Minden
Press-Herald TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020
PRESS-HERALD.COM
MINDEN, LOUISIANA
MINDEN BENCHMARKS
WILL PHILLIPS Minden Press-Herald
City Art Works has recently undertaken the task of refurbishing benches from all over Downtown Minden. Be mindful of the fact that these aren’t just normal benches. These benches were purchased several years ago by Midnen Mainstreet, created locally and were painted over by local artists. Danna Hassell and Mary McKinney from City Art Works have been working multiple days throughout the past weeks in order to get these benches restored. They originally began the project on July 1st and have been working since to get the benches back in pristine condition. “Basically, these are paintings, and we’re restoring the frames,” said Hassell. It’s been quite some time since the wooden benches were originally put out, and the benches have been worn from their exposure to weather and the elements. The restoration process is also more delicate because they have to fix the parts that are broken while also keeping the initial artwork intact. “We washed and washed and washed, and the more you
wash, the wood gets saturated, and you have to give it a break or you’re just not getting anywhere. And you don’t want to rub the paint off, you’re trying not to scratch it, so there’s a balance to it,” said Hassell. “The cleaning took about three to four days, because you have to do it in layers and wait for it to dry, and do it again or else you’re getting into the wood,” said McKinzey. After washing, they went about restoring the wood itself, being careful not to disturb the original art, and after that it was a matter of staining in order to help protect the wood whenever they get reintroduced to the public. As mentioned previously, these benches feature local artists. Which artist painted which bench is as follows. Sherry Collins painted the bench with the bayou scene bench, Jeanne Mason painted the dogwood bench, EJ Collins painted the deer bench. Anita Goodson painted the jonquils bench, and Becky McKenzie painted the poppies bench. These benches will start to be put back up around downtown in the coming weeks, with whatever benches are left remaining at City Art Works until they find their proper place.
WILL PHILLIPS/MINDEN PRESS-HERALD
Mary McKinney and Danna Hassell standing behind one of the benches featuring artwork from EJ Collins that they refurbished in the recent weeks.
Mayor Gardner gives update on COVID diagnosis WILL PHILLIPS Minden Press-Herald
Monday morning Gardner received his COVID-19 results from a test that he took on Friday which unfortunately showed that he is still testing positive for the coronavirus. This is now the third week in a row that the Mayor has not been able to work directly from his office. Luckily, Gardner’s COVID-19 symptoms seem to be mild, which has allowed him to work from home during the past few weeks and keep city business moving.
“I’ve had it pretty mild. It was like a light touch of the flu. I had no breathing problems, some achy bones,a little fatigue. I have never in my entire life been home for two weeks. So that was a big adjustment in itself staying at the house,” said Gardner. “Everything has gone extremely smoothly at the City. We’ve got some great department heads and key management.” Unfortunately, the Mayor’s wife Debbie Gardner has also contracted the virus and has faced more severe medical complications, ultimately hav-
Volume 52 Number 6
©2020 Specht Newspapers, Inc.
ing to be hospitalized. “The most important thing to me from a personal standpoint is for my wife to get better. She’s still in the hospital with a lot of different complications from corona,” said Gardner. Luckily he was able to inform the Minden Press-Herald on Monday that they had in fact received a convalescent plasma donation from someone who had and recovered from coronavirus. Gardner and his wife’s different outcomes from the same virus shows here locally the fact that COVID-19 can affect different people in different
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ways, making it all the more important that people who may not be as affected from the virus still follow proper hygiene as to not spread the disease to those who are. “The coronavirus is not selective. It doesn’t matter who you are or how healthy you are. If it attaches itself to you, you’re going to get it. Wear your mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds every time you think about it. You not only need to think of your health, but the health of the individuals that you are around,” said Gardner.
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75 CENTS
Louisiana gas prices drop after weeks of increase
Louisiana gas prices have fallen 1.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.85/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,436 stations. Gas prices in Louisiana are 6.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 54.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The cheapest station in Louisiana is priced at $1.61/g today while the most expensive is $2.89/g, a difference of $1.28/g. “Similar to watching the Cubs game last night with a quiet and empty stadium, gasoline prices have been quiet last week as markets await the next chapter in the coronavirus situation,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 2.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.18/g today. The national average is up 5.4 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 58.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. “As cases continue to rise, the likelihood rises that gas prices will stabilize and demand may continue to see small decreases, which is the name of the game behind gas prices. I wouldn’t expect much movement until we either see more states being impacted again or we see cases start to drop, either one would provide clarity to where we stand now. For now, motorists are still ‘stuck’ with the lowest summer gas prices in 16 years,” said De Haan. GasBuddy is the authoritative voice for gas prices and the only source for station-level data spanning nearly two decades. GasBuddy’s survey updates 288 times every day from the most diverse list of sources covering nearly 150,000 stations nationwide, the most comprehensive and up-to-date in the country. GasBuddy data is accessible at http://FuelInsights.GasBuddy. com.
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INDEX Obituaries Editorials Sports
3 Classifieds 9 4 Crossword 7 6 Comics 7
2 | TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
Second Front NATIONAL
GOP leaders head to White House as virus crisis deepens WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next COVID-19 aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring. New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But the administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage. Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would “disappear,” but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the alarming U.S. caseload and death toll. Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired. Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one. “It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank frontline workers.
McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News. The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country. The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits. But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post. Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks. The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast $3 trillion proposal and virus cases and deaths had only
increased since. Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill. The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion. Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed. “I want to see it,” he said. As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind. The first round of virus aid is running out. A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units. With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and
losing employer-backed health insurance coverage. Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession. Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections. In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections. “If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.
NATIONAL
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program temporarily suspended due to overwhelming response Due to overwhelming response, phase one of the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (LERAP) application process has been temporarily suspended, but you can continue to sign up for notification of the opening of future phases. Administered and funded by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) in partnership with the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD), the LERAP is designed to help households financially impacted as a result of shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours or unpaid leave due to the pandemic. Launched Thursday, July 16, more than 40,000 renters have visited LaRentHelp.com or contacted 2-1-1 to initiate the application process. The LHC will continue to process applications and follow-up with renters who qualify to receive financial assistance. The program will reopen as
additional funds become available. To learn more or receive notice about additional rental resources, visit LaRentHelp.com to subscribe to the mailing list. “The response to our state’s emergency rental assistance program proves how significant the economic burden of COVID-19 is for our citizens,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “This program was designed to help mitigate and off-set evictions and homelessness, and while we have allocated an additional $17 million for a total of $24 million in federal assistance, we know that much more is needed to address this serious crisis for the hard-working men and women who continue to keep our state going during this crisis.” The LHC will continue to update the program’s website and provide information to Louisiana renters as it becomes See, RENT, Page 3
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 | 3
Webster & More OBITUARIES
Larry Lamar Pearson
Graveside services for Larry Lamar Pearson will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Ashdown Memorial Gardens in Ashdown, Arkansas under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday July 21, 2020 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana. Larry Lamar Pearson was born to Ben and Minnie Lee (Gray) Pearson on October 10, 1940 in Minden, Louisiana. He was raised in Minden, attended school and went to Vo-Tech to become a welder. He worked at Dunham and International Paper Mill in Springhill for 10 years until it closed. He then worked at the Paper Mill in Ashdown for 10 years until health issues caused him to retire. He was married to Betty Tripplet Pearson for 43 years until her death in 2003. He was a member of Hicks Baptist Church and Emmanuel Baptist Church. He loved his church and he loved his family dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; son, Jerimy Pearson; parents, Ben and Minnie Lee Pearson;brother, Billy Wayne “Pete” Pearson; sister, Ruby Pearson Osbon; sister-in-law, Babara Hutchins; and brother-in-law, Durwood Tripplet.
