Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning Week 9 of the Webster Parish Journal Pick’em Football Contest will kick off with a new link for you to click on to pick this week’s teams.
Remember, the easiest way to do this is to sign up for a subscription to the Journal. The contest is simple and free – just like the journal. websterparishjournal.com.
Come back tomorrow to read all the news and play. Good luck and have fun!
By Paige Gurgainers
Claiborne Parish Historian and author Wesley Harris was the featured speaker at Monday evening’s “Night at the Museum” at the Dorcheat Historical Museum in Minden. Harris was there to give an enlightening lecture on the topic of his new book, “Wild Boys: Outlaws Link Waggonner and Tom Kinder and the Policy of Violence in 1890s Louisiana.”
It was during that period, a couple decades after the Civil War, when this surge of violence pertaining to the cases of the “Wild Boys” took place mostly in Webster and Claiborne parishes.
“They (Waggonner and Kinder) dearly hated each other. They wanted to kill one another,” said Harris. “A part of that goes back to the fact that Waggonner was always wanted for something and Kinder was a special deputy sheriff in Claiborne Parish.”
According to Harris, before the Civil War there was not a lot of internal violence, but that changed following the war particularly in North Louisiana. Factors for this included cultural values, social and economic structure breakdown, political turmoil, racial tension and corruption.
“It was really a time when every political leader was in it for himself. There was corruption at every level,” said Harris.
Waggonner was responsible for six known murders spanning across three parishes – Bossier, Claiborne and Webster.
While Kinder was one of the primary killers in the Ramsey-Tuggle feud. Harris explained, this feud was “much, much bigger” than the more famously known Hatfield and McCoy feud. “There were only about six people killed in the Hatfield & McCoy feud, but there were about 20 in the Ramsey-Tuggle Feud,” he said.
Kinder was an ally of the Ramseys – a well-off family that held numerous political offices and leadership positions in the parish. A lot of the feud took place on the road now known as White Lightening Road in Claiborne Parish.
“It’s hard to know who killed who because most of the time the killings were from ambush, but it appears Kinder was responsible for a great number of the killings,” said Harris.
Some of the murder took place on the public square and in front of witnesses with a few of the victims just being innocent bystanders.
Harris explained that most local news outlets would not run stories on it and the few that were courageous enough to do it were from outside of the state.
Ultimately, both Waggoner and Kinder end up in the Webster Parish jail in adjoining cells. There are claims that Waggoner told the sheriff, “If you just five us both Winchesters, we’ll just shoot it out right here.” The sheriff didn’t go for that, said Harris.
It seems that Kinder developed a type of nervous condition while he was imprisoned. He was given morphine regularly while his brother also supplied him with whiskey to curb his symptoms. He was the first of the two outlaws to go to trial where he was permitted to lie on a bench in the courtroom. While the jury is out for deliberation, Kinder ends up passing away. The jury found him “not guilty.”
Waggonner’s trial starts immediately following Kinder’s death. During the process of picking a jury, there was a break-in at the jail. Waggonner attempted to hide in a chimney fluke, but the other prisoners pulled him out and held him against the cell bars. He was then shot 12 times in the chest. Nobody was ever identified in the shooting.
“Finally, those two outlaws who had terrorized North Louisiana for several years are gone,” said Harris. “There are others that take their place, but nothing like we saw with those two.”
The last Night at the Museum event of the year is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. and will host guest speaker Dawn Glass sharing her life story and maybe a song or two.
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
October 28
5 until 7 p.m. Webster Parish Library Minden location Trunk or Treat, face painting artists Evelyn Colvin and Becky Meziere.
October 28-October 31
7 p.m. Hilltown Horrors Nightmare on North Main. Monday: Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tuesday: Insidious, Wednesday: The Conjuring, Thursday: IT. Spooky dinner, specials all four days, Spooking Louisiana history, costume contest, pet constume contest. Hosted by LaMa Animal Rescue, Kindred Spirits and Cajun Gyspy.
November 1-3
Main to Main Trade Days downtown Minden, highway 80 to Springhill.
November 2
7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jambin’ on Main in conjunction with Main to Main Trade Days. Taste testing and judging beginning at 11 a.m. Great food, Cajun and Zydeco music. Minden Civic Center parking lot.
