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.

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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.

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EOE

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By Marilyn Miller

With few exceptions, It was business as usual for the Village of Dixie Inn when the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.

That one exception was the biting of a teenage girl by a dog that had already proved to be aggressive toward a delivery driver. The driver managed to get into his truck, but later, the teen was bitten when she came out of her house to retrieve the package. She was bitten in the hand. The dog, a pit bull who had escaped his enclosure, was taken and tested. Although the canine showed no sign of rabies, the owners made the decision to have the animal “put down.”

In other business, all was quiet at a trailer park that has been a constant source of trouble for Dixie Inn authorities through the last several years. Police Chief Jeffrey McNeill was called to the park during late November, and addressed the troublemakers. So far, December has been quiet, according to Mayor Donna Hoffoss.

In other business, the Board:

Accepted the retirement of Mike Chreene as Water Operator and Sewer Operator for the Village for the past 25 years;

Approved the hiring of Scott Day as new water and sewer operator (starting in January) at a cost of $2,000.00 monthly. This is contract labor;

Adopted Resolution No. 08-12102024 for Sewer Infrastructure improvements. The Village will finance $103,000.00 of the $293,000.00 project cost (water sector phase 2 grant);

Approved a proposal to inspect and clean the water tank by USG Water Solutions at a cost of $2,500.00 (funding coming from CWEF, Community Water Enrichment Fund, State of Louisiana);

Adopted the 2025 Sexual Harassment Policy for the Village, which all employees must attend;

Reappointed Lori McGarity for a two-year term for Webster Parish Fire District #7;

Approved the purchase of two new tires for the 2018 Maintenance truck;

Adopted the Minutes of the November Regular Session, and the Financial Statements for November.

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Freshman Markavius Johnson led the Knights in their 59-19 blow-out win against Plain Dealing Monday night with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Junior DaJuan Coleman had 12 points and 8 rebounds while Junior Dereon Reese was next with 12 points and 3 rebounds and Freshman Braylon Washington came in with 11 points and 7 rebounds.

“While this first win marks a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of what we aim to achieve,” Knight’s rookie head coach Lucas Darbonne said.

There is more to this story than just those final numbers on the scoreboard. Darbonne, reflects on the past and how it has prepared him to lead these young men on the basketball court and hopefully beyond.

He was taught by Coach Jay Hearne, many years ago, that coaching is about building relationships and owning the responsibility of helping boys grow into great young men.

“His example inspired me to adopt this calling and strive to be a transformative figure in the lives of the athletes I coach,” Darbonne said.

Maybe it was the mentorship he received from many influential coaches throughout the years that inspired him to take on this role but basketball and coaching runs in his blood. His great-uncle was the legendary basketball player and coach, Tommy Joe Eagles, who led Doyline to a State Championship in 1967 and was later the head basketball coach for Louisiana Tech and Auburn University. Darbonne has some big shoes to fill but he is looking forward to the challenge.

This team is learning to stack good habits, on the court and off. Their coach-ability is one of their greatest strengths.

“Being willing to grow, adapt and improve puts our athletes in a position to succeed long after they leave the court,” Darbonne said.

Athletic Director, Christopher Wilson, is known to say, “success is built brick by brick.”  That phrase resonates across North Webster athletics, and it has become a motto they proudly embrace.

“As a coach, I am filled with pride for my players, gratitude for my mentors and excitement for the future of this program.” Darbonne continued. “Together we’ll keep stacking those bricks, building towards something great.” 

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You can start getting ready for the spring garden now.  First thing to do is to get a soil test run.  The LSUAg Center has the kits to use and we also have them at Minden Farm and Garden.  

To get a good test, take a sample from the soil about 3 to 4 inches deep.  Take about 5 samples in the area of your garden.  Mix them together to make one true sample.  Send this in to LSU for the results.  You also may want to send samples from your yard, by doing the same thing.  For this you need to know what kind of grass you are growing.

Back to the garden, a soil test will tell you many things that you may or may not know.  The results will determine what kind of fertilizer you need and whether or not it needs it.  The test also will show the kind of fertilizer you need and how much is needed.  For instance, the test will tell you that you need to put out 7.2 lbs. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet, .5 lbs. of phosphate  and 2 lbs. of potash.  You take these numbers to decide what kind of fertilizer to use.  Also the test results will show the sulfur needs and other elements you need.

Let’s don’t forget one of the most important results.  The pH value.  In this part of the country most of our soil needs lime.  The soil test results will tell you how much lime to use.  I think it is a good idea to lime now, so it can be working before you plant.  Getting a soil test early gives you a great head start on spring being a yard or garden.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of Friday, December 6 through Thursday, December 12. Civil Suits are public record.

