17 Webster Parish students participated in the CNA Jump Start Summer initiative at the Harper Center for Excellence as well as at Meadowview Health and Rehab Center in Minden.
Webster Parish high school students took advantage of a valuable program this summer to take a step toward employment after graduation.
The Journal will publish a series of stories over the coming updates to highlight the parish’s Jump Start Summer inative. Jump Start empowers school districts, colleges, and businesses to collaborate in providing career courses and workplace experiences to high school students. Jump Start prepares students to continue their education after high school while certifying them for the career fields most likely to lead to high-wage jobs.
For the first update we will take a look at the 17 students who participated in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.
“We had a huge success and maxed out our numbers,” Dr. Beverly Smith, the district’s Jump Start coordinator, told The Journal during a phone interview last week. “This is the first time we’ve had a full schedule all summer.”
A certified nursing assistant is an important position in any hospital setting. CNAs have many responsibilities that make them an integral part of the patient process in healthcare. Being a CNA can help prepare a person for nursing or healthcare management.
A certified nursing assistant helps patients with direct health care needs, often under the supervision of a nurse. CNAs work directly with patients and nurses, helping with the many physical and complex tasks for patient care.
In addition to credit in their specific pathways, all students received a stipend. “They all put forth a good effort and attendance was wonderful,” Smith said. “This is especially encouraging coming off Covid.”
At the completion of the program, students earn high school Carnegie credit, dual enrollment credit from SUSLA, a stipend, and an opportunity to test for their CNA certification.
“This was another great opportunity for the students of Webster Parish,” Smith said in a Facebook post with enrollees. “Proud of you, young ladies, for doing a great job! Smiles, smiles, and more smiles!”
Students earned clinical experience at Meadowview Health and Rehab Center in Minden.
Louisiana’s Jump Start is the new paradigm for career and technical education (CTE), requiring students to attain an industry-based credential in order to graduate high school. It is the state’s new program for school districts, colleges, and businesses to collaborate in providing career courses and workplace experiences to high school students. Students have the opportunity in high school to earn industry-valued, industry-promulgated credentials in the career fields most likely to lead to high-wage jobs, while preparing them to continue their post-secondary education in 2-year and 4-year colleges and career development.
William “Billy” E. Collins Jr October 9, 1967 – July 9, 2021 Visitation: July 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm at First Baptist Bossier Celebration of Life: July 16, 2021 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Bossier
Margery Mitchell Brown Compton December 9, 1928 – July 12, 2021 Visitation: Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Homer at 405 East 5th Street on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Service: Friday, July 16, 2021, at 2:00 p.m Cemetery: Arlington Cemetery in Homer, LA.
Reiko Naito VanSant November 8, 1928 – June 25, 2021 Visitation: Thursday, July 15, 2021, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport Second Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until service time Service: Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at River Park Church, 3232 E 70th St., Shreveport, Louisiana
Elizabeth Francine Umling November 18, 1988 – July 10, 2021 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Service: 12:00 p.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. Cemetery: Follow the service at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Road, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Betty Lay Kirby October 7, 1925 – July 8, 2021 Service: July 24, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.; Arlington Cemetery in Homer, Louisiana
Ella M. Hart April 26, 1938 – July 11, 2021 Service: 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 19, 2021, at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Road, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Two new Officers First Class will be keeping citizens safe, thanks to a unanimous vote by the Minden City Council Tuesday.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper requested two police department promotions: officers Reese Tewell and Christopher Cayer to the rank of Officer First Class.
Cropper said in April, Cayer and Tewell were given the Fire and Police Civil Service Board Police First class examination test and scored well above the needed percentile.
In other business, the council will voted on the following items:
A unanimous vote for reappointment of General Leonard Miller to the Minden Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board;
Selection of the Minden Press Herald as Official Journal by a vote of 3-2, with District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker and District C Councilman Vincen Bradford casting the two dissenting votes;
A unanimous vote to extend for 30 days the yearly audit by Wise, Martin & Cole;
A unanimous vote to adopt a resolution declaring three transformers as surplus property; and,
A unanimous vote to award a bid for 2021 street improvement projects;
The council also heard the budget/financial report for May, 2021 from interim Clerk Michael Fluhr and the police report for May, 2021 by Chief Cropper.
A local man is behind bars after Minden Police arrested him, saving a young woman in the process.
