Alford James Smith, 42, 1200 block Hwy. 8, Minden; arrested Aug. 22 by WPSO for theft of a motor vehicle. Bond set $10,000.

Shacourtney Jenee Grant, 26, 700 block Plum St., Minden; arrested Aug. 22 by Louisiana State Police for driving under suspension for prior DWI, violation of child restraint law.

Candace S. McEachern, 21, Blanchard; arrested Aug. 21 by WPSO for unauthorized use of a moveable.

Peyton Thomas, 8800 block McClain Rd., Shreveport; arrested Aug. 21 by MPD on warrants for violation of restraining order, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. Total bond set $25,000.

Harley Ray Coile, 22, 5300 block LA Hwy. 2, Sarepta; arrested Aug. 21 by Sarepta PD on warrants for simple battery, home invasion. Total bond set $25,500.

Curtis Rabb, 30, 100 block Country Lane, Dixie Inn; arrested Aug. 10 by MPD for disturbing the peace by fistic encounter. Bond set $500.

Michael E. Warren, 42, 1200 block Crawford St., Arcadia; arrested Aug. 18 by MPD for DWI first offense, careless operation. Bond set $1,500.

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.

---

While social media today is extremely popular, it can be unsteady and unpredictable. Readers may never know if they missed a breaking news event or the chance to win money with our annual football contest.

How do you make sure you are informed about today’s news, current events and breaking news in Webster Parish if you can’t rely on social media?

Subscribe to the Webster Parish Journal. It’s simple, easy and FREE. Visit www.websterparishjournal.com and click JOIN. You will begin receiving emails that lead you to our website and stories. You’ll never miss another story because of AI.

---

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of August 16 through 22. All civil suits are public record.

August 16

Val Houston Clark, succession over $125K.

Calvary SPV I LLC vs. Joseph Gillentine, monies due.

Manning Living Trust, Charles M. Crumpton Trust, Marc M. Crumpton vs. Unopened Estate of Regina Levee, Unopened Estate of William Hyde Fulbright Jr., Unopened Estate of Cathryn C. Turner, petition.

Sharee Ann Freeman vs. Jeremy Scott Freeman, divorce w/children.

Ike Cooper Jr. vs. Deborah Park Hudson, personal injury.

Department of Corrections Credit Union vs. Lamarian Lashell Morris, monies due.

August 19

Capital One vs. Chakia C. Lee, monies due.

Capital One vs. Lori D. Bell, monies due.

American Express National Bank vs. Jerry Pye, Geaux Pye LLC, monies due.

NCB Management Services Inc. vs. Carolyn White, Jermaine Willis, monies due.

Edward L. Henderson vs. Defendants 1, 2, and 3, damages.

August 20

Odie Webb, succession under $125K.

Meron Webb, succession under $125K.

Nathaniel Webb, succession under $125K.

Sherry Broughton vs. Brown Service Center LLC., damages.

August 21

Gulfco of Louisiana LLC vs. Tamya Sims, monies due.

Barksdale Federal Credit Union vs. Guy Edward Fleming, monies due.

Synchrony Bank vs. Robert Marcantel, petition.

Edward David Bartlett, succession over $125K w/petition to probate.

Gordon Davis Cole, succession under $125K.

---

Mike Bridges

Oct. 6, 1951 – August 21, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery.

Ronnie Gene Ward

March 17, 1960 – August 18, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Visitation: 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery.

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.)

---

By Paige Gurgainers

The Witches Ride of Minden is already hard at work preparing for their second annual event that will be raising money through sponsorships and ticket sales to benefit the community. This year, they have landed on two community partners – Webster Parish School Board and Webster Parish CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). 

Event organizers with Pearls of Purpose Sarah Watson Overall and Angela Fussell grew up with a mom who served many area kids as a beloved science teacher and reading specialist for more than 30 years.  

“She loved children’s books and rewarded her students with time in the reading corner of her classroom,” said Overall. “The children in her junior high classes loved the books, too. She would tell us stories about how it became the cool thing to be able to read a book from Mrs. Watson’s reading corner.” 

Growing up in their home was not much different. Reading was not an option, but it was early on that Overall realized not every child has the same exposure to children’s books as she and her sister shared. 

“I have many friends that are schoolteachers and share the same love for books. I always try to donate books to their school classrooms, as well,” she said. “The last couple of years I have seen local teachers post on social media around the holidays requesting donations for books for their students.” 

