By Pat Culverhouse

A Minden man is in custody after attempting to rob a local fast food restaurant Saturday, injuring two individuals in the process while wielding a hammer as his weapon.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said 32-year-old Derek Rodriquez Rice, a S. Talton Street resident, was quickly arrested after leading officers on a foot chase from the Burger King on Park Hwy. to a conclusion on Britt St.

McIver said officers were dispatched to a call of an active disturbance at the restaurant and arrived in time to see a man fleeing on foot. Employees and bystanders reportedly pointed out the man as the suspect and officers gave chase across several city streets.

“The suspect ignored many verbal commands to halt, but failed to comply. He continually claimed to have a gun, and officers were forced to use non-lethal devices in attempts to get him into custody,” McIver said. “Although those were ineffective, officers managed to get him to the ground where he continued to resist.”

Officers reportedly had to use tasers to finally get Rice in handcuffs, and he was taken to Minden Medical Center for evaluation.

“Officers learned Rice had entered the restaurant just before 11 a.m. armed with a hammer, demanding money and food,” McIver said. “He allegedly said he was ‘going to bash everybody in the head’ and proceeded to go behind the counter.”

Rice allegedly continued to threaten employees, and a patron went behind the counter to assist the employees but was struck in the head with the hammer. Another patron then attempted to assist and was also struck.

“During this struggle, all three individuals fell to the floor where witnesses said Rice gained control of a knife and attempted to stab the two individuals,” McIver said. “He apparently managed to get free and fled.”

McIver said the two individuals who attempted to intervene received lacerations to the head, but the injuries were not believed to be serious. Both reportedly were treated at the scene by EMS personnel.

“I want to personally thank those two individuals for their bravery in trying to stop this individual,” McIver said. “There were children in the restaurant at the time and they were trying to protect them. I hope they recover from their injuries quickly.”

Rice is charged with two counts of attempted second degree murder, armed robbery and three counts of resisting an officer for the Saturday incident. He is also looking at additional charges of disturbing the peace, obstruction of a public highway and a pair of outstanding warrants.

He is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Bond has been set at $1,500 on the three resisting an officer counts; bond has not been set on other charges.

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.

Part 2 of 2 Original story: https://websterparishjournal.com/2024/12/13/part-1-of-2-rec-complex-may-see-changes/ 

By Bonnie Culverhouse

While there is no way to predict the final numbers at this point, estimated cost to renovate and add to Minden’s Recreation Complex hovers around $15 million, Synergy Sport executive Jason Boudrie told citizens and councilpersons in a workshop last week.

When looking at funding, Boudrie said there are typically four ways to fund a large project: issue bonds, dip into a capital improvement budget, use a private developer or public private partnership/municipal lease – the last being Synergy’s preference of the four choices.

“Through this public/private partnership, it essentially says the public side (City of Minden) brings to the process certain things, such as land, the fields, the complex that’s already there,” he said. “Then the private side brings capital. Therein lies the partnership.”

Boudrie said Synergy has this set-up with between two and three dozen projects around the country.

“If we find the project is viable, we are willing to bring the capital to fund it and to bring the operating relationships.

The city would provide a municipal lease.

“We bring the capital, we renovate the fields, then we’re going to turn that improvement at $15 million into a lease expense to the city,” Boudrie said. “The city consents to support the project with annual appropriations, and the project should cover its own expenses and return dollars to the city.”

Boudrie said Synergy would use local contractors and builders “as long as they have the expertise and experience. We fund it; the city leases it back.  It is operated by an external operator. All the revenue from the facility goes back to the city, and so the city gets control, the impact, tax revenue.”

But the complex will also bring in tournaments and tourism and those equate to a positive economic impact on Minden.

“There has to be a reason for a hotel,” Boudrie said. “There are very few things outside of building an amusement park or a water park that’s going to bring in more visitors and more economic impact than sports.”

Boudrie believes it could mean three to four hotels on Industrial Drive (service road).