Devontae Jackson, 21, of the 200 block of Virginia St., Minden, is charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting an officer by flight and simple criminal damage to property.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said OFC. Shane Griffith and Det. Chris Cheatham were investigating a female, possibly being held against her will.
“They received information that the suspect and victim were at a convenience store on Shreveport Road in a black Honda,” Cropper said. “They were also advised the suspect was armed.”
When Griffith arrived, he reportedly observed the Honda at the gas pump. He exited his vehicle and identified himself as a police officer.
“The male fled on foot, running out of the parking lot east on Shreveport Road,” Cropper said. “Griffith pursued him on foot, advising him to stop. He then jumped on the back of a vehicle parked at the intersection of Shreveport Road and Weston Street, causing damage to the right rear of the vehicle.”
Jackson then reportedly fled north on Weston Street with several officers in pursuit.
“He was taken into custody as he attempted to cross a fence in the rear of a dollar store on Shreveport Road,” said the chief. “He was found to be in possession of a Glock .40 caliber handgun in his right pants pocket, completely concealed.”
According to reports, the female victim told police Jackson threatened to shoot her in the face, and she felt he would have killed her if she didn’t comply.
Cropper said Jackson was booked at police headquarters without incident. A criminal history revealed he was convicted of illegal use of a weapon and off probation in October 2020.
Webster Parish educators, from left, Talachae Haulcey, Shronda Taylor, Wendy Crews, and Sara Chreene were a few of the teachers who spoke about the success of the recently completed Summer Connection and Fantastic Friday programs. The initiatives were designed to fill in student educational and social gaps brought on by in-person time lost due to the Covid pandemic.
By Josh Beavers
There was one word repeated over and over again Monday night during the monthly meeting of the Webster Parish School Board. And that one word was “fantastic.”
Board members heard from students, parents, teachers, and principals about the success of the recently concluded Fantastic Friday and Summer Connection initiatives held across the parish to fill in student educational and social gaps brought on by in-person time lost due to the Covid pandemic.
“My children were so excited for each day,” parent Lisa Nelson told the Board. “I watched them over such a short period of time blossom like they had not all year.”
Nelson, who has boys aged 11 and 14, said her family was in quarantine for over a month due to the pandemic. They made up valuable educational lessons during the week and had a fantastic time on Fridays as they learned art, games, and communicated with peers. All of those things were missing largely during the school year because of the time away from campus.
“Extraordinary,” she repeated. “It was just extraordinary.”
Jakendrick Davis, a student at Brown Upper Elementary in Springhill, joined the meeting digitally and praised the program.
“It gave students a chance to be exposed to ideas and fields we usually do not get to,” the young man said via Google Meet. “It continued our education and broadened our horizons. I hope it will continue to grow as it adds so much to our school curriculum.”
Summer Connection was an intervention program designed to provide targeted instruction based on student data. Traditionally, summer school has focused on LEAP 2025 remediation. This program was geared toward addressing specific skill gaps to prepare students for the next academic year.
“We were able to teach one on one to the students who needed extra support because of all the things we dealt with due to Covid,” teacher Ashanti Cooper told the Board via Google Meet. “They got a boost, and at the end of the program they were more confident about going into the next grade.”
Central Elementary’s Sara Chreene echoed Cooper and said she saw students go from decoding to reading in the short time in the program. Math skills improved as well, and Chreene said she is positive about the intercession periods scheduled throughout the upcoming year as part of the parish’s new calendar.
The rationale for Fantastic Fridays was because 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.
Wendy Crews, who teaches ELA at Brown Upper Elementary, said she saw children developing social and conversational skills through the playing of simple games like checkers and cards. These are skills that some students lack during the best of times due to the reliance on technology. Couple that fact with a once in a century pandemic that shuttered people away from one another and you have a recipe for serious gaps in social development.
But thanks to the time spent on Fridays, those skills were no longer stagnating, and Crews said conversation and dialog will turn into writing in the classroom.
Shronda Taylor, a paraprofessional at Brown Upper, participated in both programs, teaching math during the week and art on Fridays. She said the children were shown new concepts and ideas. She taught them about abstract art, line art, watercolors, and pastels. They created art, and some students gave what they made as presents to family members.
Talachae Haulcey, a sixth grade social studies teacher at Webster Junior High in Minden, taught dance to third through fifth graders. She said dance breaks barriers and speaks to all people. Being so young, many of the students were unfamiliar with classic and fun dances from Footloose to Cotton Eyed Joe. She taught them line-dancing and incorporated Tik-Tok into lessons.
