EMERGENCY BRIDGE CLOSURE: LA 160 over Dorcheat Bayou, Webster Parish

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Friday, June 18, 2021, the LA 160 bridge over Dorcheat Bayou near Cotton Valley in Webster Parish will be closed.

This closure is necessary due to the condition of the bridge, and will remain in place until a construction project can be developed to replace the bridge.

This bridge is located approximately 4.8 miles east of US 371.

DOTD reminds motorists that it is unlawful and extremely unsafe to drive around ‘road closed’ barricades at any time for any reason.

Alternate route: Total bridge closure. All vehicles must detour using US 371, LA 2, and LA 159.

Restrictions/Permits: N/A

This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.


City Enters Agreement with V1Fiber

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden may soon be on the fiber optic map, thus increasing the city’s chances of bringing in more businesses.

Phillip Smart, Economic Development Director for the city, says he met some of the staff of V1Fiber at a USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) grant meeting.

“They are helping cities get grant funding so they can provide fiber optic services for that city or town,” Smart said. “They will help us write the grant and secure the funding, and they will install the fiber optics.”

After that is accomplished, Smart said the city will have the option of allowing V1 to maintain it and run it, or the city can run it, while V1 continues to maintain it.

“We haven’t gotten to that point yet, we just need to get the fiber optic in the ground,” Smart said. “The grant writing process has already begun.”

In 2017, the city conducted a feasibility study of the areas in Minden that were not covered or up to standard, Smart said. Results showed that was a large part of the city.

“Right now, parts of the city don’t have fiber optic services, and you get bogged-down points,” he said. “At times when everyone is on the Internet, it’s pulling on data and it’s bogging down.”

Fiber optics, which will be installed underground, will provide a faster, better quality service, which will be helpful for families whose children are still using online schools, as well as companies that rely heavily on the Internet to handle business – whether at home or office.

“It will basically be like having a carrier, as you do now for your Internet,” Smart said. “If you want the fiber optic network, you will subscribe to the carrier – we haven’t actually named it yet, but it will be a low-market value provided through the city. We are not here to make a profit; we are here to provide solid Internet services.”

Through government programs, subscribers may be able to get free or reduced rate Internet, he added.

Partnering with V1Fiber means that company will take it from here, and it won’t cost the city anything, Smart said. “They will use grant funds.”

Smart said the city has lost new business leads due to lack of a fiber optic network, including a company that builds drones and relies heavily on Internet services.

At last Monday’s meeting of the Minden City Council, members voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with V1Fiber. Smart said the contract should be on the next council agenda.

Photo: Bonnie Culverhouse


Grants Allow Businesses to Spruce Up Shop

Staff Report

Any Main Street business owners wishing to spruce up their interiors or exteriors can apply for a Main Street Restoration Grant.

Minden Main Street Director Mahala Hutto says the Louisiana Main Street program offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

“Applications received from Minden Main Street building and/or business owners will compete statewide for funding with other Main Street communities,” Hutto said. “Over the years, Minden Main Street has received numerous redevelopment grants from the Louisiana Main Street program, initiating many local projects, plus associated jobs and economic stimulation.”

To be eligible for Main Street Restoration Grant funds, a building must be located within the downtown Main Street district, be used for commercial purposes and be at least 50 years old.

“In addition, the proposed work must be approved by the local Historic District Commission and the Louisiana Main Street office, while also conforming to the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation,” Hutto said.

The Main Street Restoration Grant applications, details and deadlines are available from Mahala Hutto, Mainstreet Director, 318-371-4258 or mainstreet@mindenusa.com.


Fantastic Fridays Helping Students Make Up for Time Lost to Pandemic

By Josh Beavers

Covid changed the lives of adults across the globe, but what about the impact the pandemic had on our children? Not only did young people miss out on educational opportunities in the classroom, but they lost music, art, P.E. and the social connection with classmates and educators. That is why the Webster Parish School System has launched Fantastic Fridays this summer in an effort to help children make up for some of that lost time.

“Activities focused on three areas: enrichment, team building, and life skills,” said Oreata Banks, who serves as Elementary and Pre-K supervisor for the parish. “Some of the specific activities include art, music, P.E., dance, cheer, and robotics.”