“Then we will see coffee shops, restaurants, sporting goods stores and other developments,” he said. “When you have a couple hundred thousand people coming into Minden and staying in the region, that’s more money coming into Minden and being invested into local businesses.”

Local hotel owner and businessman Jay Kumar questioned Boudrie about calculation of visitors and hotel room nights. (See photo below.)

Numbers of fields, major tournaments and percentage of tournament capacities that would stay at a hotel all come into play when determining a visitor number.

Boudrie said Synergy Sports compared several cities similar to Minden where they are currently partnering in projects.

Factoring other cities and data, the number of fields and potential tourists –  and using a tourism focus rather than a community-oriented facility focus – Synergy determined that out of a 52-week year, there could be 35 to 40 weekends out of a year “that there could be some sort of tournament or event that’s going to be happening here on a weekend,” Boudrie said. “You’ll lose a couple of weekends for Christmas and New Year’s, but by and large, you’re going to get between 70 and 80 percent utilization out of these,” Boudrie said.

Boudrie said Synergy has a relationship with all the major organizing companies, so Minden’s recreation employees would not be expected to organize the tournaments. Local persons would be hired to work them.

By Pat Culverhouse

An alleged argument over food reportedly turned violent and a 61-year-old Minden man is now getting his meals at the parish prison and facing a domestic abuse charge.

Michael Ralph Reyes, who lists an address in the 1300 block of Sheppard St., was arrested at his residence on a charge of domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon, Chief of Police Jared McIver said. Reyes is also charged with one count of resisting an officer.

Officers reportedly were called to the Sheppard St. location just before 4 p.m. Saturday in response to a report of an injured individual, the Chief said. The property manager at the Sheppard St. location reportedly told responding officers she observed the victim stumbling out of an elevator.

According to reports, the victim alleged her injuries were the result of being hit and kicked by the suspect. Signs of physical injury to the alleged victim’s face were noted by officers, and their investigation began.

Incident reports reveal officers learned the victim and her boyfriend were arguing about who was going to get them food, and the argument became physical. The victim said the suspect then hit her in the head with a chair.

Officers reportedly found Reyes inside the room he shared with the victim, where he resisted attempts to place him into custody after being given verbal commands to comply.

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 Marilyn Miller

Santa Claus had been issued a formal invitation to participate in the City of Minden’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. However, it seemed that The Grinch managed to mess up another good time in Mindenville – he kidnapped Santa and a small dog.

Heads hung low as Mayor Nick Cox explained to the children of Mindenville that Santa would not be able to attend the ceremony. But, he said, our Savior Jesus Christ, would always be with us.

Taylor Wren of Main Street, Johnnye Kennon of Visit Webster, Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver, Stephanie Barnette of the Greater Minden Chamber, and Mayor Cox kept the welcome statements upbeat, however, a pall fell over the crowd after the mayor issued the bad news of Santa’s kidnapping.

But the blaring of sirens and the screeching of tires grabbed the crowd’s attention. And who should step out of the paddy wagon but Santa Claus himself, along with his trusty small pup. They were rescued by the police just in time for the tree-lighting ceremony. But, alas, the grimy green Grinch escaped!!

With great fanfare, Santa flipped the switch (with barely a glitch) and Mindenville’s official Christmas tree glowed with hundreds of tiny lights, thus signaling the official start of Christmastime in Mindentown.

On and on Friday’s festivities continued. Over 500 little citizens of Mindenville flocked to the Dorcheat Museum to make Christmas creations. Two tractor-drawn trailers meandered through the streets of the Downtown Historic District. The hayride also attracted over 500 attendees. How many wine tickets were sold? The Who of Mindenville will never tell. Nor will those kind folks at Brick Street Coffee, who offered sweet nectar – coffee! Other downtown businesses hawked their wares during the night. Many arose bright and early Saturday morning to enjoy brunch at Geaux Fresh. A little sprinkle couldn’t stop the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday afternoon. And the sun shone on Sunday’s “Christmas Tour of Homes.”