December 6

Janene Jennings Cole vs. James Edward Cole, divorce, no children.

December 9

Republic Finance LLC vs. Melissa Reeves, monies due.

Republic Finance LLC vs. Dekeilla L. Jenkins, monies due.

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Pedro Valle, monies due.

Synchrony Bank vs. Robbie Swain, petition.

December 10

Donna Fae Veitch Guthrie Pate, succession over $125K.

Clarence Allen Graham, succession under $125K.

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Rogena Van Schoiack, monies due.

December 11

Capital One vs. Sylvester Shelton, monies due.

Brittany Browning vs. Peyton Thomas, protective order.

Capital One vs. Christopher M. Lewis, monies due.

Midfirst Bank vs. Brandon R. Gorum, Chasity Gorum, executory process.

Closed Loop Fund, LP vs. Integrico Composite of Louisiana LLC. Suit on note.

December 12

First Tower Loan LLC vs. Kenneth Atkinson, Victoria Malone, judgment executory and garnishment.

Chelsea Page vs. Chris Tripp, protective order.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development vs. Rayner Rodriguez, CCG Transportation Inc. Dario Alexander Chavez, damages.

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

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 13

Homerun Derby at Sarepta Parks and Recreation.

5 until 9 p.m. Wine Walk downtown Minden

9 p.m. Fireworks

Minden:

5:30 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

6 until 9 p.m. Holiday Trail of Lights Hayride and Historic Tour

6 p.m. Reindeer Run

December 14

10 a.m. Sarepta Festival Association presents 16th Annual “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” Christmas Festival Live entertainment, Food/Craft vendors, pictures with Santa, pony rides, bounce houses and more. Fireworks at dark.

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building, Springhill, special guests: Kody Hughes and Lily Herrick.

Minden:

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

December 15

1 until 6 p.m. Christmas Tour of Homes

December 16

Deadline for applications for Civitan Santa Toy project. Pick up application forms at Minden City Police Department or Community Action Center. Applications will be considered for children through age 13.

5:30 p.m. Glenbrook School, Carols & Coca. Classes will be caroling and spirit teams will be performing. Outside event; dress accordingly.

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.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court in Petit Jury Trial Monday, December 16:

COMPTON, JAMES ALVIN

98594 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

98594A Simple Burglary

DUDLEY, KEUNDRICK

98816 Simple Burglary Of An Inhabited Dwelling

MARTIN, ALVIA DEWAYNE

98600-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98600-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98600-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98600-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

THORNTON, LASHONDA

98913 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

GOLDEN, THURSTON DESEAN

98511 Molestation of a Juvenile

MENDENHALL, FREDERICK D.

98595 Molestation of a Juvenile

JENKINS, COURTNEY

98754-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98754-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty- Eight Grams)

BAKER, RAQUEL

99016 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BARRIERE, GERALD W.

98146 Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen

KENNEDY, ADAM TYLER

98513 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile Under Thirteen

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Monday, December 16:

Courtroom A

BILES, DAVID PAUL

99119 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

A Status Hearing MPD

BOOTHE, JEFFERY RAY

99096 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing SPRING

BROWN, KATHLEEN NICOLE

T019824 Speeding 11-15 MPH

T019824A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

A Arraignment LSP

BROWN, KATHLEEN NICOLE

99133 Simple Battery

A Arraignment WPSD

CRAVENS, ALLTON B.

98115 Obstruction Of Justice

98115A-CT.1 Second Degree Kidnapping

98115A-CT.2 Second Degree Kidnapping

98115A-CT.3 Second Degree Kidnapping

A Status Hearing WPSD

EASON, KIA MONIQUE

98289 Felony Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (Over $25,000)

A Fine & Cost Review Hearing MPD

GOLDEN, THURSTON DESEAN

98511 Molestation of a Juvenile

A Status Hearing MPD

HENIX, COREY DONTE

98427-CT.1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform Cds Law

98427-CT.2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

A Status Hearing MPD

Restitution owed- $3,015.20, plus $452.28 fee = $3,467.48 total

JONES, LAGREETA LEE

98397 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98397 CT. 2 Resisting An Officer

98397 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

98397 CT. 4 Improper Driving On A One-Way Roadway

98397 CT. 5 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MENDENHALL, FREDERICK D.

98595 Molestation of a Juvenile

A Status Hearing WPSD

REYNOLDS, TRAVIS LYNN

98738-CT.1 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance

98738-CT.2 Simple Burglary

A Status Hearing WLF

Yocom, Jimbo Kevin Berg Mike Nerren

ROBINSON, ZYTWONE

98023 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

A Sanity Hearing MPD

SIMMONS, JON MATTHEW

98646 Attempted Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

A Status Hearing MPD

Restitution owed to the victim- $186.00, plus $27.90 fee = $213.90 total

WELBOURNE, NATHANIEL

98862 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

WHITE, ROBERT WAYNE

98741 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98741 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

A For Further Disposition LSP

YOUNG, BOBBY LEE

99298 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

Courtroom B

BROOKS, KEITH

98895 Simple Burglary

B Status Hearing MPD

Codef: K. Collier

Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $4,250.00, plus $637.50 fee = $4,887.50 total

CHERRY, WILLIAM B.

