The following are scheduled to appear in Judge Parker Self’s court Monday, July 15:

ARRINGTON, TIMOTHY E

98400 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

A Status Hearing DIPD

Restitution owed to Rasco’s Grocery per the report- $5,430, plus $814.50 fee, = $6,244.50 total

BERAUD, KALEB PAUL

97813 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

A For Further Disposition WPSD

CARTER, CANTICE SHAVON

96258 Second Degree Battery

A Probation Violation Hearing MPD

CARTER, CANTICE SHAVON

97694 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

A Status Hearing MPD

Restitution per the report owed to the city of Minden: $2,671.87, plus $400.78 fee = $3,072.65

CEDARS, KRYSTAL RACHELLE

98989 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Arraignment MPD

DISOTELL, JACOB DAWSON

98679 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing WPSD

DISOTELL, JACOB DAWSON

99063 CT 1 Simple Battery

99063 CT 2 Aggravated Assault

A Arraignment WPSD

GIPSON, DESHAWN

98192 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Probation Violation Hearing MPD

HAWTHORNE, ELDRICK RYAN

99062 Simple Battery

A Arraignment SPRING

HENDRICKS, ALEX FITZGERALD

97141 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

97141 CT 2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

A Status Hearing CVPD

Restitution owed to Ms. Williams for medical bills- $2,676.35, plus $401.45 fee = $3,077.80 total

HENDRICKS, ALEX FITZGERALD

97141 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

97141 CT 2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

A Hearing CVPD

Restitution owed to Ms. Williams for medical bills- $2,676.35, plus $401.45 fee = $3,077.80 total

HENDRICKS, ALEX FITZGERALD

98625 CT 1 Domestic Abuse Battery with Dangerous Weapon

98625 CT 2 Domestic Abuse Battery – 2nd Offense

A Status Hearing CVPD

KEMP, JR., DARRYL WAYNE

98421 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Probation Violation Hearing MPD

KEMP, GENE ANTONIO

97890 CT 1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

97890 CT 2 Obstruction Of Justice

A Probation Violation Hearing WPSD

KEMP, GENE ANTONIO

98879 Accessory After the Fact to Attempted Second Degree Murder

A Status Hearing MPD

MOORE, COURTERIAS DONTAY

98348 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing MPD

MORRIS, MONTIQUE MARQUISE

98657 Bank Fraud

A Status Hearing CVPD

The following are scheduled to appear in Judge Doug Stinson’s court Monday, July 15:

GRIGSBY, CARNNIE LEE

96714-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

96714-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

96714-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

96714-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

96714-CT.5 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

96714-CT.6 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

B Status Hearing WPSD

Please make sure forfeiture of 1999 Ford F-150 and $7,598.97 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

GRIM, TIMOTHY MIGUEL

97353 Obscenity

B Status Hearing MPD

GRIM, TIMOTHY MIGUEL

97668 False Imprisonment With A Dangerous Weapon

B Status Hearing MPD

IVERSON, MAURCIONIO L.

98345-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98345-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98345-CT.3 Simple Escape

98345A-CT.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

98345A-CT.2 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

B Status Hearing WPSD

JONES, SR., TERRY WYATT

97270 Illegal Discharge And/Or Disposal Of Non-Hazardous Substance

B Status Hearing LADEQ

JONES, SR., TERRY WYATT

T044123 Operating a Vehicle Without Properly Lit Lamps for Condition

T044123A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T044123B Switched License Plates

B For Further Disposition LSP

KNIPPERS, WAYNE DAVID

98436 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile Under Thirteen

B Sentencing Hearing WPSD

MARTIN, TONY

98733-CT.1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

98733-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

B Status Hearing WPSD

TEAL, JAYLON

96254 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

B Status Hearing MPD

TEAL, JAYLON

98186A Illegal Use Of A Firearm During A Crime Of Violence

B Status Hearing MPD

TIMS, RANDALL L.

98295 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

B Status Hearing MPD

TURK, DYLAN

96809A-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

96809A-CT.2 Simple Escape

96809A-CT.3 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

B Motion Hearing MPD

TURK, DYLAN

96809A-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

96809A-CT.2 Simple Escape

96809A-CT.3 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

B Arraignment MPD

WALKER, DEXTER D.

98696-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

98696-CT.2 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

B Status Hearing WPSD

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The following are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court, Judge Charles Smith, July 12, 2024

AHNER, MANEE JUANEIL

98780 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

A For Further Disposition WPSD

BARRAZA, ARTURO DELGADO

99015 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99015 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

99015 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

A Arraignment LSP

BEIL, JR, ROBERT WILLIAM

98233 CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

98233 CT. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

98233 CT. 3 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

98233 CT. 4 Resisting An Officer

98233 CT. 5 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

A Probation Violation Hearing WPSD

BESHEA, PATRICK DANE

98694 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98694 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

A For Further Disposition LSP

BOYD, MAX DEAN

98998 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98998 CT. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

CANDLER, WILLIE DOUGLAS

76,779 Theft By Fraud

A Motion to Recall Bench Warrant WPSD

CASTON, MICHAEL

98299 Possession of Pornography Involving Juveniles

A Status Hearing LSP

DIXON, KELDRICK LOUIS-HENERY

97705 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

A Status Hearing LSP

ESCALANTE, RODOLFO A

98342 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98342 CT. 2 Improper Equipment (License Plate)

A For Further Disposition LSP

FRANKLIN, COLTON LAMAR

98947 C. 1 Violation Of Leash Law

98947 Ct. 2 Violation Of Leash Law

98947 Ct. 3 Violation Of Leash Law

98947 Ct. 4 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

98947 Ct. 5 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

98947 Ct. 6 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

A Arraignment WPSD

GARRETT, MIKAL

98799 Theft Under $1,000

A For Further Disposition MPD

OC 5/24 Restitution per the report- $1,075.56, plus $161.33 fee = $1,236.89 total

GILLENTINE, DALTON T

99055 Simple Assault

A Arraignment Summons WPSD

GROS, KAYUS

99058 Underage Driving Under the Influence

A Arraignment LSP

HALL, JOSIAH D

98142 Second Degree Kidnapping

98142A Attempted Second Degree Murder

A Status Hearing MPD

Codef: L. Jones

HARRIS, PHILLIP A.