Carey Donald Fletcher Carey Donald Fletcher (87) went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 17, 2020. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2020 at First Baptist Church, Minden from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Minden with Dr. Bill Murray, Professor, College of Christian Studies, North Greenville University of Greer, SC will officiate. Don was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Minnie Fletcher, brothers Randall, Tommy and David Fletcher and sister Linda Salisbury. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Fannie Belle Brooks Fletcher, son Kevin Fletcher of Princeton, LA, son Donnie Fletcher (Gwen) of King, NC, daughter Denise Cowley (Jeff) of Benton, LA and son Mike Fletcher (Paula) of Bossier
He is survived by his wife, Linda Murphy Pearson of Minden; son Jeff Pearson and wife Toni of West Monroe; grandson, Christian Pearson of Minden; granddaughter, Natalie Pearson; step-grandchildren, Gabby, Dylan, Mattie, and Trevor; brother, Ben Pearson and wife Lula of Minden; sisters, Betty Shaw of Bossier City, Mary Sue Miller of Minden, Margaret Osbon and husband Glenn of Minden; sister-in-law, Mary Tripplet; sister-in-law, Leann Pearson of Ben Lomand, AR; brother-in-law, Dave Osbon and wife Dottie of Minden; brother-in-law, Jerry Hutchins; sister-in-law, Carol Smith; stepson, Johnny Murphy and wife Tiffany and children, Evan and Collin; stepson, Michael Murphy and wife David and wife Davida, and children, Brennen, Peyton, and Avery; stepson, Stephen and wife Kathy, and child, Caleb; Larry’s lifetime friend, Jerry “Milkman” Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be: Darryl Osbon, Paul Osbon, Tracy Pearson, Craig Pearson Steve Murphy, Mike Murphy, and John Murphy. Honorary pallbearer: Jerry Smith A special thank you to Nightingale Hospice for their loving care for Larry. Thank you to Jackie, Amie, Alisha, Victoria and Bro. Hank. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, Minden, Louisiana or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Rose-Neath Funeral Home 211 Murrell Street Minden, Louisiana 71055 (318) 377-3412 City, LA. Grandchildren Nathan Fletcher, Emily Fletcher, Rebeccah Stewart (Trey), Jacob Cowley and Lauren Fletcher. Don pastored churches throughout North Louisiana for over 58 years. He loved being a Pastor and leading people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Don loved many things but none was more special than his wife of 66 years, Fannie Belle, his children and his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father and Papaw. He had a deep abiding love for his church family and everyone he met. He will be greatly missed and has left a legacy of how to love and respect each other. We love you Dad. Pallbearers: Jay Reeves, Terry Hayes, Lynwood Lupo, Ronnie Craig, Charlie Williamson, John Finklea, Richard Nunnery, and Duane Hoover. Honorary pallbearers: Nathan Fletcher and Jacob Cowley. Rose-Neath Funeral Home 211 Murrell Street Minden, Louisiana 71055
STATE
RENT: Emergency Rental Assistance Program temporarily suspended
Continued from Page 2 available. “We know there are many individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this pandemic and that there is a great sense of urgency for housing assistance,” said LHC Executive Director E. Keith Cunningham, Jr. “As the state’s housing agency, we are committed to doing everything we can to meet the needs of renters and landlords and are hope-
ful that additional federal dollars will become available as soon as possible.” The first phase of the program is funded with $7 million from the HOME Investment Partnership Program that is currently available, and the next phases will be funded by $5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $12 million in Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CDBG and
ESG funds are not yet available but are expected soon. All the funding is provided to the state from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ABOUT LHC The Louisiana Housing Corporation’s mission is to ensure that every Louisiana resident is granted an opportunity to obtain safe, affordable, energy-efficient housing. Each day this ongoing challenge is met by
a dedicated staff of professionals who allocate federal and state funds to help low-to-moderate income citizens make their housing dreams a reality. LHC administers federal and state funds through programs designed to advance the development of energy efficient and affordable housing for working families, drive housing policy for Louisiana and oversee the state’s Disaster Housing Task Force.
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4 | TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
Opinion Minden
Press-Herald 2 0 3 G LE AS O N STR E E T MIN DE N, LO U IS IAN A 7 1 0 5 5 318-37 7 - 1 8 6 6 w w w.pre ss- herald . co m U SPS N U M BE R 5 9 3 - 3 4 0
JOSHUA SPECHT Editor & Publisher WILL PHILLIPS Lead Reporter KELLY MAY Chief Financial Officer AMANDA ANDERS Circulation Manager JJ MARSHALL Sports Editor LOUIS MITCHELL Production Director CURTIS MAYS Advertising Executive CHELSEA STARKEY Advertising Executive COURTNEY PLUNKETT Classifieds/Public Notices
The Minden Press-Herald is published Tuesday through Saturday afternoon by Specht Newspapers, Inc. at 203 Gleason Street, Minden, Louisiana 71055. Telephone: (318) 377-1866. Entered as Periodicals at the Post Office as Minden PressHerald, P.O. Box 1339, Minden LA 71058-1339. Subscription rate: In-parish mail delivery $11 per month; $33 per three months; $66 per six months; $99 per nine months and $132 per year. Out-of-parish mail delivery is $14.50 per month; $43.50 per three months; $87 per six months; $130.50 per nine months and $174 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Minden PressHerald, P.O. Box 1339, Minden, LA 71058-1339.
