
This time, there’s dual purpose in the rationale – even though Philly’s not his favorite city, he did graduate from college(Penn) there, and Pennsylvania is a swing state that he carried this time around. Lifelong Eagles fan Taylor Swift, who is not on Trump’s friends list, cheers for the Chiefs nowadays.
NFL referees? Have you been watching what he’s doing with the FBI?
As for Luka, 47 has no fondness for anything having to do with Los Angeles. He carried Texas and has a comrade in arms in Lone Star Gov. Greg Abbott. President Trump is shipping out illegal aliens, but an executive order voiding the Doncic deal can bring one foreign import, tariff free, back to the Big D.
Considering the status of the Keystone State’s groundhog (who has been shooting under 40 percent on his annual forecasts), no doubt that DJT from NYC favors Staten Island Chuck, who calls ‘em correctly 85 percent of the time (according to the Staten Island Zoo). Chuck says we’re getting an early spring, again, a very popular take.
Reality check: surely our President won’t deign it worth his time to dabble in such relatively trivial matters, not while he’s draining the swamp and redesigning the world order.
But we can’t rule it out.
Besides, he’s our only hope to avert the Doncic Disaster.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
By Reva Rice
Spring is fast approaching, and Springhill Santa is preparing to nourish the hearts, souls and faith through nature’s bounty once again. Santa never forgets the struggle for many in this community is very real.
Many Springhill residents are familiar with the monthly commodity distributions in the area and two free li’l pantries.
Not many in Springhill know what Santa does in his off season … he plays in the dirt for his community. Every year Santa grows vegetable plants to give free for those in the community, encouraging them to grow their own food. He encourages us all to keep the li’l pantries stocked and gives free Bibles to those exploring a new path in life.
Santa is a man of many talents, and he shares his knowledge and heart daily with whoever is in need. He tries to accomplish this through his faith in God on less than a shoestring budget.
He truly believes that if you each/convince a person to put their faith in God and a little dirt, so then their heart, mind and soul are provided for. Yes, Santa loves his dirt and his community.
The term “free,” in the heart of Santa means exactly that, “free.” Santa serious needs help from his elves, aka the community. Planting supplies from pots, seed starting trays, compost, mulch, seeds and, of course, dirt to make the blessings a reality. As we all know, these things are not free.
Santa most welcomes your used items, new items or monetary donations. Santa is used to being on a deadline, with Christmas Eve and all, but he has a small window to get these green babies planted and ready for the community.
The “special part” of Springhill is not a particular thing or place. “Special” is found in its people. The kind and generous people – more often than not – do not have monetary wealth. They do have a wealth within their hearts that is drawn from life experiences and have a desire to lift another. If you have anything that will help make 2025 a “giving” season with “growth” in our community, thank you!
Springhill Santa can be reached at 318-578-0966 or Springhill Santa Claus on Facebook.
This February, LSU AgCenter Webster and Claiborne Parish Nutrition Education presents Peppercorn.
Did you know black peppercorns come from dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant? This tiny but mighty spice has been a kitchen staple for centuries, adding bold flavor to dishes worldwide. In fact, peppercorns make up 20 percent of the world’s spice trade.
From salad dressings to marinades and spice rubs, black pepper is a simple way to elevate your cooking. Want to try something new? Pick up a newsletter at your Webster Parish Libraries Minden or Springhill branches to get a peppercorn sample and a delicious Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing recipe.
The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, February 10.
Courtroom A:
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.
GERMANY, AYENDE TREVELL
99214 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
GILES, KEVIN LEE
99393 Simple Burglary
MCNEILL, CALEB A.
99275 Violation Of Protective Order
PHIPPS, RAMONE JATARI
96915 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms
WASHINGTON, CHELSEA
99040 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Restitution owed to B1 Bank- $4,716.69, plus $707.50 fee = $5,424.19 WASHINGTON, III, PRENTIS BERNARD
99158 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
Courtroom B:
ALLUMS, DONALD
98395-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
98395-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
BECK, JR, CHARLES THOMAS
99373 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99373 CT. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
BECK, JR, CHARLES THOMAS
99043 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
BRIGGS, JEREMY OBRIAN
97901 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
Please make sure forfeiture of $2,604.00 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.
CANTU, STEVEN
98814 Home Improvement Fraud
Restitution per report- $4,125.00, plus $618.75 fee = $4,743.75 total
EASON, KEITREON AMONZO
99256A Accessory Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
FIELDING, BRIAN EVERETT
98394-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
98394-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
GILL, DEAUDRICK
98905-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
98905-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
GIPSON, DARKENDRIUS
98537-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
98537-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
98537-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams or More)
98537-CT.4 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
GRAHAM, DERRICK D
99166 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)
GRANT, SHAKAYLA LASHUN
98598 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
Possible restitution owed to State Farm in the amount of $2,956.41 plus fee $443.46 = $3,399.87.
HAMMONTREE, MATTHEW A.
99228 Theft Of A Firearm – 1st Offense
HARRISON, SAWYER BLAIR
99296 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Sale/Distribution/Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription
INCOMING Resisting An Officer
HOLDEN, SHIKEL
98746 Armed Robbery
HOLDEN, SHIKEL
99256 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
KELLEY, GINGER L.
98846 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
LARD, DJIMON HETONIUS
97082A Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
MOORE, KENYASKEY WILLIAMS
98871-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98871-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
98871-CT.3 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98871-CT.4 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
98871-CT.5 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
98871-CT.6 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
98871-CT.7 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
PENNYWELL, JR., CALVIN W.