10 a.m. until 1 p.m. 7th Annual Mission Baby Bazaar Craft/Bake Sale, First Baptist Church, Minden. All proceeds go to local families that are in the process of adoption and/or foster to adopt and support of local CASA program.
November 5
LDWF’s second and final Get Out & Fish! Catfish stocking of the fall will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, Turner’s Pond. 301 Lakeshore Dr., Minden.
The Northwestern State University Foundation announces the Anne Barry Graves Endowed Superior Graduate Scholarship, a new fund dedicated to supporting graduate students in the Department of Biology and Microbiology.
This scholarship, initiated with a $60,000 donation from Edna Anne Barry Graves of Lubbock, Texas, will be matched by the Louisiana Board of Regents, reaching a total endowment of $100,000.
Graves had a distinguished career as a teacher, beginning at DeRidder High School and later teaching special education in Minden.
Her career continued with 25 years at Sam Houston High School in Westlake. She earned a master’s degree in biology education from McNeese State University and taught several classes at the college level.
“This tremendous gift will significantly impact future students and programs that are currently in development in the department. This donation will go a long way to helping us create opportunities for students,” said Dr. Chris Lyles, director of NSU’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,
The Anne Barry Graves Endowed Superior Graduate Scholarship is the first of its kind for NSU’s Department of Biology and Microbiology. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing advanced studies and research in biological sciences.
Graves created the scholarship through the NSU Foundation to honor her parents, Geneva “Bit” and Fredrick Barry. The Barrys were instrumental in supporting Edna and her brother’s educational journeys, including her brother’s medical school education. Graves wanted to acknowledge their contributions and support future students in their academic pursuits.
A native of New Orleans, Anne Barry Graves enrolled at NSU in 1968, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology education in 1972. Graves’s career extended beyond the classroom; she worked in various roles including as a medical lab technician and an instructor of human anatomy and physiology. She also engaged with numerous scientific and educational organizations at the state, national and international levels. Her achievements include a Fulbright Fellowship to Japan, multiple research programs and numerous awards recognizing her excellence in teaching and science.
Graves father, Fredrick Barry, was a World War II veteran and a photojournalist, while her mother, Geneva “Bit” Barry, was a registered nurse with a long career in healthcare.
For those interested in supporting the Anne Barry Graves Endowed Superior Graduate Scholarship, contributions can be made through the NSU Foundation’s website at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/graves-scholarship/. Additional information about NSU’s Department of Biology and Microbiology is available at https://www.nsula.edu/sciences/.
Cherron Ferguson Jones
February 28, 1960 – October 23, 2024
Sarepta, La.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Monday, October 28, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Burial, Springhill Cemetery.
Marion Lee Elkins
July 23, 1945 – October 17, 2024
Shongaloo, La.
Graveside memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, White Hall Cemetery, Shongaloo.
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 Pat Culverhouse
An attempt to flee from Minden police officers serving arrest warrants late Wednesday didn’t end well for a Cotton Valley man who now finds himself a resident of the parish prison facing a serious felony charge.
Xikerion D. Mendenhall, 18, who listed a residence in the 100 block of Mullens Rd. in Cotton Valley, was arrested on East Street shortly after 10:30 p.m. on warrants from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said.
McIver said Mendenhall is charged with armed robbery, obstruction of justice and resisting an officer. He is being held in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on bonds totaling $350,100.
Police also recovered a handgun which allegedly had been in the suspect’s possession at the time the warrants were served.
Officers reportedly knocked on the front door of the East St. residence to serve the warrants and when they announced themselves, Mendenhall ran from the rear door.
Outside, he was confronted by MPD Lieutenants Brandon Curry and Spencer Tippen who had stationed themselves at the rear of the residence.
As he fled on foot, Mendenhall allegedly tossed a tan-colored object over an adjacent fence before complying with officers’ commands to halt.
“After the suspect was in custody, Lt. Curry returned to the location where he tossed the object,” McIver said. “Lt. Curry recovered a tan, Glock 19X handgun with a full magazine inside.”
Further investigation revealed Mendenhall also had an active felony warrant through the MPD.
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.
Journal Staff
The second annual Witches Ride of Minden was every bit as popular as the first. In fact, one observer said he believes there were at least twice and possibly three times the number of participants Thursday as there were in the inaugural parade last year.
