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Minden-Webster Profiles • February 2017
Content 12
Visit Webster
Parish has something to offer all
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Sportsman’s Paradise
is at the heart of Webster Parish
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High Quality Care
Minden Medical Center is meeting patient’s needs
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Great Stays
Webster Parish is home to multiple bed and breakfasts
Camp Minden
Base home to La. National Guard, Youth Challenge, businesses
Gregg Parks Publisher
Bruce Franklin Managing Editor
Michelle Bates Reporter
Blake Branch Reporter
Telina Worley
Advertising Manager
Curtis Mays
Advertising Executive
©Copyright 2017 by Specht Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. Minden-Webster Profiles is published each year in February by Specht Newspapers, Inc. at 203 Gleason St., Minden, LA 71055. Telephone (318) 377-1866. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.
Special thanks to the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau for providing photographs of Webster Parish.
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From the Mayor’s Desk
The State of Minden
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he successful operations of the City of Minden are a team effort between the Mayor and Council and all other elected officials. And of course, nothing could be accomplished without good and loyal employees; we are here to serve the public. I have the distinct pleasure of working with a very competent and progressive thinking city council comprised of: Wayne Edwards, Fayrine A. Kennon-Gilbert, Vincen Bradford, Mike Toland and Benny Gray. Revenues for the city have remained steady over the past year. Through sound fiscal management, the City is in overall solid financial shape. Quality economic growth is a strategic goal of the city Economic Development Director, Mr. James Graham is currently implementing the Economic Development Strategy and is targeting community groups, private nonprofits, for-profit businesses, and the media. His focus is on business retention and expansion; workforce development; economic development incentive, purpose and program; developing Minden’s product; branding, marketing and promotion strategies; and partnership development. We are very excited to have Mr. Graham on board and look forward to a successful partnership. Aviation enthusiasts continue to see improvements at the Minden Airport, which includes thirty (30) new T-Hangars and in the near future, a new fuel facility and a new terminal building. Overseeing the daily operations is Airport Manger Steven Burdeaux. Steven is a graduate of the Louisiana Tech School of Aviation and brings several years of experience in airport management. The Minden Airport is a valuable tool for economic growth and the city has aggressively sought grants to further its development and expansion. Under the direction of Chief Steve Cropper, the Minden Police Department is enjoying growth in both the technology realm, as well as advanced training for the officers. Thanks to community involvement, the officers are now equipped with body cameras which are a valuable Minden Mayor tool for performing day-to-day duties. When you couple outstanding Tommy Davis leadership with outstanding officers, the end result is an outstanding police department devoted to the safety of our citizens. Along the line of public safety, the Minden Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Kip Mourad, is now better equipped to serve the citizens with the addition of a new aerial pumper. The truck has a 77 ft. aerial ladder which will reach the top of any building in our city. The fire department is both well-equipped and well trained with an outstanding roster of employees. Currently, the fire rating in the City of Minden is a Class 2. Under the capable leadership of our Main Street Manager, Becky White, our downtown area is one of the most successful and beautiful in the state. Our Main Street program is one of the oldest in the state and has also been recognized as one of the best in the state. Becky and the Downtown Development Board are dedicated to growing our downtown businesses and assisting the existing businesses. Our downtown plays host to many events, including the annual Main to Main event, the Fasching Festival and Parade, and the annual Mardi Gras parade. We are also a partner in the Holiday Trail of Lights as evidenced by thousands of lights and displays during the Christmas season. In the realm of public works, the city has just recently taken a giant technological leap forward with the lease purchase of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure System. All of the electric and water meters in the city are being replaced with new meters with readings electronically transmitted through radio signal to the city’s computer bank. The customer readings will be accurate and concise which will allow city employees greater abilities when discussing utility bills with customers. Overall, the City of Minden is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Old-fashioned family values and a quieter, more relaxed way of life are still enjoyed here. We have successfully preserved our historical qualities, but at the same time are dedicated to modern advancements and an aggressive economic development growth program.
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Health Care in Webster Parish
High Quality Care Minden Medical Center is meeting patient’s needs One of Minden Medical Center’s guiding principles is to provide high quality patient care to residents of all ages in the area it serves. MMC has undergone several changes within its physician network, but CEO Greg Pearson said the medical center continues to meet the needs of its patients. “Twenty-five providers offer primary care services, such as family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics,” he said. Pearson explained the classification of each, saying family medicine treats children and adults. Internal medicine treats only adults, and pediatricians treat children from birth to age 18. He said 31 additional specialists offer services such as cardiology, ear nose and throat (head and neck surgery), general surgery, hematology and oncology, inter-
ventional pain/spine, obstetrics and gynecology, nephrology, ophthalmology, optometry, orthopedics and sports medicine, physiatry, podiatry, psychiatry, rheumatology and urology. Pearson said with doctors retiring and others moving from a clinic to a hospital setting, some patients have had to find new physicians. “If a patient is sick and cannot get in to see their regular doctor, MMC offers the Health First After-Hours Clinic,” he said. “Physicians with private practices come after hours to the clinic to see patients.” Pearson said at Health First, doctors can see patients for a variety of conditions, such as colds, flu or flu-like symptoms, allergies and asthma, ear and eye infections, skin rashes and infections, minor burns or sunburns, nausea or diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, animal or
insect bites and minor injuries. For life-threatening conditions, MMC offers a 24-hour emergency room which offers one of the lowest ER wait times in the nation. The national average wait time to be seen in an ER is 22 minutes, MMC has an average of four minutes or less. MMC’s ER is also a certified chest pain center; patients who come in with chest pains or chest pressure are seen immediately. The ER is equipped to handle many other conditions such as stroke, abdominal pain, head, neck or back injuries, loss of limb, severe or persistent vomiting, severe pain, poisoning, major burns, persistent high temperatures and spinal injuries. Pearson said it’s important patients choose “the right place at the right time.” If someone is sick and cannot get into the doctor’s office that day, they can
choose to come to Health First, he said. If it is a life-threatening situation, then they need to go to the emergency room, he added. “We want to make sure we have clinics to serve everyone at the right time,” he said. “We want to make sure people have access to health care all the time.” MMC now has a doctor on staff on the floor of the hospital all the time aside from the emergency room. Known as hospitalists, these doctors are able to treat a patient who has been admitted. The hospitalist treats the patient and refers that patient to their family doctor for followup care upon discharge. The ultimate goal is to make the community healthier, he said and by offering a well-rounded network of health care options, it truly is “excellence in health care close to home.”