That hairy old Grinch must have been licking his wounds because there were no further sightings of him during the weekend of festivities. But citizens are reminded to remain aware, because The Grinch could show up anywhere!

By Paige Gurgainers

The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission (WPCVC) met for their bi-monthly meeting last Thursday where they welcomed two new members and said goodbye to two ‘old’ members, as well.  

After dutifully serving on the commission for 13 years, Nicky Patel made the decision not to re-up his position on the board. “It has been an honor to serve with you guys,” said Patel. “I have seen a lot of improvements. We have done a lot of new things, and I am proud to have been a part of it.” 

Also bidding farewell after one year of service is Brandon Perryman, owner of Perryman Welding. This decision stemmed from a conflict of interest with him serving on the board that has limited his ability to be able to bid on jobs in the city limits.  

“I will be working instead of sitting here. I can’t bid on anything as long as I am on the board. With the things going on at Miller Quarters and all the pavilions and everything, I wouldn’t be able to bid on. With iron work being our passion, I want to put all the iron up.”

Officially starting in January are new members Kyle Robertson and Rachel Miller.

The board also approved the budget for the upcoming year, which includes the last portion of the funds granted by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  

“We have to project where those funds will be spent, but we have until December 2025 to spend them,” explained director of community affairs Johnnye Kennon. 

Kennon has been filling in for the previous executive director, Serena Gray, who a few months ago made the decision to join the Shreveport-Bossier tourism board. But according to WPCVC President Ty Pendergrass, the board will begin actively searching for their new executive director after the new year.

Christmas is almost here and many churches are having Christmas Eve worship and candlelight services. Please hurry and email your services to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will be happy to publish it.

December 21

5:30 until 9 p.m. Downtown Live Nativity. Beginning at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

December 24

5:30 p.m. Candlelight Service, Springhill Methodist Church, 104 4th Street Northwest, Springhill.

7 p.m. Christmas Eve service, 903 Broadway, First Methodist Minden, 903 Broadway.

5:30 p.m. Christmas Carols, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden.

10:30 p.m. Christmas Carol Preludes, St. John’s Episcopal Church.

11 p.m., Holy Eucharist, St. John’s Episcopal Church.

The boil advisory issued by City of Minden issued on December 11 has been listed. The advisory – due to a six-inch broken water main – covered the the 300 and 600 blocks of West Street and all of Railroad Street.

Each year during the Christmas season, the Minden Civitans provide a Christmas party for the area’s mentally-challenged adults. At this year’s party, more than 100 people enjoyed hot dogs, chips, cookies and fruit punch.

A dance followed with music provided by local DJ and Civitan “Rockin’ Rick” Blake.

Everyone had a great time dancing to that “good ole rock and roll.”

The highlight of the night was yet to come … Santa made an appearance to the delight of everyone. Several had an opportunity to speak to Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas and to have their pictures taken with him. Candy bags were given to everyone as they left the party.

The Civitans had a great time hosting the party this year and look forward to next year’s party.

By Gray Haynes

The North Webster Knights had nine players named to the District 1-AAA all-district team.  This was a big accomplishment considering the strength of the district.  Four teams from the district made the playoffs either in division two or division three and the district champion, Sterlington, won the state championship.  

Donte Owens was a first-team selection at defensive back after setting the school record in interceptions as a junior this year.  Owens totaled ten interceptions for the Knights.  Ja’Myrian Jackson, a junior linebacker, also made the first team squad after leading the Knights in tackles.  Camren Lewis, a senior, made the first team as a defensive back.  J’Kobe Lawson, a senior, was named all-district athlete.  This distinction is held for players who, like Lawson, do a lot of different things.  Lawson ran the ball, caught passes, and returned kicks.  The final first-team selection was Sam Morgan at offensive line.  Although undersized, Morgan was a versatile player on the line for the Knights playing both guard and tackle.