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.
Bewanchi Shepherd, principal of Webster Junior High, commended district supervisors Oreata Banks, Dusty Rangel, Melanie Jacobs, and Yolanda Palmer for organizing such a dynamic event. “And it was an event,” she said. “There was something new all the time, and if I could change anything it would be to extend the event into July because our children really and truly enjoyed it.”
Oreata Banks, who serves as Elementary and Pre-K supervisor for the parish, said a survey sent to parents indicated that 100 percent of respondents said they wanted to see the program continue. And when they were asked to rate the program on a scale of five, all respondents rated a four or five.
Superintendent Johnny Rowland said he could not imagine the programs going better for first year events. He praised the students, parents, teachers, administrators, supervisors and everyone involved, and said the district will do all it can to ensure the programs return next year.
Note: Check back in coming updates of The Webster Parish Journal for a story with Dusty Rangel, the district’s supervisor for curriculum and instruction, about the achievement data gathered on students who participated in Summer Connection. Also, check back with us for more about the intercession periods mentioned in this story and how they will help students this fall.
Dear Supporters of the Dorcheat Historical Museum,
Well we made it to 2021! Due to the Pandemic…we are still finding our way through post Covid-19 sort of! We opened back up in August of 2020, with cautious navigation of how to do that safely for our patrons as well as myself.
Yesterday Minden was hit with another sobering fact. The Covid virus is still impacting our parish in a hard hitting way. Just when we were in hopes of getting this behind us, it has reared it’s ugly head again. So once again we are being more cautious here at the museum.
We have faced many challenges during the last 14 years but none that have taken the wind out of our sails like this pandemic episode has. We had hopes that by the fall we would be back in full swing….but we have chosen to wait it out for a while longer as a safe-guard for our patrons. We have lost some wonderful people the past few years due to illness. I feel like I have personally lost so many of my go-to people when I needed answers about Webster parish history.
As many of you know we lost a very important person during all of this. John Agan, our Webster Parish historian, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at the age of 61. John’s passing is like losing a search engine of knowledge. He can never be replaced and we are so grateful that we have just a sample of his vast knowledge captured in book form at the museum. It is still our hope that we can honor John once we get back to hosting events. I would like to have an exhibit of the History Keepers that would include John, Dr. Longino and Mrs. Campbell. I think, without these three people, much of our history would be gone forever.
This will now be the second time, since the opening of the museum doors in 2008, that we have not had our annual fundraiser gala. We still don’t feel that with the size of our meeting room we can safely allow this to happen. With that being said we realize that Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on many and that even if we could have a fundraiser that we would still not feel right asking a business to donate items this year. So many business in our area have closed or can’t even find people to work. People are still struggling.
The gala usually has 100-125 people in attendance. We usually take in around $25,000 to $30,000 at our event. This money is what we have always used to operate from during the year. Not having the gala two years in a row puts us at an even bigger disadvantage financially as we move forward for the coming years. I was able to draw unemployment for as long as the state had museums mandated closed. As always, we are very mindful of how our money is spent. Each year we like to have enough to move forward without jeopardizing what we already have. We know many of you are in the same situation and respect that.
This past year I have watched as parts of history have been destroyed and removed all across our country. I was witness to that even in Minden. That fact alone shows me the importance of what we are trying to do here at the Dorcheat Museum. History is not there for us to change. It is there for us to learn from. I hope you will continue to support the museum in every way that you can. I hope that you will continue to help us keep Webster parish history alive for future generations.
If you can help us financially this year, we would greatly appreciate it. We are a 501 C3 nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible. Please send support to:
Dorcheat Historical Museum P.O. Box 1094 Minden, LA 71058
Sincerely,
Schelley Brown Francis – Dorcheat Museum Director Louise Baird Snook – Dorcheat Museum Board President
116 Pearl Street P.O. Box 1094 Minden, LA 71058 Phone# 318-377-3002
A seventh grader has artistic talent well beyond her years.
Twelve-year-old Destiney Robeaux, the daughter of Nikki Clark and Derrick Robeaux, has an art gallery show at City Art Works, until August 28.
Destiney took an interest in painting three years ago. It has progressed to acrylic painting on canvas. She has been teaching herself how to paint with the help of videos by Bob Ross, whom she credits as her inspiration.
She has dreams of being a famous artist and have her own art gallery one day.