While the final count from ticket sales isn’t in yet, beneficiaries of the money collected from the ride – Webster Parish School children and Webster Parish CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) – should see a real boost from the event.
Event organizers with Pearls of Purpose Sarah Watson Overall and Angela Fussell 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,” Overall said. “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 of benefitting 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.”
Grand Marshals for the parade were Laura Hollingsworth and Melissa Brown.
“These southern ladies have deep roots in this community and possess the epitome of a servant’s heart and carry grace and charm,” said Overall. “They are both wives, mothers, grandmothers, and have been active leaders in this community for many years. When they aren’t giving their time to their families, they are both serving on different committees and boards.”
Hollingsworth and Brown also share the title of “Woman of the Year,” and have been actively involved in the Minden St. Jude (MSJ) Auction since 1995.
Scott Andrews, a 37-year-old white male from Monroe, LA, entered Tractor Supply in Minden on Monday, Oct. 7, allegedly put two Dewalt impact drills in his pants and attempted to leave the store.
An employee stopped Andrews and he allegedly said, “If you touch me, I’ll call the police.” He reportedly then hurriedly left the store. Andrews was identified by his vehicle license plate.
Anyone with information on Scott Andrews is asked to contact Det. Lt. Jason Smith of the Minden Police Dept. at 318-371-4226 (office) or 318-268-1441 (cell).
All information will be considered confidential.
By Bonnie Culverhouse
Sunday night there’s a place for kids and adults who wish they were still kids in the parking lots of First Baptist Church in Minden.
From 5 until 7:30 p.m. October 27, the public – all ages – is invited to dress in costume and join the fun for games, food and door prizes.
Event coordinator Rick Chreene has been putting together FBC’s fall fest for around 20 years, he said. This year, will be special.
“We will have on display, the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series’ trophy,” Chreene said. “Kids and adults can have their pictures made with it. It’s pretty exciting.”
There will be all types of games, including a cake walk, concession areas with burgers and hot dogs and costume contests for kids and adults.
“Last year, we had a good time with the adults that dressed up,” Chreene said. “It allows them to be kids again.Most of them were pretty funny.”
Beginning at 6 p.m., door prizes will be drawn every half hour.
“The final drawing is for a large screen TV,” Chreene added.
The festival is open and free to the public.
By Paige Gurgainers
Job seekers from all over the parish attended the Job Fair and Resource Expo hosted by the Greater Minden Chamber this past Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Minden Civic Center.
The chamber partnered with the City of Minden and their Civic Center staff, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Coordinating & Development Corporation and Webster Parish Schools to bring more than 30 employers on site giving attendees a wide range of industry choices.
“We had a steady flow of job seekers throughout the day, as well as students from North Webster and Minden High who were there to learn about future job opportunities,” said Chamber President Stephanie Barnett. “Our employers seemed pleased with the turnout and with the quality of applicants, so I would say that is a success.”
For anyone who is still on the hunt for employment, they can contact the Chamber office for a full list of employers who were present at the job fair on Tuesday along with their contact information.
That list includes:
City of Minden
Fibrebond Corporation
Louisiana Workforce Commission
Coastal Truck Driving School
Wiley University
Always Best Care Senior Services
Evolve Family Life Services
Brentwood Hospital
Live! Casino & Hotel, Louisiana
Minden Medical Center
SERVPRO
TRiO Educational Opportunity Center
Regions Bank
Webster Parish E-911
Jean Simpson Personnel Services
United States Postal Service
Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office
Shreveport Area Electrical JATC
Northwest LA Technical Community College
Clement Industries
Office of Public Health
Bossier Sheriff’s Office
Adecco Staffing
Webster Parish School Board
Module X Solutions
Webster Parish Community Action Agency
City of Minden Fire Department
Springhill Medical Center
Parish of Caddo
EI Williams Ind LLC
AC Services of Minden
LA Dept of State Civil Service
Colonial Oaks Rehabilitation Center
Louisiana Army National Guard
Morris & Dickson
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday Night
Clear, with a low around 60.
* Information provided by National Weather Service.