So Overall took full advantage when the opportunity presented itself to give back to local classrooms and when she approached the Witches Ride committee about donating books to school age children in the parish with funds raised through the 2024 event, it was a unanimous decision.  

“Each one of the committee members has a special story or memory for their reason why this would be a great donation of choice,” continued Overall. “We all have loved ones or dear friends that are retired teachers from Webster and Claiborne parish and many friends that are active teachers in those parishes today.” 

It is through those connections that the group has a shared awareness of the importance of reading at an early age and the need for resources in the community. Through their partnership with Webster Parish Schools, every first grader in the parish, including private schools, will receive a board approved book this Christmas season.  

A portion of the funds raised will also be donated to CASA in hopes to benefit this organization throughout the year with children’s birthday parties and gifts for local children in need this Christmas.  

“This was also a unanimous decision as we are all women who love a good celebration in life,” said Overall. “Being able to provide these children with a birthday party and a Christmas morning like that of our own children was a no brainer.” 

Ticket sales for the 2024 Witches Ride will go live on September 1. For more information on how to purchase, please follow their Facebook page ‘The Witches Ride of Minden.’ Sponsorships are also available.

---

By Pat Culverhouse

Good fences make good neighbors, so the saying goes, and Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker told a class of Youth Challenge Program (YCP) cadets that one certain fence could mean the difference between good and bad experiences.

Parker told the class of roughly 180 that remaining inside the fence that creates the limits of the Camp Minden grounds, home to the YCP, could lead to success in their lives.

“We want to see you succeed. We will help you succeed in any way we can,” he said. “This Youth Challenge Program is a great way to make positive changes in your lives.”

Parker reminded cadets that things happen once a decision is made to leave the Camp Minden grounds, and the consequences are mostly bad. The Sheriff emphasized four things that could lead to misfortune for those who run.

• “If you run from here and try to pick up a ride, you never know who you may get in a vehicle with. It could be someone that means you serious harm, or worse. Today, you cannot be cautious enough,” he said.

• “When you run from here and, say, go into the woods or open fields, you’re going into places that have dangerous animals and snakes,” he said. “We have rattlesnakes and other poisonous snakes. If bitten, you might not last long without help, and where are you going to find that help in time?”

• “Outside that fence, you might find yourself on a highway where drivers simply may not pay attention, especially at night. The result could be tragic,” he said.

• “In our parish, people are protective of their property. Strangers, especially late at night, might find themselves facing someone who will not hesitate to do whatever they think is necessary to protect themselves or their property,” he said.

Parker told the group the YCP is designed to help them become better persons and better citizens.

“If you stay with it and complete this outstanding program, there is no limit to your potential,” he said. “Other groups have produced successful professionals. You may even become law enforcement officers, or politicians,” he said. “One person who completed this program was a candidate for mayor of Shreveport. You have a chance to achieve great things.”

But, he reminded the cadets, those who decide this isn’t the place might find themselves in some other very unattractive place.

“If you run from here, you will become my responsibility and I assure you we will do whatever it takes,” he said. “I want to remind you that the law has changed and 17-year-olds are now classified as adults. That means you won’t come back here, you won’t go to a juvenile center, you’ll go to my prison along with more than 600 others.”

Parker ended on a positive note, telling the cadets his department wants to be a part of making their stay in the program a beneficial one.

“My deputies and I will be coming to see you on occasion, to sit down and have lunch with you and just talk,” he said. “We want to do everything we can to help you. We believe we have a responsibility to help you, but remember we also have a responsibility to the people of our parish.”

 

---

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 67. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Friday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

Saturday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Sunday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 73.

* Information provided by National Weather Service.

---

For the past three years, Webster Parish Journal has posted our local high school games and stats on Saturdays each week. This year, in order to ensure we receive all information from our coaches and stringers, we are moving that day to Mondays. We have already lined up our coverage for all home games and we will do everything we can to ensure as many “away games” as possible receive coverage, too. Mondays will also allow us to post stories that include any weekend college or NFL game scores our readers may find interesting.

Thank you for reading Webster Parish Journal and don’t forget to participate in our weekly Football Pick ‘em Contest.