99048 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

A Arraignment WPSD

HAYDEN, STEVEN

98179 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

A For Further Disposition WPSD

HOZAM, MUADH

98357 Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen

A Status Hearing WPSD

JACKSON, RICKY LYNN

99056 Ct. 1 Hit and Run Driving

99056 Ct. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

A Arraignment

JONES, LADERRICK L.

98142 Second Degree Kidnapping

A Status Hearing MPD

Codef: J. Hall

KEMP, MICHAEL DE’CORYUN

98976 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Diversion Review Hearing MPD

LEAKE, ELROY JEWELL

98911 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Arraignment CPD

LEATH, JAMES ALLAN

99057 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

A Arraignment Summons WLF

LEONARD, LAUREN ASHLEY

98729 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing SPRING

MALONE, CHRISTOPHER

98150 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

A Status Hearing WPSD

MALONE, CHRISTOPHER

98150 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

A Motion To Quash WPSD

MALONE, CHRISTOPHER

98150 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

A Motion To Suppress By Defense WPSD

MALONE, CHRISTOPHER

98150 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

A Preliminary Hearing WPSD

MALONE, CHRISTOPHER

98150 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

A Motion Hearing WPSD

MCCOY, TAMIKA

98973 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

A Diversion Review Hearing MPD

Restitution owed to the victim per the report- $200, plus $30 fee = $230 total

MILLER, SAMUEL CODY

98785 Violation Of Protective Order

A For Further Disposition WPSD

MOORE, CODY ALLEN

98848 Communicating of False Information of Planned Arson

A Status Hearing WPSD

MOORE, DEMARCUS JERICHO

99054 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99054 CT. 1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

99054 CT. 3 Following Too Closely

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

MOORE, GISELLE MONIQUE

98923 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98923 CT. 2 Blocking Of Private Driveways, Highways And/Or Department Rights Of Way

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

PATRICK, MARK TRACY

99017 Violation Of Leash Law

A Arraignment Summons WPSD

Restitution owed to victim is $125+DA fee

REYNOLDS, BREANNA NICOLE

98957 Theft Under $1,000

A Arraignment WPSD

ROBINSON, SHARON DEANN

99019 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

99019 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

SANDERS, JR, REX A

98597-CT.1 Simple Battery

98597-CT.2 Simple Battery

98597-CT.3 Misdemeanor Sexual Battery

A Trial WPSD

SHELTON, AYANNA DEMARQUINE

98815 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing MPD

SHINGLETON, GREGORY LEE

99000 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99000 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

99000 CT. 3 Improper Turn And/Or Failure To Give Required Signal

99000 CT. 4 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

SMITH, RONDRICUS

98322 Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault

A Status Hearing SPRING

STATON, AUSTIN

99018 Hit and Run Driving

A Arraignment Summons WPSD

SYKES, KEVIN NEAL

99049 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Arraignment WPSD

TALTON, REGGIE E

INCOMING Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

INCOMING Hit and Run Driving

A Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

TARAVELLA, HANSON MCHALE

99003 Simple Battery

A Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

THOMAS, NATHAN LETRELL

98866 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98866 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

98866 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

A For Further Disposition LSP

THORNTON, JAMES WILEY

98806 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98806 CT. 2 Vehicular Negligent Injuring

98806 CT. 3 Hit and Run Driving

98806 CT. 4 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

A For Further Disposition LSP

THORTON, FERNUNDO LOPEZ

97854-CT.1 Molestation of a Juvenile

97854-CT.2 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles

A Status Hearing WPSD

WALKER, DEMARIO MARQUIS

98964 Ct. 1 Reckless Operation of a Vehicle

98964 Ct. 2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

A Arraignment WPSD

WALKER, ZACHARIAHE JERMON

98921 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

98921 CT, 2 Failure to Use Safety Belt

A For Further Disposition LSP

WASHINGTON, CHELSEA

99040 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

A Arraignment MPD

WOODS, JR., CHARLES WAYNE

98241-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98241-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98241-CT.3 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

A Status Hearing MPD

YOUNG, STEPHEN RYLAND

98891 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing SPRING

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of July 5 through July 11. Civil suits are a matter of public record.

July 8

T’Kaya Flournoy vs.Lakeedrick Mims, protective order.

July 9

Benjamin Wayne Sparks vs. Kayla Alyse Sparks, divorce w/children.

Christopher Ray Lovell vs. Alysia Farmer Lovell, divorce.

Ashley Taylor vs. Chance Smith, protective order.

Linda Sue DeSoto vs. Wayne Joseph DeSoto, divorce.

July 10

Carol Yvette Price vs. Wesley Allen Haynes, protective order.

Bryant Peeples vs.Darielle Peeples, custody.

July 11

Carolyn Avery Walls, Shannon Walls, vs. Terry Combs, City of Minden, The Travelers Indemnity Company, damages.

Hope Sanders, Robert Sanders vs. Terry Combs, City of Minden, The Travelers Indemnity Company, damages.