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Education in Webster
High Quality Education Despite challenges, Webster Parish has a good school district
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espite the challenges educators face in an ever-changing curriculum, Webster Parish schools are thriving in their efforts to educate students. Three schools in the parish have the distinction of earning the highest school scores – North Webster High School (89.1), Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School (88.8) and Doyline High School (85.6). The parish’s score increased by six points, from a 73 C in 2014-15, to a 79.9 C in 2015-16, according to school performance scores from the Louisiana Department of Education. “Several factors have contributed to this success and our school performance score has risen for the last four years,” NWHS Principal Jeff Franklin said. “The factor we are most proud of is our rise in ACT scores. Our ACT index has increased from 46.4 to 73 in the last four years.” As each school strives to increase its SPS, programs and systems have been put into place to help each student succeed. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
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program is a way for faculty to implement a framework that enhances academic and social behavior for students. Students’ who demonstrate positive behavior and/or make significant growth academically are treated to rewards for their efforts. E.S. Richardson Elementary Principal Oreata Banks said this system helps teach students to “do the right thing.” “We are rewarding them, but at the same time, we are teaching them,” she said. “We have had several PBIS activities this year which our students have worked very hard to earn.” Another program implemented in some schools is Student Acceleration and Remediation. The STAR program was implemented several K-5 schools where elementary students are given the opportunity to participate in enrichment and remediation classes. Those reading at or above benchmark participate in enrichment classes, while students
Brown Upper Elementary STAR class participates in a robotics activity.
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More Than Just Tests Webster Parish schools have much to offer Webster Parish schools have much to offer in the way of extracurricular activities. Along with the core curriculum – mathematics, English Language Arts, science and others – students are given avenues in which to broaden their education. Minden High School principal Robin Tucker said she feels extracurricular activities are important for a variety of reasons. “It is important for everyone to feel that they have an opportunity to be involved in things outside of the classroom,” she said. “I feel that the high school experience is greatly enhanced when students become involved in all that MHS has to offer. Extracurricular activities provide students with opportunities they may not have otherwise. We are so fortunate at our school to have dedicated and willing teachers who give unselfishly of their free time to sponsor these activities and experiences for our students. MHS Principal Without them, these Robin Tucker programs would not exist.” Tucker said MHS offers a variety of activities for students to choose from. They have the athletics department which offers an array of sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, bowling, track, cross country and track. “There is rarely an evening throughout the year that students are not sporting MHS jerseys and playing their absolute hardest to make MHS athletics the best around,” Tucker said. “Last year, we were happy that all sports advanced to their prospective playoffs and that this year, our MHS football team made it to the third round of the state play-offs.” Related to athletics are the school’s spirit groups, including the Louisi-annes, Tider Line, Red Wave, cheerleaders and band. “These offer a wide array of opportunity to support the Mighty Crimson Tide as well as promote school pride around our community,” she said.
Other clubs include JROTC, Nature Club, Student Council, Art Club, National Honor Society, Crimson Chorus, Yearbook, 4-H, First Priority, Future Business Leaders of America and Future Farmers of America. North Webster Junior High School offers the required academics, as well as classes in which students can receive high school credit. Introduction to Business Computer Concepts, Journey to Careers, and Algebra I, all allow students to gain high school credit. “In the spring of 2016, we had 59 students take the End of Course in Algebra I,” Cindy Hair, principal, said. “Fifteen made a score of excellent, which earned them an honor cord to wear at graduation. Thirty-five made a score of good, which is fantastic.” The school offers students a variety of athletics, many the same as the two high schools in Webster Parish – football, basketball, softball, baseball, track and field, tennis and golf. She said they also offer cheerleading, dance line and spirit squad. Other opportunities offered are 4-H, book club, yearbook, student council and band. “All of these opportunities allow students the ability to function and excel in group activities,” Hair said. “Many students are natural leaders and step up and take leadership positions and do very well with them. Other students will learn responsibilities and become good leaders within their groups.” Athletics allow students to learn responsibilities and leadership skills. They learn teamwork and persistence, she said. “They learn the importance of hard work, encouraging one another, standing up for the little guy and determination,” she said. “NWJH has a very successful Positive Behavior Improvement System in place which rewards students every four and a half weeks, who maintain ‘A’s’ in conduct.” More than 90 percent of the student body has zero referrals, she added. Hair said 69 percent of the student body made the honor roll for the first semester. February 2017 • Minden-Webster Profiles
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Staying in Webster
Grace Estates
Great Stays Four bed and breakfasts
If you are looking for a picturesque place to stay while traveling down the I-20 corridor without the hassle of a hotel, look no further than one of South Webster Parish's premier Bed and Breakfasts. The four locations, Grace Estate, Huffington House, Calloway Corners and Fitzgerald House, each offer their own unique spin on a great night's stay. Grace Estate, located in Minden's downtown historic district, features a downstairs dining area that has become one of Minden's meal-time treasures. Serving delicious dishes like Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna, Smoked brisket and smoked chicken salad sandwiches, Shrimp and Grits and a variety of soups, salads and deserts, such as their popular white chocolate bread pudding.