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JOSHUA SPECHT, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER jspecht@press-herald.com
OTHER OPINION
Mask mandate marks latest Edwards, Landry quarrel The timing seemed strange for Attorney General Jeff Landry to challenge Louisiana’s recently enacted mask mandate for the coronavirus outbreak, while he was in quarantine with the virus himself and only a day after the Trump administration supported the face covering requirement. That might be why the Republican attorney general’s opinion was worded to object to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards’ mandate without arguing about the health benefits of the mask itself or the public safety risks of the COVID-19 disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Writing from his coronavirus isolation location, Landry said Edwards’ executive order requiring anyone aged 8 or older to wear face coverings, limiting bars to takeout and delivery and banning gatherings of more than 50 people in indoor spaces is “likely unconstitutional and unenforceable.” But he started his analysis by writing: “Let me begin by first emphasizing that this guidance in no form should be taken to discredit or reduce the significance of any protections taken by an individual, including the wearing of a face mask for the purpose of preventing infection from COVID-19.” On Twitter, Landry stressed that he was not discouraging masks, “only a mandate.” It’s not clear, however, how much people will notice the
nuance in the increasingly politicized mask fights of the coronavirus pandemic. While scientists in the early days of the outbreak were divided on the benefits of mask wearing, health officials are largely consistent now in recommending face coverings as a precaution against spreading and infecting others with the coronavirus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages the wearing of masks, saying they will help protect the people around the mask-wearer. S t i l l , masks have become a national flashpoint, with people arguing community responsiMELINDA bility clashDESLATTE ing with those arguing individual freedom. Republicans appear more resistant to wearing them than Democrats. President Donald Trump recently wore a mask in public, but he doesn’t wear them with regularity. But while Trump may eschew the guidance of his own advisers and health experts, his administration couldn’t have been clearer during its Tuesday visit to Louisiana. “The governor is correct. It will take everyone in Loui-
siana, every single person in Louisiana, to wear a mask,” Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator, said in LSU’s Tiger Stadium with Edwards and members of the congressional delegation, all of whom were wearing masks. During the visit, Vice President Mike Pence said: “We support Gov. John Bel Edwards and his health officials’ decisions, and we encourage people to heed the guidance of state and local authorities. And with regard to wearing a mask, it’s just always a good idea.” Edwards initially resisted a statewide mask order, preferring to call for individual responsibility. He changed his mind as Louisiana’s coronavirus caseload continued to surge. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. But for some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe or fatal illness. Louisiana is averaging more than 2,000 new confirmed infections a day over the last week and again has one of the fastest growing infection rates per capita across the nation. Hospitalization numbers are spiking, and the percentage of coronavirus tests returning positive has alarmed health experts, including in the Trump administration. While Landry was telling the public Edwards’ mask order appeared to be illegal, the White
House was encouraging Louisiana and several other states to go much further in locking down activity that could spread the coronavirus. A White House document sent to governors — first reported by the Center for Public Integrity and also released by Edwards — recommended not only that Louisiana enact a mask mandate and close bars, but also that the state shutter gyms and further restrict indoor dining at restaurants beyond what the governor has done. More than half of states have mask mandates, including Louisiana’s neighbors of Arkansas and Texas. The legal opinion issued by Landry, whose office requires employees to wear a facial covering in public areas, doesn’t carry the force of law, though it could be used to try to undermine Edwards’ mandate by bolstering a lawsuit or just raising enforcement questions. Already some lawmakers, attorneys and businesses are trying to use the governor’s exception for people with medical conditions as a loophole for people to refuse to wear a mask and for businesses to allow people in without one.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte
OTHER OPINION
Malkin: Mask Mandates are a public health menace Jared Polis, the Democratic governor of Colorado, thinks those of us who oppose scientifically dubious, constitutionally suspect and dangerously overbroad face mask mandates are “selfish bastards.” I think Polis is a pandering pandemic control freak endangering public health, safety, and sanity. There. Now that the name-calling is out of the way, let’s talk facts. Contracting COVID can be fatal or debilitating for the elderly, immune-compromised and physically challenged. But there is no catastrophic public health emergency justifying sweeping government orders and ordinances that would force healthy citizens to wear masks in an increasingly oppressive climate of manufactured fear — completely untethered from pragmatic realities and risk assessments. According to the federal government’s own COVID-19 data, 120,675 deaths in America have been tied to the virus. Tracked weekly by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, fatalities peaked on April 18, 2020, with 16,897 succumbing to the disease. (Keep in mind that many medical whistleblowers have reported that these statistics are inflated by including “COVID”-related deaths uncorroborated by lab results and also by including patients who died with COVID infections, but not necessarily from the virus itself.) In the 12 weeks since April 18, as states have reopened and protests (or riots) of all kinds have brought tens of thousands of people in close contact, deaths have fallen precipitously. For the week of July 11, 2020,
guess how many deaths were attributed to the virus? 181. The total number of deaths for school-age children between February-July 2020 are 9 (under 1 year of age); 7 (ages 1-4); 14 (age 5-14); and 149 (ages 15-24). All deaths are tragic, of course. But we haven’t banned cars, bikes, swimming pools, aspirin, plastic bags or matches to prevent the tens of thousands of school-age deaths that occur each year due to unintentional accidents involving these items. We don’t mandate that all kids wear life vests at bath time because nearly MICHELLE 100 children die in a tub MALKIN yearly. We don’t mandate that all pet owners muzzle their dogs at all times because someone, somewhere, might be attacked upon exposure to Fido. In a CNN interview this week, infection disease bureaucrat Dr. Anthony Fauci asserted that “I think you can trust me” and other “experts” as nationwide mask mania escalates. Does he think we all have amnesia? This is the same joker who just four months ago told CBS News, “There’s no reason to be walking around with a mask.” His fellow experts in the federal public health-industrial complex dismissed surgical masks as inad-
equate protection from small airborne particles and warned that they did not form adequate seals around the face. And remember this? “Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus...” That was our surgeon general, Dr. Jerome Adams, in February. Or how about this: “There’s not much we can do, so we’re all walking around feeling rather victimized by this virus. By using a mask, even if it doesn’t do a lot, it moves the locus of control to you, away from the virus.” That was Dr. William Schaffner, professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University, quoted in Time magazine in March. Or how about this from the same article: “’Even if experts are saying it’s really not going to make a difference, a little (part of ) people’s brains is thinking, well, it’s not going to hurt. Maybe it’ll cut my risk just a little bit, so it’s worth it to wear a mask,’ she says. In that sense, wearing a mask is a ‘superstitious behavior’...” That was Lynn Bufka, a clinical psychologist and senior director for practice, research and policy at the American Psychological Association. Reviewing the scientific literature in her upcoming book, “The Case Against Masks” with Kent Heckenlively, former federal research scientist Dr. Judy Mikovits summarizes: “The more effective a mask is at blocking normal air flow, the greater the problem with decreased oxygen and increased
carbon dioxide a person is likely to have. The less effective a mask is at blocking normal airflow, the less of a case can be made for using it. And we haven’t really dealt with what seems to be the main way that the virus spreads, through coughing and sneezing which spreads respiratory droplets.” Watching young, healthy people jogging or hiking on isolated trails in mid-July around Colorado Springs in cloth and surgical masks drives me nuts. They’re not protecting anyone else and are likely making themselves sick. In what sane world is breathing through moist bacteria traps and cutting yourself off from vitally needed oxygen a public health virtue? Vulnerable kids especially are being lied to by panic-mongers and exploited as human shields. Meanwhile, a recent journal article in the New England Journal of Medicine acknowledges: “The chance of catching Covid-19 from a passing interaction in a public space is... minimal. In many cases, the desire for widespread masking is a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic.” The evidence does not support broad mask mandates. Yet, now we free-thinkers and free-breathers face jail time and witch hunts for dissenting. It’s all about politics, power, and control. “Selfish bastards” who promote superstitious costumery as science threaten us all. Michelle Malkin’s email address is MichelleMalkinInvestigates@protonmail. com.