---

The body of 55 year old Kenneth Gibson of Ringgold was recovered near the Lake Bistineau dam by searchers at around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The body was located an estimated 250 yards from the dam. Gibson’s family was notified of the recovery and the body was turned over to the Bossier Parish Coroner’s Office.    

Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington says Gibson was fishing near the dam with his nephew around 1 p.m. Tuesday when they decided to attempt to cross a rock shelf with swift water flowing over it. The two men lost their footing and both fell into the fast-moving water. Gibson’s nephew was able to swim to the bank and get out of the water while Gibson was swept into a canal below the dam and never resurfaced. 

---

I can honestly say that I have successfully managed to make it almost eleven years now without one of my kids telling me they hate me… yet! 

BUT the three-year old did tell me to “piss off” the other day. I have no idea where she heard this because that is not amongst my list of favored curse words and weirdly, she said it with a bit of a British accent??? So, I concluded she most likely picked it up from her iPad. 

I can’t remember what exactly happened to make her yell, “piss off” at me, but I do know I was trying to hold it together. I was disappointed of course, but I was also a tad bit humored by it and even considered adding it to my list, but only using it in the British accent though, of course. (Go on, you try saying it without the accent.) 

I calmly and straight-faced explained to her that she cannot be going about telling people to piss off (although I do wish it was socially acceptable). She seemed to understand because she didn’t say it again… until supper time.  

She and Ashton always fight over what color bowl they want to eat out of. I have never understood this. Like, who cares what color it is. It is a bowl, and they are the same exact size, and they are holding the same amount of food. But I digress. I guess Ashton picked up the bowl Kameron wanted and there was a short-lived screaming match before Kameron (yep, you guessed it) told her sister to piss off.  

This time I was not humored at all and had to be a little sterner. I told her that if she continued yelling profanities under my roof then she wouldn’t eat at all. (I was bluffing okay. My kids have never gone to bed hungry.) I also told her that if I ever told my mother to piss off that she would have knocked me to Bangladesh (for legal purposes… she was joking!) 

Again, I am still unsure how this happened especially when the older two consider the word “guts” to be a swear word. But I think the threat of not getting supper sank in because the girl likes to eat, and she has now gone 3 whole days without cursing. Hopefully, she will not be breaking that streak anytime soon. I will keep you updated.

(Paige Gurgainers is a mother of three girls, publisher of Bienville Parish Journal and Claiborne Parish Journal and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)

---

The Women Helping Others (W.H.O.) of North Webster is excited to announce its upcoming 3-Man Golf Scramble, set to take place on August 24 at the beautiful Springhill Country Club. If you haven’t signed up yet, don’t worry—there’s still time to gather your team and join us for a day filled with fun, camaraderie, and community spirit, all for a great cause! W.H.O. of North Webster has been a cornerstone of support in our community since its founding in 2015. Over the past nine years, this all-volunteer group of dedicated women has raised and distributed more than half a million dollars to help local families facing hardship, tragic loss, or devastating medical diagnoses. Every dollar raised from this tournament will go to help us help others in the North Webster community during their most challenging times. This year’s golf scramble promises to be a memorable event, with exciting gimmick golf games. You might even spot a gator in the water hazard! Participants will also compete for big cash prizes, awarded to the top teams in each flight. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun day out with friends, this event has something for everyone. We’re thrilled to have Louisiana Downs as our title sponsor for this event. Celebrating 50 years of racing excellence in Bossier City, Louisiana Downs has been a leader in the local sports and entertainment industry, and we’re honored to have their support for this important cause. Entry fee is $375 per team, and includes a bbq lunch! The W.H.O. of North Webster Golf Scramble is more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to come together as a community and make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors. So, grab your clubs, rally your friends, and get with exciting gimmick golf games. Signup online at: Whoofnorthwebster.org/golf .

---

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Rev. 14:13

Last week I traveled back to Amite, La, my mother’s hometown in Tangipahoa Parish in Southeast Louisiana. We drove to the Hughes Family Cemetery in the rolling hills about 20 miles out Highway 16 to lead the interment service for Daniel Coleman, my brother-in-law. Going to the old dairy farm reminded me of a journey there many years ago when the matriarch of that family passed into glory. The old farmhouse stands just down the hill from the family cemetery. When my Aunt Sammie died, the funeral service was held, not in a funeral home or church (which I grew up doing) but the casket, flowers, speakers stand, and registration book were all in their living room of the house. Growing up in the city, I had never experienced this, maybe you have.