In addition to painting, she enjoys taking care of her guinea pigs and cats, as well as playing basketball. Destiney refers to her art as ART OF NATURE, which she loves.
There’s only one way to say it: Minden’s SweeTees are going to the World Series!
The SweeTees claimed the Louisiana championship on the strength of a 14-3 win followed by a 12-6 victory. The team advances to the Dixie SweeTees X-play World Series in Alexandria July 30 through August 6.
“I am extremely proud of these girls,” coach Logan Hollingsworth said. “They have put in the hard work for three weeks leading up to the state tournament and it showed on Friday and Saturday. We could not ask for better players, parents, coaches and the city of Minden as a support group. Bring on the World Series.”
Laikyn Hollingsworth, Harper Barnette, Laikyn Lewis, Aubrey Chanler, Marley Bogues, Willow Still, Stella Perryman, Adley Igo, Lexie Perryman, Olivia Crawford, Conleigh Jernigan, and Anabel Sunderland all turned in dynamic plays in the championship run.
Check the Journal for more news as the World Series nears.
While there were cheers all around for some local teams, other squads shook hands for the last time this season as their play came to an end over the weekend.
The Dixie Angels came up just short in the state tournament, taking second place following a heartbreaking 22-20 loss in the championship game Monday night.
Pitchers were Presley Wood, Briley Cox, Jaidyn Smith, and Rhea Waller. Coaches were April Pamintuan, Steve Thomas, and Scotty Greer. Team roster was Cierra Caldwell, Presley Wood Briley Cox, Rhea Waller, Ella Wood, Kenzie Pamintuan, Brayleigh Lewis, McKinley James, Jaidyn Smith, Harleigh Hart, Kiley Ferguson, and Nae Hill.
Presley Wood was named MVP of the tournament.
The 12U squad played valiantly in state play but came up short. Coach Riley Hollingsworth made a heartfelt post on Facebook thanking all the people who made the season a success.
“As our all star season comes to an end, I would like to thank my players, parents and fans for your support,” he told the community. “We had our ups and downs, but I enjoyed every minute of coaching this awesome group of boys. No one likes to lose, but the opportunity to positively impact each of these kids in their baseball career will always be a win for me.”
He went on to thank assistant coaches Clint Powell and Ben Bower.
Another skipper coaching for the last time this season is Chris Williams, who coached the 11U squad.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of young men,” Williams told The Journal. “I’ve really grown fond of this group. I’ve never had a tougher squad or a better group of kids. This is my fifth year coaching and they are the toughest bunch I’ve had.”
The 11U team advanced to the semifinals before bowing out against Bossier. The final score was 5-2.
Minden High School has found its next cheer squad leader.
Baleigh Danger, a former cheerleader for Northwestern State University, has been hired to sponsor the Minden High cheer squad in the athletic arena and teach science in the classroom.
“We are so excited to welcome Coach Baleigh Danger to our Tide family,” Minden High Principal Rebecca Wilson told The Journal. “Her expertise in the sport of cheerleading is unparalleled. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for our students.”
The Journal contacted Baleigh for a Q&A last week.
The Journal: So Baleigh, tell us about yourself.
Baleigh: I graduated from a small town in East Texas and came to Northwestern for their cheerleading program. I have a Biology degree with an emphasis in Microbiology. This will be my second semester teaching. Although I didn’t originally plan to teach, I absolutely love it now. I thought that I would go to either veterinary school or into the research field.
The Journal: That’s awesome. So about the classroom. What subject do you teach and why do you like it?
Baleigh: I started out teaching 2nd grade English at J.L. Jones, but I prefer any science subject as that is what I know best. I tutored several high school students while I was in college to make extra money and loved it. I am so happy to be teaching Biology for this school year and especially to older kids. I love young kids, but I believe that there are so many more opportunities in high school.
The Journal: Why did you want to sponsor cheer?
Baleigh: I grew up cheering and loved it. I was an instructor for the national cheerleading association for 3 years. I loved traveling around and teaching different schools how to not only cheer but become better leaders in their schools. A lot of people believe that cheerleading is something that you do on Friday nights, but it also teaches students how to have a positive outlook even if your team isn’t doing the best. Sometimes you can’t always control the circumstances (or game) but you can always control how you feel about it.
The Journal: How do you feel about joining MHS family?
Baleigh: I am so excited to be joining the Tider family this year. All of the teachers and staff are extremely supportive and welcoming. When Mrs. Wilson called and offered the job, I never hesitated to accept it.