Banks said these activities are offered throughout the district for grades PK-8. Sites for Fantastic Fridays are Browning Elementary and North Webster High School in the north end of the district, Phillips Elementary and Webster Junior High School in the Minden area, and Lakeside Junior/Senior High School in the south end of the district. Breakfast and lunch is provided at each site as well as transportation.

Community partners such as Cultural Crossroads, B1Bank, Carter Federal Credit Union, and Miles for Smiles have agreed to contribute their time to the program. More than 550 students registered to participate.

“The excitement of the program can be seen not only by the students but administrators and instructors,” Banks said. “After the first Fantastic Friday on June 11th, school and district phone lines lit up with parents who did not sign up. Now they want to register their children for the program.”

Evelyn Lasseigne has a family member in attendance, and she had this to say about the effort on the district’s Facebook page: “Thank you for putting this event on. My granddaughter is loving it.”

Michelle Finley, who serves as Richardson Elementary principal, is assisting with the events and said Fantastic Fridays are important because of the variety of enrichment activities.

“Students rotate three times during the half day of activities,” she told us. “District office staff, principals, assistants, teachers, and some student workers on site make sure the day runs smoothly. The first Fantastic Friday was a huge success!”

Banks said it is the district’s hope that the Fantastic Friday program is the beginning of students being exposed to more enrichment programs not only during summer months but throughout the year.


Two Minden Women will Compete in Miss Louisiana Pageant

From left are Sharity Brent, Jordan Smith, Louisiana Tech President Dr. Les Guice, Jacie Brent, and Gracie Reichman.

Four women with ties to Louisiana Tech University, two of whom are from Minden, will compete in this coming weekend’s Miss Louisiana pageant. Competitors are:

  • Miss Cane River Jacie Brent of Minden. Brent received her degree in Communication in May 2021.
  • Miss Red River City Sharity Brent of Minden. Brent received her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in Spring 2018 and her graduate certificate in Dietetics in Summer 2020.
  • Miss Louisiana Tech University Gracie Reichman of Colfax. Reichman is a Kinesiology major.
  • Miss Louisiana Stockshow Jordan Smith of Tyler, Texas. Smith is majoring in Kinesiology.

The Miss Louisiana competition will be held June 17- 19 in Monroe, and Saturday night’s finals will air locally on KNOE Channel 8 at 8 p.m.


Celebrate the 4th of July in Webster Parish!

Join the holiday fun at:

🦆Greater Minden Chamber’s Annual Duck Derby Extravaganza – July 2, 5-9 pm
The event will include bounce houses, music, food trucks and a duck release that will take place at 6:30! Fireworks will go off 20 minutes after sundown. Come out, have some fun and purchase a duck for your chance at a cash prize!

🎇Sarepta 4th of July Celebration – July 4, 4-8 pm
The event will include a waterslide, live music, food, and fireworks. The fun kicks off at 4 pm


Routine Traffic Stop Yields Drugs

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A routine traffic stop resulted in another drug bust for Minden Police.

Chief Steve Cropper said Off. Chris Cayer was patrolling Clerk Street when he stopped an Olds Cutlass that turned without signaling.

“Off. Cayer made contact with the driver who identified himself as Datraevion Wallace,” Cropper said. “He could provide his license but no insurance or registration.”

Dispatch reportedly confirmed that Wallace’s vehicle did not have valid insurance.

While awaiting a tow company, Off. Cayer began to inventory the vehicle, said the chief.

“He located a backpack in the rear of the vehicle that contained several individual baggies of suspected Methamphetamine and Crack Cocaine, a 9MM pistol, two scales and individual plastic baggies,” Cropper said.

Wallace was arrested for possession of Sch. II Methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of Sch. II crack Cocaine, possession of a firearm near controlled dangerous substances, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, no turn signal and no insurance.


Library says ‘Hello Summer’ with Events for All Ages

By: Josh Beavers

Summer is well underway in our part of the world, and the Webster Parish Library is hosting events for all ages.

Below are events for the coming days across the parish.

