MINDEN WEEKLY FLYER

March 28th

NEWS: MRFD Spring Sparks Auction to raise funds for new brush truck

MINDEN CITY PARK–The heroes of the Minden-Rogers Fire Department are once again partnering with the wonderful volunteers of the Friends of MRFD on the annual Spring Sparks Auction. According to Fire Chief Daniel Bergman, “We use our brush trucks to assist with grass and pasture fires, as well as prevent other fires from spreading to nearby green spaces.” The chief went on to explain that the departments oldest brush truck was nearly thirty years old and needed replacement.

Chief Bergman handed off the reins of coordinating the event for the department to Captain Bryce Storm. “I have the utmost faith that Captain Storm and the Friends of MRFD will organize an excellent event.”

Captain Storm seemed hesitant to comment on the event, stating the planning process was just starting. “I expect it will be much like previous years. You’ll be able to bid on four hours of time from a MRFD firefighter to help you around the house, teach your kids fire safety, or enjoy their company.”

Sharon Daughtry was slated to spearhead the event on behalf of the Friends of MRFD, but with her recent injury, has reassured the Minden Weekly Flyer that her daughter – Krystal Daughtry of Faithmark Channel fame – is happily stepping in.

“Krystal might have left home, but she’s still a Mindenite through and through,” her mother said. Ms. Daughtry did not respond to requests for comment. “With my recovery schedule, she’s already planning to be here through May. It makes perfect sense for her to take my place.”

Captain Storm appeared rather flustered when asked to comment on the sudden change to Ms. Daughtry. An anonymous source inside the department confirmed to me that Captain Storm was in love with Krystal fifteen years ago before she left. Captain Storm adamantly claimed “We’re just friends.”

Captain Storm’s sister seemed to think otherwise. “There’s always been something more between Bryce and Krystal. If she’s around for two months, I think he’s fooling himself. Krystal’s serious about her acting career. I don’t see that changing.”

To this reporter, it sure seems like a recipe for sparks to fly. Good thing we have such a capable (and handsome!) fire department. The Minden Flyer will be sure to update you as this is a developing situation.

Whether these two fresh faces to the Spring Fling Auction can put together a successful event remains to be seen. The event is being held May 17th at 11 am at the Minden City Park.

NEWS: Linda’s Thai Night is scheduled for April 22nd.

BJ BISTRO–Mark your calendars, folks. B&J Bistro will once again be hosting Thai Night, featuring Linda Sanouk. On the menu will be Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, and egg rolls. Place large orders ahead by calling Linda directly.

MORE NEXT WEEK: State Bank of Minden refuses to put in drive thru despite customer demands. 

OPINION: Spring Sparks Auction is archaic and sexist.

I can’t believe I live somewhere an event like this is allowed to exist. We’re seriously bidding on firefighters? At least it’s not a shirtless calendar photoshoot or something. What happened to bake sales? I can’t be the only one who thinks auctioning off our firefighters is demeaning to the real work these heroes do every day. -A concerned citizen

OPINION: Traditions are worth preserving.

Call me old-fashioned, but I enjoy living someplace where not everything is politically correct. I value the traditions and community we’ve built here in Minden. It’s important to protect our beloved traditions, and the Spring Sparks Auction is one of those things. I’ve talked to the firefighters and none of them mind helping out around town for a few hours to raise some extra money. They also mention what a great opportunity it is for them to get to know members of the community they might not otherwise know. Some of them have even heard the stories about blind dates being set up at the auction and aren’t opposed in the least to that possibility. Let’s forget about being politically correct simply for the sake of it, actually talk to each other and have some fun. I know I’ll be bidding handsomely at the auction, and I hope the rest of my community members will too. -Norm

Editor’s Note: What say you, Mindenites? Do you agree with Norm or our anonymous opinion author? Will you boycott the auction or show up to support our brave heroes? Comment below or send me an email and let me know.

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I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Minden Weekly Flyer. The small-town newspaper concept is one that I really enjoy. In my little town, our fire chief hosts his own “TV news show” on Facebook that just cracks me up in how it dives into all the goings on in town.

I hope you’re as interested to see what happens with Krystal and Bryce as the rest of their small town. You can read all about them (and the Spring Sparks Auction) in The One Who Got Away, which released on July 22nd. It is the first book in my newest series — Second Chance Fire Station.

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What kind of fundraisers do organizations host where you live? Are you more likely to participate/donate for certain kinds of events? Is it more about the organization itself or the fundraiser?

Tara Grace Ericson (48 Posts)

Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.