The Journal: I know they are happy to have you; so, what are the first steps you plan to take with your squad?
Baleigh: Practices are hard but so are games. I want my squad to look back one day and thank me for how hard I pushed them not only physically but mentally as well. After every practice we have what I like to call circle time. We all sit down and go over the highs and lows of each practice but we never end with a low. At the end of the year I want my team to have learned at least one new skill or stunt that they thought was impossible at the beginning.
The Journal: I know you’ll be an asset to the school and community. Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?
Baleigh: Minden has been such a blessing to me over the past six months, and I can’t wait to see what this amazing year has in store.
Kewan Foley, 41, of the Lake Providence, was arrested at the Webster Parish Courthouse by sheriff’s deputies for flight from an officer.
Sherry D. Modisette, 45, of Modisette Lane, Sarepta, was arrested by Sarepta Police for revoking her bond.
Haley Michelle Gartman, 22, of Coushatta, was arrested by Louisiana State Police, Troop G for driving while intoxicated, three counts of child endangerment and three counts of improper child restraint, careless operation of a motor vehicle and open container.
Sadi Ann Hughes, 29, of Dubberly, was arrested as a fugitive from Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office on warrants for no driver’s license, hit and run, illegal possession of stolen things, aggravated flight from an officer, driving under suspension, no inspection sticker, open container and license plate light.
Louis James Reno Jr., 41, no address, was arrested by Minden Police on an active bench warrant.
Funeral services for a fallen law enforcement officer will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 16 at First Bossier, 2810 Texas St., Bossier City. Visitation will also be held at the church from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, July 15.
Interment will take place after the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Haughton.
William “Billy” Earl Collins Jr. was shot and critically wounded Friday while responding to a call in Doyline. He died at Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport around 8 p.m.
According to KTAL/KMSS, the shooter was identified by his family as Mahlon Taylor.
Shortly before 11 p.m., Friday gunshots were heard from inside the mobile home and then an ambulance transported Taylor from the scene to a waiting helicopter.
Troop G Public Information Officer Jonathan Odom said that as of 11 a.m. today (Monday, July 12), the suspect is still alive and under the care of a hospital. Charges are pending.
“It’s a very sad event for me to be able to come up here and speak to y’all, but I’ve got to give somebody justice,” Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said. “I’m very sad to say tonight, around 7:43 p.m., we lost a good man. The family lost a good husband, a good father, a good Webster Parish deputy and a good patrol officer for the City of Doyline, that loved and served his citizens well.”
The town of Minden had a number of break-outs last week, however, Dr. Martha Whyte with Region 7 of the state Department of Hospitals told a group gathered at the mayor’s office, that this does not constitute a “hot spot.”
“For several weeks we have been in numbers of about 300 cases for the entire state every day,” Whyte said. “We are not seeing clusters.”
Minden is a different matter. Her department has seen clusters, and she feels this is a variant, she’s just unsure which one.
“Over the last week, we have seen a cluster of cases, which we get reports every few hours of another one or two,” Whyte said. “Most of them are based out of two churches, and about 35-40 percent of the people are unvaccinated.”
During a press conference Friday, Whyte said this strain may be the Delta Strain, but she won’t know until testing concludes.
“If it is the Delta Strain, it is a more contagious strain,” she said. “People who are getting sick from it, are getting sicker.”
She feels as time passes, even the number of vaccinated people contracting a strain of COvid may climb.
“It’s still amazingly low compared to the number of people who are not vaccinated,” Whyte said. “We know that getting vaccinated, even though you may still get sick, you won’t get very sick.”
Whyte said getting vaccinated should be the number one priority. In addition, washing your hands and avoiding touching the face is important.
“With wearing a mask, if you’ve been vaccinated, you don’t need to wear one if you are outside and with others you know have been vaccinated,” she said. “If you don’t know their history, then wearing a mask is the safest thing to do.”
Brian Williams, Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness Director, told members of the Webster Parish Police Jury last week there are 30 hospitalized COvid cases in the region with five on ventilators.
“In the past 30 days here in Webster, we have 110 new cases,” Williams said. “This is up 27 from the previous month’s total. We’re averaging about six more per week over last month.”
But there is some good news.
“Our positivity rate is still low,” he said. “It’s at 2.8 percent, so that’s still good.”
Whyte said she wants to push the steps people can take to ensure they get and stay healthy.