Jeremiah Washington was named second-team linebacker.  Washington was tied for the team lead in tackles for the Knights despite missing time due to injury.  Another defensive back, Jasavion Miller was also named to the second-team.  Miller helped a secondary that was outstanding for the Knights all year.  Braedon Robertson, a senior, was named second-team running back.  Despite getting hurt in the jamboree, Robertson put up impressive rushing numbers in the district games.  Junior offensive lineman Hudson Smith was the final selection for the Knights on the second team.  

Considering the tough district in which the Knights play and the number of quality players in that district, having nine total selections and five on the first team is a testament to the quality of student athletes at North Webster High School.

Tuesday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Wednesday

Showers likely before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3 p.m., then a chance of showers after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 39.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 60.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

I recently made a pretty tough decision which to those on the outside may seem like a simple job change, which it is, but it is also much deeper than that.  

See, I wasn’t just deciding between what job I should do but had to choose between doing what I love and doing what I am good at.  

Most of you know, especially if you read my column on a regular basis, that writing is my passion. It is what brings me the most self-satisfaction and fulfills me to my core. BUT it doesn’t necessarily fill my bank account. Big dilemma when you’re recently divorced and have three children.  

I have consistently been able to do what I love for about three years now and for that I am so thankful. It has enabled me to meet and share stories of so many people – some that have become new friends. I have brought light to many issues in our parish and in some cases played a role in resolving a few of those, as well.  

But one downfall of doing what you love for a living is that it kind of becomes a chore unfortunately. It’s not something you do anymore for enjoyment, but it is something you must do to make ends meet. The burnout has been real.  

With that being said, I don’t know if I agree with the popular statement… “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I call bull….. 

WORK IS WORK.  

So, I did not need to do much considering when I was offered a job that was an obvious better fit for me and my family, but it was still hard knowing I would no longer be a full-time journalist and would not have as much time to write for enjoyment either.  

But doing what you’re good at definitely has its perks, as well.  

I came across a quote this morning that said, “Talent is the unsung hero in your journey to fulfillment.” 

And here are a few reasons why I believe that to be true… 

Aside from it obviously being more lucrative, doing what you’re good at opens the door for growth. Growth is one thing we as human beings strive for on a daily basis (or at least should be striving for) and getting better at a skill is for sure fulfilling. Personally, I enjoy the process of learning and getting better at something. This also gives me further motivation to continue getting better. 

Before you know it, you’re mastering that skill, right? Which opens doors even further. But ultimately, I have found that doing something I am good at has made me all-around more successful. And you know what? Success fuels PASSION! 

When you do something well and combine it with something people also need… you’ll never be out of business. Also, it is becoming more common for people to follow their passion and that is great if it also leads to a lucrative outcome.  

When I first started college, I majored in liberal arts, and I slowly began hearing the phrase, “Major in liberal arts if you are okay with serving French fries as a living.” No offense to those that are serving French fries as a living, but it is not something I personally imagined for my future.  

All this being said, PASSION and TALENT really go hand in hand. Yes, I took this new job because it is a better fit for my family. But when you have a talent, that leads to knowledge, skill and experience. Those things will eventually lead to passion and success. Also, if you really think about it…those that are following their TALENT instead of their passion are kind of a rare breed and as a result you might be in extra high demand.

(Paige Gurgainers is a mother of three girls, and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)

United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food:  Canned meats, spaghetti, crackers

Clothing:  Men’s shoes

Household Goods:  king and queen sheets

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.

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

December 17

1 p.m. The Price is Right, Webster Parish Library, sponsored by Minden Medical Center The Circle

3:30 p.m. Sibley Library Branch. Get into the holiday spirit with Gingerbread House Decorating events at your Webster Parish Libraries!  This fun and festive activity lets kids and their families design and decorate their own gingerbread houses using colorful candies and frosting. Registration required.

December 18

10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Springhill Library Branch. Get into the holiday spirit with  Gingerbread House Decorating events at your Webster Parish Libraries!  This fun and festive activity lets kids and their families design and decorate their own gingerbread houses using colorful candies and frosting. Registration required.