Children’s events:

Minden

  • THU JUN 17, Craft Lab (Ages 7-11) at 10 A.M. (drop-in event)
  • Craft Lab Too at 6 P.M.
  • SAT JUN 19, Lego Club Returns! at 10 A.M. (registration required)
  • WED JUN 23, Wild and Wooly Wiggle Animal Songs With Johnette Downing at 10 A.M. (all ages)
  • WED JUN 30, Steve’s Snaketuary (All Ages) at 10 A.M. (registration required if held inside)

(Jennifer Heard, 318-371-3080×116)

Springhill

  • THU JUN 17, All About Birds (Ages 8-12) 2-3 P.M.
  • TUE JUN 22, Slimy Animals (Ages 3-7) 2-3 P.M.
  • WED JUN 23, Wild and Wooly Wiggle Songs with Johnette Downing (All Ages) at 2 P.M.
  • THU JUN 24, Slimy Animals (Ages 8-12) 2-3 P.M.
  • TUE JUN 29, Sunflowers Galore (Ages 3-7) 2-3 P.M.
  • WED JUN 30, Steve’s Snaketuary (All Ages) at 2 P.M.

Doyline

  • THU JUN 17, SRP at 2 P.M.
  • TUE JUN 22, Book Club at 2 P.M.
  • THU JUN 24, SRP at 2 P.M.

(Kelly Burge, 318-745-3800)

Sibley

  • TUE JUN 22, Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder 3:30 to 4:30 P.M.
  • TUE JUN 29, Mason Jar Fairy Lights 3:30-4:30 P.M.

(Troyanne Williamson, 318-377-1320)

Teens:

Minden

  • THU JUN 17, Teen Movie Night 6-8 P.M.
  • TUE JUN 29, Propeller Powered Car Challenge at 2 P.M.

(Josh Hanson, 318-371-3080 x132)

Springhill

  • SAT JUN 19, Teen Pancakes And PJs, 2 to 4 P.M.
  • MON JUN 21,Teen Unicorn Planter at 5:30 P.M.
  • THU JUN 24, Teen Book Club at 5:30 P.M.
  • MON JUN 28, Teen Scavenger Hunt at 5:30 P.M.

(Stephanie Adkins, 318-539-4117)

Adults

Minden

  • FRI JUN 18, Marvel Trivia Night at 6 P.M.
  • TUE JUN 22, Painted Heart Bags at 2 P.M.
  • THU JUN 24, Friends Trivia at 2 P.M.
  • TUE JUN 29, Stamping Jewelry at 2 P.M.

(Jennifer Campbell at 318-371-3080 x123)

Springhill

  • WED JUN 16, Adult Craft @ 2:00PM (must sign up)
  • WED JUN 23, Adult Coloring at 10 A.M. (must sign up)
  • MON JUN 28, Adult Bingo at 2 P.M. (must sign up)
  • WED JUN 30, Adult Craft at 10 A.M. (must sign up)

(Cassidy Duck, 318-539-4117)


Minden High 7-on-7 Serves as Important Prep for Fall

By: Josh Beavers

Summer training is in full swing for local football teams, and Minden High is traveling the interstates competing in 7-on-7 games in preparation for fall.

Spencer Heard, who is entering his ninth season as Minden’s head coach, said the 7-on-7 games are all about personal growth and the players improving.

“Some people get caught up in wins and losses when it comes to 7-on-7,” Heard told the Journal. “I really just see it as important practice for our quarterbacks and receivers and for our linebackers and defensive backs.”

Minden typically runs an offense where the pass is dependent upon the run, so some of the aspects of 7-on-7 will not directly correlate to success for the Tide. However, Heard said the summer work is a useful tool for players to hone some of the skills they will need under the Friday Night Lights.

“It’s excellent for the quarterbacks and receivers to practice timing,” he said. “The receivers get to run their routes over and over and practice catching the ball in traffic [which means catching the ball while in a group of defenders].”

As for the defense, Heard said defenders have to hold their coverages much longer during 7-on-7 than in a regular game. “The quarterback has four seconds to throw in 7-on-7, which is a very long time in a real game,” Heard said. “That forces our defenders to cover for a long time and that’s good, especially since we have some young guys in the secondary.”

Minden has played in two of three tournament style 7-on-7 events so far this summer. Last week, the Tide participated in a 16-team tournament in Natchitoches. This past Tuesday, the Tide was one of five teams in Ruston for a similar event. They have one more event for the summer, another trip to Ruston, before focusing on conditioning and prep for games this fall.

Fall practice begins August 9.


