Dr. Phillip Rozeman was honored by the Northwest Louisiana Medical Society at its annual meeting as the 59^th recipient of the annual Distinguished Service Award.  The award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contribution in medicine.

Brandi Gaitan, CEO of Northwest Louisiana Medical society noted “Dr. Rozeman is a consummate physician leader and has devoted a great deal of his time and effort in improving the overall health of the communities he serves.”

Dr. Rozeman is the founder and president of Willis-Knighton Cardiology and the Minden Heart and Vascular Center and has served as past chief of staff at Willis-Knighton Health System and Minden Medical Center.  He is previous president of the Shreveport Medical Society and the second recipient of the John Miciotto Lifetime Healthcare Achievement Award given by the Bossier Chamber.

Jim Williams, CEO of Minden Medical Center, describes Dr. Rozeman as “a physician who truly cares about the community in which he serves.  Dr. Rozeman is an advocate for rural healthcare and has a passion for serving.  We appreciate his 26 years of service to Minden Medical Center and the Minden community and congratulate him on this honor!”

Dr. Rozeman is active in multiple areas of community service in Northwest Louisiana and the state as a whole.  He is past chairman of the Shreveport Chamber, Blue print Louisiana, Alliance for Education, Education’s Next Horizon, and the Caddo-Shreveport Master Plan Advisory board.  He currently serves on the board of Louisiana Committee of 100, LABI, PAR, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, LSU-S and BPCC Foundations, and the Magnolia K-12 Charter School.

He has been named Business Leader of the year by both Shreveport and Minden Chambers of Commerce and is a member of the Northwest Louisiana Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.  Over the last 25 years, he has received the annual community service awards of the Northwest Louisiana and Acadiana United Way, LSU-S, Shreveport Bar Association, March of Dimes, and the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL).  

North Webster Upper Elementary faculty/staff and guests celebrated Christmas with a dinner at Silver Star. We had a wonderful time enjoying each other outside of the school setting. We are truly blessed to have such an awesome staff. We wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

December 6

Antravious Deonta Washington, 32, of the 100 block of Stanley St., Minden, ws arrested by Minden Police on an active warrant for distribution of synthetic Marijuana.

December 7

Jossalyn Jade Walden, 37, of the 5000 block of B&S Drive, Springhill, was arrested by Springhill PD for possession of Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

December 8

Napoleon Anthony Cornelius, 58, of the 700 block of Central School Rd., Dubberly, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for driving while intoxicated (first offense), possession of Marijuana, driving under suspension, failure to dim lights and improper lane usage.

Jana Holly, 33, of the 500 block of Germantown Rd., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for simple burglary and resisting an officer.

Brooklyn Noelle Eubanks, 28, of Lake Charles, was arrested by WPSO for monetary instrument abuse when she tried to pay her contempt of court bond with a counterfeit $100 bill.

Whitney Ward, 35, of the 1200 block of 7th St. SE, Springhill, was arrested by WPSO on two counts of contempt of court.

December 9

William D. These, 35, of the 700 block of State Line Rd., Heflin, was arrested by WPSO on two warrants for contempt of court.

LaDerrick LaShun Edwards, 43, of the 800 block of Harris St., Minden, was arrested by WPSO for failure to yield and possession of hydrochloride, Marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

James Taylor Roach, 35, of the 800 block of Willis Field Rd., Doyline, was arrested by WPSO on bench warrants for resisting arrest with force and Sch. II with intent to distribute.

Tory Cooper, 48, of the 300 block of Bellevue Rd., Cotton Valley, was arrested by WPSO on two active warrants.

Kristy Moss Bradley, 41, of the 400 block of Camp Bistineau Rd., Doyline, was arrested by WPSO for improper lane usage, resisting by false information, driving under suspension and possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Septien Grisby, 36, of the 200 block of Lewis Loop, Cotton Valley, was arrested by Cotton Valley PD on two active warrants.

* Arrests are a matter of public record.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Shreveport man driving east of Minden on Hwy. 79 is now at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on numerous drug charges.

William T. Hughes, 34, of the 2400 block of Pinehurst Blvd., has been charged with driving while intoxicated, illegal carrying of a firearm with controlled dangerous substances, possession of Sch. I, Sch. II and Sch. IV and drug paraphernalia.