10 a.m. Po-Ke-No at Council of Aging in Haughton. Sponsored by Minden Medical Center The Circle.

December 19

10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Commodity Distribution, First Baptist Church, 209 N. Arkansas St., Springhill, La.

December 22

2 until 4 p.m. Christmas at the Cottage, LaMa Animal Rescue will hold a Christmas Open House at Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill, La. Refreshments while strolling through vintage Christmas on display.

January 18

8 a.m. until noon Dorcheat Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship Program Tree Sale, 216 B Broadway, Minden.

Joseph Redding, 53, 1100 block Dorcheat Rd., Minden; arrested Dec. 12 by MPD on outstanding warrants.

Torry Jovon Capers, 26, 300 block Weston St., Minden; arrested Dec. 12 by MPD on outstanding warrants. Bond set at $2,500 cash or $20,000 surety.

Phoenix Dakota Johnson, 32, 200 block Prysock Rd., Doyline; arrested Dec. 12 by WPSO for domestic abuse battery w/child endangerment.

Kojoe Albritton, 41, Grant Ave., Ruston; arrested Dec. 12 by WPSO for contempt of court.

Randal Dean Eason, 38, 100 block Rex Bryan Dr., Springhill; arrested Dec. 15 by WPSO for simple assault.

Dana M. Moore, 49, 15,000 block Hwy. 371, Taylor, AR; arrested Dec. 15 by WPSO on fugitive warrants from Columbia County (AR) SO.

Russell Gareth Smith, 39, 600 block Canal St., Heflin: arrested Dec. 14 by WPSO on warrant for simple criminal damage to property, simple burglary. Bond set $1,000.

Christopher Erin Hunt, 32, 500 block Marshall St., Minden: arrested Dec. 12 by MPD on active warrants. Bond set $2,500 cash or $20,000 surety.

Paul J. Barnhardt, Jr., 32, 900 block Devereaux St., Minden: arrested Dec. 14 by Mpd on warrants for speeding, illegal window tint. Bond set $750 cash or $20,000 surety.

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.

Milton Lyle “Mickey” Emanuel Jr.

February 15, 1961 – December 14, 2024

Taylor, Ark./Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Burial: Forest Grove Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

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

Some customers of a local bank found themselves victims of a fraudulent scheme that has Minden police investigators trying to follow elusive electronic trails that often lead out of the country.

“A mass text message was sent to many patrons of the bank asking them to verify some alleged purchases on their bank cards,” Chief of Police Jared McIver said. “The text asked them to click on a link to verify whether or not there was such a purchase, and these scammers obtained information that allowed them to access their accounts.”

McIver said most of those who received the text message apparently suspected something and did not respond. Unfortunately, some who did click on the link saw their accounts raided.

“Around $30,000 reportedly was taken from accounts,” he said. “Sadly, some of these people who lost money were elderly. This is something that happens at this time of the year, and we’re asking people to be very careful about responding to a questionable text or email.”

Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD Criminal Investigation Division, said individuals can take precautions when they receive such messages.

“People should check their bank apps or call the bank to see if they did indeed send the message,” he said. “Banks do not correspond with their customers in this way. And, people should never click on a link in such texts or emails. That could open the door to your privileged information.”

Smith said customers who lost money in this most recent scheme have, fortunately, had their funds restored by the bank.

“But the money is still gone, and it’s almost a certainty that it’s gone overseas,” he said. “We’ve interviewed some people who said they received a phone call from someone saying they were a fraud investigator for the bank, and that caller had a very heavy foreign accent.”

McIver and Smith said there’s another scam involving text messages that is showing up during the holidays with alarming frequency.

“We’re seeing many texts alleging to be from the U.S. Postal Service claiming they have a package that cannot be delivered, and it’s asking for verification of your address so delivery can be made,” McIver said. “It gives a link to click and verify the address, but that’s a lead-in to steal your information.”