The preacher preached a long, loud sermon about sin, death, hell and our need for repentance. I think maybe somewhere along the way he might have mentioned that my Aunt Sammie was a devoted Christian, a loving wife and wonderful mother but it was not his focus. We sang some hymns with the parlor piano, had a final prayer and then carried the casket out the front door, down the steps and climbed the hill with it to the nearby cemetery for the burial. I remember holding the wooden screen door open for the pallbearers.

What struck this city boy was how close the circle of life and death were that day. Aunt Sammie was not born in that house but some of my cousins probably were. To sit on the porch each morning, drink your coffee and look at the place that one day you will be buried, maybe sooner than you think, must have been a sobering and centering experience. It reminds me of Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” She and my uncle Elvin worked hard to raise their four children on that dairy farm, before corporate America made that nearly impossible. They lived simple, faithful lives in the face of the forces of nature and a rapidly changing world.

They left a beautiful legacy to our family in the form of that family cemetery, free of charge, in one of the most beautiful areas of rolling pastures, woodlands and lakes in this state. We are grateful and blessed to have that peaceful setting as the final resting place for our loved one. So, even though we may not live within sight of our final resting place, may we remember that life on earth is short and our decision to trust Jesus Christ is what really matters.

(Steve Berger is pastor of First Methodist Church Minden, a Global Methodist Church. He is the husband of Dianne, his partner in ministry, they have two adult sons, a dachshund, and love living in Minden.)

---

Breakfast doesn’t have to be limited to breakfast foods! Choose healthy foods you like even if you prefer foods in the morning that aren’t typically eaten at breakfast. Try one of these easy tips below and the recipe below.

Breakfast Tip # 1: For quick breakfasts on-the go, keep Greek yogurt and fruit in the refrigerator, whole grain English muffins in the freezer, and oats in the pantry. When you don’t have time to meal prep, you have several other breakfast options.

Breakfast Tip # 2: Pick one weekend day and designate a few hours to meal plan, grocery shop, and meal prep. If you can’t do it all at once split up the process over several days. Plan ahead and schedule time to plan your week.

Breakfast Tip # 3: Spend an afternoon making a large batch of breakfast sandwiches or burritos and freeze them individually. On busy mornings, thaw, and heat in the microwave.

Breakfast Tip # 4: Make a large batch of smoothies over the weekend and freeze them in individual portions. Each night, thaw one in the refrigerator and enjoy the next morning! note: may require additional thawing in microwave in the morning.

(Shakera Williams, M.P.H. is Assistant Nutrition Extension Agent- FCS for Webster/Claiborne parishes. Contact her at (318) 371-1371.)

---

By Jessica Gorman

In recent weeks, we’ve taken a look at two early settlers of Webster Parish, Richard Fields and Chichester Chaplin. Chaplin was a participant in the Fredonia Rebellion in Texas and there is a strong possibility that Fields was, too.  Richard Fields, one of the earliest settlers of this area, may have been a Choctaw leader who was killed as a result of the rebellion. Chaplin lived here for a period of time in the aftermath of the rebellion. 

It is likely that it was here that Chichester Chaplin was married to the daughter of Martin Parmer, another major player in the Fredonia Rebellion. While that first attempt to declare independence from Mexico failed, Parmer was later pardoned, returned to Texas, and became a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Martin Parmer died in Jasper County, Texas in 1850. 

It has been difficult to pin down the exact whereabouts of Martin Parmer before his pardon and return to Texas. It is believed that he was in Louisiana. His daughter, married to Chichester Chaplin, lived here and a William Parmer, relationship unproven, is recorded as a resident of Claiborne Parish in 1830.This is, at best, nothing more than circumstantial evidence. However, a Jasper County land record revealed a potential connection between Parmer and other early settlers of our area who also moved to Jasper County. 

Friend McMahon was a Methodist minister. The McMahons moved from Arkansas to Claiborne Parish around the time of its creation in 1828. They lived here for most of a decade before moving to Jasper County, Texas in early 1836. They would have been neighbors of Martin Parmer, and like him, the McMahons also participated in the Texas Revolution. They weren’t the only Claiborne Parish residents to make this move to Jasper County. 