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Charles Evers, Jr., 18, Shongaloo;  arrested by Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office for first offense D.W.I., careless operation and possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle. 

Ralterrian Reeder, 17, 800 block Columbia St., Minden; arrested by MPD June 9 on warrant for theft of a firearm.

Amanda S. Berry, 40, Main St. Minden; arrested by WPSO on warrant.

Latedrick K. Robinson, 21, Buster Johnson Rd., Homer; arrested July 10 by Louisiana State Police on Claiborne Parish warrants for theft (bond $250,000) and illegal possession.

Quiera D. Lewis, 44, 700 block Clay St., Minden; arrested July n10 by Probation and Parole for parole violation.

Stephanie N. Brown, 49, Edward Ln., Heflin: arrested July 10 by Sibley PD on warrant from Webster Parish.

Pamela G. Herring, 50, Mt. Olive Rd., Summerfield; arrested July 10 by Probation and Parole for simple burglary.

Ralterrian Reeder, 17, 800 block Columbia St., Minden; arrested July 9 on felony warrant for theft of firearm.

Lakendall Marqurita Dawson, 40, 900 block Bayou Ave., Minden; arrested July 10 by MPD for traffic violation, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia.

Devon Maurice Rascoe, 19, 200 block College St., Minden; arrested July 10 by MPD for three counts theft, prohibited acts, two counts access device fraud, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Norma Jean Ferguson

August 16, 1940 – July 4, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Minden.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Burial: 11 a.m. Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Donna Veitch Pate

August 6, 1958 – July 4, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.

Stacey Janelle Lefeaux Hollenshead

July 27. 1971 – July 6, 2024

Athens, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, Athens Community Church.

Inurnment at a later date.

James Anthony Tremayne Jr.

April 14, 1957 – July 9, 2024

Springhill, La.

Arrangements through Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Raymond Marshal Fulgium

Jan. 23, 1946 – July 8, 2024

Springhill, La.

Arrangements through Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Johnnie Rae Umphries

March 10, 1946 – July 7, 2024

Taylor, Ark./Springhill, La.

Arrangements through Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

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By Marilyn Miller

Members of the Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen are anxious to begin hiring part-time patrolmen for their village. However, they first must decide how much to pay them, and Mayor Donna Hoffoss advised them during Tuesday’s monthly meeting that “We need to get us a new chief first, and we can go from there.”

The aldermen then discussed why there was such a dire need for law enforcement, largely due to a non-regulated trailer park in the west of Dixie Inn where guns, knives, beatings and drug deals thrive.

“I’m tired of singing this song,” alderman Nell Finlay commented, after describing how the neighbors of the trailer park live in fear of having their cars and houses broken into and their private property used as a public by-way.

Alderman Judy McKenzie suggested that a special meeting be called to decide on a new chief. “We can’t just keep going month after month after month,” she said. “We are spinning our wheels. We need to move forward.”

Mayor Hoffoss told the Board that she has a candidate in mind, and that she would contact them about a special meeting if it’s required before the August regular meeting.

In other business, the Board:

• Moved to allow the mayor to draw up an ordinance requiring restaurant employees who work where alcohol Is served to have ABO cards issued by the Village at a yearly cost of $25. “It would mean money for us,” said Alderman McKenzie. “The City of Minden requires them (ABO cards), as does the State. I think we need to do it;”

• Commended the Louisiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies for helping the Village;

• Adopted the Minutes of the June Regular Meeting and the Special Meeting on June 30, 2024;

• Adopted the June 2024 Financial Statements;
• Mayor Hoffoss reminded aldermen that qualifying for the November 2024 elections will take place July 17-19 at the Webster Parish Clerk of Court’s Office.

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Thursday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Friday

Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

* Visit your local NWS office at: https://www.weather.gov/shv

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Springhill Medical Center is hiring nurse practitioners for Doctors Clinic. NPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, prescribe medications and formulate treatment plans.

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By Paige Gurgainers

The Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) of Minden will be at Babb Park this Sunday, July 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. for their second annual Back to School Bash.  

Members of the YWSC have worked hard since their inaugural event last year to make it even bigger and better. There will be bounce houses donated by b1 Bank, a sno cone trailer sponsored by GBT and hot dogs donated by Hugh Wood Catering. There will be a raffle to win free bicycles donated by the Minden Civitans. (Child must be present to win) 

Most importantly the YWSC will be lending a helping hand to parents and school age children as they prepare to enter the 2024-2025 school year.  

“This past winter, we did a raffle for a Cajun fryer and raised enough money to provide 400+ backpacks with supplies,” said YWSC President Jessica Haymon.  

They will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis for students entering Kindergarten all the way to Seniors in high school.  

If the community would like to make donations or contribute to making this event a success, they can drop off items at the following locations through town: Carter Federal Credit Union, b1 Bank, Brewer Physical Therapy and Busy Bee Pediatrics.  

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Bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge with her, Dr. Michelle Pittman is happy to announce her affiliation with Minden Medical Center as a Board-Certified General Surgeon. Her practice includes treatment of surgical diseases of the abdomen, such as gallbladder and bowel problems, as well as different kinds of hernias. She has a special interest in surgeries necessary to treat breast cancer. She performs upper and lower endoscopies to examine the stomach and the colon for digestive tract disorders.

Dr. Pittman finished her medical school training at LSU in Shreveport, followed by a Surgical Residency at LSU and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She completed additional training with a Fellowship in Trauma and Surgical Critical Care at the University of Tennessee. Because of her interest in bringing quality surgical care to areas of need, she has spent the last decade in rural and smaller city settings ranging from Louisiana to Arkansas to New Mexico and Arizona. She continues to teach Advanced Trauma Life Support at LSU in Shreveport.

