Jennifer E. Rosypal, 45, of the 300 block of Holoman Road, Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO deputies on an active warrant. She was booked into BDCC with a bond of $1,500.

Christopher Shaneyfelt, no age or address available, was arrested by WPSO deputies at the 400 block of Horsehoe Loop in reference to several warrants including Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, no driver’s license, possession of Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bonds total more than $5,500. He was transported and booked into BDCC.

Zachary Bonner, 33, of the 800 block of S. Arkansas Street, Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police on warrants for armed robbery and aggravated battery. The warrant was obtained for armed robbery where Bonner held two individuals at gunpoint and struck one in the head with a pistol. Bonner reportedly resisted arrest by attempting to flee and had to be physically restrained. Bonner also has warrants in NCIC through Texas for armed robbery with no extradition, in-state only with no bond. Bonds for his warrants total $120,000.

Feleshia L. Whitefield, 55, of the 700 block of Peach Street, Minden, was arrested by WPSO deputies for contempt of court. She is being held at the Webster Parish Jail.

Autry Worenski Rashawn, 37, of the 100 block of North Middle Landing, Minden, was arrested by WPSO deputies on a charge of violation of probation.

Eddie Wayne Ward, 23, of Spartanburg, S.C., was arrested by state troopers for improper lane usage, possession of Controlled Dangerous substance Sch. IV with intent to distribute and possession of CDS Sch. I Marijuana.

Laticia Lynetta Kimmons, 31, of the 100 block of Kennon Pitt Road, Heflin, was arrested by Minden Police for resisting an officer and felony obstruction of justice.

Onyae Dionjanae Walker, 22, of Spring, Texas, was arrested by state troopers and charged with possession of CDS Sch. IV with intent to distribute.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A rude awakening by an estranged husband eventually led to his arrest.

Jamarea Jayveon Manning, 28, of the 200 block of Miller Street in Minden, was arrested by Minden Police at his ex-wife’s address. He is charged with aggravated arson, home invasion, simple burglary and false imprisonment.

Minden Officer 1^st Class Michael S. Griffith was reportedly dispatched to a call in the 1500 block of Hickory Drive, where the victim allegedly fled from her home and her estranged husband.

“The victim told the officer she had been asleep at her residence when she was awakened by Manning, who was in her residence without her consent,” Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said. “Her 2-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son were in the bed with her.”

Cropper said the victim tried to use her cell phone to call police, but Manning reportedly took it from her. However, the chief said, he did not try to forcibly remove the children because they were upset and crying.

“Manning would not leave the residence and would not allow the victim or the children to leave,” Cropper said. “Several hours later, the victim was finally able to flee the residence and go to a neighbor’s house where she contacted police.”

Then Manning reportedly fled the residence on foot, taking the victim’s keys and cell phone.

Reports say Manning had been arrested a few days earlier for allegedly beating the victim but was allowed to post bond. The victim signed complaints for home invasion, simple burglar of an inhabited dwelling and false imprisonment. Manning is also allegedly in possession of a 9MM semi-automatic pistol that belongs to the victim.

The victim reportedly contacted police the day after the incident and told them Manning had attempted to set fire to her residence by burning a trash can and setting a plastic bowl on the stove and igniting the burner.

Manning was eventually apprehended in Springhill, booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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Jay Kumar, co-chairman of the UCAP (United Christian Assistance Program) Golf Tournament, prepares to put on No. 5 during the annual event Sunday. Kumar said the 2-man scramble had 60 teams this year and netted around $20,000, as UCAP’s largest fundraiser of the year. In April, UCAP filled 36 requests for clothing and household goods and supplied 16 families (31 individuals) with food. They also paid $2,191 in utilities and $200 for rent.

Photo by Pat Culverhouse

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Motorists will likely see more Minden Police Officers patrolling the streets during the weeks of May 24-June 6, as the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign begins.

“We will be scheduling extra officers on each shift,” Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said. “Our officers will be enforcing this law.”