Adam Stewart and his family are believed to be the first to settle the site of Minden. In July 1835, Stewart sold this property to Charles Veeder, founder of Minden, and development of the town began. The Stewarts moved to Jasper County. Adam’s wife was Margaret, daughter of Friend McMahon.

Realizing the intersections of the lives of these people makes me wonder several things. Did other participants of the Fredonia Rebellion live here? Was there a larger migration out of this area to Texas? What other connections exist that we may have overlooked?

So, why even write about any of this? Sometimes, when you read about our early history it can be easy to feel like there were just some people scattered around living in the wilderness. They were just here and we don’t always think much beyond that. But, there is often much more to their stories than we realize at first glance. Our history does not exist in a bubble. It is connected to other, bigger history. These connections give us clues to tell a more complete story. By sharing this little bit of information, someone else may recognize a familiar name, a familiar place, something that may lead us toward new revelations about the people who lived our local history.

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

---

---

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

August 24

W.H.O. annual three-man scramble at Springhill Country Club. Check whoofnorthwebster.org for more information.

September 6

9:30 a.m. (ladies only) and 6:30 p.m. (co-ed) Fall study of the Old Testament book of Daniel begins. Reception room, First Baptist Church, Minden. Roberta Kitchens, leader. Open to all.

September 9

6 until 8 p.m. Dorcheat Historic Association Museum Annual Fundraiser Gala, 116 Pearl Street, Minden.

September 14

Cruisin’ and Groovin’ Downtown Minden, Vintage Car Club of Minden

6:30 until 11 p.m., Krewe of Nemesis, Coronation in the Courtyard, Easley Studios Courtyard, 105 Pearl Street, Minden.

7 p.m. Gospel Night at Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC in Springhill.

September 21

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wings & Wheels car and plane show at Minden Airport.

October 1

Webster Parish Fair Parade

October 1-4

Parish Fair and Livestock Show

October 5

8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. A women’s day fun, fellowship, worship and prayer at North Acres Baptist Church. Register here: https://nabcminden.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2390296 . Guest Speaker: Kathy Nelson, Speak It Ministries

Worship led by: Sachiri Henderson. Cost: $25 with lunch included. Childcare will be provided. Please indicate on the online registration form if you need childcare.

October 6-12

National 4-H Week

---

The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Traffic Court Friday, August 23, 2004:

ADAMS, LANAIYA ARLEANE

T083324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T083324A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

BAKER, JR., TERRY LOMAR

T083424 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*57/45

G/A

BOSLEY, SHAQUICA

T052923 Speeding 25 & OVER

T052923A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

*OC 5/24

BRADFORD, INDIA

T083524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

BREWER, DAMIEN D

T025722L Speeding 16-24 MPH

T025722LA Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

BREWER, DAMIEN D

T135919 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

AT Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

BRUNELLE, JAYDEN MICAH

T047224 Speeding 25 & OVER

T047224A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

AT Arraignment LSP

*OC 5/24

BUDWAH, JOHNATHAN EUGENE

T083624 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

BYRD, WILLIS ROBERT

T083724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T083724A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

CLEMONS, ROCKY

T083824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

CONNOR, WILLIAM BRADY

T083924 Window Tint

AT Arraignment LSP

CORNELIUS, SYLVIA COOK

T084024 Improper Passing On Left

AT Arraignment LSP

*Crash

CRITTON, SHONDA ANNETTE

T084124 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

DAVIS, LEONZA TERCEL

T084224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T084224A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

AT Arraignment LSP

DAWSON, JR., JEWEL ALLEN

T084324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

DELOACH, JALEN JERMALL

T084424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

DICKEY, GABRIELLA PAIGE

T084524 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

G/A

DURHAM, KENNY

T084624 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

EDWARDS, GAGE

T084724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

EVANS, CHRISTOPHER D

T122915 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment Bond Return Date LSP

FIGUEROA, FRANCISCO

T084824 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*72/55

FLOURNOY, COURTNEY RAY

T082724 Obstruction To Driver’s View Or Driving Mechanism

T082724A Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

T082724B Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

AT Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

FRAZIER, BRODERICK

T084924 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*86/70

G/A

GERMANY, MARKEESE D

T085024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T085024A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