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Grace Estate, owned and operated by Party Express Catering's Jimmy Hall, features three newly-renovated upstairs bedrooms and two bathrooms, complete with hygiene products, closet space and television for overnight stay. Each room has it's own style ranging from vibrant and modern to elegant simplicity. Huffman House, also located on Broadway Street in Minden's historic downtown area, is a unique luxury micro inn, offering a mixture of old and new. With three rooms available to rent, Huffman House features oversized high-definition with expanded cable including premium channels. Each bed is Egyptian Cotton with thread count between 1500-2000, according to inn owner/operator James Huffman, Vice Presi-
c
Huffman House Bed and Breakfast
in Webster
call Webster Parish home dent of Sunrise Hospitality based in Shreveport. Huffman House is also the lone B&B in Webster Parish to feature an outdoor pool. Huffman and his wife Kimberly, also a hotelier by trade, bought the home in 2015 after a trip to Minden during the Holiday season. "We found the house for sale online and we drove to Minden to take a look at it," James Huffman said. "It was around dusk as we walked the property, and the holiday lights came on downtown. We absolutely fell in love with Minden and bought the home. Having a bed and breakfast was always my wife's dream, so we decided to make it come true." Calloway Corners in Sibley sits on High-
way 371 South between Minden and Sibley, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living. With a beautiful view of rural Webster Parish, the recently-renovated home is the place to be for those in search solitude. The Fitzgerald House is located in the heart of Minden, only a stone's throw from Minden High School, Minden's beautiful brick-road Main Street and plenty of shopping. This two-story home is one of Minden's most beautiful, featuring a comfortable tea room, dining room, elegant kitchen and wood-flooring. The view from the front porch is perfect for waking up to a cup of coffee and taking in the beauty of the "Friendliest City in the South."
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Webster Parish Tourism Germantown Colony Museum
Webster Parish has something to offer for everyone
The tourism industry in Webster Parish has exploded in recent years – everything from the opening of the Germantown Colony and Museum to the Louisiana Film Trail, Webster Parish has something to offer for everyone. The scenic Boom or Bust Byway on Highway 2, which winds its way through several parishes, offers travelers an interesting tour of natural and economic cycles that played a prominent role in shaping the history and economy of Caddo, Bossier, Webster and Claiborne parishes. The byway begins in Vivian and loops back around in Claiborne Parish, giving travelers an opportunity to visit kiosks which tell the stories of economic booms and busts along the way. Visitors can download an app to their phone to scan a QR code at each kiosk which allows them to learn about each area. GPS tours are also available, with the GPS handheld device to allow visitors to take a visitors tour. Tourism includes all types of activities for anyone to enjoy in Webster Parish. Visitors can take a trip to the Germantown Colony and Museum to learn about the parish’s Ger-
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Boom or Bust Highway
man roots, or they can visit any number of bed and breakfasts. Grace Estate offers a restaurant with gourmet meals and a bed and breakfast. Frances Irving, a descendant of one of the writers of Gone With the Wind, offers a tour of her Victorian-era home and the history of Gone With the Wind and family stories. Other venues and events include the Fasching Festival and related events in November through the Mardi Gras season, the Holiday Trail of Lights during the Christmas season and outdoor sports, including plentiful fishing and hunting. Dorsey says goals for 2016 include continuing its marketing campaign of Webster Parish to sustain and/or increase the amount of sales and occupancy taxes coming into the parish. A new and improved brochure will be improved as well, she said. Other goals include further development of historic tours including the new Gone with the Wind Tour and associated brochure, and attract more group tour groups by continuing to market Webster Parish as an outstanding group tour destination.
West Webster Parish
Camp Minden
Base home to La. National Guard, Youth Challenge, businesses Situated in the piney woods of northwest Louisiana off Highway 80, Camp Minden is a 15,000-acre site home to the Louisiana National Guard where thousands of guardsmen are trained each year. It is also a place where firemen train and commercial business thrives. The facility is home to a state-of-the-art training center, the Regional Training Institute, where they offer leadership training, military occupational training and skill qualification courses. These courses include senior leaders, Army basic instructor, advanced leaders, carpentry and masonry specialist, officer candidate school, heavy equipment operator, military police, motor transport operator and warrior leader courses. It is also home to the National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program, a voluntary program where at-risk teens aged 16-18 receive an opportunity to obtain their HiSet and learn the eight core components of citizenship, academics, life-coping skills, community service, health and hygiene, skills training, leadership/followership and physical training.