A national program, Click It or Ticket mobilization is practiced by all law enforcement agencies, including the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police.

Cropper said it’s been a good tool to encourage people to wear their seatbelts.

“Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season, and we want to make sure everyone arrives at their destination,” Cropper said. “If you are not wearing your seatbelt, you will be ticketed.”

Cropper said his officers are trained to notice when a motorist is not wearing a seatbelt, even if they try to “fake it.”

 “Our ticket numbers definitely go up during this campaign,” Cropper said. “We usually write up to 10 tickets during a four-hour period.”

About 61 percent of drivers do not wear their seatbelts at night, which is when the majority of unbelted fatalities occur.

Law enforcement will write citations 24-hours a day, with a zero-tolerance approach.

“We are determined to bring those numbers down,” the chief said. “There are too many people dying on the roads, and many of those deaths could have been prevented by seatbelts.”

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Buddy Mock
July 15, 1941 – April 9, 2021
Service: 10:00 a.m., Sunday, June 13, 2021
Location: Dixie Gin, 6596 Sentell Road, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Martha R. Nornberg
September 10, 1924 – May 19, 2021
Service Held: May 23, 2021 at First United Church in Little Falls, MN
Cemetery: May 30, 2021 at 3:00pm at the Pelican Cemetery, Pelican, LA.

Roy Franklin Sisson III
October 18, 1952 – May 20, 2021
Visitation: Friday, May 28, 2021 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Rose-Neath in Mansfield, LA.
Service: 2:00Pm on Friday, May 28, 2021; Rose-Neath in Mansfield, LA.

Governor Buddy Roemer
October 4, 1943 – May 17, 2021
Visitation: Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 9:00am – 11:00am.
Visitation and Service: First United Methodist Church Shreveport on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Testy exchanges – mostly over personnel – marred a Minden City Council workshop where some members met to try and balance the city’s $39M budget for the next fiscal year.

District B Councilwoman Terika Walker questioned Mayor Terry Gardner’s method of hiring new directors for Economic Development and Human Resources.

“Do we have contracts for these people?” Walker asked. “I want to see where they signed that they agreed to these terms.”

Economic Development Director Phillip Smart, hired by Gardner, came onboard for $42,000 a year – $30,000 less than the previous director.

“I told him that after a year, he would get a $6,000 raise,” Gardner said. “But he had to meet certain criteria. He had to bring 10 new viable businesses inside the city limits in order to get his raise.”

Gardner said the new director, while bringing several new businesses, did not meet the criteria for the first year.

“The 15 jobs he brought are good paying jobs, but most of them are in SWID (South Webster Industrial District),” Gardner said. “That is not inside the city limits, so we don’t receive anything from those businesses.”

Gardner also hired a Human Resources Director – a new position for the city. Walker questioned why he would hire her at $50,000 and then promise a $5,000 raise at the end of her first year.

“I set her salary by industry standard,” Gardner said. “And $50,000 is still well below what is offered. If she proves herself, after her first year, she will receive the raise.”

“I want to see all of this in writing,” Walker said to the mayor. “I want to see where they signed it, too, not just you. What you’re showing us is just a memo. I want to see a contract.”

Gardner pointed out that all agreements were verbal. Walker then questioned Gardner’s ability to appoint City Attorney Jimbo Yokum, following the retirement of Charles Minnefield.

“You can’t do that without our approval,” Walker said.

“I most certainly can and did,” the mayor replied. “I have it in writing from the Attorney General that I can appoint the city attorney.”

“On what grounds?” Walker asked.

“Most of the council was not attending the meetings, so we didn’t have a quorum to vote,” Gardner said. “We had to have a city attorney, so I appointed one. The Attorney General wrote a letter saying I have every right to do that.”

Walker then requested to see the letter, which Gardner produced.

As the meeting continued, City Clerk Michael Fluhr attempted to explain other personnel salaries to the three attending council members.