*72/55

GRIFFIN, JAMES ODELL

T085124 Improper Driving Left Of Center

AT Arraignment LSP

GUTIERREZ, SAMUEL PHILLIP

T085224 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*86/70

HALL, RYAN LEE

T085324 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

HARRELL, MICHAEL DONNELL

T085424 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*71/55

G/A

HARRIS, BRADLEY G

T085524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

HARRIS, RILEY NEAL

T085624 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

HOEBEN, SAVANNAH ROSE

T085724 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

HORTMAN, JACOB CYRUS

T085824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

JACKSON, SHANE NICHOLAS

T085924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

JOHNSON, JEREMIAH JMONTEZ

T086024 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

JONES, ANDIE LANE

T086124 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

KEENER, KENDRICK DEMARIO

T086224 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*73/55

G/A

KING, SAHMEYA OKSIMEHCI

T086324 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*90/70

LAMAR, GRAYSON ZAYNE

T086424 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*73/55

LAMBERT, BENJAMIN D

T082824 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment WPSD

*NP

LAROSE, ANDREW TYLER

T086524 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

G/A

LASTRAPES, DENNIS J

T049024 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

*OC 5/24

LEWIS, BRENDA S

T086624 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*74/55

G/A

LEWIS, DYLAN K

T086724 Failure To Secure Registration

AT Arraignment LSP

LILES, LINDSAY A

T077924 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment LSP

LYNN, STEPHANIE RENEE

T086824 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*69/55

G/A

MARTIN, ADAM LANE

T086924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MASSEY, II, JOSEPH WILLIAM

T087024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*76/55

MATHEWS, ZACHARY TYLER

T087124 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MATLOCK, BLAIR MICHELE

T087224 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MCDONALD, BRIANNA

T082924 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment WPSD

*53/40

MCFARLAND, MICHELLE DENISE

T087324 Operating A Vehicle Without Proper Required Equipment

AT Arraignment LSP

MCGUIRE, SHELIA

T089222 Switched License Plates

T089222A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment WPSD

*OC 5/24

MCMILLAN, ALLYSSIA MARIE

T087424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MEADORS, AJAI

T087524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MEZA, WALTER A

T083024 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

AT Arraignment WPSD

*Single vehicle crash

MITCHELL, SHATOSKI

T087624 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MIXON, COLLIN

T087724 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

AT Arraignment LSP

MOORE, JAMET NICOLE

T087824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MOORE, JAVIS AMON

T087924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

MOORE, KASSIE RENAE

T088024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*73/55

MORGAN, BENJAMIN A

T088124 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*75/55

G/A

PEREZ, GUSTAVO

T088224 Speeding 16-24 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*74/55

PEROT JR, JAMES EARL

T088324 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

AT Arraignment LSP

PETERS, JACKSON

T083124 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment WPSD

*67/55

PITTS, DESTINIE DAWN

T088424 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

PRESLEY, JOHNATHON VANCE

T005824 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T005824A

No Insurance

AT For Further Disposition WPSD

*OC 4/12

RENO, COLTON LYNN

T088524 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

RITCHIE, WALTER WILLIAM

T088624 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

RUSHING, HARLI GAYLE

T050524 Improper Child Restraint

T050524A Failure to Use Safety Belt

T050524B Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

*OC 5/24

SHEPPARD, JAMES R

T088724 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

G/A

SIMMONS, JALEN KADE

T088824 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

SMITH, JHONTUIE RAINEIR

T088924 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

SULZER, DEVIN D

T089024 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*70/55

THOMAS, CHRYSTAL

T001920 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T001920A Operating A Vehicle With Improper Headlamps

AT Arraignment Bond Return Date WPSD

*OC 5/24

THOMAS, JOHNNIE VON

T089124 Failure to Use Safety Belt

AT Arraignment LSP

TURNER, JOSHUA WRAY

T089224 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T089224A Failure To Obey Traffic-Control Signal

AT Arraignment LSP

*Pass 8/30

WARE, ELTON JOHN

T089324 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

AT Arraignment LSP

WASHBURN, TONI M

T083224 Speeding 25 & OVER

AT Arraignment WPSD

*72/40

WESTON, FELIX BENARD

T089424 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

AT Arraignment LSP

WHITE, ZANE JEREMY

T089524 Speeding 16-24 MPH

T089524A Operating a Vehicle While License

Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

AT Arraignment LSP

*90/70

G/A

WILSON, SHENISHA TENICE

T089624 Speeding 11-15 MPH

AT Arraignment LSP

*85/70

G/A

---

Jakeshia M. Sims, 27, Carolina St., Minden; arrested Aug. 19 by WPSO on warrant for possession of marijuana, improper child restraint.