It is a quasi-military program that prepares cadets to find gainful employment or continue their education. The first five months is the residential phase where they stay on Camp Minden, followed by a 12month post-residential phase, where they are paired with counselors who keep track of them to make sure they are meeting their goals. About 1,200 acres of Camp Minden is available for commercial lease. There are currently five companies leasing property at Camp Minden. It is also home to the LSU Fire Training Academy where firefighters from around the area train. Camp Minden, the former Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant, is located in both Webster and Bossier parishes. In 2013, opened a $26 million facility to house three military units in more modern facilities. The Armed Forces Reserve Center provides housing for the 1083rd Transportation Company, the 39th Military Police Company and the 122nd Air Support Operations Squadron.
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Webster Outdoors
Webster Parish is in the heart of
Sportsman’s Paradise A
nyone who has experienced the beauty and bounty of Webster Parish's fertile forests and and lakes knows the area truly is a "Sportsman's Paradise." With generous seasons and fair limits, Louisiana is the perfect place to wet a hook or shoulder a rifle. Webster Parish is home to some of the state's hidden gems when it comes to fishing, as professional angler and Minden native Homer Humphreys will attest. "It's been a good year for fishing in Webster Parish," Humphreys said. "and it's looking good for 2017. I've had guys tell me they've been fishing these areas for years and years and never caught 'em this big." Humphreys said this person was specifically referencing the fishing on Bayou
Dorcheat's put-in just outside Sibley en route to Doyline. "If you put in their and come back north fishing the tree tops, it's been hot as could be on Crappie," Humphrey's said. "My friend said he had several fish between one and a half pounds and a pound and three-quarters." The good fishing should continue as the weather continues to warm the waters at night, according to Humphries. Fishermen have enjoyed success on Lake Bistineau and Lake Ivan as well, as Humphreys points out. "Bistineau is about a foot of water away from being normal," he said. "They have a brand new launch ramp open at the Port of Bistineau, it's a great spot now. The temporary ramp they had been using is still open, so their are two ramps down their.
But the salvinia is going to come back. I don't care what we do or say, it's going to come back." Giant salvinia has been a nuisance on Bistineau for nearly a decade, but Humphreys says local anglers should not be deterred. "People have a myth about fishing in it," Humphreys said. "They think fish just don't bite in it. You can take a top-water early in the spring and go along the edges of it or the banks of it. The fish are looking to shade-and-ambush and that's what it is." Humphreys recommends using an ounce or ounce and one-quarter weight to penetrate the green mat of salvinia. "White perch have been awesome on Bistineau this year," Humphreys added. "They're fixing to start moving from the
channel, up the mouth to the slews. Then it's going to be on like a chicken bone." Perhaps the most hidden of all the fishing treasures is Lake Ivan in Cotton Valley. "Ivan was fantastic in 2016," Humphreys said. "It's got a good ramp on it, but you need to register when you put in the water and sign out when you leave because it is on a reserve. The brim and crappie were as big as they've ever seen up there. That's the best sleeper that Webster Parish has." Humphreys added that bass fishermen need check out Lake Ivan in 2017, but if it's a 7-9 pound bass picture you're after, lower Caney Lake is a safe destination. "They call it the ski lake," Humphreys said. "I know I can go out their and catch one or two no matter what. That's me now, I'm not talking for everyone else."
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North Webster Parish
From the Springhill Mayor Springhill has been home to me since July 2, 1982. I left a successful plumbing company, which I owned and operated for five years. In Springhill, I started a plumbing business, which I operated for 25 years before being elected mayor. I had previously served as alderman for 16 years. So, my first thought of Springhill is how receptive the people of this community are to others. Along with being self-employed and an elected official, I’ve had numerous opportunities to serve on boards, committees, and civic organization. I’ve coached peewee football and Dixie Youth Base/ Softball as well. Springhill is a place where someone willing to grow is given the opportunity. I appreciate the face that in Springhill, religion – specifically Christianity is still important. People are sometimes associated by what church they attend. Within my church, I’ve had the opportunity to grow in my faith. Springhill Mayor Springhill is adaptive to change. I’m glad to say I strongly supported Carroll Breaux the school consolidation program. My theory is – “Children excel because of the support, teachings, and assistance they get at home, not school. This happens in every arena – sports, academics, arts, etc.” In Springhill, we continue to provide quality education and schools for our children. As I travel about this state, I see people playing various roles in the communities they now serve, who grew up in this great little city. I’m thankful to have lived in this community I call home – SPRINGHILL!