On December 8., Sgt. Ryan Brashier, with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, observed Hughes’ vehicle crossing the fog and center lines numerous times on Hwy. 79. He reportedly activated his emergency blue lights and said Hughes turned on his left turn signal, pulling onto the shoulder of the road.

Hughes reportedly continued on the shoulder for approximately one mile before turning onto a dirt road and coming to a stop.

Brashier said he exited his vehicle and approached Hughes, while identifying himself. He said he then asked Hughes to step out of his vehicle with his driver’s license, while noticing a strong odor of suspected Marijuana on the subject and his vehicle.

Hughes, reportedly showing signs of impairment, handed Brashier three different identifications from other individuals, as well as a passport. Brashier said he conducted a field sobriety test and then placed Hughes under arrest.

The sergeant said a Colt 45 caliber handgun was in plain view on the passenger seat, along with a Marijuana grinder on the console. A prescription bottle with no name and containing three different kinds of pills was also in plain sight.

Charges for improper lane usage and no driver’s license were added.

* Arrests are a matter of public record.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

An 18-year-old male, who was shot during an incident Sunday, December 5, has been arrested by Minden Police.

Latavian Thomas, of Tyler, Texas, is charged with criminal street gangs and patterns of criminal activity.

Police Chief Steve Cropper said Thomas was shot in the lower extremities during the incident on Woods St. He was taken to Ochsner LSU Health Center with non life threatening injuries.

“Thomas had been sought after by law enforcement on felony warrants through MPD,” Cropper said. “We relayed this information to LSU, and Thomas was taken into custody.”

Cropper said Thomas refuses to cooperate with investigators in reference to his case.

He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a $50,000 bond.

* Arrests are a matter of public record.

Martha Shirey Lynn

February 26, 1955 – December 12, 2021

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La.

Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday December 15, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La.

Burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery

By Bonnie Culverhouse

At the dead end of Linden Street, a group from several community districts gathered to ask the Lord to breathe life into Minden.

A prayer meeting was held Sunday next to J.L. Jones School, although it was in the street and not on school property. Coordinator Jamie Lewis, a teacher at the school, wanted those attending to keep in mind that children are at the heart of the community.

“There is power in agreement, and our children are what’s valuable,” Lewis said. “With this prayer meeting, we are in pursuit of love.”

Several persons spoke to those gathered and prayed over the ones who live in the district and walked to the school. 

Lewis opened the door and microphone to anyone who wished to speak or pray. Before they were finished, the community, children, parents and law enforcement were covered in prayer.

Col. Samuel Mims said he does not live in Minden anymore – he has moved to Dubberly – but he still loves the town and the shootings and stabbings that are taking place are “despicable.”

“To put it in Mims’ language, God’s a bad motor scooter,” Mims told the crowd of around 35. “This is not many (gathered) for the size of our city.”

Mims went on to say he feels “the problem is, we don’t like each other very much. God is our refuge and strength. As with most situations, God is not the problem. He is not the issue. He is the solution to it.”

Patrick White, director of “We’re Here,” said his organization was born of the desire to bond the community.

“Our goal is to mentor and motivate people with issues,” White said. “The key is getting to them in time.”

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Shortly after midnight Friday, Minden Police answered a call that ended in tragedy.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Tqarontarion Harrison died from a stab wound at Ochsner LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.

Angela Washington, 47, of the 500 block of Moore St., Minden, was arrested and charged with second degree homicide.

“We received a call in reference to a vehicle wrecking on the back side of Minden Medical Center,” Cropper said. “When officers arrived, they discovered that the driver, Harrison, had suffered a stab wound to his back, puncturing a lung.”

Cropper said it was a domestic argument that turned physical.

“Washington told us that Harrison was trying to leave when she grabbed a large kitchen knife on the porch and stabbed him in the back,” said the chief. “The weapon has been recovered.”

By Bonnie Culverhouse

In less than one week, Minden has experienced three shootings, two of them last night (Thursday, December 9).

Although the one on Woods St. Sunday afternoon is unrelated, Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said there is a possibility the two from Thursday – Sims St. and Peach St. – may be tied together.