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 | 5
Life
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LIFE IN A PANDEMIC
Storyteller entertains kids in Mexico City apartment complex MEXICO CITY (AP) — Perc-
buildings, he read ”El Tlacuache
“In the last three months, ev-
to the plaza”) — a reference to the
“The public plaza has been
ibald Garcia recognized that con-
Lunatico” (“The Crazy Opos-
erything has gone online, —work,
town squares where historically
extremely important in Mexico
finement during the coronavirus
sum”). It’s a story by David Martín
contacts, shopping,” said Garcia.
Mexicans have gathered to so-
since the time of our ancestors,”
lockdown is especially tedious for
del Campo about a possum who
“This is an act of resistance in the
cialize and share.
since the Aztecs, Garcia noted. “It
children. So the young architect
suffers because he is so short. The
face of this ferocious digitaliza-
decided to read them stories.
possum tries to reach the moon
tion we are experiencing.”
The pandemic hit this aspect
is where people meet, talk, where
of life hard, because people have
the life of a neighborhood devel-
been encouraged not to go out or
ops.”
Almost every day since the be-
to feel taller. Once there, he eats
Rogelio Morales listened to the
ginning of May, the 27-year-old
the moon — and then has to fig-
stories from the window of his
has gone out in an enormous
ure out, with fellow animals, how
grandmother’s apartment. Since
It’s a tradition that also has
plaza, but it’s private ... you have
Mexico City apartment com-
to bring it back. Other stories fol-
March, the 9-year-old has spent
been altered in the modern
to pay,” he added. “This kills the
plex with his “wandering micro-
low the same vein.
much of his time playing video
neighborhoods of Mexico’s big
public plaza, kills the social structures.”
gather for fear of contagion.
“The shopping mall is now the
phone” to broadcast stories to
Garcia often precedes a story
games. “The only thing I go out
cities, where shopping malls have
children who gather at their win-
by playing songs by the celebrat-
for is to walk my dog,” he said.
often replaced plazas and parks
Some children have even ap-
dows to listen.
ed Mexican children’s composer
“It’s a little boring. I miss school.”
as gathering spots. But due to the
proached Garcia to read their
While most kids these days
Francisco Gabilondo Soler, who
“It’s nice,” Rogelio said of the
coronavirus, the malls also have
own stories, and other guest sto-
have cellphones, tablets or com-
performed as Cri-Cri the crick-
storytelling. “If we have some-
been ordered closed in Mexico
rytellers are invited to join.
puters, Garcia wants them to hear
et. Sometimes other storytellers
thing to do, or if we’re very frus-
City.
the human voice and the world of
perform, as does a puppet troop.
trated, we can relax a little.”
shared tales. He also wants them
And always, just as on Saturday,
Luna Gonzalez, came with her
to realize they can use, even from
children appear at the windows
mother, Tatiana Vega, to listen to
hood since 1967, just a few years
a distance, the public plazas that
of the multistory building to take
the stories from a safe distance,
after it opened in 1964. It orig-
have served as the anchor of life
in the show.
both wearing face masks.
inally contained nearly 12,000
Rogelio’s grandmother, Maria
in Mexico for centuries.
“This is an invitation to people
Garcia’s family has lived in the capital’s
Tlatelolco
neighbor-
to continue using the public plaza,” he said. It is not only children who listen.
In the end, it is an act of mutu-
“I imagine the characters, I
apartments and spread over 232
Elena Sevilla, also leaned out her
“We realized that almost no-
al comfort, similar to the Italians
imagine what the animals are
acres (94 hectares). The govern-
ground-floor window.
body was looking after the way
who serenaded each other from
like,” said Luna, who used the op-
ment-built complex was erected
“This young man will get a spe-
that kids were experiencing this
their balconies early in the pan-
portunity to go out to dress up in
during a period when architects
cial reward from God, because
lockdown,” Garcia said Saturday.
demic, but also a cry to reclaim
her finest. “Sometimes we go out,
still felt they had to provide open,
it is not just children he is enter-
Setting up his microphone
shared public spaces and stem
because I get bored at home.”
communal spaces, something
taining, it is people of my age,
in one of the green spaces that
the migration to a digital, virtual
private developers have largely
too,” she said.
sit between rows of apartment
world.
Garcia calls his project “De la Casa a la Plaza” (“From the house
INSPIRATION
If I’m not for myself, who will be for me, if not now, when?
Hillel, a noted Jewish philos- are willing to pay to make that opher, born in 110 BC, asked goal a reality. the poignant question, “If I’m Ralph Waldo Emerson said not for myself, who will be for “the highest price we pay for me, if not now, when; but if I’m anything is to ask for it.” only for myself, what Not much if anyam I?” thing happens until Because we, to a we take take that first degree, invent our step. own destiny, create it, Ralph Waldo Emmake it happen, manerson went on to say, ufacture it within our “The world makes own brain, then beway for the man who lieve it into existence SARAH knows where he is goHUDSON-PIERCE by diligent work, creing.” ative energy that drives Being rejected in us to our goals, we must devise any endeavor isn’t the end, a plan of action to reach our de- doesn’t define us as a failure. sired destinations. Just as Fran Tarkenton, the Someone has said that in or- famed football player, held the der to achieve any goal, there record for touch downs, he also are only two things we must do. held the record for more sacks First we must decide exactly than anyone else. what it is that we want and secAnother interesting fact is ondly, and just as important, we that President Ronald Reagan, must determine what price we was turned down when he ap-
plied for a job at Montgomery Ward. Being upset he mentioned not getting hired to a total stranger, on an elevator, who suggested that he go down to the local radio station who was hiring. Immediately he was hired. The rest is history. It’s now what happens to us, or how many defeats we encounter, but how many time we get up, dust ourselves off, keep trying, each time rising a little further up from which we came. Perhaps we know deep inside that the time has come that we must reach inside, develop our gifts or die in despair. Life has never been easy but visualizing our dreams as a reality, before the first step is taken, is what makes the difference! Contact Sarah at sarahp9957@aol. com
abandoned.