An effort is being made in the budget to bring utility linemen and water department salaries up to standards provided by other cities the size of Minden, in order to take care of employee shortages.

The city budget, which will be presented at the next council meeting, is currently in a deficit of around $2.3M. At a previous workshop, the council managed to cut $538,000.

“I am also figuring in grant money to make up some of that difference,” Fluhr said. “But that’s ‘assumed’ money. We expect to get that, but we may not … or we may not get as much as we think we will.”

The council will meet at 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 7, at Minden City Hall. The public is invited to attend, however, seating is limited.

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Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducted a traffic stop on May 11 at 4 pm on a white Ford Focus on Porterville Road.

The driver, Micha Shane Powell (42 YOA) of New Boston, TX, was subsequently arrested after 90 grams of methamphetamine and 99 Xanax bars were located in his vehicle.

Approximate street value of narcotics seized $10,000.

Powell was booked into BDCC for: 

• 40:967 A(1) – Possession with Intent to Dist. SCH II CDS
• 40:969 Possession with Intent to Dist. SCH IV CDS
• 14:91.13 Possession of CDS in Presence of a Minor
• 32:79 – Improper Lane Usage

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Josh Beavers
Special to the Journal

Lakeside has hired former All-American Megan “Roo” Johnson to take over its powerful softball program. She follows in the footsteps of legendary coach Gary Cooper who will step down from the position at the end of the school year.

Principal Denny Finley made the announcement Wednesday.

“Coach Cooper built our program from the ground up,” Finley said. “Now he is able to hand it off to someone who will take it to the next level.”

Johnson, who is coming to Lakeside from an assistant coaching position at Louisiana Tech, called the softball program “a well-oiled machine” and that she was excited about working with what was already in place and growing and rolling with what was to come.

“I am so honored and excited to be able to join the Warrior family,” she said. “It’s more than just softball. I can’t wait to get over there and be a part of the culture I hear so much about. Everyone I talk to says Lakeside is different. You are really a big family. And that’s one of the main reasons I want my own family to be a part of the school and community.”

Johnson and her husband, Jess, have two young sons – Joshua (who is 6) and Jeremiah (who is 4). The boys will be enrolling at Central Elementary in the fall.

“I am excited for my family,” she said.

With Cooper’s retirement on the horizon, Finley said it was imperative to find a coach who could honor the program, work well with parents and players, and build upon an already solid foundation.

“There’s not a lot of coaches out there who can do that,” he said. “But we found the best, and I am excited about the future.”

Cooper retires after 23 years as head softball coach where he led the Lady Warriors to 20 playoff appearances. He will remain Lakeside’s athletic director and math instructor.

“I’ve always said I would not leave this softball program empty handed,” the long-time coach said. “I made a promise to the parents and to myself that I would not retire until I found a qualified replacement that loved softball as much as I have. I believe we have found such a person in Roo Johnson.”

Johnson, a two-time All-American during her playing days at Otero Junior College and UT-Tyler, comes to Lakeside following more than a decade as a coach on the college, high school, and travel ball levels.

“Coach Cooper has built a program here that consistently challenges for championships,” Johnson said. “They play powerhouse 5A programs like West Monroe. I am excited to grow that legacy.”

The first order of business for Johnson will be a Friday visit to campus where she will discuss Coach Cooper’s off season and fall plans. “I don’t want to come in and change everything,” she said. “Consistency is important and what they are doing is working. I want to see what is on the schedule and communicate about that.”

While on campus she will meet with her team as well the faculty and staff. “I’m excited about working with Coach [Rendi] Dillard again,” Johnson said of Lakeside’s girls basketball coach. “We have coached together and I am looking forward to doing so once again.”

After a couple of year long stints as an assistant coach at UT-Tyler (2009-10) and Otero Junior College (2010-11), Johnson spent time at Cushing High School (2012-14), Airline High School (2014-2015), Evangel Christian Academy (2017-2018) and Glenbrook High School (2018-20). She has spent this season as an assistant coach for the Lady Techsters.