Having grown up in the small town of Dubberly, Dr. Pittman’s lifelong dream has been to provide quality medical care in the Minden area. She is excited to be part of Minden medical community helping to provide that care.

Dr. Pittman begins her practice here July 15. Office is 812 Broadway Street, Minden, LA in the Surgery and Endoscopy Associates office.  To make an appointment call 318-377-4534. 

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The Minden 6U Sweetees notched two big wins on a steamy Saturday in Alexandria in the Dixie Softball State Tournament.  The bats were hot early as they faced off against Ruston, led by Paisley Harlon, Elizabeth Fox, and Hope Lincoln, all with 3 hits and 3 runs scored.

Emersyn Biles, Jincie Ogwyn, and Adalyn McClaran each added multiple hits, and the defense held up their end of the bargain with a 5^th inning stand against a strong Ruston squad for a final score of 15-14.

The Minden Sweetees kept the offense rolling in game two against West Monroe, tallying 10 runs on 19 hits.  The defense again proved strong behind the outstanding play of first baseman Hope Lincoln, holding West Monroe scoreless in three of the five innings played.

Minden fell short on Sunday, again finishing runner-up to the District Champions from Ruston.  However, the second-place finish earned the Sweetees a seat at the table for the World Series to be held in Monroe beginning July 26^th. 

Don’t let the ribbons and curls fool you, these Minden girls play for keeps and look to make another strong showing as they represent Louisiana at the Dixie Softball World Series.  They’ll soon trade in their cleats and gloves for pencils and notebooks come August, so get out and support the biggest little ballers around as they push for some World Series hardware!

— Submitted

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By Jessica Gorman

As you may have noticed, there was no Historically Speaking the past two weeks. To be perfectly honest, there’s no other reason than the simple fact that there’s been a lot going on and I just didn’t manage to get it done. So, what was keeping me so busy? Well, two big things are a new book that will be available very soon and preparations for our upcoming fundraiser gala. In addition to that, there are meetings to attend, meetings to plan, and meetings to host. We have an expansion project that needs to be tackled and I’m exploring opportunities to make that happen. I’m looking ahead approximately two years, at potential projects and programming and how we can better serve our community. There’s research and digitization and additions to our Flickr page that need to be done. The list goes on.

In the midst of everything, I realized that I have been Executive Director of the museum for a full year. I’ve made it a whole year and the doors are still open. That may seem silly, but keeping the museum funded is the most important part of my job. It’s also the most intimidating. While we operate on a fairly small budget, the reality is that we have no guaranteed source of income. All I can do is set goals, work toward meeting them, and have faith that we will. So far this year, several of those goals have been met and I’m working to ensure the others are, too, but there are never any guarantees.

Reflecting on the past year, I’d like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to anyone and everyone who has supported me in the past year. Thank you to Bonnie for publishing this column. Thank you to each and every one of you who reads it. If you have shared an encouraging word, thank you. If you have visited the museum and dropped a few dollars in the donation box on your way out, thank you. If you have attended an event, bought a book, donated items, helped out in anyway, thank you. To those of you who provide financial support, you make the operation of this museum possible. Without you, nothing I do matters. Your generosity and support do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Personally, I cannot thank you enough.

So, looking forward, we have our annual fundraiser gala coming up at the museum. It is our most important event of the year. This year’s gala will be held Monday, September 9 at 6 p.m. The money raised goes directly into funding the museum for the coming year and makes up a significant portion of our budget. We hope to see you there. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to support the museum, donations can also be made via our website.

As I mentioned, we have a new book that will soon be available. Minden, Louisiana: Then & Now pairs old photographs of Minden with the current, corresponding view. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon.

We have one more “Night at the Museum” event scheduled for this year. If you’ve heard the stories of notorious local outlaws Link Waggonner and Tom Kinder, you’ll want to plan to be at the museum on October 21^st to hear Claiborne Parish Library Historian Wesley Harris tell about his newest book Wild Boys: Outlaws Link Waggoner and Tom Kinder and the Policy of Violence in 1890s Louisiana.

Webster Parish is extremely fortunate to have had people who dedicated their time and money to create such a spectacular museum, to create a place to preserve our collective history. I hope you will join me in taking care of it, keeping it funded, and moving it forward.

(Jessica Gorman is Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, and an avid genealogist.)

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Wild Turkey Population Survey, which debuted in 2022, has added a valuable tool to the agency’s effort to track the species throughout the state. LDWF would like to ask the public to continue to participate in the survey throughout the year to support wild turkey conservation efforts.

LDWF has tracked wild turkey reproduction since 1994 with a survey conducted by volunteer participants during the summer. It provides important trend data with regard to reproduction and recruitment in Louisiana turkey flocks. However, over the years, the number of observations declined resulting in less reliable data. The new online reporting component has augmented the summer surveys, which will continue.

“We’ve been pleased with how this web-based tracking component has allowed us to expand our survey,’’ LDWF Small Game/Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal said. “Anyone is able to assist us in our effort to keep track of our state’s turkey populations. The good thing about it is you can report sightings to us at any time of the year, not just in the summer or during turkey season. If you see one, we’d like to know.’’

The data obtained allows managers to monitor population trends and help make regulatory recommendations as necessary to sustain populations. 

The survey can be accessed on the LDWF website at (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/turkey) or directly at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/81c20aa4e4524fbcbecc2c426d9d3e2a

Once you have opened the portal to the survey, simply click the “LA Turkey Survey Data Entry” to review the specific instructions and log each separate wild turkey observation. You will be asked to provide your name, date, location and the number of males (adults or juveniles), females, and/or poults seen.