www.apnews.com
Sports 6 MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020
JJ Marshall, Sports Editor jjmarshall@press-herald.com
www.press-herald.com
OUTDOORS
NBA
Zion Williamson leaves Pelicans for ‘family medical matter’
Zion Williamson left the New Orleans Pelicans this week to attend to what the club described as an “urgent family medical matter.” Williamson, the NBA’s top overall draft choice last summer, intends to rejoin the team in the Orlando, Florida, area for the resumption of the season, the Pelicans said, but the club did not specify when he would be able to return or whether he’ll miss any of the club’s eight remaining regular-season games. “We don’t know anything right now from the standpoint of him coming back,” coach Alvin Gentry said after practice Thursday night. “Obviously, right now, we’re not concerned about the basketball part for him. We’re just concerned about his family.” Williamson will have to quarantine again when he returns to central Florida, a period that will last at least four days and could be significantly longer if he is not tested daily during his absence from the team. “Once we learn more about Zion’s specific circumstances, we will determine his reentry protocol based on our rules,” NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. The Pelicans resume the season on July 30 against Utah, followed by a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers two days later. “We fully support Zion’s decision to leave the NBA campus to be with his family,” Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said. “Out of respect for the Williamson family, we will have no further comment at this time.” Williamson, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound power forward who starred for one season at Duke, has averaged 23.6 points and
6.8 rebounds in 19 NBA games after missing New Orleans’ first 44 games this season while recovering from preseason arthroscopic knee surgery. “With him gone taking care of his family, we’ll hold down the fort for him,” Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday said. “This season and how crazy it’s been, it’s just another obstacle that we have to get through as a team. “We know that when Zion gets back he’ll fall right back in line, just like he did last time,” Holiday added. “But until then, we’ll have to steer the boat.” New Orleans is 10-9 with Williamson in the lineup and 18-27 without him. “Obviously, he’s a great player that we’ll miss,” Gentry said, but also noted that the Pelicans had a stretch without Williamson from late December into January in which they won 11 of 16 games. “We’re a good team. We’re a deep team,” Gentry said. “So we’ll have guys that will step in and play. We’ll have guys that will up their games a little bit more.” The Pelicans are 3 1/2 games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. But there is also the possibility of qualifying for the playoffs by finishing ninth and within four games of the eighth seed. In that case, the ninth-place team would have to beat the eighth-place team in two straight games to advance to the full NBA playoffs. Portland currently holds the ninth spot, with New Orleans and Sacramento less than one game behind in a tie for 10th. All 22 teams invited to conclude the season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex will play eight games before the postseason begins.
Bussey on the rebound
Glynn Harris
Special to the Press-Herald
It’s been a long time ago, 26 years ago in fact, but I can still remember my first and only visit to Bussey Brake and I came way anything but impressed. I watched a pair of commercial fishermen come to the launch ramp with their boat filled with carp and buffalo. When I looked out across the lake, it certainly didn’t look like a lake I’d enjoy trying to fish for bass, crappie or bream. Bussey was constructed in the mid-1950s by International Paper Co. to be used as an alternate water source for the company’s paper mill. Once the mill closed, the lake was donated to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) some eight years ago. Since that time, the state agency has been at work on creating a new lake out of the original impoundment. First off, the lake was basically drained and the abundance of “trash” fish, such as common carp and buffalo were removed and the work to give the lake a new lease on life began. Mike Wood, retired fisheries biologist with the LDWF spent many hours on Bussey both professionally and as an angler who loved the lake. “At one time,” Wood said, “Bussey was a nationally recognized area with some great fishing and was a blessing to International Paper Co. which allowed public access to the lake.” As years passed, the lake started developing a serious problem; it became infested with what some call “trash” fish such as common carp and buffalo. “These fish became abundant so much so that the water stayed muddy and fishing in general declined. The removal of these undesirable fish was one spoke in the wheel of getting the lake back to where it originally was,” Wood said. One problem that has always faced anglers occurs right at the launch ramp. Steady breezes have made launching and getting a boat on a trailer a major problem. “The boat ramp was in dire need of protection from heavy wave action. All it took was for a storm to blow up out of the southwest that created a serious hazard to boats trying to launch or leave the lake. A beautiful wave-break levee has
been constructed in front of the ramp leaving calm water for launching. In addition, there is a pretty deep hole in the lake where material was extracted to build the levee. This deep area should be a fine crappie fishing spot especially during winter time,” Wood said. Although there are still some “rough” fish in the lake, their numbers have been reduced to the point that game fish that were released and are growing in the lake should have a good chance to create healthy populations of fish. The lake has been restocked with largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and channel catfish. Since Bussey is actually a wildlife management area, certain requirements must be met for anglers to enjoy fishing the lake. A self-clearing permit will be used and wildlife enforcement agents will be on the lake to insure that proper regulations are in order. For example, the lake will have certain limits and length regulations in effect. For bass, there is a five fish limit with a 16 inch maximum length with one fish over 16 inches allowed in the creel. Crappie limit is 25 with a 10 inch maximum length while the bream limit is 50 with no maximum.
There are now clearly marked boat lanes that will keep boaters from slamming lower units into stumps. These lanes are of particular importance because the lake still lacks some two feet
reaching pool stage. Oh, there is one more problem. There are no rest room facilities around the lake. A word to the wise might be to GO before you GO.
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
FUN & GAMES
On This Day In History 2011 - STS-135 lands. This space shuttle was the 135th and the last space shuttle flight of American Space Shuttle program. 1983 - Lowest temperature ever measured on Earth. Vostok Station, a Russian station on Antarctica experienced the lowest temperatures ever measured in recorded human history. The temperatures fell to −128.6 °F (−89.2 °C) 1980 - Mary Eugenia Charles is elected as PM of Dominica. Her election to office made her the first female and the longest PM of the Commonwealth of Dominica. She is also the first elected female head of state in the See, HISTORY, Page 8
CRYPTOQUIP
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 | 7
CROSSWORD
8 | TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020
SUDOKU
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
WORD SLEUTH
HISTORY
Continued from Page 7
Americas.