Johnson has served as the head coach and assistant coach at numerous stops along the way in softball, volleyball, track and field, swimming, and basketball. On the softball field, she has been named the district coach of the year four times and the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Coach of the Year while leading Glenbrook to the 2019 MAIS state title.

She has also worked with Sneaky Cleats travel ball organization as well as serving as a softball consultant and camp counselor numerous times in her career.

Johnson – Megan Richardson during her days as a student-athlete – began her playing career at Otero Junior College where she was named the Region IX Player of the Year and an All-American in 2007 when she led the country in home runs with 24 while batting .418 with 70 RBI.

The Platteville, Colorado, native then signed with UT-Tyler where she helped lead the program to a record of 82-19 during her two seasons. She was a prolific hitter for the Patriots, still sitting in the top 10 in numerous career statistical categories, including No. 1 in slugging percentage (.735), No. 5 in on-base percentage (.499), No. 5 in walks drawn (61), No. 6 in home runs (27) and No. 10 in RBI (105).

She was an All-American (NFCA, Easton in 2009), a two-time NFCA all-West Region honoree, a two-time all-American Southwest Conference selection, and the 2009 American Southwest Conference Player of the Year. She was also named academic all-conference.

Johnson helped lead both Otero and UT-Tyler to World Series berths in 2005, 2007 and 2009 before playing for the Swiss National Team in the summer of 2010. She helped lead the team to the Swiss National Championship and a runner-up finish in the European Cup.

“She is certainly qualified and her energy and love of the game will be a great boost to our program in the future,” Cooper said. “I will still be involved as athletic director but more as an administrator as with other sports. I look forward to working with her and seeing the program continue to grow. It is an exciting time for Lakeside athletics, and I wish her all the best.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

After voting 11-1 to deny tax breaks to a new business, Webster Parish Police Jurors are re-thinking their decision.

“I voted no because I just didn’t know enough about what I was voting on,” juror Bruce Blanton said. “I think we need to revisit this because while denying a break to this company, we are also denying money that will go to our budget.”

At the last police jury meeting, Canada-based E. I. Williams, a manufacturing company with a new facility located in the North Webster Industrial District, requested a five year-tax break.

“We would give them an 80 percent break for five years,” Blanton said at a special meeting of the jury’s Economic Development committee. “That’s 20 percent for us. It’s new money not in our budget.”

If the jury does not grant an extension after five years, they will receive the entire amount.

E. I. Williams manufactures silencers and mufflers for generators. Thus far, they have hired around 20 people, however, their goal is 100 jobs and a payroll of $4.1 million.

Juror Nick Cox said newly-acquired information would likely change his vote, if the jury puts it on June’s agenda.

“This company had to start operations before they could apply for the tax break,” Cox said. “If we deny this, we are sending out a message that will close other opportunities for us.”

Ashley Busada with North Louisiana Economic Partnership said E.I. Williams wanted to come to the area because Minden’s Fibrebond is one of its largest customers.

“When they first came, we showed them nine sites,” Busada said. “From Shreveport all the way to Monroe. They chose NWID, and we fixed them up with local contractors and banks.”

Busada said economic development is competitive, and companies are looking for incentives.

Blanton said the committee meeting was two-fold and asked that jurors consider creating guidelines for business tax breaks in the parish. He said Louisiana Economic Development guidelines required the business go through the start-up phase prior to filing for tax breaks.

“It’s always been my feeling that we should support a new company coming into our area, regardless of where they’re from,” Blanton said. “We should welcome them with open arms and help them out as much as we can.”

The Webster Parish Police Jury meets the first Tuesday of every month in the police jury annex across the street from the Webster Parish Courthouse.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

An increase in gun violence near Carolina Street Apartments, has led to more police presence, resulting in the arrest of a Minden man on multiple drug and firearm charges.