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Health Care in Webster Parish
A Hometown Atmosphere Springhill Medical Center top-notch facility serving north Webster Parish With a hometown atmosphere and closeknit medical community, Springhill Medical Center is considered a top-notch facility for the small area it serves, CEO Vince Sedminik said. “The best thing going here is the people,” he said. “The hometown feeling of local people taking care of their friends and neighbors, you can’t get any more personal care than that. In addition to the high-quality work we do, if you’re taking care of someone you go to church with, or you’re taking care of someone you talk to in the grocery store, it adds a little more personal touch to it. We continuously get high ratings when it comes to satisfaction.” SMC offers a 58-bed facility with an inpatient and outpatient surgical ward, a full service emergency room, hyperbaric chamber in its wound care unit, physical therapy and a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, among the many other services it offers,
such as CT scans, X-Ray, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. It also offers two clinics, Doctors Clinic, at the medical center with approximately 10 doctors on hand at any given time, and North Webster Medical Clinic in Sarepta. These facilities offer acute care and wellness prevention, he said. In 2016, the SMC clinics had 33,000 visits, doctors treated 10,000 patients in the emergency room, and they have had 1,100 patients treated in the hospital. It is a certified diabetic education site partnered with Willis-Knighton Health Systems and the Martin Luther King Health Center for diabetic education. The medical center is a nonprofit hospital, partnered with Willis-Knighton Health Systems, which serves Springhill and the surrounding areas of Bradley, Taylor and
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Law Enforcement
Keeping Safe
Minden, Webster authorities keep city and parish protected The City of Minden was named the second safest city to live in 2015, and Webster Parish carries an overall lower crime rate than some of its neighboring parishes. Webster Parish Sheriff Gary Sexton says the crime rate fluctuates throughout the year, but education is one of the key factors in keeping the parish safe. “Through our DARE program, we not only teach kids about the dangers of substance abuse, but we teach them about the effects of bullying,” he said. “And to be honest we have a pretty good rate right now. People see the cases we solve and they say, ‘Hey, you better not do it in Webster Parish.’” He credits the working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, such as with Minden and Springhill as well as state and federal agencies, for keeping the crime rates low and the percentage of cases solved high. Due to the diligence of his deputies and detectives, Sexton says the sheriff’s of-
fice is solving roughly 75 to 80 percent of the cases reported. “It’s a lot of things that come together,” he said. “It benefits everybody in Webster Parish. We have the best working relationships that I’ve ever seen in the 30 years I’ve been in law enforcement. Everybody just works together; it’s just a good, close-knit working relationship. When it works like that, it’s the epitome Webster Sheriff of how law enforceGary Sexton ment is supposed to work.” When Sexton first began his career in law enforcement, many of the smaller municipalities, such as Cotton Valley, Sarepta, Doyline,
Sibley, Heflin or Dubberly, did not have police departments. He says he feels with the establishment of these departments over the years, it’s helped having more law enforcement on the streets. “You have more people willing to get involved, too, because people are getting fed up with crime,” he said. Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper says having good officers and high visibility in the Police Chief community are just a Steve Cropper few things that help keep the crime rate low in the city. He says he feels fortunate to live in a community like Minden. “It’s a very safe city,” Cropper said. “I’ve
wondered why we don’t get more bleed-over from bigger cities than we do. I could sit here and give credit to the sheriff’s office and the police department about us making it that way, but I can’t say that. I think we’re really fortunate, and I think visibility is a large part of it.” One of the challenges he says they face is the fact that some people don’t respect law enforcement as much as in years past. However, officers are trained to deal with all types of situations, he said. “People used to listen to law enforcement,” he said. “Now if they don’t like it, they’re going to come back at you. It’s different now as far as the way you talk to people and the way treat people. I think going into a situation with a calm attitude and a good head on your shoulders eliminates any further issues.”
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At the Museum
Webster Parish has a little gem tucked away in downtown Minden that not only preserves the history of the parish but celebrates living history as well. Schelley Francis, curator of the Dorcheat Historical Museum, located at 116 Pearl Street, says the museum houses history from people who made the best of difficult times. From the Native American to the famous people who have come from Webster Parish, Francis says the museum is more than just a collection of artifacts. “It’s a major tourist attraction,” she said. “We have a lot of school students come through. For instance, just in one day, we had more than 100 students from J.L. Jones Elementary come through, which was about four busloads. We have tour bus groups that come through from Canada and all parts of the country.” Several meetings are hosted at the museum as well, she says, including the Red Hat Society, Night at the Museum and several historical groups. She assists visitors with history research, genealogy and tours. There is a story behind each artifact at the museum and it is home to displays from all
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Nestled in downtown Minden, the Bayou Dorcheat Historical Museum is
Preserving History
is
over the parish such as an early log cabin, wartime from the Civil War to World War II, steamboats on Dorcheat, the history of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co., items from Hunter’s Playhouse and a tribute to the Hunter family. Displays also cover disasters in Minden, such as the 1933 tornado and the Depression. Some of the famous people who have and do claim Webster Parish as home include Trace Adkins of Sarepta, artist Ben Earl Looney, Percy Mayfield and Allen Beene, the fourth man to walk on the moon. Also included is 1961 Miss USA Sharon Brown, also fourth runner-up in Miss Universe, she said. The Dorcheat Historical Association was formed in the 1970s, and some of the early members were Beth Drew White, George Turner, Marcus Wren, Major de Pingre and others. “It was their dream to have a nice parish museum,” she said. “Through Major’s generosity, they were able to purchase the Pearl Street building to one day become the museum.” The first museum was an old home on
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Webster Beats Jared Mourad Band
Chief and the Hounds
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Webster is Home to Good Tunes The people of Webster Parish love a good tune. Musical talent in the area runs deep and stays true to the southern stylings that performers of old made famous. In 2016, a handful of area musicians made great strides in their respective careers and in 2017 they aim to put our parish in the spotlight even more. Here's a look at the three Webster Parish artists poised to shine brightest in 2017. Lacy Cavalier The vivacious youngster rose to near-stardom in a whirlwind 2016. Cavalier embarked on her first tour in support of headliner Chase Rice, playing mostly to college crowds while earning her stripes on the road. She also received her first radio airplay, with a pair of her singles getting spins on 107.5 Country in Ruston, as well as Radio Disney. Cavalier even got to shoot music videos for her songs "Put You Down," and "Flat Bill." In 2017, look for Cavalier to debut more original music while looking to put her stamp on country music.