Roger Wayne Brown, 63, 200 block Melvin Thomas Rd., Doyline; arrested Oct 24 by WPSO for domestic abuse battery. Bond set at $5,000.
Kerikimeron J. Ratling, 22, Madden Rd., Arcadia; arrested Oct. 24 by WPSO on outstanding warrants for speeding, driving under suspension. Bond set at $5,261.50.
Drake E. David, 28, 400 block Oak Dr., Doyline; arrested Oct. 23 by WPSO on outstanding warrants from Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office for possession of CDS Sch. II, possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set $26,000.
Joseph Jerome Bracey, Jr., 28, East Broad St., Mansfield, TX; arrested Oct. 23 in Tarrant County, TX on outstanding warrant from MPD for felony theft. Bond set at $15,000.
Jeremy Briggs, 31, Queens Hwy., Shreveport; arrested Oct. 24 by WPSO on outstanding warrant for possession of CDS Sch. I with intent to distribute. Bond set at $40,000.
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.
Springhill Medical Center welcomes Sonya Thomas as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Sonya’s specialties are Family Medicine, Women’s Health and pediatrics.
FNPs assess, diagnose, and treat patients in all life stages, from toddlers to older adults. FNPs typically work on care teams with physicians and RNs. They handle common illnesses and injuries and refer patients to specialists when necessary.
For an appointment with Sonya, call 318-539-1701.
It’s getting close to time to move plants inside. When you bring them in, you usually have to fight the bugs you bring in with them. Be sure to spray them good a week or so before moving them. Cynara is a great chemical to use. It’s safe and labeled for this.
House plants have made a great comeback. They don’t need a lot of attention. You might want to use a little fertilizer every other week. Fertilome makes a Houseplant Hero plant food, it is a 10-10-10. It mixes a 1/4 teaspoon to a quart of water. Avoid overwatering and using water that has passed through a water softening unit. Water when soil is dry. Repot once per year into a larger pot of appropriate size and use a premium potting mix. I like the Baccto potting soils. Make sure the plants have plenty of light.
So as not to have to spray the plants for insects while they are inside, you can use sticky traps. Sticky traps capture fungus gnats, fruit flies, leaf miners, thrips, and aphids. They will also trap spiders. Sticky traps are not expensive and will do a good job for you.
(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)
This event was born from a childhood memory that evolved into a “Mission Event” to help fund and bring awareness to local adoption/foster care.
This is the 7th Annual event whereby vendors donate their time and resources of homemade items of all types to the assistance of families in the process of adopting or fostering to adopt children and to assist the local CASA Program. All funds go directly to these families and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
Adoption can be very costly, depending on circumstances. Your participation gives you the joy of being part of the process.
God has directed the “church” – ‘Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.’ James 1:27
Included in the event:
-Maker/handmade craft items of all kinds! Christmas, Fall, home decor, candles, leather works, bath bombs, dog treats, night lights, charcuterie boards, blankets, jewelry, gifts galore
-Silent Auction
-Bake/Casserole Sale
-Hot Dog or Jambalaya Lunch
This year’s event is November 2 at First Baptist Family Life Center Gym, Minden, Louisiana
10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Criminal Court Monday, October 28:
COURTROOM A
BAILEY, JAMAL D.
99286-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
99286-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
BAKER, ANDERSON L.
98940A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940A-CT.2 Conspiracy Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
BARNES, WESLEY D.
99212 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000.00 Or More But Under $50,000.00
BATTON, JAQUAVA MALIK
99289 CT 1 Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer
99289 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
BESHEA, PATRICK DANE
98694 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
98694 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage
BROOKS, KEITH
98895 Simple Burglary
Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $4,250.00, plus $637.50 fee = $4,887.50 total
BURKS, ALESHIA
99082 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
CARTER, ANTONIO
98162 Theft of $25,000 or More
Defense filed MTC to today Trial 12/16 Restitution owed to the victim- $2679.48 + $402.00 fee = $3081.48
CHERRY, WILLIAM B.
98308-CT.1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
98308-CT.2 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
98308A Stalking
CHERRY, WILLIAM B.