Richard Spencer, 27, of the 700 block of Jackson Street, was arrested by Minden Police and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, Oxycodone, Clonzepam, crack cocaine with intent to distribute, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam.

“One of our officers was patrolling the area because of recent gun violence,” Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said. “The officer recognized Spencer as a possible convicted felon walking near the sidewalk and carrying an AR style rifle.”

Cropper said when the officer made contact with Spencer, the suspect refused to identify himself and fled on foot. Once Spencer was apprehended, the officer reportedly confirmed his identity.

“During a search, a pill bottle was located on his left leg,” Cropper said. “It contained Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Clonzapam and Alprazolam, which were not located in their proper containers. Spencer did not have prescriptions for those medications.”

According to reports, further search revealed a clear baggie located in Spencer’s underwear.

“It contained suspected crack and marijuana,” the chief said. “When the chase began, the suspect tossed the firearm into a car. A search of that vehicle turned up the rifle, along with a digital scale.”

Spencer was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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Lakeside Lady Warrior Softball Player Laney Taylor participated in the Louisiana All Star Softball games in Pineville May 15.

Congratulations!!!

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Congratulations to Deputy Josh Davis and Deputy Cole Pickard on their graduation from the Bossier Sheriff’s Training Academy.

These Deputies completed almost 16 weeks of training to become P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified Law Enforcement Officers.

A special congratulations to Deputy Pickard who received the Firearms Award for having the highest Firearms score in the Academy Class.

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Charneidra L. Curry, 31, of the 200 block of Greer Road, Homer, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies on a warrant of miscellaneous theft. She was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Her bond was set at $2,500.

Cameron Wayne Huff, 21, of the 100 block of Haynes Cemetery Road, Shongaloo, was arrested by Louisiana State Police for driving while intoxicated, careless operation, no seatbelt and open container. He was transported to BDCC and his bonds total more than $1,600.

Jeremy Lewis, 31, of the 200 block of Walter Lyons Road, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police on warrants of distribution of Ecstasy, natural Marijuana and synthetic Marijuana. He was booked at Minden PD and transported to BDCC.

Corey D. Jefferson, 34, of the 2800 block of W. 31st Street, Pine Bluff, Ark., was arrested by Louisiana State Police for driving while intoxicated (1st offense), improper lane usage and no driver’s license. He was transported to BDCC on bonds totaling $1,400.

Dewillis Dewayne Jones, 26, of the 3300 block of East Texas Street, Bossier City, was arrested by Louisiana State Police and charged with possession of firearm by a felon, DWI (2nd offense) and open container. He was transported to BDCC.

Lydell Tell, 31, of the 1200 block of Garett Drive, Haynesville, was arrested by Louisiana State Police and charged with obstruction of justice, simple escape, Hit and run, possession of alcohol and careless operation of a motor vehicle. His bonds total more than $10,800.

Lindsay Taylor Lennard, 28, of the 200 block of Robbie Street, Springhill, was arrested and charged with DWI (1st offense) and failure to dim lights. She was transported to BDCC with bonds totaling $1,150.

Maxine Ridley, 49, of the 2600 block of Old Athens Road, Homer, was arrested by WPSO Sheriff’s deputies and charged with no seatbelt and failure to renew registration. She was booked into BDCC on bonds totaling more than $300.

Quentajas Grigsby, 23, of the 1100 block of Cherry St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police and charged with simple battery and cruelty to juveniles. Minden Police officers were dispatched to a Minden grocery store, where Grigsby allegedly was fighting with the victim, another female, and her 2-year-old son. During the altercation, the toddler was struck in the back. Grigsby was transported to BDCC on a bond of $500.