“Those links may take you to a web site that looks official, right down to the postal service logo, but it is fake,” Smith said. “Do not click on the link. It gives the scammer access to everything they need to steal your identity.”

McIver said individuals must be aware of potential scams when they receive messages that appear to come from legitimate businesses or branches of government.

“As sad as it sounds, the holiday season is the best time of year for these scammers,” he said. “We ask everyone to be skeptical of anything requesting any type of personal information, even if it appears to be legitimate.  We also urge everyone to check on elderly family members or neighbors. They are particularly vulnerable to scam artists.”

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Members of the Minden City Council gave an unofficial nod to Mayor Nick Cox and Jason Boudrie of Synergy Sports during a workshop Monday evening to move ahead with plans to expand the site concept of the city’s 23-year-old recreation complex.

“We are still at a solid phase one in the discussion,” Cox told four of five council members and several interested citizens attending the workshop. “You’ll know before we make any large obligations. We don’t know exactly the cost. This meeting is to help you understand where we are at the moment.”

Moving forward entails asking Boudrie to work with the city’s accounting department, the recreation department, council members and the mayor to structure a plan that fits the needs of the city while becoming more of a tournament/sports/tourism focused facility.

Boudrie said renovating and expanding the current recreation complex would contribute significantly to regional sports tourism as well as being a quality-of-life enhancement to the community.

In his presentation, Boudrie showed a map that encompassed Minden as the center of what he referred to as a “draw radius” of 5.5 hours of driving time for tournament families.

“It would bring in families farther away than Dallas, Little Rock, New Orleans, Jackson – just to think a diamond facility in Minden would bring in tournaments from southwest of Houston is pretty powerful,” Boudrie said. “You offer the tournaments, the fields, things to do, places to stay and eat in Minden that a tournament organizer in Houston would bring a tournament to Minden.”

The radius also showed closer areas that would bring in teams that may only stay one or two nights, but would still bring money to the area.

Boudrie’s site concept shows a 30,000 square foot indoor field house, new parking and more.

“The indoor field house would include batting cages, concessions, maybe physical therapy,” Boudrie said. “Then you’re talking about adding football, flag football, field hockey, ultimate frisbee, all the other sports you can think of that can be played year-round. It would have more shaded structures and shaded seating areas … things that are going to make mom and dad want to come out.”

District E Councilman Andy Pendergrass works closely with the Minden Recreation Department and pointed out that one of the upgrades to the current complex would be turfing the infields with a new product that is comfortable and doesn’t draw heat.

“The outfields would still be natural grass,” Pendergrass said, “so we would not have the expense of doing a whole ball field.”

Adding a playground would also include equipment that could be enjoyed by special needs kids, he added.

“We have nothing like that now,” Pendergrass said. “If that were advertised, there are people traveling with special needs children or adults who would exit the interstate just to have the opportunity to stretch their legs in something like this.”

A miracle field expounds on that idea, he said.

“That’s a field where kids with special needs would be able to play ball,” said Pendergrass. “If you haven’t seen that, it will absolutely warm your heart.”

The next phase of the upgrade is economical. The estimate to complete the project is $15 million, and Synergy Sports is recommending a Public Private Partnership/Municipal Lease, as opposed to issuing bonds. See Tuesday’s Webster Parish Journal for a story concerning financial impact and financing questions concerning the upgrade.

Dana Michael of Minden is wanted for allegedly breaking into a local dealership after hours and stealing his own truck.

While it’s not illegal to steal your own property, it is illegal to cause approximately $2,000 in damage to the facility while doing it.  Michael is also wanted for allegedly causing $1,500 in damage to a loaner vehicle the dealership provided while Michael’s truck was being repaired.

Anyone with information on Dana Michael 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.

As many of Minden’s downtown Christmas activities as possible will take place this weekend despite the weather. As of Thursday evening, the only event changed was the time and date of the fireworks, which will now be held at 9 p.m. Friday, (today) following the Wine Walk.

