Athens, LA – The Mount Olive Christian School Lady Eagles volleyball team achieved a major milestone on Thursday, securing the first varsity playoff win in school history. The Lady Eagles triumphed in the quarterfinals with a commanding 3-0 victory over AHSA, posting scores of 25-10, 25-11, and 25-19.

With this historic win, the Lady Eagles advance to the state semifinals, set to take place on Friday, October 18th at Psalms Christian Academy in Natchitoches.

Coach Collin Bell expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “I couldn’t be prouder of our young ladies. The pressure was on us playing at home as the higher seed, and none of our girls had won a playoff game before, but we didn’t let the inexperience affect us. We were well prepared for AHSA, and we knew what they were going to come at us with. We accepted the challenge and were fairly dominant in all three sets.”

Looking ahead to the semifinal matchup against Psalms Academy, Coach Bell is confident in his team’s abilities: “Psalms is a very talented team, but so are we. In our first matchup, we took them to five sets and came up just short, but we know we can compete with them. We are looking forward to an opportunity to continue making school history on Friday night.”

Mount Olive Christian School will face Psalms Academy in the state semifinals this Friday, October 18th, at 7:00 pm with hopes of advancing to the championship game and further cementing their place in the school’s history books.

The history making Lady Eagles are represented by a strong lineup of players:

• #2 Pippa Monk
• #3 Abby Rodgers
• #4 Riley Morrow
• #7 Dixie Langley
• #10 Claire Miles
• #12 Cydnee Barnette
• #17 Kyra Wheeler
• #23 Destiny Williams
• #32 Breanna Miles
• #35 Maeva Sitagata
• Team Manager: Cannan Youngblood

For more information, visit the Mount Olive Christian Athletics Facebook page or call Mount Olive Christian School at (318) 258-5661.

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Monday

Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Clear, with a low around 54.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 87.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

* Information provided by National Weather Service.

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Central Elementary Fall Carnival Aims to Unite the Community for a Good Cause

Dubberly, La – Central Elementary’s annual Fall Carnival will be from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 24. This carnival has a history of uniting the school and community. This year is different from carnivals in the past because this year all profits will benefit St. Jude Children’s research hospital.

“Central is a great school, and a large part of that is the level of community/parental involvement we have,” Principal, Daniel Lee, emphasized. “This is an opportunity for members of the community to be actively involved with their child’s school in a non-academic setting. The importance of our school to the community is not something we take lightly. It is our goal to do all we can to give back as much as the community has given to us.”

The Fall Carnival has a legacy that spans generations.

“My Mama and Daddy, Mr. & Mrs. O.M. McLemore were always big supporters and volunteers at whatever school my sister and I attended,” Darlene Couch said. “My mother jumped right in volunteering as a teacher’s helper. She also organized the first yearbook, PTA and the first Halloween Carnival (the name of the original carnival). The money raised at the carnival was to purchase window air conditioner units for classrooms and big fans for the old gym which was located across the street at the time.”

Mrs. Couch has a daughter who teaches at Central and a grandchild who attends as well. In addition to new games and activities, Central will have fan favorites such as bingo, the cake walk, the haunted house and, of course, the hamburger dinner. Bracelets and tickets for activities are available for presale and hamburger plate until October 22nd.

Central has volunteer opportunities available as well. Please call 318.377-2591 for further inquiries. Any donation made allows for more of the monies raised to go to support St. Jude. These donations can be dropped off at the office.

Last year, the turnout was dampened by the rain. This year, rain or shine, Central plans on food, fun, and families for a great cause and they want the carnival to be bigger and better than ever.

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

October 21

6 p.m. Night at the Museum with Wesley Harris. Wild Boys: Outlaws Link Waggonner and Tom Kinder and the Policy of Violence in 1890s Louisiana.

October 22

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Job Fair and Resource Expo 2024, Minden Civic Center. For inquires, call 318-377-4240 or email info@mindenchamber.com.

4 until 6 p.m. Webster Parish Library Springhill location, face painting artists Evelyn Colvin and Becky Meziere at Hogwarts Trunk or Treat event.

6 until 8 p.m.

Autumn Leaves & BINGO Breeze, Meadowview Health & Rehab Center. Free, all ages welcome. Prizes, refreshments, 400 Meadowview Road, Minden.

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.

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Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning Week 8 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!

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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.

William “Bill” L. Stanberry Sr.

March 1, 1932 – October 15, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Minden.