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Mayor Terry Gardner has proclaimed May 22-26 National Safe Boating Week in Minden. More than 650 persons die each year in boating accidents. Demonstrating correct flotation devices are (front) Tucker Madden, (middle row from left) Johnnye Kennon, Administrative Assistant for the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission; Serena Gray, Executive Director of the commission; Jerry Madden, Past Rear Commander with the United States Power Squadron; Mayor Terry Gardner; Jana Morgan, President/CEO of the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce; Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper; Cp Will Holomon with La. Wildlife & Fisheries; (Back row, from left) Dwayne Chapman, Coastal Conservation of Louisiana; and Todd Buffington, WLF Biologist.

Photo by Bonnie Culverhouse

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Congratulations to Nena Nelson and Christopher Winget for achieving the designation of Certified Deputy Clerks of Court.

Deputy Clerks must obtain the required number of education and experience points set out by the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association to obtain this designation. Points are received for job-related continuing education classes, higher-education and years of service.

Nena has been with our office since 2008 and Christopher has been with our office since 2006.

Thank you both for your many years of service to the public!

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By Regan Edwards

After coming down to earth, slightly, after a championship celebration, you can’t help but start to wonder about next year, right?

The Glenbrook School Apaches baseball team will always savor the thrill of winning their first state championship since 2012, and celebrating it on their homefield last Saturday. After a 9-7 road win earlier last week in the first game of the championship series, they walloped Tunica Academy 18-3 in front of an overflow crowd to capture the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools baseball crown.

The Apaches finished with a 23-7 record after overcoming first-game losses to win their first pair of best-of-three playoff series, then overpowered their next two playoff opponents to earn the title.

The four seniors on the team have their place in Glenbrook sports history. Pitcher, shortstop and outfielder Jackson Powell, outfielder Sammy Feaster, third baseman Jonathon Parkerson, and backup first baseman Ryan Sheets had the best possible graduation present – a state championship trophy in their last athletic competition as Apaches.

As Glenbrook looks for a repeat, replacing the outfield will be the biggest task but juniors DJ Carter and Rhett Johnson appear ready to fill the holes.

“Our team was a very young group. Losing a great pitcher like Jackson will be tough, but we have an excellent pitching staff returning,” said junior starting centerfielder and pitcher Maddox Mandino.

Along with Mandino, the Apaches return junior starting catcher Landry Powell and pitcher Hayden Harmon. More pitchers who will be relied on a lot next year will be senior Cale Hollis and junior Turner McClelland. Hollis is a very reliable and consistent arm on the mound for the Apaches.

The Apaches also bring back all but one of their infielders. Back for the title defense in 2022 will be junior shortstop Cason Clemons, freshman first baseman Easton Sanders, and sophomore first baseman Landry Powell. Senior Peyton Wells looks to replace Parkerson at third base, after backing up there this spring and sharing designated hitter duties with McClelland.

As the summer begins, along with activities away from school, there’s no doubt the returning players will be polishing their skills, looking forward to the 2021-22 school year and especially the chance next spring to live up to the title of reigning state champions.

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William Earnest Gleason
January 24, 1940 – May 18, 2021
Service: Thursday, May 20, 2021, 11:00 am, Evergreen Union Church, Minden, LA.
Interment: Evergreen Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, LA.

Timothy Stiles
December 1, 1968 – May 15, 2021
Visitation: Thursday, May 20, 2021, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Bailey Funeral Home in Plain Dealing, LA.
Service: 2:00 pm, Friday, May 21, 2021, at the Immanuel Baptist Church, Plain Dealing, LA
Interment: Plain Dealing Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Plain Dealing, LA.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Two North Webster High School football players reportedly drowned Sunday around 4 p.m. in a creek in Claiborne Parish.

Tavious Tate and Donald Owens, both 16 years old and of Springhill, were pronounced dead at the scene after a dive team recovered their bodies.

According to Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker, five teenagers jumped into a creek off Flat Lick Road, just over the Claiborne Parish Line off Hwy. 2. Only three surfaced.

“It’s a known little swimming hole,” Parker said. “From what I understand, it’s fairly deep – around 14 to 16 feet – but it’s not a very big area, maybe 10 by 10.”