“As Lt. Brandon Curry was leaving the first call on Sims St., heading to the Peach St. call, he fell behind a white SUV,” Cropper said. “He had his emergency lights on and instead of the white SUV pulling over to yield to an emergency vehicle, the driver ran over a curb and up into a yard.”

Cropper said that move drew Curry’s suspicion.

“Instead of proceeding to the second shots-fired call, the officer pulled in behind the SUV,” said the chief. “As he was approaching the car, three doors opened. He ordered them to remain in the vehicle and shut the doors. Lt. Curry had his K9 unit, and occupants could hear Brahms barking in the background, so they stayed in the car.”

Another officer arrived on scene and the two made contact with the occupants.

Cropper said there were three firearms in the SUV near the front seat passenger.

The three SUV occupants were taken into custody for questioning and during the investigation, one of the subjects reportedly admitted they were involved in the shooting at Peach St. where a house was struck four times and a truck located there was struck five times by gunfire.

Kendrick Taylor (no photo available), 19, of the 800 block of Plum St., was charged with four counts of attempted second degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal carrying of weapons and careless operation of a motor vehicle.

Marlin Conley, 22, of the 700 block of Sims St., was charged with four counts of attempted second degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, possession of Marijuana and drug paraphernalia, illegal carrying of weapons, monetary instrument abuse (counterfeit money) and three traffic bench warrants.

Kartonio Combs, 23, of the 600 block of Woods St., was charged with four counts of attempted second degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, possession of Marijuana and drug paraphernalia and illegal carrying of weapons.

“Officers eventually were able to get to the shots-fired call on Peach St. where 380 and 9MM casings were located,” Cropper said. “Of the three firearms inside the white SUV, one was a 380 and one was a 9MM. The same brand and caliber casings that were located at the Peach St. residence matched the brand and caliber of the firearms in the SUV.”

Cropper said investigators are looking for more information tying the Sims St. and Peach St. shootings. The Sims St. shooting reportedly took place between 7 and 7:15 p.m. and Peach St. afterward. No one was injured in either case, although three persons were reported to have been in the Sims St. residence and four inside Peach St.

“There is also a possibility due to the fact that one of the persons inside the white SUV resides – at times – at the house on Sims St. where the first shots-fired call came from,” he said. “No casings were located at the Sims St. shooting, so investigators feel strongly the shots were fired from a vehicle and the casings left with it. On Peach St., we located around 16 shell casings.”

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Three proposed ordinances that have been under city workshop scrutiny for months bit the dust at Monday night’s meeting of the Minden City Council.

Two of the ordinances concern public safety and have been presented by and discussed with the Minden Police Association. They included a curfew for juveniles and use of parks and city-owned property where security control or traffic control are necessary.

Mike Harper, a District E resident who is on SIP (Safety Initiative Program) to study the ordinances, said a lot of thought, effort and compromise went into them.

“It was eye-opening,” Harper said. “I am very unhappy when children are shot in the middle of the night. We tried to craft something that we felt, while not ideal, was at least a step in the right direction to get kids off the street at night when the majority of the trouble happens.”

Dennis Myles, also a District E resident, was not in favor of the curfew ordinance. He asked the council to vote against it.

“I have yet to hear any of the facts of crimes that happen from 10 p.m. until 5 in the morning,” Myles said. “I haven’t heard any statistics.”

Myles said juvenile services should handle the situation and the ordinance would be redundant.

“This curfew is an invasion of privacy,” he continued. “How are you going to ascertain who is 17 and up? You’re going to be stopping everybody who looks like they are 17 and under.”

The vote to deny implementation of both safety ordinances was 3-2, with District A councilman Wayne Edwards, District B councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker and District C councilman Vincen Bradford casting the “no” votes.

Harper said he was disappointed in the vote but doesn’t feel he wasted his time.

“Something may come of it,” Harper said.

The third ordinance covered vacant structures and the ability to hold the owners accountable when their buildings falls into disrepair.

It was also voted down by the same 3-2 vote, with District D councilman Michael Roy and District E councilwoman Pam Bloxom voting “yes” to all three ordinances.