1977 - Libyan– Egyptian War begins. This short war between Libya and Egypt started with Libya striking Egyptian cities. The war lasted for 2 days with a ceasefire on July 24. 1969 - First person walks on the Moon. Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon. He stepped on the Moon’s surface almost 7 hours after Apollo 11, the space craft that carried them, landed on the Sea of Traquility on the Moon. After stepping on the Moon, Armstrong uttered his famous words, “one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”
COMICS BABY BLUES | RICK KIRKMAN AND JERRY SCOTT
BLONDIE | DEAN YOUNG AND JOHN MARSHALL
BEETLE BAILEY | MORT & GREG WALKER
FUNKY WINKERBEAN | TOM BATIUK
HI AND LOIS | BRIAN WALKER, GREG WALKER AND CHANCE BROWNE
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE | CHRIS BROWNE
SAM AND SILO | JERRY DUMAS
MOTHER GOOSE & GRIMM | MIKE PETERS
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 | 9
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS SEALED BIDS to Replace the Main Roof of the Webster Parish Library, 521 East & West St., Minden, LA 71055 will be received by Savannah Jones, Director of the Webster Parish Library, Stewart Center Meeting Room, 521 East and West St., Minden, LA 71055, until 2:00PM CST on Tuesday, 28 July, 2020. Bids will then be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Bids received after the 2:00PM deadline will be returned to the bidder unopened via certified mail. Received bids will be referred to the Webster Parish Library Board for action and award. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, 7 July, 2020 at 10:00AM in the Stewart Center Meeting Room, Webster Parish Main Library, 521 East and West Street, Minden, LA 71055. Representatives from the Owner and Architect will be present to discuss the project. A walk-around and viewing of the project site can be available immediately thereafter. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference by an officer, estimator, or other individual knowledgeable with preparing the bid, is mandatory and will be considered a pre-condition for bidder eligibility. Bidding Documents for the project including bid forms, instructions, drawings, and specifications prepared by Gerald A. Schirmer Architect, 10019 Trailridge Dr., Shreveport, LA 71106 may be viewed and downloaded free of charge at www. bidsync.com. Cost of reproduction of hard copies is the responsibility of each bidder. Addenda will be posted at www. bidsync.com. Parties will be notified of addenda automatically, through email, only if they have registered to view or download the documents
via www.bidsync. com. Bidders requiring clarification or interpretation of the Bid Documents must submit their questions no later than 7days prior to bid opening through www.bidsync.com in the Q&A portal. Bids shall be received only on the Louisiana Uniform Public Work Bid Form furnished in the Project Manual. Bidders may elect to submit bids electronically via the internet. Submission of electronic bids for this project is available at www. bidsync.com. Bidders desiring to submit electronic bids must register with BidSync. All bids submitted electronically shall include a digital signature as required by Louisiana State law. Bidders submitting bids electronically are not required to submit paper forms. Bids, amendments to bids, or requests for withdrawal of bids, which are received after the time specified for bid opening, shall not be considered for any cause whatsoever. An acceptable bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check payable to the Webster Parish Library Board, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the bid price, shall be submitted with each bid. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish and pay for satisfactory performance and payment bonds. Bidders are advised that a Performance, Payment, and Maintenance Bond, in the amount of 100 percent (100%) of the contract price, will be required. On any bid submitted in the amount of $50,000 or more, the Contractor shall certify that he is licensed under Louisiana Revised Statute 37:2150-2164 and show his license number on the bid and on the envelope. Bidders must be licensed in the following category: Roofing and Sheet Metal. The licensee shall not be permitted to bid or perform any type or types
of work not included in the classification under which his license was issued. Bids may be held by the Webster Parish Library Board for a period of forty-five (45) calendar days after the date and hour set for the opening or as extended by mutually written consent in accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law. The Webster Parish Library Board reserves the right to reject any or all Bids for just cause in accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law. Savannah B. Jones Secretary / Director Webster Parish Library Telephone: (318) 371-3080 June 23, 2020 June 30, 2020 July 14, 2020 July 21, 2020 Minden Press-Herald
Advertisement for Bids Project No. 2006-682E (CWEF NO. ) Owner: Village of Dubberly Owner P.O. Box 69 Address Dubblery, LA 71024 Sealed bids marked “Sealed Bid - Village of Dubberly Emergency Community Water Enrichment Fund Project for Fiscal Year to be financed by the State of Louisiana” willbe received by the Owner for the construction of the project described as follows: Proposals shall be addressed to the Village of Dubberly , and delivered to the Office located at (address) City Hall, 3465 Highway 531, Dubberly, LA 71024 not later than 10:00 AM, on the day of Tuesday, August 11, 2020 . Sealed bids to be marked “ Sealed Bid - Village of Dubberly Emergency Community Water Enrichment Fund Project for Fiscal Year to be financed by the State of Louisiana” - Village of Dubberly- Contract A New Water Well (20-06682E)”. Any bid received after the
specified time and date will not be considered. The sealed bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 AM on the day of Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at the Village of Dubberly located at City Hall, 3465 Highway 531, Dubberly, LA 71024. The information for Bidders, Form of Bid Proposal, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications, and Forms of Bid Bond, Performance Bond and Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the following locations: Village of Dubberly McManus Consulting Engineers, Inc. 3465 Highway 531 116 Smelser Road Dubberly, LA 71024 Monroe, LA 71202 (318) 371-9528 (318) 343-5600 Copies may be obtained at this office upon payment of a deposit of $ 150. This deposit will be refunded upon request in accordance with R.S. 38:2212. A CD of the Plans and Specifications may also be obtained upon payment of $25.00 which will be nonrefundable. The Contractor must pay shipping costs. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause; such actions will be in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Each bidder must have an active DUNS Number, as verified on w w w. s a m . g o v, prior to the beginning of construction. Each Bidder must deposit with his/ her bid, security in the amount, form, and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U. S. Department of Treasury Circular 570. No bidder may withdraw his/her bid within forty-five (45) days after the actual date of the