Jared Mourad Band The Jared Mourad Band has been slowly rising since they began playing shows in their current arrangement back in 2015. Led by Minden native Jared Mourad and lead guitarist Matt Moseley of Springhill, their blend of country and southern rock has led to packed shows at The Stage in Bossier City, Muddy Bottoms ATV Park and other notable venues in the Shreveport/Bossier area. With no tour dates currently listed online, Mourad said not to worry. The band will play live in 2017 to be announced at a later date. Chief and the Hounds Chief and the Hounds are keeping local rock alive. The four-piece band got their start in Ruston, Louisiana in 2015 and haven't looked back. Playing live shows throughout northwest and northeast Louisiana, even extending West to Dallas, the Hounds, led by frontman/singer Caleb Wilt and Minden's own Travis Tucker on lead guitar, the group has found a sweet spot between Indie and Southern Rock that's sure to see their notoriety rise in 2017.
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The Arts
Arts and Photography in Minden Easley Studios has been serving Minden's family and senior portrait needs for nearly one decade with the personal touch and service clients expect from a small town. Kerry and Anne Easley, studio owners and operators, have decades of experience in the arts and photography. Located on Pearl Street next to Roma Italian Bistro, Easley Studios offers a unique indoor and outdoor setting for shoots, custom frame shop and an art gallery all in a singular location. Easley Studios can handle everything from photography, photoshop and editing, custom framing and large-scale prints, making them Minden's finest one-stop-shop for the artistic gifts we all love to receive. With a recently-renovated 1,000 square foot studio located in-house, indoor shoots at Easley Studios are poised to build upon the resounding success the business enjoyed in 2016. The studio comes complete with an outdoor courtyard used for photography sessions, but the Easley's also rent the picturesque piece of property for events and parties year-round. Kerry Easley is a 1977 Minden High graduate. He and Anne have triplet daughters, Roxy, Layla and Jess, that all attend Minden High School.
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Higher Education
Training
Northwest Louisiana Te Webster Parish meet t Northwest Louisiana Technical College’s Minden campus is poised to push economic development into the future with its new workforce development center. NWLTC Dean Scott Price said the school’s top programs offer high-paying, high-demand jobs upon graduation. The school’s instrumentation, industrial maintenance, industrial electrician, welding and nursing programs offer an array of fields for students to make a decent wage, Curtis Storms, chief workforce development officer, said. The workforce development center has made the fields stronger through its newer technology. It also offers flexibility in that it provides the college and the community with customized training to meet the needs of the business community. “Greenlee Labs brought in an individual from Rockford, Illinois, to train our instructors on the new equipment, along with 10 students,” Storms said. “After the holidays, our instructors have now woven in the equipment and the building into the cur-
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rent programs offered. It has made our current programs stronger, exposing students to the latest technology in those three fields.” The welding program is still under “construction,” they said, and have had initial discussions with the Bridge the Gap Foundation, which partner with business and industry to train veterans, Storms said. It’s being done in Alexandria, and they are taking that same model and using it at the Minden campus, he said. “It provides the college and the workforce center flexibility when new training requirements emerge in the region,” he said. “It gives us the ability to ramp up training on pieces, parts or equipment to meet the needs of business and industry.” The placement rate for the top three programs at the school is well into the 80 percentile. Instrumentation has a placement rate of about 81 percent. The LPN program carries a placement rate of about 75 percent. It has been higher, Price said, adding these numbers were based on the
g Labor
Technical College helps et the workforce needs last graduating class. The school now offers dual enrollment for high school seniors who wish to take a course for a certified nurses assistant. Price said this gives students a chance to earn college credit while earning high school credits as well. And if they choose, they can enroll at NWLTC in the nursing program and further their education. It also means they are work-ready if they choose not to. The goals for 2017 remain the same, a commitment to enrollment growth, increasing partnerships with business, increasing customized training, increasing foundation assets to provide scholarships and strengthen partnerships with K-12 through dual enrollment. Interim Director Dianne Clark said with an increased focus on high demand, high paying jobs, the education climate is changing. “With an increasing emphasis on a highskilled, high-demand workforce related training, NWLTC is perfectly poised to meet the challenges facing Louisiana's institu-
tions of higher education,” she said. “The college continues to focus resources on training programs which provide placement opportunity for students. NWLTC has been putting people to work since 1952.” With the implementation of the scholarship foundation, this allows students the opportunity to apply for funds to help offset the cost of tuition, she said. They are also incorporating online classes into the programs. “As resources decline, it is essential for college leadership to work to reduce dependency on state dollars,” she said. “We will focus on new and increased enrollment opportunity through a series of online offerings. We will cultivate stronger, specifically targeted industry partnerships designed to enhance training and placement opportunity for our students. Our goal is simple, with the support of industry and our communities, we will continue to meet the students where they are and we will get them where they need to be."
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WEBSTER PARISH NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WWW.PRESS-HERALD.COM
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below benchmark are in remediation classes. At J.L. Jones, Principal Michelle Finley said 35 percent of students receiving extra practice during remediation have moved up at least one level. “These students, teachers and interventionists have worked so hard and we are proud of the progress they are making,” Finley said. At Lakeside, Principal Denny Finley said he is proud of the school and its faculty for meeting the challenges of today’s educational requirements.