99160 Ct. 1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
99160 Ct. 2 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
COBB, JORDAN
98388 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
COLLIER, KASEY JO
INCOMING Aggravated Burglary
DISOTELL, DONALD
96070 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Restitution owed to Cuna Mutual Group $18,506.83 + $7,500.00 owed to Carter Federal Credit Union, plus $3,901.02 DA fee = $29,907.85. Current balance $21,707.83 (10/10/24)
EDWARDS, LADERRICK LASHUN
99299 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution
FRAZIER, DELANDRY
99071 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
FRAZIER, KAYLA S
98730
Simple Battery
GERMANY, DEOTIS K.
99171-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99171-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99171-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
GIBSON, JR., JAMES
97355 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Restitution owed to the victim- $1,831.62, plus $274.74 fee= $2,106.36 total Balance as of 10/10/24 is $406.36
GILL, DOMINICK
99234 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
GOODMAN, LAURA
INCOMING Monetary Instrument Abuse
GRISBY, CHARCAZA DIJON
98059-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98059-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98059-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98059-CT.4 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
GRISBY, CHARCAZA DIJON
91492 Distribution Of A Schedule II CDS
HALL, JOSIAH D
98142 Second Degree Kidnapping
98142A Attempted Second Degree Murder
HARRELL, CRYSTAL MARIE
99277 Distribution of a Schedule III CDS
HARRIS, PHILLIP A.
99048 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile
HARRIS, SABRINA RAVEN
99156 Child Desertion
HARRISON, SAWYER BLAIR
99296 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
HART, KEVIN DOUGLAS
99195 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
HEARD, CORDERO L.
99034 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
ISLAND, LISH ANTONIO
INCOMING Felony Access Device Fraud ($1,000 – $5,000)
JACKSON, CARLTONIOVONTAE RAVION
99285 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)
JACKSON, RODERICK LAMAR
99295-CT.1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
99295-CT.2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
JACKSON, III, WILLIAM E.
99288 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution
JOHNSON, ISIAH JESHUN
99185 CT 1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
99185 CT 2 Obstruction Of Justice
JONES, CHAMETERIA
99257 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities
JONES, LADERRICK L.
98142 Second Degree Kidnapping
KEMP, ADEYMI
99293 Battery of a Dating Partner
KIMMONS, TIMOTHY O.
97784 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
KIMMONS, TIMOTHY O.
97784 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
LANE, III, VESTER RAY
98300 Illegal Use Of A Firearm during a Crime Of Violence
LEAKE, ELROY JEWELL
98911 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
A Status Hearing CPD
Yocom, Jimbo Mary Ellen Halterman Charles Smith
LEWIS, CHAZZSMUN L.
98519 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
LEWIS, CHAZZSMUN L.
98518 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
LEWIS, MATTHEW
98306 Home Invasion
LILLEY, TIMOTHY D.
99200 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
LOUD, KEODRICK
98887-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98887-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
Please make sure forfeiture of $624.64 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.
MANGHAM, ASHTON LANE
98624-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98624-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98624-CT.3 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
MARKRAY, JEFFERSON LAMAR
99294 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
MARTIN, SHUNTERRA THOMAS
INCOMING Obstructing Highways of Commerce
INCOMING Resisting An Officer
INCOMING Flight From An Officer
INCOMING General Speed Law
INCOMING Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
INCOMING Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection
MASON, JACOBY
98941 Vehicular Homicide
MILES, KENECIYA TASIA
INCOMING Contributing To The Delinquency Of Juveniles
INCOMING Principal To Principal To Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000.00 Or More But Under $50,000.00
MIMS, MELVIN KEITHER
99290 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
MOSS, SUMMER MICHELLE
99279 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
ONEY, GARRETT DAVID
98885 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)
PEREZ, ELROY AKA ELOY
T-1278-09 No Seat Belt
T-1278-09 Driving Under Suspension
PEREZ, ELROY AKA ELOY
99069 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
REED, DERIAN DEQUAN
98940-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940-CT.3 Conspiracy Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
98940-CT.4 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
REED, DERIAN DEQUAN
98940-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940-CT.3 Conspiracy Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
98940-CT.4 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
RHODES, BENNIE
99302 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
RICE, ALEXIS
98579 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Restitution owed $6210.00 + $931.50 fee = $7141.50 Balance as of 10/10/24 is $6,841.50
RILEY, SAMUEL R.