opening thereof. The Contractor shall begin mobilization and procurement of materials within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the Notice to Proceed. The Attention of Bidders is called particularly to the requirements for conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract, Section 3, Segregated Facilities, Executive Order 11246, and all applicable laws and regulations of the Federal government and State of Louisiana and bonding and insurance requirements. Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact Village of Dubberly no later than seven (7) days prior to bid opening. IN PARTICULAR, BIDDERS SHOULD NOTE THE REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS TO BE EXECUTED AND SUBMITTED WITH THE BID PROPOSAL. Owner encourages Section 3 and minority owned businesses to submit bid proposals. The Contractor shall be licensed in: Specialty: Water Well Drilling Estimated Cost: $235,000 VILLAGE OF DUBBERLY
July 14, 2020 Date W.C. HIRTH, Mayor
28, 2020 at 5:00 P.M. Motion was made by Malachi Ridgel; seconded July 14, 2020 by Jeri O’Neal. July 21, 2020 Motion passed. July 28, 2020 ITEM #3. Approve Minden Press-Herald Minutes from Regular Board WEBSTER PAR- Meeting held on ISH SCHOOL Thursday, May BOARD MEET- 28, 2020, at 6:00 ING P.M. Motion was MINUTES FOR made by Ronnie MONDAY, JUNE Rhymes; sec15, 2020 onded by Glenda Broughton. MoThe Webster Par- tion passed. ish School Board Vice President met in its reg- Charles Strong ular meeting in made a motion the Educational that items #4 Services Center, thru #14 be done 1442 Sheppard by global voting. Street, Minden, Frankie Mitchell Louisiana on seconded this Monday, June motion. Motion 15, 2020 at 6:00 passed. P.M. Following Requests for ConCovid 19 Pan- solidated 3 Maindemic Guidance, tenance Fund the following ITEM #4. To conmembers were in sider approval of attendance using Lakeside Jr./Sr. six feet social dis- High School to tancing: Margaret renew the conEdens, Malachi tract with InnovaRidgel, Johnnye tive Lawn Works Kennon, Penny in the amount of Long, Jeri O’Neal, $8,085.00 usRonnie Rhymes, ing Consolidated Glenda Brough- 3 Maintenance ton, Jerry Lott, Fund. and Fred Evans. ITEM #5. To conLinda Kinsey, sider approval Frankie Mitch- for Indian Creek ell and Charles Construction to Strong, attend- repair a broken ed the meeting and eroding catch from their homes. basin at LakeThe meeting side Jr./Sr. High was called to or- School football der by President field in the amount Johnnye Ken- of $4,650.00 usnon. Prayer was ing Consolidated given by Penny 3 Maintenance Long. Pledge of Fund. Allegiance by Jeri Requests for O’Neal. The pres- Doyline Mainteident called roll for nance Fund the record of per- ITEM #6. To consons that were sider approval to present. ratify payment to ITEM #2. Approve United AutomaMinutes from Fi- tion for fire alarm nance Commit- repair at Doyline tee Meeting held High School in Thursday, May the amount of
10 | TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020
$4,164.45 per Invoice #009148 using Doyline Maintenance Fund. ITEM #7. To consider approval for Doyline High School to purchase a BETCO buffer from VCC Janitorial Supply in the amount of $1,039.97 using Doyline Maintenance Fund. ITEM #8. To consider approval of Doyline High School to renew with Innovative Lawn Works contract to maintain baseball and softball fields for 2020-2021, in the amount of $5550.00 which includes $650.00 if needed application of Bermuda seed, using Doyline Maintenance Fund. Requests for District 6 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Fund ITEM #9. To consider approval for Indian Creek Construction to repair broken and eroding catch basin and sinkhole at Webster Jr. High School’s practice field area for the price of $5,200.00 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund. ITEM #10. To consider approval for Indian Creek Construction to repair broken asphalt at Minden High School front parking lot in the amount of $840.00 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund. ITEM #11. To consider approval to ratify payment to Johnson Controls for emergency air conditioner repairs at Minden High School for Invoice #196517064905 in the amount of $1,747.16 and Invoice #196515464030 in the amount of $1018.24, District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund. Requests for Sarepta Maintenance Fund ITEM #12. To consider approval for Indian Creek Construction to repair broken asphalt at North Webster Jr. High School parking areas in the amount of $2,000.00 using Sarepta Maintenance Fund. ITEM #13. To consider approval for Indian Creek Construction to repair two concrete catch basins at North Webster Jr. High School in the amount of $4,800.00 using Sarepta Maintenance Fund.
Request for Springhill Maintenance Fund ITEM #14. To consider approval for Indian Creek Construction to repair broken asphalt at North Webster High School parking areas in the amount of $3,200.00 using Springhill Maintenance Fund. ITEM #15. PERSONNEL REPORT – There were no questions. W E B S T E R P A R I S H P E R S O N NEL REPORT Date: JUNE 15, 2020 Personnel DirectorROBIN TUCKER NAME Position L o c a t i o n (From/To) Action New Position Effective Date Funding Source COOK, DALA TEACHER RICHARDSON RELACING STEPHANIE JOSLIN WHO RESIGNED 08/04/20 DUNN, SAMMI TEACHER DOYLINE RESIGNATION 06/01/2020 EDWARDS, STACY TEACHER MINDEN REPLACING SUZN BAILEY WHO TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER POSITION 08/04/20 INGLE, SUANNE TEACHER BROWN UPPER RETIREMENT 05/26/20 MORRIS, HANNAH TEACHER NW UPPER REPLACING BRENDA HUNT WHO RESIGNED 08/04/20 NESBIT, MEAGAN TEACHER JONES REPLACING PRESLEY ADKINS WHO RESIGNED 08/04/20 NOWLIN, JAMIE TEACHER RICHARDSON REPLACING JANA HADWIN WHO COMPLETED CONTRACT (OYO) 08/04/20 NYAARD, GARRETT TEACHER MINDEN REPLACING HAYDEN HARTLEY WHO COMPLETED CONTRACT 08/04/20 POWELL, RYANNE TEACHER BROWNING REPLACING KORIE MCMULLAN WHO RE-
MINDEN PRESS-HERALD | MINDEN, LA
SIGNED 08/04/20 PYLES, HAZEL 10-MONTH 8HR CUSTODIAN NW UPPER REPLACING JEMMIE WHITE WHO TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER POSITION (DATE & Replacement Correction) 07/22/20 WASHINGTON, D’ANDREA TEACHER NW UPPER REPLACING DANA WOODFIN WHO RESIGNED TAT (OYO) 08/04/20 ITEM #16. School Community Liaison Report. Ursula Hullaby gave a report to the board members of continuing to work with Jeff Franklin and the maintenance department to continue use of PPE and keeping all areas cleaned and sanitized. She also informed the board members that we have a former Jump Start CNA student Paradise Ford is working here at the Central Office taking temperatures each morning. She has been working very well with the staff. President Johnnye Kennon informed the board members that the Superintendent’s contract will expire, and that renewal of his contract will be on the next board meeting’s agenda. She will get copies of the evaluation form to each board member and also meet individually with them. The dates of July 1 – 6, 2020, Attorney Jon Guice stated it is okay. ITEM #17. Sup e r i n t e n d e n t ’s Report – Superintendent Rowland informed the board members that he had talked with Attorney Paul Kitchens about the building on Webster Jr. High School campus that was formerly Webster United Federal Credit Union. They had a 99 year lease, board member Jerry Lott was one of the witnesses to this agreement. I will ask Attorney Kitchens to come and address them at the next board meeting, July 6, 2020. The superintendent addressed several of the items that had been presented at the Curriculum Committee Meeting at 5 o’clock. What