If you are interested in keeping up with observations as they come in, check out the “Turkey Survey Dashboard” tab. Here you can view updates on how many observation have been reported so far during the year. You will be able to view reported observations by parish and track the number of birds seen by sex and age to an extent (poult, juvenile male, adult male).

For more information contact Cody Cedotal at 225-765-2361 or ccedotal@wlf.la.gov.

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The following veterans were honored during the Mt. Lebanon Stagecoach Trail Museum’s 4th of July flag ceremony: Micah Crawford (Army), Charles Butler (Air Force), Philip Towns (Air Force), Terry Clason (Marines), Tommy Youngblood (Army), Mike Stephenson (Army), Lestar Martin (Army), Gil Youngblood (Army), and Wally Reed (Army). Micah Crawford was our guest speaker.

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Serves: 9 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

If you are craving a comforting sweet treat, try this simple and inexpensive peach crumble that can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches. Add blackberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients. Serve this dish right out of the oven for an easy, warm dessert the whole family will love. For more information about healthy eating and active living, contact your local LSU AgCenter nutrition & community health agent.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 cans (15.25 ounce) sliced peaches in 100% juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Combine oats, brown sugar, and flour in a medium bowl.
3. Cut margarine into the oat mixture with two knives or a fork until well blended.
4. Add chopped pecans. Set mixture aside.
5. Drain one can of peaches and pour in a medium bowl. Add a second can of peaches with its juice.
6. Add sugar, flour and cinnamon to peaches. Toss well.
7. Pour the peach mixture into an 8 X 8-inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over fruit and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.                    

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Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

July 8-12

6 until 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School, Eastside Missionary Baptist Church. We’d love to have your kids SHINE with us as we learn about Jesus. Here’s a preregistration link to get a head start on the fun.  Please use this link to pre-register your children:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16Qvm4fl3Au5s8XG9l5WEs1eQp64JfF46btSk6rFyhSw/viewform?edit_requested=true .

July 13

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC Building, Springhill, La.

July 14

5 until 7 p.m. Young Women’s service Club’s Back to School Bash. Babb Park, 708 Watterman St., Minden. Bounce Houses, food, backpacks, sno cones.

July 15-17

6:30-8 p.m. Vacation Bible School, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1978 Hwy. 531, Minden. Classes for all ages. Breaker Rock Beach Romans 12:2.

July 18

10 a.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. public forum to discuss master plan for Miller Quarters Park, at the Community House in Minden.  

July 15-19

5 until 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School, First Methodist Church, Minden, 903 Broadway. Kindergarten entering sixth grade. SCUBA – each day students will encounter God through a well-known story of the Bible, interacting with the text tangibly through kinetic, immersive activities. The link for First Kids is: www.facebook.com/fmcmindenkids . The link for First Methodist Church is: www.facebook.com/fmcmindenla . Church office also has registration applications.

August 3

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mercy’s Closet School Uniform Giveaway, 609 Sibley Road, Minden. No qualifying necessary. First Come, first served.

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ALEXANDER, JAMAL

T066324 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

ALEXANDER, WILLIAM TERRELL

T066424 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

*Single vehicle crash

ALLEN, DESRIC DONNELLE

T066224 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

*Crash

ANDON, SCOTT

T060324 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

AUSBERRY, RUSSELL LEE

T053524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

BASS, JOY L

T074324 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T074324A Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

T074324B No Insurance

T074324C Failure To Secure Registration

AT Arraignment WPSD

BOGAN, SANTIELLE DSHON

T064924 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment WPSD

*74/55

BOLIN, JENNA ANN

T066624 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

BORCHERS, LEE JAMES

T029524 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT For Further Disposition LSP

BROWN, JASON MICHAEL

T074424 No Motorcycle Endorsement

T074424A Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

T074424B No Insurance

AT Arraignment WPSD

BROWN, ROBIN S

T066724 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

BURKS, JR, OTHA RAY

T066824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

CARODINE, HARLON B

T065024 Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

T065024A Passing On Shoulder

AT Arraignment WPSD

COLE, JR., MARTIN W.