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies reports that parish coroner Mark Haynes pronounced the boys deceased around 6 p.m. Their bodies have been sent to Little Rock, Ark., for autopsy.

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Shock and sadness enveloped North Webster High School as word spread beginning Sunday evening that sophomore student-athletes Donald Owens and Tavious Tate had drowned Sunday afternoon in a Claiborne Parish creek.

The two close friends were football and basketball players who were well-regarded by everyone at the school, head football coach John Ware said on Monday afternoon.

“Both were good kids. They had all the world in front of them, and that’s what makes it hurt so bad. It’s just a complete tragedy,” he said.

Owens and Tate were in the middle of spring football practice, having worked out with the Knights last Thursday and Friday. More practices were slated in the next couple weeks but Ware was unsure when they would resume.

“We were planning on a couple days this week and next week, but right now that’s all on hold. I don’t know what we’ll do yet,” he said. “We have some kids, especially, who are hit pretty hard by this.”

Owens and Tate were alike, even down to their positions on the team and their jersey numbers, said Ware.

“I didn’t think of one without the other. If I was talking about either one of those two kids, the other one was on the tip of my tongue. They were so similar – same grade, same build, a lot of the same characteristics.

“One of them was Number 86, the other was 87. They were gonna be our starting cornerbacks this fall.”

As word spread, some teammates and coaches gathered at the Knights’ stadium at 8:30 Sunday night to talk about Owens and Tate. Others shared their emotions with Ware during the school day Monday.

“I told them (Sunday night) that sometimes you don’t get to choose what you deal with. Nobody wants to be in this situation, dealing with this, but it is part of life,” he said. “This group of kids, they’ll get through. They’ll always remember their friends, but it will just take a while to bounce back.”

The pain of losing classmates and teammates is sadly too familiar at North Webster High School, and for the Knights’ football program and Ware, about to begin his 10^th season as their head coach.

“Four years ago, (football player) Jalen Thomas was murdered, and we’re just now getting over that,” said Ware, who has been a head coach for 16 years. “We’ve had some tragedies in our school in the last 4-5 years, regular students and student-athletes, more than our fair share, that’s for sure. It certainly doesn’t get any easier.

“You go through different situations, but there isn’t a guide for this.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Cartavious R. Davis, 29, of the 1200 block of Shreveport Road, was arrested by Minden Police for possession with intent to distribute Schedule I (Marijuana) and two counts of Schedule II (Amphetamine).

Other charges include possession with intent of Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Schedule I (Ecstasy), Schedule III (Buprenorphine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Davis also had two warrants for firearms charges – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

In addition, police charged Davis with resisting an officer, resisting an officer with force or violence and failure to signal a turn.

According to Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper, Sergeant Brandon Curry was patrolling the area of Pershing Street around 4 p.m. when he observed a white Buick with Texas tags turning from Pershing to Jackson Street without signaling first.

“After making this observation, Sgt. Curry activated his emergency light on his patrol unit, so he could speak with the driver of the vehicle,” Cropper said. “He stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Columbia and Jackson streets where the driver was identified as Davis.

Cropper said Curry reported smelling the odor of Marijuana emitting from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Curry said Davis could not present a driver’s license or insurance, however, he did provide paperwork indicating recent purchase of the vehicle.

“Davis then explained he did not have a license, but he gave the sergeant his name and date of birth,” Cropper said.

Lt. Kenneth James reportedly arrived on the scene as Davis was exiting his vehicle for a pat-down. A search of Davis’ vehicle allegedly uncovered a blunt inside the passenger compartment.

“Davis was instructed to turn around and place his hands behind his back,” Cropper said. “In doing so, Davis flung his hands toward officers and fled on foot toward Pershing Street.”

James and Curry reportedly pursued Davis on foot, giving loud verbal commands to stop.