Lakeside Looking to Build on 2019 Success, put Covid Year in Rearview Mirror

By Josh Beavers

Lakeside is looking to build upon the momentum it had to end the 2019 season when football kicks off this fall.

The Warriors had a rough go last year due in part to a loss of seniors from the 2019 squad that won the school’s first playoff game. However there was so much more that went into it. There also was a great deal of uncertainty, starting and stopping, cancellations, quarantine, and general disorganization in the 2020 campaign. That was the story for every sports team in the world, however, as the Covid Pandemic ran its way through society.

But now, with the world returning to normal, Lakeside Head Coach Mike Santelices has team members undergoing off season conditioning so the Warriors can be ready for a full campaign.

“Official fall practice kicks off August 9,” Coach “Sant” said. “So what we are doing this summer is lifting weights, conditioning, and doing some basic fundamentals.”

There were about 20 players in the weightroom on Tuesday when the Journal came by for pictures. Sant said that number needs to pickup but he’s “ok” with the turnout for now. However every player is expected to attend workouts to better the team and benefit the individual when the snaps begin to count.

The weight room and practice field are open four days a week for an hour and a half each day. Coaches are on hand and players are encouraged to attend.


Arrest Reports

Ryan White, 33, of Springhill, was arrested by Cullen Police and charged with aggravated flight from an officer, driving under a suspended license, no inspection sticker and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Kyle E. Castro, 29, of the 100 block of Beck Street, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for Driving While Intoxicated (second offense), Driving Under Suspension and improper lane usage.

Kimberly Michelle Ray, 40, of Heflin, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies on a theft warrant.

Amy Lynn Bauldree, 30, of Sarepta, wads arrested by WPSO deputies for contempt of court.

Whitney Lee Norment, 24, of Sarepta, was arrested by WPSO deputies for unauthorized entry.

Shamichael D. Kyles, 44, of Shreveport, was arrested by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, no insurance and driving under suspension.

Jaycee Corey Davis, 30, of Haynesville, was arrested for possession of Marijuana, second offense, and reckless operation.

Anthony Smith-McClure, 34, of Doyline, was arrested by Louisiana State Police for resisting arrest by flight, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving under suspension.

Cherry Pie Berola, 30, of Sarepta, was arrested by WPSO deputies for cruely to a juvenile.


Lou Dunbar’s Minden Upbringing Opened a World of Opportunities

By Nico Van Thyn
Written for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association

Lou Dunbar traveled the world starring for the Harlem Globetrotters, the most beloved and probably the best known basketball team anywhere.

His development as a youngster in Minden provided the foundation for his entry onto the global stage, and now, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He’s going to be honored next week in Natchitoches during the LSHOF Induction Celebration June 24-26. Visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255 for information and participation opportunities.

No matter where Dunbar was, what language the residents spoke, what side of the road the team bus rode on, his heart always came back to Minden, and it will again next week.

“It’s home,” said a man who made the world his home in his professional career. “My family, my oldest friends, they’re in and around Minden. So this is a very special honor to share with them.”

His fame began at Webster High, where he broke in as a freshman, a rarity for Coach Ozias Johnson’s powerhouse program.

“Louis has developed faster than any boy I’ve ever had,” Johnson said in 1971. “He is a real team man. If we wanted him to score 40 points a game, all we’d have to do is get the ball to him more.”

His senior-season scoring average was 28.2, and that year he swept state honors: a 34-1 record and the Class AA state title, “Outstanding Player” in the Top Twenty state tournament, “Outstanding Player” on the Class AA All-State and All-Prep (all classes) teams, “Mr. Basketball” in the state all-star game (with a record 33 points).

In a Class AA semifinal, he had 41 points and 19 rebounds. As Webster wrapped up the state championship, Dunbar had 26 points and 17 rebounds and, despite playing with four fouls, dominated the final quarter.

One player he topped for All-Prep honors was 7-foot center Robert Parish, his frequent high school and college opponent. They were friendly rivals, while Parish played in his hometown, Shreveport.

Parish went on to be a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, play in more NBA regular-season games than anyone, and be a four-time NBA champion center (three with the Celtics, one as a Bulls’ reserve).

Their high school teams met seven times, with Dunbar and Parish — no surprise — each playing heroically.