T066924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

COLLINS, ZARI JANAE

T067024 Speeding 11-15 MPH

T067024A Window Tint

AT Arraignment LSP

*67/55

DAVIS, PEYTON

T074524 Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

AT Arraignment WPSD

FERRELL, CHARLES

T067124 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*77/55

FLOURNOY, JADA

T067224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

FOWLER, BILLY SCOTT

T067324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

FULLER, DARRYL WAYNE

T067424 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

*Single vehicle crash

FUTCH, ANGELINA ELIZABETH

T067524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*72/55

GARCIA, FRANCES

T067624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*72/55

GILES, CLINTON

T067724 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*55/35

GRAHAM, DINORAH

T065224 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment WPSD

*77/55

GUILLOT, MIKALA BREANN

T067824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

GYAMFI, DAN

T065324 No Thru Trucks

AT Arraignment WPSD

HALL, JR, RICKY LEE

T067924 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*91/70

HAMILTON JR, DEMARCUS D

T068024 Window Tint

AT Arraignment LSP

HAMILTON, MARCHALE STEPHON

T068124 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

HERNANDEZ, MARCOS ANTONIO

T068224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

HERRING, JORDAN JORRELL

T068324 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

AT Arraignment LSP

HOLIFIELD, MELISSA DIANE

T025624 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

HOWELL, JACOB LOYD

T068424 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

HOZAM, SADD MUADH

T074224 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*78/55

HUGHES, RICHARD LAVELLE

T068524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*72/55

IVY, TREVION MALIK

T068624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*73/55

JACKSON, BRITTNEY M

T068724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

JACKSON, NIKORYUN ARCHIA

T068824 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*75/55

JENKINS, COLLIN LEE

T068924 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

JONES, HAYDEN WESLEY

T066723 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT FTA Summons WPSD

KILLGORE, NICHOLAS JAMES

T074624 Speeding 25 & OVER

AT Arraignment WPSD

*90/55

KIRBY, JEFFREY ADAM

T069024 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

LABLUE, RUFUS JR

T069124 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*77/55

LAYFIELD, TAMMY

T069224 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*69/55

LE, HUNG T

T069324 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*90/70

LEWING, MELANIE MCCONNELL

T069424 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

MADDEN, KEVIN

T069524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MARKHAM, JEFFREY

T069624 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

*Single vehicle crash

MARTIN, CALLIE

T069824 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T069824A Improper Child Restraint

AT Arraignment LSP

MARTINEZ, HECTOR JAVIER

T065424 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment WPSD

*63/45

MATHEWS, RONALD G

T069724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MAXIE, JEREMIAH

T064724 No Insurance

AT Arraignment WPSD

MCCLAIN, ERICA

T069924 Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

AT Arraignment LSP

MCDONALD, SARA ANN

T070024 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Headlamps

T070024A Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

T070024B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T070024C Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

AT Arraignment LSP

MCGREW, BRANDON

T070124 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

MINGO, CAYDEN NATHANIEL

T070224 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

MONDAY, MARK

T070324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MOORE, SHIRLEY RABB

T070424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MORALES, MANUEL ANTONIO

T070524 Failing To Stop At Stop Sign-Accident

AT Arraignment LSP

*Crash

MORRIS, JOSHUA

T070624 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T070624A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

MURRAY, TAMMY RENEE

T010924 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT For Further Disposition LSP

NIPPER, STEVEN

T065524 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

T065524A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment WPSD

NIPPER, STEVEN

T065624 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

T065624A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment WPSD

*2nd citation within 12 days

ORR, TIFFANY WATSON

T070724 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

PAGE, CHASSIDY

T049724 Failure To Secure Registration

AT Arraignment LSP

PARKER, DESTINY J

T070824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

PARKER, POLLY KAY

T070924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T070924A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T070924B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

PETERS, STEPHANIE DENISE

T049824 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

PIERRE, MARIETTE TURNER

T071024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*75/55

PIRKLE, SHAE LEMAY

T071124 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*88/70

PLANTS, GLORIA

T076424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

PORTER, JOSHUA A

T071224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

PURDY, SHELLEY ANNE

T071324 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*85/70

REEVES, BRAYDON G

T071424 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T071424A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

ROBERTS, DAVID N.

T071524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

ROBERTS, JR, HOWARD

T071624 Speeding 25 & OVER

AT Arraignment LSP

ROBERTSON, WILLIAM G

T071724 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*71/55

ROBINSON, LATEDRICK KENDRELL

T071824 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

RODRIGUEZ, BRANDON TYLER

T071924 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

ROWE, TYLER ARMAND

T072024 Window Tint

T072024A Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

SANDERS, LINDA LEE

T072124 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

SAWYER, DYLAN R

T072224 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

SCHLOER, NATHAN THOMAS

T072324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

SILLS, JR, KIMAKO D

T072424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T072424A Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

AT Arraignment LSP

SIMMONS, JEREMY T

T074724 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment WPSD

SIMMONS, SHELIEA D

T072524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*72/55

SMITH, MARDELL P

T072724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

SMYERS, SCOTT ANDREW

T072624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*72/55

SORIANO, ISRAEL MARTINEZ

T072924 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*71/55

SORREL, CAPLAN WILLS

T072824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

STEVENSON, ROMEKO DESHAWN

T073024 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T073024A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

AT Arraignment LSP

STILES, ALANNA NICOLE

T065724 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Headlamps

T065724A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

AT Arraignment WPSD

TALTON, MORGAN S

T073124 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

THEUS, GARY LEMAN

T065824 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment WPSD

*71/55

THIBODEAUX, RICHARD JR

T065924 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

T065924A No Motorcycle Endorsement

AT Arraignment WPSD

THOMAS, ALISON C

T073224 Improper Child Restraint

AT Arraignment LSP

THOMAS, ROBERT EDWARD

T073324 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

THOMAS, JR, ROBERT L

T064824 Improper Lane Usage

064824A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment WPSD

TIPPEN, ALLIE CRYSTAL

T073424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

VANDERBILT-MCGEE, DONISHA ROSHUN

T073524 Switched License Plates

T073524A Improper Child Restraint

AT Arraignment LSP

VICTORIO, ELIZABETH

T065124 No Thru Trucks

AT Arraignment WPSD

WALN, SHELBIE R

T074824 Operating A Vehicle Without Proper Required Equipment

T074824A Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

AT Arraignment WPSD

WEBB, CSHONTEE K

T073624 Improper Child Restraint

AT Arraignment LSP

WEST, KAMRON TYREKE

T073724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

WESTON, TRACY C

T073824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

WHITFIELD, STEPHEN

T066024 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment WPSD

WILLAMS, VALARIE KIM

T073924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T073924A Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

WILLIAMS, KELVIN D

T066423 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

WILSON, MARY DIANA

T074024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*88/70

WILSON, RICHARD KENDRICK

T064624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

WINSTON, BRANDON

T074124 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T074124A Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

AT Arraignment LSP

WRIGHT, VENESA

T066124 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T066124A Smoking In Vehicle Prohibited

AT Arraignment WPSD

*65/45

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Norma Jean Ferguson

August 16, 1940 – July 4, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Minden.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Burial: 11 a.m. Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Donna Veitch Pate

August 6, 1958 – July 4, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.