After capturing Davis,  search of the vehicle reportedly yielded 9.13 grams of Marijuana, 1.3 grams of Crack Cocaine, 28.1 grams of Methamphetamine, 40 Ecstasy pills, 48 Amphetamine/Dextramphetamine pills, 30 Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine pills, 5 Buprenophine Hydrochloride pills, one digital scale, one package of swisher sweets, one loaded .38 S&W Model 925 and $105 in cash.

Davis was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Rankin Douglas Thomas, 39, formerly of the 200 block of West Union, Minden, was arrested for felony home invasion, felony unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and felony domestic abuse with child endangerment.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Thomas made unauthorized entry twice into a West Union residence where his ex-girlfriend and 2-year-old son live.

“The first time was at 6 a.m.,” Cropper said. “Thomas grabbed a diaper bag from the female and shoved her to the ground in the presence of their son.”

According to reports, Thomas uses Methamphetamine and is currently homeless, having been evicted from the address.

“Later in the day, Thomas returned to the address, and the female denied entry,” Cropper said. “She exited the shower and observed Thomas in the residence and acting ‘paranoid,’ claiming another man was in the residence.”

When police arrived, Thomas ran from officers but was reportedly apprehended and taken to Minden Police Department for booking.

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Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducted a search warrant on May 14 at 21500 Hwy 371, Cotton Valley, following a 5 month narcotics investigation. As a result, Deputies seized 92 grams of methamphetamine, 20 grams of marijuana, $7,500 U.S. currency and numerous firearms. The following were arrested at the residence:
Carnnie Grigsby (Cowboy Connie)
1. 4 counts of Distribution of Meth.
2.Possession Sch.II Meth w/Intent to Distribute.
3.Possession of Sch.I Marijuana W/Intent to Distribute.
4. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
5. Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS.
Randall Swilley
1. 1 count of Distribution of Meth.
2. Possession of Sch.II Meth w/Intent to Distribute.
3. Possession of Sch I Marijuana.
4. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
5. Probation and Parole Hold.

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Dominique Washington, 42, of the 500 block of Bailey Street, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police and charged with home invasion, simple battery and resisting an officer after forcing his way inside his ex-girlfriend’s residence without permission. A 4-year-old, 3-year-old and 2-month-old were present. Washington was booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center (BDCC).

Dusty McDonald Williams, 39, of the 1100 block of Newell Street, Haynesville, was arrested on two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

Cheryl J. Bragg, 34, of the 200 block of Zion Drive, Haynesville, was arrested on a bench warrant and charged with possession of Sch. II and drug paraphernalia.

Daniel Tremaine Davis, 32, of the 2900 block of Hill Street, Ringgold, was arrested on three warrants of Sch. II distribution, one for Sch. I distribution and as a fugitive from Bienville Parish. He was booked in Arcadia.

Darren Benard Martin, 58, of the 700 block of Peach Street, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for one count of felony theft. He was transported to BDCC.

Randy Derald Dyck Jr., 31, of the 1500 block of Hunt Road, Cotton Valley, was arrested by the Springhill Police Department on possession of Methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as open container. Springhill officers responded to a call of a a man acting strangely at the Pine Plaza parking lot. A pat-down for officer safety revealed a half pint of open whisky and a bag of marijuana. A further check of a cigarette pack in his back pocket turned up what appeared to be methamphetamine. Dyck was booked into the Springhil P.D. jail and later transported to BDCC.

Melanie E. Lope, 33, of the 500 block of Campbell Road, Haughton was arrested for shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Sch. IV clonazepam. She was booked at Minden Police Department and transported to BDCC.

Rankin Douglas Thomas, 39, formerly of the 200 block of West Union, Minden, was arrested for felony home invasion, felony unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and felony domestic abuse with child endangerment. Thomas reportedly made unauthorized entry into a West Union residence where his girlfriend and 2-year-old son live. He reportedly grabbed a diaper bag from the female and shoved her in the presence of their son.

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