98308-CT.1 Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

98308-CT.2 Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

98308A Stalking

B Status Hearing WPSD

CHERRY, WILLIAM B.

99160 Ct. 1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

99160 Ct. 2 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

B For Further Disposition WLF

HILL, KAVION D

98273 Accessory After The Fact

B Status Hearing MPD

HILL, KAVION D

98702-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98702-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

B Status Hearing MPD

KEMP, ADEYMI

99293 Battery of a Dating Partner

B For Further Disposition MPD

LEWIS, ARTISHA S

99075 Issuing Worthless Checks ($999 – $4,999)

B Status Hearing

LOPE, MELANIE E.

99364 Possession of a Schedule III CDS

B Arraignment WPSD

LOPE, MELANIE E.

98900 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

B Sentencing Hearing MPD

Defendant failed to report to Drug Court

MASON, JACOBY

98941 Vehicular Homicide

B Status Hearing MPD

MENDENHALL, XIKERION D.

99363 Armed Robbery

B Arraignment MPD

MENDENHALL, XIKERION D.

99363 Armed Robbery

Total bond $357,500

B Bond Reduction Hearing MPD

MILLICAN, JAMES EDWARD

95947 Possession of a Schedule II CDS

B Status Hearing WPSD

MINOR, DEANDRE

95889A Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

B Status Hearing LSP

MOSS, SUMMER MICHELLE

99279 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

B Status Hearing WPSD

WHITE, JR., NATHANIEL

99080 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

B Status Hearing MPD

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Christopher A. Palmer, 39, 200 block McArthur Loop, Cotton Valley: arrested Dec. 9 by WPSO for theft, criminal trespass.

Calvin Roy Beshea, 66, 7500 block Hwy. 2, Sarepta: arrested Dec 10 by WPSO for indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Lanaiya A. Adams, 22, Lanning St., Minden: arrested Dec. 11 by WPSO on outstanding warrants.

Jason Alan Smith, 50, 400 block McIntyre Rd., Minden: arrested Dec. 11 by Louisiana State Police on outstanding fugitive warrants from multiple jurisdictions.  Bond set $2,500.

Christopher Hawkins Sr., 30, 200 block Summit St., Minden: arrested Dec. 11 by MPD for domestic abuse w/child endangerment.

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

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Dora Faye Lynch

May 22, 1936 – December 8, 2024

Sibley, La.

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, Lane Memorial Cemetery, Sibley, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Judy Mae Hicks

March 23, 1954 – December 7, 2024

Sarepta, La.

No services planned at this time.

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

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By Marilyn Miller

Most people don’t know that Jackie Lockett has a rare benign noncancerous tumor in her right shoulder. The Utilities-billing manager for the City of Minden hides it with a smile.

But she’s willing to talk about it if it can lead even one person toward, an earlier diagnosis.

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Jackie said, of the aggressive tumor which she first noticed in 2021. “The treatments are just like cancer treatments.” She then shows a series of pictures on her phone, talking about how damaging the drug was to her body.

Her first diagnosis was “frozen shoulder,” because “I wasn’t able to move my arm…couldn’t lift it.” Doctors “manipulated it…cleaned it up.” Then, about a week after physical therapy, her movement improved. However, after spending a week in Florida, she realized she couldn’t lift it again. “I told myself that a week of just no treatment or therapy couldn’t do this. But the doctor said to continue the anti-inflammatories and the PT.” Nothing. She continued to beg for an MRI.

“Hey, it feels like there’s something in there,” she told the doctor next. Well, he gave her a shot and they waited six more weeks. “This is probably a total of 12 weeks now, and I go back and it’s still not better. So, Oct. 21 they scheduled my first MRI.”

“I get my MRI…they call me back and tell me I have to get another MRI, with contrast. On Nov. 9 they call me and tell me it’s a tumor. I cry like a big baby…because when you think tumor, you think cancer immediately. So, then I have to go to Baton Rouge to an orthopedic oncologist there and he does an MRI and a biopsy. So, I’m waiting, it’s around Thanksgiving, and he finally tells me it’s Desmoid Fibromatosis.”