“Protect yourself,” she said. “We are not seeing deaths in the people who are vaccinated. Then protect your community.”
Dr. Whyte is the regional medical director for Region 7, which includes the parishes of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Webster.
Ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/# breaks it down by parish.
Webster Parish’s numbers since March 2020: Total tests – 64,819, total cases – 4,313, confirmed cases – 3,640, total deaths – 115.
These numbers were last updated at noon Friday, July 9, 2021.
Former Governor Edwin Washington Edwards died peacefully Monday morning at his home in Gonzales with family and friends by his bedside. Edwards was just shy of his 94th birthday in August, he was 93.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete for at this time.
Edwards served consecutive terms from 1972 to 1980 and single terms from 1984 to 1988 and 1992 to 1996.
Edwards served in Congress representing the Acadiana area from 1965 to 1972.
“In honor of the life of Edwin W. Edwards, Billy West Live is replaying the two recent podcast interviews conducted with former Governor Edwards, recorded June 10, 2021.”
William “Billy” E. Collins Jr October 9, 1967 – July 9, 2021 Visitation: July 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm at First Baptist Bossier Celebration of Life: July 16, 2021 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Bossier
Margery Mitchell Brown Compton December 9, 1928 – July 12, 2021 Visitation: Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Homer at 405 East 5th Street on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Service: Friday, July 16, 2021, at 2:00 p.m Cemetery: Arlington Cemetery in Homer, LA.
Reiko Naito VanSant November 8, 1928 – June 25, 2021 Visitation: Thursday, July 15, 2021, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport Second Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until service time Service: Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at River Park Church, 3232 E 70th St., Shreveport, Louisiana
Elizabeth Francine Umling November 18, 1988 – July 10, 2021 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Service: 12:00 p.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana. Cemetery: Follow the service at Rose-Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Road, Bossier City, Louisiana.
Betty Lay Kirby October 7, 1925 – July 8, 2021 Service: July 24, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.; Arlington Cemetery in Homer, Louisiana
Max Alton Corley February 22, 1945 – July 6, 2021 Visitation: Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Service: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport, Louisiana
Charges are pending against a Doyline man who suffered a gunshot wound and is in serious condition at a local hospital after killing a Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy.
William Earl “Billy” Collins Jr., the deputy who also worked as a Doyline Police Officer, was shot around 5:45 p.m. Friday. He was airlifted to Ochsner LSU Shreveport with life-threatening injuries. He later died.
Louisiana State Police Troop G Public Information Officer Jonathan Odom said Collins and two other deputies responded to a residence on Green Tree Street, where they immediately began to take gunfire from the suspect.
“As a result of the suspect’s actions, multiple law enforcement agencies converged on the active crime scene and it was secured,” Odom said in a press release. “Negotiators repeatedly attempted to contact the suspect to no avail.”
After several hours of repeated attempts to peacefully rectify the situation, law enforcement officers reportedly entered the residence.
“It was then discovered that the suspect had incurred a gunshot wound,” Odom said. “Life-saving measures were started and medical personnel transported him to a local hospital where he remains in serious condition.”
The suspect has not been identified as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
UPDATE: 4:00am
A Webster Parish sheriff’s deputy who worked part-time for the Doyline Police Department has died after being shot in the line of duty Friday night.
The Webster Parish Sheriff’s office has reported that Deputy William Earl Collins Jr. has died from his injury.
The Webster Parish Journal will update as information becomes available.
ORIGINAL A full-time Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy is in critical condition after being airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.
According to Sheriff Jason Parker, the unidentified officer was shot in an exchange of gunfire between other law enforcement and a reportedly suicidal man barricaded in a Doyline residence.
“We have a suspect barricaded in a mobile home located on Green Tree Lane in Doyline,” Parker said, around 9:30 p.m. Friday. “We are in the process of trying to get him to come out now.”
The sheriff said the reason the suspect opened fire is unknown.
“He was responding to a call at the trailer,” he said of the deputy. “He was alone, but as other officers arrived, they took on some gunfire and the officer was shot.”
Parker said the officer was airlifted to the Shreveport hospital. Law enforcement sources say the officer was shot in the head.
“He’s a full-time deputy for me, working out at BDCC (Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center) as a corrections supervisor,” Parker said. “His job as a Doyline Police Officer is his part-time job, and it was in this aspect that he was working in tonight.”
Around 10 p.m., Bossier Tactical Units joined the more than 30 officers already on the scene.