The first three battles were in the 1969-70 season when Dunbar was a junior at Webster and Parish a sophomore at Union High (Shreveport). Their schools then were in Louisiana’s all-black athletic association (LIALO).

Webster won two regular-season meetings; Union won a bidistrict state playoff and went to the state tournament. Webster finished with a 31-3 record.

They did not play the next season, although both led their teams to state title games. When schools integrated, Parish had moved to Woodlawn, in Class AAAA. Webster remained one of a few all-black schools open in North Louisiana, but now competing in the formerly all-white Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

In 1973 and ’74, the super prospects met again — four times — as collegians when Parish, staying in Shreveport, chose Centenary.

Now they’ll share the spotlight again in Natchitoches in the magnificent Hall of Fame museum. Parish was enshrined in the LSHOF in 2002.

Dunbar will be a focal figure in the Thursday 3 p.m. press conference and Saturday’s 6 p.m. Induction Reception and Ceremony, both televised live on Cox Sports Television.


Notice of Death June 16, 2021

Alice Nell Clingman
July 6, 1939 – June 3, 2021
Service: Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Betty Jean Durham Canham
September 27, 1932 – May 21, 2021
Celebration of Life: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Cemetery Mausoleum, St. Vincent in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Joy Ann Anderson Gathright
August 25, 1937 – June 10, 2021
Graveside Service: Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Summer Grove Cemetery, corner of Bert Kouns and Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana.


Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office mourns loss of K9 Cyndi

It is with deep sadness that the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of K9 Cyndi. Cyndi passed away on June 12 surrounded by her beloved family, handler Maj. Robert Hayden and family. She was 14 years old.

Cyndi began her career with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2008. During her service Cyndi was instrumental in numerous drug seizures and arrests. In her later years Cyndi became the unofficial Office mascot and often participated in demonstrations at schools and community events. Please keep Maj. Hayden, his family and our entire Office in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of Cyndi.


Mayor to hire Assistant Public Works Director

By Bonnie Culverhouse

The City of Minden Personnel Committee has paved the way for Mayor Terry Gardner to hire an Assistant Public Works Director.

“We are not creating a new position within a department,” Gardner said. “It does not have to go before the council. I will hire the person for that position.”

At the Monday, June 7 meeting of the Minden City Council, members voted 3-2 to deny hiring a Public Works Director. At a prior agenda meeting, District A Councilman Wayne Edwards said he felt a candidate with more experience was necessary.

“I interviewed him and saw his resume, and I am of the opinion you need a much more experienced individual,” Edwards said of candidate Tyler Wallace. “I wish we had an assistant’s position to train him and then move him up to the next level.”

Edwards, District B’s Terika Walker and District C’s Vincen Bradford voted against Wallace, while District D Councilman Michael Roy and District E Councilwoman Pam Bloxom voted in favor.

Gardner said at the Personnel Committee meeting, members voted unanimously in favor of the Assistant Public Works Director position. The committee, which is comprised of city department heads and representatives, has no city council members on it.

“We took a job description that was not funded, and re-titled it Assistant Public Works Director,” Gardner said. “We are posting for that job, so people can apply. I can hire anyone that applies that agrees with the job description.”

Since there is no Public Works Director, Gardner has been acting in that capacity.

“The person who is hired will train under the Public Works Director, who is me,” Gardner said. “I act in that position until we hire one.”

Gardner pointed out that all department heads report directly to the Assistant Public Works Director.

Revising other job descriptions to show they will report to the assistant, was high on the priority list for the Personnel Committee.

 “We changed several job descriptions at the recommendation of our assistant city clerk Michael Fluhr to stay within state laws,” Gardner said.

The committee unanimously adopted the revisions to the job descriptions of Facilities Director, Downtown Development Director, Building Official, Human Resources Manager, Streets and Drainage Manager, Airport Manager, Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Manager, Water and Wastewater Manager, Water Production Superintendent, Water Distribution/Wastewater Collection Superintendent and Wastewater Superintendent, changing those positions to salary positions, as presented.