“What’s that?” she asked. Her question was met with months of doctors answering “I don’t treat that” until she finally found one at M.D. Anderson in Houston. On Feb. 14, yep, Valentine’s Day, she finally sees a doctor who puts her on a chemotherapy pill. Three months in…It burned her hands and feet…it burned her scalp, causing her to lose hair. “And I’m trying to go to work every day.”

“At that time, Terry Gardner was our mayor. He was so sympathetic about what I was going through.”

“But I’m just trying to make it. To live my life.  My head was on fire, itching.” Another series of pictures, June, July, August…

”I stopped taking that medicine!”

And on to the next treatment…cryoablation therapy. Four of them since February of 2023…third degree burns on her arms, not waking up after one particular treatment, wound care, lack of sleep. Her latest treatment was Sept. 11, 2024. Now she’s ready to try something different. Considering the initial treatment recommendation was amputation, she’s come a long way.

But God gets Jackie through the day. And she’s sharing her story. “If they had found (the tumor) earlier, it would be easier to treat,” she contended. Because of the rarity…anything a doctor does now is ‘practicing’ because it’s so rare.” So, the more Jackie can talk up Desmoid tumors, the more people and doctors will know about it.

“I think opening up and telling my story is going to help,” she said.

Jackie is a part-time junior high basketball coach and referee. Is she in pain a lot of the time? Sometimes…a lot of times actually.

“I try not to show it on my face,” she said. God blesses her with that ability.

“God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good,” Jackie concluded.

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By Shannon Wright

In true December fashion, the Sibley Town Council wrapped up their final regular meeting of the year on Monday, December 9, in less than 15 minutes.

This being the final meeting before the newly-elected officials take office, Mayor Robert Smart recognized Helen Chanler and Alan Myers, saying “you are always welcome and we appreciate your service.”

A member of the Chanler family has served on the Sibley Town Council for many years. Chanler is proud that her daughter-in-law, Pam Chanler, will be carrying on the tradition.

“It’s an honor to be continuing the legacy of the Chanler family by serving my community,” Pam Chanler said in a phone interview.

Myers, Chief of the Sibley Volunteer Fire Department, has proudly served on the town council since 2013. His years of dedication and service as Alderman, and his continued service through the fire department, are greatly appreciated.

Before adjourning, the mayor reminded the seniors in attendance about the senior breakfast that will be held Friday, December 13, at 8:30 a.m. at the Sibley Civic Center. The breakfast is sponsored by the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and Sibley Volunteer Fire Department. All senior citizens of the town of Sibley are welcome.

The town council is looking forward to the new year.

 All the items on the agenda passed unanimously, which included:  

Ordinance No. 160 – An ordinance establishing a policy and procedure manual for water and wastewater services and prescribing penalties for the violation thereof, for the Town of Sibley, Louisiana, repealing all or parts of ordinances in conflict and providing in connection therewith.

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Wednesday, December 11, The City of Minden issued a boil advisory for customers on the 300 and 600 blocks of West Street and all addresses on Railroad Street. Minden Mayor Nick Cox suggested but would not go on the record saying it was possible the Grinch is responsible for the broken water main, however, the advisory is real and residents will be notified as soon as it has been lifted.

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The Broken Bean’s Christmas fundraising banquet last week was successful, according to manager Teri Hemphill.

“We raised a significant amount of money but were short of the goal of $50,000,” Teri said. “But we are happy with what we raised.”

Broken Bean is a coffee/sandwich shop on McDonald Street in Minden and is run by Hemphill  and those involved with Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge.

“This money helps keep our doors open,” Teri continued. “We have a general operating expense of more than 400,000. So this money goes toward our general expenses.”

If anyone would like to make a donation they can swing by The Broken Bean anytime, she said.

The Broken Bean’s motto is: Only When Something is Broken Does it Reveal its True Aroma.

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Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday

Cloudy, with a high near 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night

Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

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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.

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 By Shannon Wright

 The Doyline United Methodist Church sits in the heart of uptown Doyline and is often the heart of the village, especially during Christmas. Each year they host their Christmas Cantata, and everyone is welcome.

That phrase comes to life when you enter through the double doors of this tiny white church. You will feel the love exuding from the members as they openly welcome each guest who enters, and you will feel the presence of God as you find your seat in one of the old wooden pews with the beautiful white cross beaming on the back wall.

This year is extra special because it will be their 50^th Annual Christmas Cantata.