With the exception of last month’s meeting minutes, which passed 2-3 (Walker and Bradford cast dissenting votes), items on Monday’s agenda that passed unanimously include the following:

• Police officer reinstatement. The council voted unanimously to reinstate Anthony Miller as a Minden Police Officer;
• A resolution establishing fees for collection and disposal of garbage and refuse;
• A resolution for municipal water pollution prevention;
• A resolution for an Opioid litigation memorandum of understanding;
• An intergovernmental agreement with the Webster Parish Sheriff concerning use of inmates for litter collection;
• Authority to advertise for bids for one backyard track unit with a pole dolly;
• Budget/financial report for October;
• Police report for October; and,
• Fire report for October.

Webster Parish E911 has partnered with Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) and is offering a Public Safety Telcommunicator course to the general public.  

“Normally, this training is handled ‘in-house’ at the public safety agency after employment,” said 911 Director Angie Chapman. “This will be the first time this course has ever been offered to the public at the NLTCC Minden campus, and we are very excited about it.”

The certification is nationally recognized and most surrounding agencies (police, fire, EMS) require it.

“The hope is to build a skilled workforce here locally so that public safety agencies in our region have a certified pool of qualified candidates to draw from should a staffing need arise,” Chapman said.

The five-week course takes place from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, February 7 through March 11 at NLTCC Minden Campus, 9500 Industrial Drive.

For more information and to register, call 318-371-3035, ext. 1302. Chapman said the program requires at least 15 persons and no more than 30.

In the movie world, MGM was represented by Leo the Lion’s intimidating roar to introduce many of Rocker’s favorite movies. Now we see there’s another MGM out there. This one’s an alleged development group claiming it wants to build a gated senior citizen community in our fair city.

Sounds like a good deal, right? Maybe not, Kemosabe. MGM’s Mr. G. couldn’t convince Minden’s Planning Commission, nor the residents who live near the proposed Germantown Rd. location, that a zoning change to allow such a facility was in the best interest of everybody. 

After getting a thumbs down from the MPC, MGM asked for an appeal to our user-friendly, totally cooperative city council. No luck there, either. In fact, the appeal failed when no counciler would make a motion to hear arguments. Rocker heard from a reliable source that while there was no motion from the council, there was a movement by Mr. G.

Rocker also heard reports that in the leadup to Monday’s council session, MGM’s Mr. G was a telephoning busy beaver, lobbying members to overturn the MPC decision. Depending on the various sources, it’s said his tactics were aggressive and often menacing. 

Perhaps the most worrisome information on MGM came during council comments when councilpersons Roy and Bloxom said Mr. G phoned and asked them to skip Monday’s meeting. Seems an odd request from someone promoting a project that would be so beneficial. But we must remember that to overturn a decision on rezoning, a two-thirds vote is required. 

If, in the apparent wisdom of MGM, one or two were missing the deal could be done. But as Gomer says, Surprise, Surprise. No absentees. No support from what was thought to be a supportive majority. Seems something about the development didn’t appeal to the appellate council. 

Undeterred, MGM reps pulled out the big guns in the form of a (gasp!) letter from their attorney. It’s an interesting piece. Along with the usual lawyerisms about inconsistencies in the MPC zoning decision and declarations of disservice to prospective senior citizens who would inhabit the complex and Minden’s missed economic opportunity, the author tossed the “R” bomb at one council member.

Ms. Bloxom, whose patio home development would be a next-door neighbor to MGM’s complex, was accused of making “racist” comments on (un)social media. Exactly what those comments were is not mentioned, but that dreaded word is apparently designed to strike terror into the heart of the accused and create indignation in those who hear.

Naturally, the letter points out a couple of tidbits that Rocker is told didn’t come up in the MPC meeting when the development was discussed. We read that the project is worth ten million dollars and will create a five million dollar economic impact for Minden. Some financial types were contacted, and they had no information on what formula formulated those figures. 

A skeptical friend said those numbers might be sorta like a balloon. They float around until someone pulls them out of the air. Impressive though they may be, they’re still subject to formulaic evaluation. Rocker thinks the old Cold War  “trust, but verify” theory should apply.

We have to wonder why legal threats and aggressive lobbying are necessary if this project is good for everyone. Rocker’s no lawyer, but we did once ride in an ambulance that was chased 30 miles by one, and we think MGM might have a problem if alleged racial and age discrimination is a “best public interest” argument.  

Conflict of interest allegations, also against Bloxom, appear weak since the letter makes reference to her senior citizen development where some residents aren’t senior. Taken in total, the letter seems more bluster than blister for the council. 