98583 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile
ROGERS, ARIANNA BROOKE
99099 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
SHEHEE, ROY K
99268 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
99268 CT 2 Obstruction Of Justice
SHELTON, AYANNA DEMARQUINE
98815 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
SNEED, DAVID J.
99267 Molestation of a Juvenile
SOUTER, CALEB D.
INCOMING Assault by drive-by shooting
INCOMING Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform Cds Law
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
THOMAS, NATHAN LETRELL
99278 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
THORTON, FERNUNDO LOPEZ
97854-CT.1 Molestation of a Juvenile
97854-CT.2 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles
TIMS, STACY GAIL
99287 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
WALKER, DEMARIO MARQUIS
99170 Home Invasion
WALKER, MICHAEL GENE
99300 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
WHITE, JR., NATHANIEL
99080 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
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
YOUNG, BOBBY LEE
99298 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
YOUNG, STEPHEN RYLAND
98891 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
October 26
6 until 9 p.m. Fall Festival at Minden Rec Center. Jump houses, games, trunk or treat, costume contest, and lots of family fun! Haunted House entry is $1 per person. Parking and admission is FREE!
October 27
11 a.m. Pack the Pews Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Service, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1978 Hwy. 531, Minden, Terry Combs, pastor. Speakers: LaKishia Grider and Lawiess Grider. Please wear pink to show your support.
6 p.m. Voting ends for LaMa Animal Rescue’s Photo Contest. Visit https://www.facebook.com/share/p/uiaoKpWfYV9oRcuD/?mibextid=qi2Omg to cast your ballot.
October 28
5 until 7 p.m. Webster Parish Library Minden location, face painting artists Evelyn Colvin and Becky Meziere at Hogwarts Trunk or Treat event.
October 28-October 31
7 p.m. Hilltown Horrors Nightmare on North Main. Monday: Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tuesday: Insidious, Wednesday: The Conjuring, Thursday: IT. Spooky dinner, specials all four days, Spooking Louisiana history, costume contest, pet constume contest. Hosted by LaMa Animal Rescue, Kindred Spirits and Cajun Gyspy.
November 2
10 a.m. until 1 p.m. 7th Annual Mission Baby Bazaar Craft/Bake Sale, First Baptist Church, Minden. All proceeds go to local families that are in the process of adoption and/or foster to adopt and support of local CASA program.
November 5
LDWF’s second and final Get Out & Fish! Catfish stocking of the fall will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, Turner’s Pond. 301 Lakeshore Dr., Minden.
The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of October 18 through 24. All Civil Suits are public record.
October 18
Discover Bank vs. Alison Amith, monies due.
Discover Bank vs. April Strickland, monies due.
Cassidy Ann Harper vs. Michael Harper Jr., divorce.
Benjamin Quarles, name change.
October 21
Brad Thomas Orr vs. Tiffany Watson Orr, divorce.
Julia Dick vs. Randy D. Dyck Jr., protective order.
Patrick Curtis Scheer vs. Cindy Lou Littler Scheer, divorce no children. Capital One vs. David C. Handy, monies due.
Joanne Kemp, Deborah Jenkins, Jamya Robinson vs. Jessie Anderson, Safeway Insurance Co. of Louisiana, damages.
Annie Brown, Amy Brown, Oswald Brown vs. CLHG Minden LLC, dba Minden Medical Center, medical malpractice.
October 22
Alan Dale Cameron, succession over $125K.
Stacy W. Malham vs. Kastasia J. Kemp, divorce.
October 23
Shiloh Shockley, Scott Shockley, tutorship.
UHG I LLC vs. Jamie New, monies due.
October 24
Barbara Valentine, succession over $125K
Rebecca Matlock vs. Michael Matlock, divorce.
Sharon Hedrick
November 24, 1957 -October 22, 2024
Cotton Valley, La.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, First Baptist Church, Minden.
Burial: 11:30 a.m. Cotton Valley Cemetery.
Marion Lee Elkins
July 23, 1945 – October 17, 2024
Shongaloo, La.
Graveside memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, White Hall Cemetery, Shongaloo.
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 Marilyn Miller
Well, yes, it’s nearly Halloween. And there were some “Strange” things happening in Minden the weekend of Oct. 18. It was the third International Brick Collector Association’s “Brick Swap” of 2024. And it was hosted by Daniel and Susan Strange, residents of the Blue Run Road north of Minden.