Stacey Janelle Lefeaux Hollenshead

July 27. 1971 – July 6, 2024

Athens, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, Athens Community Church.

Inurnment at a later date.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

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By Pat Culverhouse

Webster Parish Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland received a raise and the opportunity to add even more through incentives Tuesday when school board members approved his new four-year contract.

Rowland will get a $5,000 annual boost to his current base salary of $138,068 and will receive an additional $1,000 for each target criteria he achieves for the school district in six areas. Incentives could be paid beginning with the 2024-25 school year and for the term of the contract:

• if the school district obtains two points or more growth in the District Performance Score.

• if the district increases by three points or more the Progress Index.

• if the high school graduation rate, in any year, exceeds the state average.

• if the attendance is at or above the state average in any year.

• if the school board’s general fund balance increase from the previous year.

• if the ACT index for the school district meets or exceeds the state average.

Contract terms also call for the board to pay a $1,000 per month allowance for in-parish travel, insurance and maintenance in lieu of providing an automobile. Rowland is required to provide his own vehicle, incur maintenance costs and maintain a minimum liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000.

Board members also agreed to increase the superintendent’s cell phone allowance from $25 to $150 per month.

School board attorney Jon Guice outlined terms of the contract which received unanimous approval from board members.

Security cameras at Harper Pathways to Excellence Center, proposed by Homeland Safety Systems and costing $96,469.30, were also approved Tuesday. Funds for the purchase will be coming from four parish funds.

Members gave thumbs up to $42,714.36 from the District 6 One-half cent sales tax fund, $28,476.24 from the Springhill Maintenance Tax Fund along with another $18,280.30 from District 3 Maintenance Tax Fund and $6,998.40 from the Doyline Maintenance Tax Fund.

Under the agreement, Homeland will install 55 new IP cameras throughout Harper and will connect to two, 32-channel Network Video Recorders (NVRs) which will be installed in an approved area.

A video management system (VMS) will be installed in the office to view and manage cameras. Two wall-mounted 43-inch monitors will also be installed, capable of viewing up to 96 cameras per monitor simultaneously.

Board members also approved expenditures totaling $475,230.99 from the various parish maintenance, building and sales tax funds for projects and equipment at parish schools. Those included:

• Consolidated Dist. 3 Maintenance Fund: $76,424.49.

Largest expenditures: $22,310.80 to replace water heater in gymnasium mechanical room at Lakeside Jr/Sr High; $25,500 demolition in varsity football locker room at Lakeside; $12,304 for utility vehicle for Lakeside; $11,225.75 for six new desktops and one new laptop for teacher use at Lakeside.

• Doyline Maintenance Fund: $23,269.21.

Includes $11,080 for 60-inch deck mower for Doyline High School; revise approved quote from $3,490.28 to $4,739.21 for installation of new ice machine at Doyline High.

• District 6 One-half Cent Sales Tax Fund: $338,470.29.

Chief expenditures are $97,000 to replace bleachers in gymnasium at J.A. Phillips Elementary; $57,968.63 to replace gymnasium and girls’ locker room floor at J.A. Phillips Elementary; $51,500 for concrete pad for basketball court area on playground at E.S. Richardson Elementary; $29,012.70 for basketball court overlay kit for playground at E.S. Richardson; $35,221.78 to replace cafeteria table at J.A. Phillips Elementary; $11,022 to purchase three 75-inch Active Panels at E.S. Richardson Elementary; $10,295 to resurface restroom and stairwell floors at Minden High School.

• Springhill Maintenance Fund: $25,010.

Largest expenditure of $20,500 to paint cafeteria area at North Webster High School.

• Shongaloo Building Fund: $12,057, includes $11,097 for purchase of a 60-inch deck mower for North Webster Lower Elementary.

---

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden Recreation Department has a budget wishlist that includes fans, score boards, batting cage pavilion cover and splash pad repairs  presented as part of a City of Minden budget workshop last week.

Splash pads

Minden Mayor Nick Cox said the splash pads are an important recreational item at the parks and need an excessive amount of work.

“When there are no children there (at the parks), I don’t like to see them running,” Cox said. “The amount of water that pours through there when there are no children is really unbelievable. The cost is not just the pump cost, but all that water is treated to be drinkable, so I don’t like to see it wasted.”

One issue is updating the sensors, he said.

“Right now, we are going by there and manually overriding the splash pad parks,” he said. “They are running even when there are no kids there.”

Cost to repair the splash pads – at Victory, Ewell and Babb parks – is in the range of $47-$52,000. It would include metal cages constructed around the sensors to prevent vandalism.

The splash pads are around 20 years old, and according to Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Mike Aguilar, many replacement parts are no longer available, and when some are replaced, it starts a domino effect in order to make all parts work together.

Councilpersons agreed about the importance of the parks and said they would like to see the splash pads updated as much as possible.

“They are supposed to be programmed to come on every day at 10 a.m. and go off at 7,” Aguilar said. “If the sensors are working right, after four minutes, they will go off.”

Batting cages and pavilion cover

Councilman Andy Pendergrass said he would like to see more usage of batting cages at the rec department ballfields, but with no cover, the weather is a factor.

“We have four batting cages, and they are metal frames,” Pendergrass said. “If you go to other complexes, they are covered. You can imagine being in those cages practicing as hot as it is, plus if it rains, no teams can practice at all.”