It’s our humble opinion this MGM group has options. They can find another location. We’re sure property purchased recently by a local church could be negotiated. They can forget Minden and continue sitting on three alleged projects in West Monroe, Bastrop and Alexandria. They can proceed with litigation (as the letter threatens), to which we say: bring it.

It might be more interesting if MGM litigated this deal. One must remember that leading up to court, lawyers get together for this little thing called discovery. Perhaps one could become a fly on the wall during depositions and come up with a whole bunch of stuff on which to light.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Plans to extend Saturday’s Christmas parade route have changed, and lead off will begin in a familiar spot.

Minden Greater Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Jana Morgan said line up will take place beside First United Methodist Church, extending to McDonald Street.

“Nothing else has changed as it pertains to the parade,” Morgan said.

Dawn Glass Stewart will serve as Grand Marshal.

The sign up date to enter the parade has passed, however, the following rules are for those who will participate.

Please do not bring vehicles, trailers or floats to line up before 3:30 p.m. 

Parade entries should feature a favorite Christmas Carol or song as inspiration. Build a float or other parade entry to illustrate the theme of the song. Have music playing for an extra touch. Add lights and colors to make the entry unique.

If you are throwing candy or trinkets you MUST have adult walkers on either side of your unit and throwers must wear a mask.

Awards include the following:

Best Band

Best Marching Group 

Santa’s Award – Given to the overall outstanding entry presenting and illustrating the  theme “Twas The Night Before Christmas!”

Spectacular Sparkles -Given to the entrant that presents an outstanding display of lights and/or other type of illuminations

Awards will be presented in the front of the Minden Civic Center at 6:45 p.m. (or after parade ends).

Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met on November 16 at the Webster Parish Library. Refreshments were provided by this month’s hostesses: Eugenia Bridges, Coyle Gorman, and Jessica Gorman. For this month’s program, chapter members shared stories about their ancestors or relatives who served our country. Afterward, we took a moment of silence in remembrance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. It serves as a reminder of the soldiers who perished during wartime and remain unidentified or missing. All of these soldiers are commemorated with a single tomb, containing the body of one unidentified soldier.

Our chapter’s service project is to provide items to the local women’s prison. Chapter members have been donating bags of new t-shirts, socks and towels to distribute in December.

Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter met on December 7 at the home of Linda Wood. Lunch was provided by this month’s hostesses:  Nancy Craig, Linda Wood, and Rachel Harrington. Linda gave her guests a tour of her home, built in the 1880s, which has been in her family for 6 generations. Our program was presented by Lauren Kline, the music director at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Lauren led our members in singing traditional Christmas carols. Cindy Madden, our Chapter Vice Regent, made a beautiful Christmas ornament for each member of our chapter. Each clear glass ornament contained a star from a retired American flag, and an attached tag that stated, “I am but one star from a tattered flag. On June 14, 1777, I was one of thirteen. Today there are 50 of us on a field of blue. We have endured through times of battle and peace. Please keep as a reminder of those who served and sacrificed so that I may continue to wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

We are excited to welcome Jennifer Newman as a new member of our chapter! Her patriot ancestor is Elisha Dodson. He was born in 1758 in Halifax Co., VA, and married Rachel Henry. Elisha was a pioneer Baptist preacher who helped establish churches throughout Tennessee. During the Revolution, he served his country by donating and delivering supplies to the army. He died in Maury Co., TN in August 1828.

Any woman 18 years or older who can prove bloodline descent from a patriot of the American Revolution (1775-1783) is eligible to join DAR. Please like our Facebook page: Daughters of the American Revolution – Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter, and contact us at dorcheat-bistineau@yahoo.com 

UCAP has the following needs for the week:

Food: powdered milk, crackers

Clothing: men’s pants (32 and 34 waist), men’s shoes (9 1/2 and up)

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.  

Thanks to the community for your support.

Following World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were embroiled in a bitter Cold War.  On June 25, 1950, some 75,000 soldiers from Soviet-backed North Korea crossed the 38th parallel and invaded pro-western South Korea.  Within a month, American troops joined the fighting on behalf of South Korea to halt the spread of international communism.  Among those troops was the Third Combat Engineering Battalion to which 23-year-old Pfc. Chester Ray “Chet” Whisamore belonged.