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Murrell Street, and when it burned, they briefly moved to the old Creighton building, the current location of Second Hand Rose Antiques. In 2008, the museum opened at its current location with a few artifacts. “My job was to raise awareness of why we needed a museum,” she said, thus the Night at the Museum came to be. The Night at the Museum features local families five times a year telling their family history. These talks are then recorded to a
“Our teachers don’t go home at 3:20 every afternoon,” he said. “They have a lot to do outside of the classroom. No matter what comes up, the staff at Lakeside meets every challenge in stride and with a smile. We have an outstanding staff, and it shows every day in every way.” J.L. Jones has implemented a robotics team and the team competes in a robotics competition. The team uses the STEM skills they’ve learned, and teachers are implementing “whole brain” teaching and cooperative learning in every class, Finley said. Webster Junior High School’s school
score rose 6.8 points, Principal Bewanichi Sheppard said. “The increase can be attributed to the implementation of different academic and social learning strategies,” she said. “WJH has a rigorous honors program, and students in honor classes must maintain an ‘A’ or ‘B’ average, accumulate Accelerated Reader points and complete additional classroom projects.” Extra-curricular activities are also important for students to have a well-rounded education, and it also gives them the opportunity to give back to their communities and participate in programs that teach
them core social skills. Minden High School Principal Robin Tucker said extra-curricular activities give them an opportunity to participate in things outside the classroom. “I feel that the high school experience is greatly enhanced when students become involved in all that MHS has to offer,” she said. “We are so fortunate at our school to have dedicated and willing teachers who give unselfishly of their free time to sponsor these activities and experiences for our students. Without them, these programs would not exist.”
DVD so that an oral history of their family and remembrances of times past are captured. Francis says they’ve hosted roughly 57 of those. The Night at the Museum also raises awareness to the need for funds and donations to help defray costs of running the museum. Funding comes mainly from private donations, she said. The museum also hosts fundraisers throughout the year for building maintenance and other things the museum might need.
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Magnolia, Arkansas, Plain Dealing, Shongaloo, Sarepta, Cullen and Cotton Valley. It is governed by 13-member board of directors made up of local community members. Sedminik said SMC is vital to the community because the nearest hospital is roughly 30 miles, and with SMC in the community, it cuts down on response time and distance in medical emergencies. It is considered a topnotch facility in its care for heart and stroke patients in that it offers an array of services to serve those patients, he said. “When someone is having an emergency
event, having this hospital saves lives, and we’ve done it countless times,” he said. “Besides the life-saving capabilities of this hospital, we have a 24/7 emergency room, an ICU, and we do some surgery.” SMC offers telemedicine, which allows the hospital to link to physicians in south Louisiana to treat stroke and heart patients. Depending on the need, Sedminik said they would fly the patient to south Louisiana for treatment or to Shreveport. “It’s a medical decision, but most go to Shreveport,” he said. Derek Melancon, human resources director, said SMC has been recognized several
ready for the ‘senior’ prom,” Melancon said. “They do all kinds of things.” The “senior” prom is a fundraiser for the hospital, which allows them to purchase much-needed equipment, Melancon said. Springhill Medical Center was once the Springhill Community Hospital, which opened in 1959. In 2000, Springhill Medical Center came to be through the creation of Springhill Medical Services, Inc., a nonprofit corporation created by Greg Simmons. Through SMS, all profits are kept within the community, and SMC is allowed access to some of the most modern equipment and resources available.
times by Willis-Knighton for its quick response time in stabilizing a heart patient. “That’s the key, getting them stabilized and getting them the right medications,” he said. Because SMC is not parish or city owned or owned by a major corporation, it allows them to do a great deal of charity work and giving back to the community. The hospital provides the Senior Friends Center, a nonprofit organization for people ages 50 and older. The SFC provides educational programs, exercise programs as well as many other benefits. “They are even having a dance class to get
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Education in Webster
Superintendent’s
Report
for Webster Parish Schools Citizens of Webster Parish Over the past few years, the Webster Parish School System like many School Districts all over Louisiana has responded to a new era of Accountability. To insure quality educational opportunities for our children there has been a shift in focus by the Louisiana State Department of Education from every child will be college ready to every child will be college ready and/or career ready. This fundamental shift has created significant challenges for the Webster Parish Dr. Dan Rawls School System. To Superintendent that end, two broad areas of educational delivery have been implemented; namely, the Early Childhood Initiative and the Jumpstart Program. The Early Childhood Initiative has placed Public School Systems in the position of responsibility of providing curriculum, testing, and training of personnel in approved day-care and preschool programs. Jumpstart, on the other hand, is a movement by the Louisiana State Department of Education to re-establish vocational programs more suited to skills