If the following activities change, we will let you know as soon as possible. Rain or shine: have fun this weekend!

December 14

9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Christmas Brunch at Geaux Fresh Bistro and Bakery

Noon until 3 p.m. pics with Santa and kids activities at Dorcheat Museum

5 p.m. Minden Christmas Festival and Parade (May change to Sunday)

December 15

1 until 6 p.m. Christmas Tour of Homes

By Shawn White

The 2024 edition of the Minden Holiday Classic is getting ready to be released next week.   The tournament will begin next week on Wednesday at three different locations at Webster Junior High, Minden Rec Center, and Minden High School.   

The Classic will boast two current No. 1 ranked teams participating.   The defending Division IV Non-Select state champion and defending Minden Holiday Classic champ Arcadia Lady Hornets (8-1) will compete.   Also, the No. 1 ranked Class C boys team Gibsland-Coleman Bulldogs (7-3).  The Bulldogs just claimed the Bienville Parish Tournament title in Saline last weekend.  

The tourney will also feature three other currently top 10 ranked teams.  No. 5-ranked  Gibsland-Coleman Lady Bulldogs (7-5) will battle over next week.  The No. 3-ranked Lincoln Prep Panthers (4-1) will start on Wednesday night against Gibsland-Coleman.  No. 8-ranked undefeated host team Minden (8-0) will try to take the title next week.   They could run into the only out of state opponent Camden, AR in a rematch of the Lakeside Tournament finals.   

The schedule for the first round of the tournament will be as follows:

Wednesday, December 18

Minden Rec Center

4:00  –  Mansfield v. Homer (Girls)

5:20 –  Homer v. Northwood (Boys)

6:40  –  Lakeside v. Loyola  (Girls)

8:00  –  Lakeside v. Arcadia (Boys)

Webster Junior High

4:00 – North Caddo v. Green Oaks (Girls)

5:20 – Camden, AR v. Green Oaks (Boys)

6:40 – Camden, AR v. Gibsland-Coleman (Girls)

8:00 – Gibsland-Coleman v. Lincoln Prep (Boys)

Minden High School

4:00 – Simsboro v. Arcadia (Girls)

5:20 – Parkway v. Loyola (Boys)

6:40 – Minden v. Jonesboro-Hodge (Girls)

8:00 – Minden v. Jonesboro-Hodge (Boys)

Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Saturday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Sunday

A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Sunday Night

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

Advent is here, leading us into Christmas. Many churches and other religious organizations will observe this holy season and may want to extend invitations for the community to join them. If you have an event of this nature, please send the date, time and description to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will be happy to print it.

December 13 – 14

6 until 9 p.m. Walk-through Live Nativity, Parkway Baptist Church, 160616, Hwy. 79, (Homer Road). Free event. Refreshments served.

December 14

5:30 p.m. Meet & Greet Advent Event in Parish Hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden. Light musical entertainment; potluck with Christmas Party theme.

December 15

10:55 a.m. Love is Born, Springhill Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Lindy Dyson, Director, 104 4th Street Northwest, Springhill.

6 p.m. Once Upon a Night Christmas Cantata, First Methodist Church Chancel Choir with Orchestra. Dr. Dan Gibbs, Director. Sanctuary, 903 Broadway, Minden, La.

December 21

5:30 until 9 p.m. Downtown Live Nativity. Beginning at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

December 24

5:30 p.m. Candlelight Service, Springhill Methodist Church, 104 4th Street Northwest, Springhill.

Looking for a rewarding career in commercial construction?

D’Argent Construction is hiring superintendents to join their team.

Description:

You’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of construction, from budgeting and scheduling to quality control and safety.

Must Have:

Five Years of experience in commercial construction.

Compensation:

Starting salary:  $80,000.00
Bonuses: Available
Vehicle: Company Truck

Contact: D’Argent Construction at 318-787-6049

D’ARGENT CONSTRUCTION, THE LEADING COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN CENLA.

EOE