The war was a deadly game of tug-of-war as soldiers fought back and forth across the 38th parallel.  The number of casualties ultimately mounted to around five million, but neither side gained much ground.  The war was in a stalemate for a year, then a second.  Compared to both world wars, which received widespread press coverage, the Korean War garnered much less press coverage and became known as the “Forgotten War”.   

In the middle of the forgotten war, during the 1952 Christmas season, the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce created the “Gift Lift” project to provide every serviceman in South Korea with a Christmas gift.  Among the items most desirable were “flashlights with batteries, long candles for reading, fruit cakes, candy, cookies, books, stationery kits, canned meats and woolen socks.”  Donors filled packages with Christmas presents for the soldiers and included nice Christmas cards to reassure the soldiers that they were certainly not forgotten, especially during the holiday season.  The gifts were shipped to Korea and distributed at random to the servicemen. 

Mrs. Julia Pearson’s son was fighting in Korea, so she wanted to participated in the program.  In early November of 1952, Mrs. Pearson filled two big Christmas packages to send to Korea, one to her son and one to an unknown soldier.  She addressed the first package of goodies to her son, whom she dearly missed.  She addressed the “Gift Lift” package to “A Lonely Soldier in Korea.”  She included a note inside the package with the message that she hoped the soldier who received it would enjoy it and signed her name.

Several days later, the “Gift Lift” presents were delivered to the servicemen in Chet’s outfit in Korea.  Chet, who, like most of the other soldiers, longed to be home for the holidays, received two packages, one of which was a “Gift Lift” package.  He opened the first package and found an array of items his mother had sent to brighten his holiday.  He opened the “Gift Lift” package and read the note addressed to “A Lonely Soldier in Korea.”         

Chet took out a piece of paper and began writing a thank you note for the Christmas packages.  Chet wrote, “I got your package, mom, but what a shock I got when I opened one of the “Gift Lift” packages distributed to our outfit.  It was from you.”  In what was considered a one-in-a-million coincidence, both packages Chet received on that day were from Mrs. Julia Pearson …his mother.

 Sources
1.  The Los Angeles Times, November 23, 1951, p56. 
2.  Tulare Advance-Register (Tulare, California) January 29, 1952, p.7.
3.  The Manila Times, January 1952.
4.  Stars and Stripes Newspaper, Pacific Editions, 1945-1963, March 2, 1952.

December 3

Kadarryl Olajawon Ogden, 24, of Reiny Circle, Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police for attempted second degree murder. Ogden was reportedly identified as the suspect in a stabbing case that took place at a nearby residence. The victim is currently at University Health Hospital.

Jason Travis Gaynor, 35, of the 100 block of Green Park Dr., Doyline, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for domestic abuse battery with strangulation and on three active warrants. The victim reportedly showed red marks on her neck.  Gaynor was reported to have thrown her on the ground and tried to choke her.

December 5

Jeremy Lamar Clark, 28, of the 600 block of Constable St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police on an active bench warrant.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A North Webster Parish man is behind bars on serious battery charges.

Steve Stapleton, 65, of the 5500 block of Hwy. 2, Sarepta, was arrested by Sarepta Police and charged with domestic abuse with strangulation, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, battery on the infirmed and aggravated second degree battery.

Sarepta Sgt. Chris Ward reported Sunday he was notified by Chief Mike McCullen that a female victim had been beaten and was waiting at the ballpark.

When Ward arrived, he said he located the female who reported Stapleton hit her in the head with a board, then hit her in the face and choked her.

“There was a cut on her forehead and she did have a black eye,” the report reads. “She also had redness and bruising on her neck.”

The victim reportedly said Stapleton threatened to kill her several times and would not let her leave. She said Stapleton had a hammer and would swing at her, striking a nearby table, and he used a sword to threatened her.

According to the report, the incidences began Friday, December 3 and concluded when she “finally got away” on Sunday, December 5.

Stapleton was arrested and is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Billie Maxine Cook

December 25, 1924 – November 7, 2021

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, December 16 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden.

Ronald Glen Barb

February 26, 1958 – December 2, 2021

Visitation: 1 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Mansfield.

Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the church.