The Webster Parish Journal will update as information becomes available.
A Webster Parish sheriff’s deputy who worked part-time for the Doyline Police Department has died after being shot in the line of duty Friday night.
The Webster Parish Sheriff’s office has reported that Deputy William Earl Collins Jr. has died from his injury.
The Webster Parish Journal will update as information becomes available.
ORIGINAL A full-time Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy is in critical condition after being airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.
According to Sheriff Jason Parker, the unidentified officer was shot in an exchange of gunfire between other law enforcement and a reportedly suicidal man barricaded in a Doyline residence.
“We have a suspect barricaded in a mobile home located on Green Tree Lane in Doyline,” Parker said, around 9:30 p.m. Friday. “We are in the process of trying to get him to come out now.”
The sheriff said the reason the suspect opened fire is unknown.
“He was responding to a call at the trailer,” he said of the deputy. “He was alone, but as other officers arrived, they took on some gunfire and the officer was shot.”
Parker said the officer was airlifted to the Shreveport hospital. Law enforcement sources say the officer was shot in the head.
“He’s a full-time deputy for me, working out at BDCC (Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center) as a corrections supervisor,” Parker said. “His job as a Doyline Police Officer is his part-time job, and it was in this aspect that he was working in tonight.”
Around 10 p.m., Bossier Tactical Units joined the more than 30 officers already on the scene.
The Webster Parish Journal will update as information becomes available.
A full-time Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy is in critical condition after being airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.
According to Sheriff Jason Parker, the unidentified officer was shot in an exchange of gunfire between other law enforcement and a reportedly suicidal man barricaded in a Doyline residence.
“We have a suspect barricaded in a mobile home located on Green Tree Lane in Doyline,” Parker said, around 9:30 p.m. Friday. “We are in the process of trying to get him to come out now.”
The sheriff said the reason the suspect opened fire is unknown.
“He was responding to a call at the trailer,” he said of the deputy. “He was alone, but as other officers arrived, they took on some gunfire and the officer was shot.”
Parker said the officer was airlifted to the Shreveport hospital. Law enforcement sources say the officer was shot in the head.
“He’s a full-time deputy for me, working out at BDCC (Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center) as a corrections supervisor,” Parker said. “His job as a Doyline Police Officer is his part-time job, and it was in this aspect that he was working in tonight.”
Around 10 p.m., Bossier Tactical Units joined the more than 30 officers already on the scene.
The Webster Parish Journal will update as information becomes available.
A Texarkana, Ark. man is behind bars, and residents of Webster Parish can sleep a little easier knowing they will not be the victims of this scam artist.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said his chief deputy, Hank Haynes’ sharp eye is to thank for taking Michael Morris Jeffery, 45, off the asphalt.
“Haynes was traveling southbound on La. Hwy. 371 and saw asphalt equipment in the driveway of the residence located in the 22,000 block,” Parker said. “He stopped at the residence because he knew the owner – Mike’s Paving – was wanted on several outstanding warrants for low quality workmanship and overcharging elderly customers.”
Parker said there have been approximately seven complaints from parish residents regarding the quality of work and the “outrageous price they were forced into paying. I’m sure there are more victims, and it is not too late to file charges.”
The sheriff also said Jeffery claimed to be with the Webster Parish Police Jury at one resident’s home.
“One of the victims told us about this and a complaint affidavit for charges has been filled out,” Parker said. “Our office has obtained a warrant.”
Jeffery’s charges include false impersonation, three counts of theft of assets of the aged, failure to obtain permit and cheating and swindling.
He was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on bonds totaling more than $50,000.
Person: Micheal Morris Jeffery Address: 640 Miller County Road City/State: Texarkana, AR Race: White Gender: Male Age: 45
Charges: False Impersonation Theft of the assets of the aged (3 Counts) Cheating & Swindling Failure to Obtain a Permit
A proposed food truck ordinance that was supposedly scrapped by a 3-2 vote of the Minden City Council Tuesday, was back on the front burner in time for breakfast Wednesday.
Of the five council members, Terika Williams-Walker and Vincen Bradford voted against the ordinance.
Mayor Terry Gardner announced the vote passed, but Bradford disagreed.
“You have to have two-thirds (votes),” Bradford said. “That’s not two-thirds.”
District D Councilman Michael Roy mentioned a workshop discussion and changes made in the ordinance in order to bring all of the council on board.