This tradition began back in December of 1974. It was led by Mrs. Mary Francis who had been playing the piano for the church since 1959. Being a teacher, she ran the program on structure, discipline and hard work and it’s that very model that has kept the Cantata going strong even after her passing back in 2020.

“Being a part of the choir is special for me and my husband. We love knowing that we are a small part of continuing Mrs. Mary’s legacy through the Christmas Cantata,” Tanya Loftin said.

Over the years some things have changed but the hard work and dedication that the choir prides itself on remains the same. Virginia Lawrence is now the director, and she takes great pride in continuing this long-standing tradition, along with the entire choir, and that will be evident.

You can witness this year’s production, titled “I Call Him Lord,” on Sunday, December 15 at 7pm. The church is located at 116 Main Street in Doyline. There will be a reception after the program in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome. 

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God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.  God is infinite! He knows everything. We have finite minds; we don’t know everything.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

God has to decrease things in our lives to increase! My thoughts are not like GOD’S, because  my flesh thinks in the natural, but by faith I believe God can and will do the supernatural in the Spirit. 

If God can take 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread and feed 5000, surely he can take less and make more!

God will decrease to increase! You might say..why does God decrease things in our lives to increase? Well, God wants us to believe and trust in him and in his divine miracle working power. God will get the glory!

(Example) God chose Gideon to lead the Israelites in their fight against the Midianites. God told Gideon to trust him and fight with only 300 men. God had to decrease, so he could display his power. 

Gideon surrounded the Midianite camp at night and, at a signal, smashed jars, blew trumpets, and yelled. The Midianites were confused by the noise and light display and began to fight and kill each other. Gideon then ordered the Israelites to attack, and his small army won the battle. (Read Judges 6-8)

Gideon’s story is a reminder that God calls people to live courageously and to trust in God, even when things are difficult and we don’t always understand what he’s doing.

God knows when the odds are against us, and his faithfulness will always cover those whom he chooses to use for a great and mighty work.

He has placed something great for each of us to do, even when you don’t see it, trust God and believe.

The odds were against Mary, Jesus’ mother, but God chose her to give birth to our savior Jesus Christ!   In order to see miracles, we must believe that God can do the impossible. We must decrease in our flesh so that God can increase the spirit in us. 

John the Baptist’s purpose in this world was to exalt Christ, not himself. John decreased and Christ increased! 

John 3:30. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your grace and mercy.  Lord, help us to trust you and help us to walk by faith and not by sight. Father God, we humbly ask that you bind out every plan, distractions, and destroy the plans of the devil. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Be Encouraged!

To God be the glory!

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Pastor Dr. David Ellis and the congregation of the Springhill Methodist Church, located at 104 4^th Street Northwest in Springhill, invite the public to join them as they prepare for the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! 

On December 15, at 10:55 a.m., Lindy Dyson will direct the Chancel Choir as they present their Christmas Cantata “LOVE IS BORN” composed and arranged by Lloyd Larson.

“LOVE IS BORN” is a musical journey from dark to light; from hopelessness to fulfilled promise.  It reminds us that even in our most difficult moments, God is present and has an ultimate plan which shall prevail.  This musical is a blending of original and familiar melodies that underscore the timeless message of Emmanuel coming from the very heart of God and entering our world with His message of hope, peace, joy, and love.  These narrated pieces appeal to both traditional and contemporary congregations.

May all who will hear this work be encouraged and inspired by the timely yet timeless message of promise that Love (Jesus) has indeed been born for each of us.

Immediately following the cantata, there will be a covered dish “A Taste of Christmas” luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.

December 24, is the Christmas Eve “Candlelight Service” and will be at 5:30 p.m.  This is a short, relaxed time for all to worship together.

Everyone is encouraged to attend these meaningful and spiritual services.  You may phone the Springhill Methodist Church office, 318-539-9153, for additional information.

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We are seeking your assistance to enhance the LSU AgCenter Webster and Claiborne parishes’ Nutrition & Community Health programs.

Your responses will help us understand the needs and preferences enabling us to better facilitate programs and community outreach.

The survey is designed to be brief and should take only a few minutes of your time.

Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/myqa5w9j5V

(Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH, Assistant Extension Agent, Nutrition & Community Health, (Flavors of Health, SNAP-Ed, CDC-HOP/Healthy Communities) Webster and Claiborne parishes, sswilliams@agcenter.lsu.edu |LSU AgCenter.com)

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If you answered yes to the above questions, then we would love to talk with you.

Webster Parish Journal is looking for a writer to help cover the northern part of Webster Parish. We want someone who loves to write features about the people who make this community great.

We also need someone who can take on some assignments and cover local government.

If this sounds like you, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

We look forward to hearing from you.

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