Jerry Lynn McDonald

June 19, 1952 – December 4, 2021

Visitation: 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, December 10, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield

Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield

Burial: Union Springs Cemetery.

Journal Staff

Three Webster Parish schools showed improvement despite facing difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic, parish Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland reported to school board members Monday.

Rowland said simulated COVID scores released last week by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) showed Minden High School, North Webster High School and Lakeside Jr/Sr High advancing in achievement.

“Three schools showing growth during these difficult times is a monumental achievement,” Rowland said. “We should take the time to celebrate all the kids and staff for the job they’ve done over the past year and a half.”

Rowland acknowledged that while three advanced, schools parish-wide showed a decline of 2.2 percent. Still, he told board members, that figure should be considered an achievement considering the situation facing students, teachers, administrators and support staff.

Also during Monday’s meeting, seven parish teachers and counselors were awarded $1,000 Webster Excellence in Education Fund (WEEF) grants to be used for students at their discretion. 

Receiving the grants were Jennifer Davis (Doyline High), Megan Johnson (Lakeside), Ana Fleming (Central Elementary), Whiney Cate (Minden High), Sara Chreene (Central Elementary), Freda Ary (J.A. Phillips) and Wendy Crews (Brown Upper Elementary).

Monday’s meeting also saw board members:

• Elect Fred Evans president and Charles Strong vice president for 2022. Both served in their respective positions in 2021.

• Recognize Tina Jones, occupational therapist for the school board, as Employee of the Month for December.

• Approve sending certain administrators and staff to the “Get Your Teach On” regional conference in Charlotte, NC in February, 2022.

• Vote approval of purchases for supplies, equipment and improvements at parish schools.

• Accept school personnel report, school community liaison report, the October sales tax report and monthly financial reports. 

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Police Jurors will start 2022 with a $19.8M budget, slightly higher than the one for 2021.

Following a public hearing Tuesday, where the balanced budget was introduced, the jury voted unanimously to accept it.

“We’ve been talking about this for a couple of months,” jury President Jim Bonsall said.

The budget for 2021 was $19.7M. Proposed general fund revenue is down more than $430,000 for 2022, however, special revenue funds are up more than $580,000.

Another public hearing was also held to hear any comments concerning the Local Provider Healthcare Participation Program for Webster Parish.

Minden Medical Center CEO Jim Williams thanked the jury for its support.

“It will be a great thing for Minden Medical Center as we continue to serve the community,” Williams said. “It helps us continue that journey.”

Williams told the jury the ordinance creating a Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program will levy an occupational license tax on MMC.

“While it would seem unlikely that any business would support a new tax, the result of this tax is an enhanced Medicaid reimbursement for medical care in the parish,” Williams said. “The enhanced reimbursement will exceed the cost of the tax.”

Police Jurors approved the request unanimously.

Other items on Tuesday’s agenda included the following:

• Approve project funding for the Town of Sarepta, Dorcheat Historical Museum and the Town of Cotton Valley;
• Approve the appointment of Dr. Grady Smith to replace Truvesta Johnson and reappoint Ray Brown to the Webster Parish Communications District for four-year-terms each;
• Approve the reappointment of Gary Greene to a three-year term on Webster Parish Fire District #7;
• Approve the appointment of Melinda Davidson as Director of Webster Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services for 2022; and,
• Approve cooperative endeavor agreement between the Webster Parish Police Jury and select fire departments for conex boxes for sandbag locations. Public Works Superintendent Teddy Holloway said the boxes are already packed with sand and are stored in Doyline, Sarepta and Sibley.

Guest speaker for the Thursday, Dec. 9 meeting of the Minden Lions Club will be George Carroll. He will be speaking on the topic of experimental aircraft.

George is a graduate of LSUS with a BS in mathematics. He is a former computer store owner and retired from LSUS following 30 years as a network administrator. George is the owner of Nautilus Information Technology, a managed service provider.

George is past honorary wing commander, 343 Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base. He serves on the citizens advisory board for Chemtrade Refinery Services, is a member of the Downtown Shreveport Rotary Club, and serves as president of the Experimental Aircraft Association – Shreveport Chapter 343.

The Minden Lions Club meets Thursdays at noon at the American Legion Memorial Home, located at 119 Pine St. in Minden.