training and career development for those students not wanting to attend the traditional 4 year college route. How have Webster Parish Schools responded to these new challenges? We are elated to announce that the Webster Parish School District as a whole grew 9% above the 2014-2015 on their District Performance Score during the 2015-2016 School year. Eight of our schools showed significant School Performance Score growth! We have also shown extended growth in our Advanced Placement and Dual Credit Course offerings for High School Students. Our graduation co-hart rate continues to be above the State level near the top. Several work and construction projects are currently under way to enhance learning environments more suitable for some of our schools; Harper students will be moved to the new facilities being built at the Phillips school site, the 6th graders from Phillips will be moved to the Webster Junior High campus and the 6th grade students at Central will be moved to the Lakeside Jr./Senior High campus. We wish to offer our sincerest appreciation to the citizens of Webster Parish who continue to support our Webster Parish Schools. Thank You! Dr. Dan Rawls Superintendent of Schools for Webster Parish February 2017 • Minden-Webster Profiles
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Outdoors
In the Woods
Webster Parish has an exceptional climate Louisiana features some of the ripest hunting grounds in the country. Webster Parish is no exception, with our area proudly boasting some of the most fertile spots in the state for taking down Whitetail deer, turkeys, squirrels, doves and even ducks if you count neighboring Claiborne Parish. Will Holomon, a Minden native and Game Warden for the Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries, said the exceptional hunting is thanks in part to Louisiana's climate being so conducive for wildlife. "Most of the terrain is piney woods with scattered hardwood bottoms," Holomon said. "We don't have any marshes or hilly country. I would say this area has some excellent hunting, especially for deer and turkey." Holomon also noted that hunters may soon start to notice more bucks roaming their land or lease thanks to better manage-
ment by hunters and lease owners alike. 'We're starting to see some bigger deer," Holomon said. "People are starting to do a better job of leaving the smaller bucks alone
and letting them grow, which is good. The population has stayed about the same, but people are keeping up with what they shoot better and a bunch of leases are starting to
come up with antler restrictions where maybe the smallest deer you can shoot is a 6-point. It's important because if you don't manage them right, you won't have them anymore." Limits are another big draw for local hunters, as current state laws allow the killing of six deer per season, whereas some northern states will allow only one kill. Louisiana also features a primitive season (black powder, bow-hunting) that begins the first week of October and usually runs through the month's first three weeks, prior to modern firearm season which can finish anywhere from late December to January. Webster Parish hunters and those from neighboring communities don't just hunt for trophies, as they delight in sharing their bounty with those who need it most through programs like Hunters for the Hungry.
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Muddy Attraction
Muddy Bottoms brings thousands to Webster Parish There are few things Southerners love more than getting a little mud on the tires. Enter Muddy Bottoms ATV and recreation park, located in Sarepta, a 5,000 acre mudslinger's paradise. Ever since their grand opening on Memorial Day weekend in 2014, Muddy Bottoms has earned a reputation as one of the South's premier riding destinations with plenty of bogs, trails and tracks to please everyone from the extreme sportsman to the casual family getaway. The park features a state-of-the-art amphitheater, luxury cabins for rent, gas stations, convenient store and 4-6 food and drink vendors are on hand for each event serving some of the areas finest food. In 2017, Muddy Bottoms has five main mud-riding events on tap, starting in February with Cajun Muddy Gras. "This event is sponsored by Can-Am & Campers RV Center, which is the kick-off to our mud season," Muddy Bottoms Director of Marketing Kim Cannon said. "It will feature country artist and former Dancing with the Stars contestant, Jana Kramer. Opening for Jana, we will have SmithField, which is new to country music and from the great state of Texas. This event features Muddy Gras parade, Kid’s King Cake eating competition and lots of fun for all family members." Other events for this year include the Redneck Revival (March 24-27), Mudapalooza (May 26-29), Muddin' for the Military (June 30 - July 3), and Mudstock (Sept. 1-4).
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All events will feature musical talent to be announced soon on the park's website, muddybottomsatv.com. The park had an average attendance of almost 9,000 per event in 2016 capped at approximately 13,000, according to Cannon. With so many people clamoring to enter the park, Muddy Bottoms has an extensive safety policy in place. "We want all riders to have a great time at the park while remaining safe," Cannon said. "We’ve introduced our safety squad with Clemy, Gerty & Justin Mudd, who promote different safety facts via social media throughout the year to bring awareness to any issues that occur. Our park recommends that all ATV riders partake in a safety course when purchasing their bikes as well as follow their manufacturer’s guide when operating their vehicle." Safety classes are even offered on-site during rides, with the first set for the park's Easter Open Ride, April 15. Additionally, the grounds are policed 24/7 during all rides to ensure the safety of park patrons and speed limit signs are posted throughout the park. "We have over 5,000 acres to monitor and control, so our staff has a lot of land to keep them busy," Cannon said. "Alcohol is allowed on property, however, any minor that is caught drinking or portraying that him or her have been in contact with alcohol does go through a detaining process and their parents are notified."
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Miss Minden
Abigail Reynolds is Miss Minden Abigail Reynolds was crowned Miss Minden 2017. Reynolds is the daughter of Dustin and Jenny Reynolds, of Dubberly. She is a student at Tulane University in New Orleans, and made her platform about “Authentically Beautiful – Self Confidence Over Social Standards.” Reynolds was awarded the swimsuit/fitness award and the Hannah McFarland Evening Gown award.
Come Viisitt Us in
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Proud To CELEBRATE Our Minden Heritage For
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Million Dollar City
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$1.3 Million for the Children of St. Jude Minden held on to the title of Million Dollar City. The 41st annual Minden St. Jude Auction brought in more than $1.3 million for the children’s research hospital. When the final pledges rolled in, the grand total of money raised was $1,330,226 in four days.
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