“We’ve discussed it,” Bradford said. “Move on.”
However, in checking with the law, Gardner said he has since learned a two-thirds vote is not necessary to pass an ordinance.
A letter from City Attorney Jimbo Yocom with a copy of the law attached, partially reads:
“After researching the question of the number of councilmembers that must vote in the affirmative to adopt an ordinance, the law is clear that a two-thirds majority is not required. The City Charter is silent as to the voting requirements for the adoption of an ordinance. As such, we must turn to the Revised Statutes. Pursuant to La. R.S. 33:406, a simple majority vote of the council is required to effectively adopt the ordinance.
“Consequently, the ‘Mobile Food Vendor’ Ordinance did in fact pass and is lawfully adopted,” the letter concludes.
The new law includes the following:
“Subject to restrictions and limitations set forth in this ordinance, food trucks may operate in parking spaces within the public right-of-way (amended to read public property) on city owned property at locations and times as may be approved by the City Inspection Department in primary control of such property, and in such other areas as may be permitted by the city’s zoning ordinance, paying a food truck fee and having an occupational license. Provided, that food trucks may not operate on the public right-of-way within 100 (amended to 50) feet of the primary entrance of any type of restaurant located within a permanent structure or building.”
Louisiana State Police Troop G has issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory, on behalf of the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) and is requesting assistance with locating Shamia Little.
Little was reported missing to SPD Wednesday morning. She was last seen at approximately 11 p.m., Tuesday, July 6, in the area of Jacob Street and Kennedy Avenue, in Shreveport.
Shamia is a 17-year-old black female with black hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 5’10” tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. She was last seen wearing a blue soccer-style athletic shirt and black Nike soccer-style shorts with a white horizontal stripe.
Anyone having any information as to the whereabouts of Shamia Little should immediately contact the Shreveport Police Department at 318-716-8761 or local law enforcement.
Local contractor Benton & Brown was unanimously awarded the bid for street improvements to Longleaf Drive and Woodard Drive during Tuesday’s Minden City Council meeting.
Having received three bids, Benton & Brown was lowest qualified bidder at $416,500.
Street Superintendent Terry Combs said the amount of the job could rise.
“When we go in there and start chopping the road up, something could happen,” Combs said. “I can’t say it’s going to be smooth. It may not.”
“This amount is well below the budgeted amount of $504,000,” Mayor Terry Gardner said.
Residents of Longleaf and Woodard Drive gave members of the Minden City Council an ovation at the last meeting, after members voted unanimously to advertise for bids to fix their streets.
“If you drive down there today, you will see it’s as bad as it’s ever been. Every time it rains, it gets worse,” said Woodard Drive resident Tracy Campbell. “Fixing potholes only causes additional problems. It’s a temporary fix until the next rain comes.”
Campbell said the roads are so bad, vehicles are being damaged.
Other streets, such as Country Club Circle, may also be fixed in the coming year of 2021-2022. Total budget for street improvements is $750,000.
Members of the Webster Parish Police Jury are tired of talking trash. In fact, they’d like to get out of the business completely and are considering the sale of the parish-owned landfill.
Tuesday, the jury voted 11-0, with Allen Gilbert absent, to declare the landfill and expansion as surplus and accept sealed bids to purchase it. They had voted to sell it in a previous meeting.
“About 60 days from now, you will receive those bids in basically the same format as other things,” Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson explained. “We will open them up at a public meeting.”
Jackson said if the bids do not come in at the minimum, “you scrap it.”
After much discussion in an Environmental Committee meeting, prior to the regular jury meeting, $10 million was agreed as minimum bid.
“You’re looking at December to close the deal,” said juror Randy Thomas, head of the Environmental Committee.
Jury president Jim Bonsall said the jury is losing money with its present management contract.
“It costs us money every year to operate that landfill,” Bonsall said. “Today’s the day we need to decide if we’re going to do this.”
Republic Services currently has the contract, and Jackson said their newest proposal is “better than it was.”
“Just maintenance of the landfill road alone eats up that revenue stream,” he said. “My position is that free enterprise is better suited to manage this. We will continue to maintain the (landfill) road to the extent we need to.”
The police jury has been the sole owner of the landfill for more than 25 years. It operates off royalties generated by the landfill with some subsidy from a half-cent sales tax that is set.
Jackson, who said he is aware of companies interested in purchasing the landfill, also said revenue from that sales tax can be used for other roads and capital needs.