Estimate to cover the cages is $85,450. For 12 LED strip lights, four fans – which would go in the top corners of the cages – and receptacles are an additional $13,600. All in, cost is around $100,000.

“A hundred thousand is a large number,” said councilman Buddy Myles. “I would like to wait until maybe next year.”

“The lights and fans would go with it,” Pendergrass said. “The cages would be used quite often because the maintenance guys don’t have to go get the fields ready for use, like they would for field practice.”

Pendergrass said he does not feel good about waiting.

“A lot of money has been spent at the rec to make the rec employees’ lives easier,” he said. “But I haven’t seen a whole lot of money allocated to make the experience of the kids better. Everything has been made easier on the people working out there. It has stripped down the experience for the kids.”

Scoreboards

According to Aguilar one of the scoreboards no longer works.

“It’s a digital board but something doesn’t work right about the wiring,” he said. “Two of the scoreboards need replacing because we have junior high baseball, Minden High – and Webster does their little league there.”

Cost for two new scoreboards is around 11,500.

Cox said that by deleting from the budget two generators totaling $235,000, more of the projects could be addressed.

“We’re in the top tier to get grants that will cover the generators,” Minden Fire Chief and Homeland Security Director Brian Williams said.

“If we back out that, we can do everything – the pavillion covers, scoreboards –  for like $250,000, and we don’t have to pull from reserves.” Cox said.

Pool pumps

Lastly, the council discussed covering the pool pumps at the rec center. Enclosures for the pumps were added to the original budget, Cox said.

Rec Center Director Zita Williams said about $40,000 was spent recently to replace filters in the outdoor pool, as well as hundreds of dollars to fix pipes.

“We have covered the pumps with a tarp,” Williams said. “This is two winters straight we have had to deal with busted pipes, and those pumps were running. We have no heating back there … it’s not enclosed.”

Pendergrass said he would prefer to see the council cover the batting cages and save the pool pumps for the following year’s budget.

“We are covering stuff that’s meant to be outdoors, and not human beings,” Pendergrass said. “The vision at the rec needs to be about the kids.”

Cox stressed he believes it can all be done.

“If we took this whole list – besides the generators, we can be all in and all out and move forward with our lives,” he said.

To see the first story on City of Minden’s budget, visit:

City of Minden 2024-2025 proposed budget almost ready for public viewing

---

Webster Parish has declared a State of Emergency for the damages sustained from Tropical Storm Beryl as it moved through the area Monday. All roadways are currently open, according to Webster Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Brian Williams.

“We currently have just under 800 residents without power,” Williams said Tuesday morning. “The two worst areas are Hwy. 79 at Gryder Road and Shongaloo near Hwy, Alt, 2, Ponder Road and Cockrell Road.”

Webster Parish Police Jury and Williams ask anyone who encounters trees in the roadway or power lines down, please DIAL 9-1-1 so the appropriate agency can be dispatched. Please keep back from any downed power lines, as the power companies are working diligently on restoring power to the affected areas as soon as possible.

Williams thanked Webster Parish Public Works Department, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and all of the parish fire departments that were out Monday, well into the night clearing roadways and checking on citizens.

For structural damage, please see the link below to complete a brief survey about your damages. This is no guarantee of any assistance, but it does allow a more precise picture of all the damages that have occurred across the parish.

https://damage.la.gov/

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Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Calm wind.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Friday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

* Visit your local NWS office at: https://www.weather.gov/shv

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Our beautiful mother, Eva Deirdre Nettles Hutchinson Martin, went peacefully to her heavenly home surrounded by her children on July 7, 2024. She was born October 5, 1931, in Ringgold, La. to Obie Lester “O.L.” Nettles and Danny Eva Tipton.  She was a resident of Minden, La. and spent her entire career with South Central Bell Telephone Company.  She retired with 34 years of service working as a telephone operator, dispatch clerk, and maintenance administrator in the Minden and Shreveport offices.  As children, we have fond memories of calling her at work while she was on the switchboard only to have her answer “Operator,” and then give a stern reminder to quit playing on the phone!  She was the Chief Operator in our lives for many years, and she will be dearly missed.  She was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Minden, La.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Dean Martin. 

The father of her children, Raymond David Hutchinson, one grandson, Lance Anthony Hutchinson, and a special nephew, Carl Nettles, also preceded in her death. 

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Randy (Donna) Hutchinson, Daniel Hutchinson, two daughters, Kathy (Billy) Potter, Jill (Phillip) Dick and her grandchildren, Haley (Preston) Ivey, Holly (Sam) Roubique, Rachael (Thom) Creel, Chase (Autumn) Potter, Landon Dick, Courtney (Daniel) Duck, and the following great grandchildren who brought her great joy,  McKenna Ivey, Addison Ivey, Maverick Ivey, McCartney Roubique, Harrison Roubique, Nolan Creel, Eva Kate Creel, Graeme Potter, Eleanor Potter, Jude Ksir, Brenner Dick, Benton Duck, Elizabeth Kate Duck, and one sister, Linda Entrekin.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wed., July 10, 2024, at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, La., with Rev. Michael Gray officiating.  Interment will follow at Springhill Cemetery, Ringgold, La., under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held at 12 p.m., on Wed., July10, 2024, at Rose Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La.

Pallbearers will be Preston Ivey, Sam Roubique, Thom Creel, Chase Potter, Landon Dick, Daniel Duck, Nolan Creel, and David Nettles.

The family would like to thank Alan Borne, M.D., Stuart Blum, M.D, Jonathan Davis, M.D., John Carmody, M.D., and care provider, Janice Allen, for the excellent care provided to our mother.    

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