Grilling on Main

People’s Choice Winners – Scotty Bryce – East Texas Smokers

Little Grillers – Jackson Cartwright 1st in Junior Division
Colton Jellum 2nd in Junior Division
Ethan Vallee 1st in Senior Division

Cornhole Tournament Winners –
1st Ethan Perot and Kurtis Jones
2nd Jacob White and Trace Francis
3rd Brian Smith and Jaxon Smith
4th Hunter Cavalier and Kevin Cavalier


New Teachers Attend Webster Parish Boot Camp

By: Josh Beavers

Teaching is a difficult profession. Whether you are a new education graduate or teaching as a second career, the classroom is vastly different from other occupational arenas. That’s why Webster Parish gives support and extra training to new teachers who are getting ready to step into the classroom for the first time.

Last week, Becki Brown (who serves as Webster Parish’s Instructional Facilitator) as well as Parish Content Coach Lucia Wood, hosted more than 20 first and second year teachers at the Harper Center for Excellence in Minden. On the agenda were helpful strategies on classroom management and creating a safe and structured learning environment to encourage security and communication and comfort as students learn. 

Bonding with students and earning trust is important for teachers in order to reach pupils and help them grow. That’s why Brown said it is vital for the district to support all teachers but especially new ones who have never stepped into a classroom. 

Covid prevented last year’s traditional New Teacher Bootcamp held every summer. So even though several of the attendees last week were entering their second year, the district felt it vital to continue giving those teachers support.

“First year is always the toughest,” Brown told the teachers. “So I want to congratulate you for making it through not only your first year but also doing so during an unprecedented time [due to Covid].”

Brown, Wood (who have a combined more than 60 years of educational experience between them) and other instructional personnel will spend the rest of the summer meeting with teachers and aiding them as Webster Parish prepares for the 2021-2022 school year which kicks off in August.

Photo: Tiffany Trent of Doyline High School tosses a beach ball to fellow first and second year teachers during a bonding exercise at the New Teacher Bootcamp held last week at the Harper Center for Excellence in Minden.


Police arrest local man with fake money

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A fugitive from the Minden Police Department is in custody for distribution of synthetic Marijuana and possessing counterfeit cash.

Decorey Lamar Maxie, 29, of the 200 block of MLK Dr., was spotted by Minden Police officer Matthew Hicks on an apartment balcony on Carolina Street.

“Off. Hicks made contact with Maxie and was able to place him under arrest and in a patrol unit,” Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said. “During the booking process, Maxie was searched and found in possession of a counterfeit $100 U.S. bill. It was seized and turned into the property room at MPD.”

Maxie was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. His bonds total more than $3,000.


Arrest Report

Whitney Renee Ward, 35, of Springhill, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s narcotics division, for obtaining a controlled dangerous substance by fraud and attempting to obtain CDS by fraud after contact was made by a Minden physician’s office. Ward was arrested at a local pharmacy.

Joseph David Coile, 36, of Haughton, was arrested by WPSO deputies on a warrant for possession of a firearm by a felon.

Laquisha Kimble, 37, of Homer, was arrested by WPSO deputies for an active felony warrant of improper supervision of a minor. She is being held on no bond at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Tracey L. Ahee, 46, of Calhoun, was arrested by Louisiana State Police for driving while intoxicated (second offense), simple possession of Sch. I and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to BDCC.

Tyree A. Bullock, 32, of Durham, N.C. was arrested by WPSO deputies for probation violation.

Christopher L. Joyce, 45, of Taylor Ark., was arrested by WPSO deputies for driving under suspension. He was transported by Springhill PD to BDCC.

Cortavious Monte Webb, 22, of  Springhill, was arrested by Cullen PD for possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute. He was booked and transported to BDCC.


Doyline man arrested for animal cruelty

By Bonnie  Culverhouse

A Doyline man with no love of animals was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies last week on animal cruelty charges.

Daniel Ray Hanson, 34, of the 100 block of Green Park Loop, was arrested for aggravated assault, disturbing the peace and cruelty to animals.

WP Sheriff Jason Parker said his deputies were dispatched to Green Park Resort Bar on June 8 because Hanson was reportedly punching a dog in the head while holding a machete.

Owner of the dog reported Hanson, while outside the bar, punched his dog in the head with a closed fist while holding the knife.

“When the owner tried to reason with Hanson, the suspect ran toward him with the machete in his hand,” Parker said. “The owner had a can of Sabre Red and sprayed Hanson with it.”

Hanson reportedly ran into the bathroom, with the machete still in hand. Afterward, he ran back outside to his cabin and stuck the machete in the ground. He was then arrested, handcuffed and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.