According to the IBCA’s website, there are 700 members of the group in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia and France.
A total of 85 of those folks (75 members and six guests) gathered in Minden, coming from as far away as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Alabama, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
The weekend started off with a pre-swapping get-together on Friday afternoon at the Strange home. Then 65 people packed into the Crawfish Hole in Dixie Inn that evening to enjoy seafood, steaks and other Louisiana favorites.
On Saturday, members arranged their vehicles in two lines (rear-ends facing the alleyway created), stacked their bricks behind each vehicle and at the blowing of a whistle, began swapping bricks of all kinds featuring lettering, pictures, dates, patterns, logos and more.
“We do not sell bricks, we just swap them,” Dan explained. Following the swap-meet, an auction took place, with over $2,000 raised for the club.
“At the conclusion of the auction, members dined on sandwiches from the Broken Bean. Then they just sat around and visited…they really enjoyed themselves. Most of them needed to start driving home, but they didn’t want to leave.” Of course, this wasn’t Susan and Dan’s first swap meet. They also hosted the brick swap in 2015. And, since they are now both retired, they travel the nation attending other brick swaps.
“It was a very good ‘swap’ – everybody loved it,” Dan added. “I think it went very well, and it was the second largest I’ve taken part in.”
Terry Taraba of Texas is president of the IBCA Board. Dan is treasurer. If you are interested in joining these brick collectors, just send $20 to Dan Strange, 1450 Blue Run Road, Minden LA 71055. The fiscal year for dues is January through December.
By Pat Culverhouse
Recognizing a vehicle driving with switched license plates earned a Minden police officer a drug arrest and has given a local woman a room in the parish lockup.
Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said officer Anthony Crittendon stopped a vehicle around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday as it emerged from a parking lot on Talton St. McIver said the patrol officer recognized the vehicle as one reportedly bearing switched tags.
During his interview of the driver, 41-year-old Tiffanie Lashay Williams, a resident of the 600 block of Evans St. in Minden, the officer reportedly learned her license was suspended. He also reportedly discovered Williams was the subject of a pair of active warrants.
McIver said Crittendon received permission to search the vehicle and, along with Lt. Chris Hammontree, found a clear plastic container inside a backpack the suspect had on her person as she exited the vehicle.
Inside the container, the officers found 17 pills, which Williams reportedly admitted were Ecstasy drugs.
Williams is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center looking at charges of possession of CDS Sch. II (Ecstasy), on bench warrant, fugitive from Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, switched tags and driving under suspension. Her total bond has been set at $5,000.
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.
Today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. the link will close for this week’s Pick’em football contest in order to ensure all winners are in before games begin tomorrow.
Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal, and photos will be taken with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. Remember, you must be 18 or older to play.
Monday, we will have wrap ups from this week’s high school games and Tuesday, the contest starts all over again.
So fire up your phones or computers and get ready to pick’em.
Here’s your link: https://form.jotform.com/232385564755163
An Evening of Frighteningly Good Food, Music, and Fun
Halloween lovers, foodies, and families alike, prepare yourselves for a frightfully good time at Food Truck Friday on October 25 at the corner of Church and Main Street in Springhill! This Halloween-themed event will transform downtown into a lively celebration of food, music, and community.
From 4 until 9 p.m., Springhill Main Street will be filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season.
Highlights of the event include the following:
Food Trucks Galore: Enjoy a devilishly delicious array of gourmet food trucks serving up spine-tingling entrees and delectable desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving.
Live DJ: Krystal “Chica” Montez will be spinning spooky beats and party favorites to keep the energy high all night long!
Yard Games: Challenge your friends to cornhole, giant Jenga, and other exciting yard games – Halloween style.
Face Painting: Transform into your favorite monster or mystical creature with help from talented face painters, offering designs for all ages.
This frightfully fun event takes place right after the North Webster High School Knights Homecoming Parade, making it the perfect continuation of a community-filled evening.
Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, music lover, or simply here for the holiday fun, Food Truck Friday has something for everyone.
Event Details:
Date: October 25
Time: 4 until 9 p.m.
Location: Main Street Pocket Park, NE corner of Church and Main Street, Springhill.