will be required at the opening of school; do we wear a mask, social distance, transportation, football, if we are in State 3 guidelines. But health and safety of our kids is highly important to us. Jerry Lott stated that we will have a decrease in our students this fall; we will have fewer students. Our MFP is part of our funding. The next count will be October 1, 2020. He also stated our expenses are going to be the same, but enrollment will be smaller. Is the BESE Board looking at this? Johnny Rowland stated we are very mindful of this, and that we have to get those students back that have left. Jeri O’Neal stated that she looked at the numbers on the survey. Fred Evans wanted to know about virtual learning; will we be funded on this also. The pandemic is an act, and folks are very sympathetic stated Johnny Rowland. Fred Evans stated he feels it will be more expensive this fall. Jerry Lott stated we may have to make double routes for the buses; it will push your time back. Glenda Broughton asked about schools that have only two classes. Will you alternate 3 days one week and 2 days the next week. Mr. Rowland stated this is called hybrid schedules. Fred Evans stated that he appreciates the work that the superintendent has done thus far and the time that the staff has been working so hard to get this done for the fall. We do what we do for the kids. Also kudos to the Technology Department, David Griffith gave the board members a report on the great need for technology and the devices for the support of our students while at home and at school. Upgrade students one to one contract with the students and parents to participate and how to keep tract on these and the hardware. We will keep track on the computer, same as library books, check in and check out. They have
looked at internet access to students household and other ways. Jeri O’Neal wanted to know if any vendors have stepped up and would donate internet to our students. Finance Director Crevonne Odom gave report on 69 Sales Tax checks for the month of June. Penny Long asked if July election will be; Mrs. Odom informed her yes. There were no remarks from the assistant superintendent. No further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:44 P.M. ITEM #18. Announcements Sales Tax Report for May 2020 Next Board Meeting - Monday, July 6, 2020 JOHNNYE KENNON, PRESIDENT JOHNNY R. ROWLAND, JR., SECRETARY
377-1336, candiss.shepherd@ websterpsb.org; or Robin Tucker, 318-377-7052, robin.tucker@ websterpsb.org. July 21, 2020 July 24, 2020 July 28, 2020 Minden Press-Herald
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Webster Parish School Board MEDIA RELEASE Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) School Food Service Section Webster Parish School Board today announced we will continue its policy for serving meals to students under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2020‐2021 school year. All students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at the following sites: Brown Upper Elementary Browning Elementary Central Elementary Doyline High School J.L. Jones Elementary Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School Minden High School North Webster High School North Webster Jr. High School North Webster Lower Elementary North Webster Upper Elementary Phillips Elementary School Richardson Elementary Webster Jr. High School For additional information please contact: Webster Parish School Board, Attention: Candiss Shepherd, School Food Service Department, 1442 Sheppard St. Minden, LA 318-
mal business hours from June 1 thru September 28, 2020. Effective September 29, 2020 all DiamondJacks Casino ñ Bossier City casino chips will have no value.
MISC.
HELP WANTE D / C O N STRUCTION 318-349-7162. NOTICES
EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2020 DIAMONDJACKS CASINO ñ BOSSIER CITY will be discontinuing all casino chips. Per LA Gaming Regulation - Title 42 Part III, Section 4315, chips with cash value that were obtained at DiamondJacks Casino ñ Bossier City, LA, and that have not been discontinued previously, may be redeemed by the rightful patron thru September 28, 2020. Chips may be exchanged at Boomtown Casino located at 300 Riverside Dr., Bossier City, LA 71111 Monday through Sunday during nor-
Earn A FullTime Income Working PartTime From Home Set Your Own Hours, Have More Time For Family. For more Information Call 318-741-7576 and You Will Be Notified For A Free Consultation on Getting Started TODAY A written examination will be given in approximately ninety (90) days, on a competitive basis to approved applicants for the purpose of placing names on the competitive employment list for the class of Firefighter/ Operator in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law and the rules of the Benton Fire District #4 Civil Service Board. Application forms and a list of the qualification requirements that must be met for admission to this examination may be obtained from Lisa Chaffin, Civil Service Secretary, at Benton Fire District #4, located at 5275 Swan Lake Road, Bossier City, LA 71111. Completed applications must be received by August 14, 2020. Approved applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and place of the exam-
ination at least five days prior to the examination date. Direct care staff is needed in the Shreveport / Bossier area to work with persons with disabilities and the elderly. Direct Care Staff work directly in the consumer ’s home ensuring their needs are met. The qualifications for this position require a high school diploma or GED, clear driving record, clean background check, strong work references and dependable transportation. Sick, holiday, vacation, mileage and many other benefits come with employment. Please apply at 5015 Shed Road Suite 300 Bossier City, LA 318-747-0513 or on our website at southerningenuityinc.com. HOUSE OF RAEFORD a poultry processing plant, located in Arcadia, LA is accepting applications for day and night shift production positions. Starting pay rates is $10-$10.50, however at the end of 60 day probation, pay rate will increase to $11$11.50. Many positions pay premiums, up to $4.00 more. Also, medical, dental, life insurance and 401(k) are available after probation. Please apply online at www. houseofraeford.com or complete an application at 3867 2nd St, Arcadia, La GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
G A R A G E SALE! Downsizing, lots of like new power tools, hand tools, garden tools, refrigerator, electric stove, kitchen island.
All priced at great bargain prices. Some examples -- a Dewalt DC608 18 gauge, 18v cordless nailer with case, battery and charger, new cost is $300.00 will sell for $40.00. A Dewalt DWD460 VSR heavy duty right angle Stud and Joist Drill 115v, new cost is $300.00 will sell for $40.00. A Bosch 7-1/4” model 1677MO worm drive saw, cost new $200.00 will sell for $30.00. Lots of surplus pvc plumbing fittings, electrical items, paint brushes/ rollers that are left over from a recent building project. Hand made shooting bench $40.00. All American mower blade sharpener, cost new $250.00 I will sell it for $60.00 including an angle grinder and portable base. Too many more items to list. Cash only, no checks, no money orders etc. This sale will begin at 7am Friday July the 24th and will end at 8pm Saturday July the 25th or whenever all items have been sold. 3309 Old Plain Dealing Rd. is 12 miles north of Benton, and four miles south of Plain Dealing. When on site follow the gravel driveway past the old mobile home. HOMES FOR SALE
3BR 3BA 2 STORY 2575 heated sqft. 4.25 acres, 172 Boyscout Road (parish side). Single owner/ contractor. lots of extras. 2 car garage + 1 car awning + 20x10 shop with 2 car carport. 318-
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