97519-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
97519-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
RABB, LASHUNDA L.
98395-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
98395-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
RENO, TAYLOR
98987 Simple Burglary
Restitution to D.C. Pawn for Taylor Reno $40.00 + 6.00 fee = $46.00 Restitution to D.C. Pawn for Jessica Neal $300.00 + 45.00=$345.00
RENO, TAYLOR
99321 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
ROBINSON, ROBERT D
99297 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence (2 counts)
99297A-Ct.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
99297A-CT.2 False Imprisonment
RUSHING, NIKKI COURTNEY
98735 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
SPECKS, JOSHUA
97954 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
Please make forfeiture of firearm part of any plea/sentence.
TYSON, BRITTANY
87847 First Degree Murder
WALKER, JEFFERY VENTA
97082 Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
WALKER, JEFFERY VENTA
96211 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
Registration open now
Upward Soccer, North Acres Baptist Church, K5-5th boys and girls. $45. Scholarships and multi-child discounts available. Register here: https://registration.upward.org/UPW87120 . If you have any questions, please email nabcsoccer@gmail.com .
February 7
6 p.m., Mardi Gras on Main, Springhill Main Street, South Main Mall Parking Lot.
February 8
1 p.m. 14th Annual North Webster Black History Parade, African Americans and Labor, Springhill.
7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree in the CAC building, Springhill. Special guest will be Gent Mountain Grassburrs.
6 p.m. New Hope Baptist Church, Athen, La., Kingdom Bound Quartet in Concert. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 318-243-2846.
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.
The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of January 31 through February 6. Civil suits are public record.
January 31
Wilson & Wilson vs. Roston Roby, Mary Roby, monies due.
Gibsland Bank & Trust vs. Southbeach Investment LLC, Richard Leon Desadier, executory process.
Ally Bank vs. BNF Landscaping and Development LLC, Christopher D. Blachford, executory process.
February 3
Robyn L. Ransbottom vs. Cadence Seth Tims, protective order.
US Bank vs. Adrena Ann Barbee Johnson, robert Lynn Johnson Jr., executory process.
US Bank National vs. Donald Lynn Thorton, executory process.
21st Mortgage Corp. vs. Rodriquez Richarde Thomas, executory process.
21st Mortgage Corp. vs.Richard D. Henderson, executory process.
Kenneth Ray Jones, succession under $125K.
Cordero Harris vs. Ty’Keyuna Crockett, protective order.
First Tower Loan LLC vs. Tiuanna Rogers, monies due.
First Tower Loan LLC vs. William Ernest Thompson Jr., monies due.
February 5
21st Mortgage Corp. vs. Christopher Bruce Carter, executory process.
Roslyn Renee Lawson vs. Nexion Health at Minden Inc., dba Meadowview Health and Rehab Center, Medical Review Panel.
February 6
Carleton Hickson Prothro, Succession under $125K.
Shaina R. Shine vs. Louis C. Igyarto, protective order.
M&T Bank vs. Austin Steve Mark, Elizabeth Raylynn Pickett, executory process.
Portfolio Recovery Associates vs. Ebonee Archie, petition.
Ronald Wayne Hayden, 32, Magnolia, AR: arrested Feb. 4 by WPSO for battery of a dating partner, possession of CDS Sch. IV (Xanax). Bond set $15,000.
Treyvon D. Williams, 20, Shreveport: arrested Feb. 4 by WPSO on warrant for failure to appear. No bond set.
Dexter M. Morris, 46, Cotton Valley: arrested Feb. 5 by WPSO on outstanding warrants. Bond set $17,652.61.
Lamario J. Elkins, 45, Curry St., Springhill: arrested Feb. 5 by Cotton Valley PD for violation of protective order. No bond set.
Meosha A. Sanders, 35, Webster St., Cotton Valley: arrested Feb. 5 by WPSO on outstanding warrant. No bond set.
Dedrick Cortez Erving, 33, 100 block McArthur St., Minden: arrested Feb. 5 by WPSO on fugitive warrant from Minden PD, parole violation. Bond set $2,500.
Rameco Deshundrea Ware, Bodcau Loop, Bossier City: arrested Feb. 5 by WPSO on fugitive warrant from Bossier Parish SO. No bond set.
Thomas James Rasco, 63, Doyline: arrested Feb. 5 by WPSO on warrant for simple battery. Bond set $1,000.
Steven Cantu, 44, Bossier City: arrested Feb. 5 by WPSO for home improvement fraud. Bond set $5,000.
Antoinette Nicole Martin, 42, 700 block N. Arkansas St., Springhill: arrested Feb. 5 by Sarepta PD on outstanding warrant. Bond set $5,000.
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.
Judy Lynn Chandler
August 17, 1947 — February 4, 2025
Graveside service: 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, Lane memorial Cemetery, Sibley, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Carolyn Parker
June 7, 1940 – February 3, 2025
Sarepta, La.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, Cornerstone River of Live, Cullen, La.
Burial: White Hall Cemetery, Leton, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Nancy Thomas Boddie
June 6, 1952 — February 4, 2025
Minden, La.
Funeral service: 1 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Burial: Providence Cemetery, Ringgold.
Sondra Ann Johnston Teutsch
January 14, 1942 – February 3, 2025
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo, La.
Burial: under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)