Tammi Lynn Sneed, 45, Curry St., Springhill; arrested Aug. 17 by Springhill PD on warrant for two counts public bribery. Bond set $25,000.

Mary Woodall, 32, 1100 block Shreveport Rd., Minden; arrested Aug. 20 by MPD on two bench warrants, on warrant for theft of a firearm. Total bond set $50,000.

Rhyreco L. Mitchell, 32, 1000 block Shreveport Rd., Minden; arrested Aug. 21 by Louisiana State Police on fugitive warrants from Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cedrick Carr, 33, 1500 block Shreveport Rd., Minden; arrested Aug. 20 by MPD for simple battery, violation of a protective order, home invasion, interfering with emergency communication, on two fugitive warrants from WPSO, probation warrant Bossier Parish.

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.

---

Bill G. Gosa

Feb. 20, 1939 – August 17, 2024

Minden, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024, Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

James Dale Bates

August 1, 1930 – August 15, 2024

Homer, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Lake Claiborne, Homer, La.

Memorial service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Ronnie Gene Ward

March 17, 1960 – August 18, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Visitation: 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery.

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.)

---

By Paige Gurgainers

Last week U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy M.D. announced the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be granting Louisiana $4.1M to improve local airports from his new infrastructure law with the City of Springhill being one of them.  

This grant will distribute more than $1.8M for the Springhill Airport’s runway and taxiway rehabilitation project. 

According to airport manager Steven Burdeaux this amount from the FAA covers 90 percent of the project total with the remaining 10 percent coming from the Louisiana DOTD Aviation, equaling just over $2M in pavement improvements.  

“In addition to the funds from the FAA, the Springhill Airport will also be receiving over $764K from Louisiana DOTD Aviation to rehabilitate the airfield lighting, replacing the decades-old electrical systems and upgrading all lighting to more efficient and reliable LED,” said Burdeaux.  

Benton & Brown of Minden was granted the job of completing the asphalt rehabilitation project and Wilhite Electric of Bossier will be finalizing the airfield lighting project.  

“That’s nearly $2.8M being invested in the people of NW Louisiana,” said Burdeaux.  

The City of Springhill called a special meeting on Monday, August 19, to approve two resolutions to accept the city’s 10 percent portion of the federal and state funded projects. They were both unanimously approved with all council members present. 

In a press release put out by his office early last week, Senator Cassidy said, “Improving local airports is crucial to attract businesses, investors and families to Louisiana. With funding from the infrastructure law, we’re making our communities more inviting for new opportunities and building an economy for 2050.” 

Other projects receiving funds from this grant include; City of Ruston, City of Abbeville, Shreveport Airport Authority, Town of Vivian, City of Winnsboro and City of Rayville.  

---

By Paige Gurgaineres

Attendance for the second Food Truck Night held at Miller Quarters Park Monday evening, August 19, was still fairly good despite the triple digit temps. 

---

Citizens could learn just about everything you could want to know about being a senior adult at the Senior Adult Fair Tuesday morning.

Minden Civic Center had booths with representatives from Webster Parish Council on Aging, Social Security Administration, several medical and emergency responders organizations, as well as governmental agencies.

The event was sponsored by U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson. There were giveaways, food and games.

---

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 92. East wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 65.

Friday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 71.

Saturday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

* Information provided by National Weather Service.

---

SAREPTA, LA

Funeral service for Mr. Ronnie Gene Ward, age 64, of Sarepta, LA, will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, LA, with Rev. Tim Everett officiating. Interment will follow in Springhill Cemetery, Springhill, LA, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, LA.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 23, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, LA.

Mr. Ward was born on March 17, 1960, to Tommie D. and Myrtle Lee Barbo Ward in Springhill, LA, and passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Springhill, LA. Ronnie was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and spending time by the lake. He was a devoted LSU fan and cherished his family, and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Staci Ward; brother, Randy Ward and wife Lesa; two grandchildren, Ainslie Roberds and Parker Rester; two nieces, Rendi Dillard and husband Phillip and  Merry Minton and husband Spencer; and great-niece, Kennedy Dillard.

Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his son, Justin Ward and his parents.

Sign our online guest book at http://www.baileyfuneralhome.net

---