Funeral service: 10 a.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Friendships Cemetery, Haynesville, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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 Bonnie Culverhouse

It may be a few years in the making, but somewhere in the future the City of Minden may see savings in the fire department’s budget since the council recently voted to restructure it.

Minden Fire Chief Brian Williams said he has wanted to change the department since he was appointed chief because the configuration before the vote showed “too many chiefs and not enough Indians.”

“I understand why they did it that way,” Williams said of the past structure. “They made nine captain spots, so they had nine captains and two assistant chiefs – that’s 11 out of 15 (paid positions). The reason they did it was because their pay was low, and the only way to give them more pay was to promote them to the next level for an increase.”

Just before Williams was appointed chief, the city raised the firefighters’ pay.

“So, now we need to restructure so we don’t have too many officers and not enough firemen,” he said.

Currently, there are three shifts. The department has two assistant chiefs – one on each shift – and the battalion chief (a position between assistant chief and captain) is on the other shift. There are nine captains and four firefighters.

Management levels top to bottom are chief, assistant chief(s), battalion chief, captains, fire operators, firefighters.

Change will begin through upcoming retirements, Williams pointed out, which won’t happen for at least a few more years.

With the council-approved restructure, there will be one assistant chief on each shift with a battalion chief running each shift and a captain under the battalion chief.

“It will give us more hands-on firefighters and the proper number of officers when you’re looking at span of control,” he said. “So we will have a better ratio.”

Williams said when he applied and interviewed for the chief’s position, he was open about the changes, so everyone was aware it was in the works.

“The other benefit is we have an assistant chief to ensure all shifts run seamlessly – all shifts are run exactly the same,” Williams said. “Right now, they all get the job done, but they all do it differently. And it gives us an extra hand during the day time. Although he (the assistant chief) is in an administrative role, he is operational, so he can still fight fires at the scene or whatever he needs to do.”

Williams said as employees retire who have been on staff for many years, new positions will be created.

“The battalion chief positions will cost less than an assistant chief position,” he said. “With the new pay scale the city put into place before I took over, there are caps on certain things, after someone’s been here for a number of years, they’re capped on what they can make … they can’t make any more. One of those being the 2 percents that state law requires you pay up to 20 years. Now there’s no way for you to make any more after 20 years. If you’re going to promote to a battalion or assistant chief, you can stay an extra three years or five years, but you wouldn’t stay an extra 35 or 40 years. It will help with people being able to promote sooner. After five years, they are eligible to take the test for fire captain if a position becomes available.”

Williams said one of his future goals is to reopen Fire Station #2 on Middle Landing, which will require hiring more firefighters and promoting more to captains.

“I’m not putting a timeline on that, though,” he said.

In the meantime, all firefighters are training on new equipment and working on new policies and procedures. The chief has presented the city council with ordinances that will ensure fire alarms work properly and key boxes are on site at businesses, allowing the department easy access when there is a fire. See upcoming Webster Parish Journal publications for those stories.

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Early voting for the Nov. 5 Presidential General and Open Congressional Election began today (Friday, Oct. 18) and continues through Tuesday, Oct. 29 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 27) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voters are being asked to consider five amendments to the Louisiana Constitution in this fall’s election cycle, with the proposals split across the Nov. 5 and Dec. 7 ballots. The issues involve coastal  restoration financing, passage of budget bills, judicial misconduct investigations and tax sales.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR), a nonpartisan educational and research organization, has provided detailed reports on the constitutional amendments set before voters across more than four decades.

This latest PAR Guide to the 2024 Constitutional Amendments reviews each proposal for the November and December ballots in the order they will appear before voters. The guide does not make recommendations about how to vote, but offers analysis and provides arguments of supporters and opponents of each proposal for voters to make their own decisions.

The five amendments were passed by lawmakers in the regular legislative session earlier this year. Each proposal had to receive a two-thirds favorable vote in the House and Senate to reach the ballot. Now, each amendment needs a majority vote at the polls to get enacted. See guide below.

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Hailey Hopson of Mississippi is wanted for allegedly fraudulently trying to sell a flatbed trailer on Facebook.

The victim paid the suspect via Cash App and the suspect then blocked contact. Through search warrants on Cash App, it was discovered that Hopson allegedly sold the same nonexistent trailer to four different people throughout Louisiana.

Hopson is wanted for misdemeanor access device fraud.

Anyone with information on Hailey Hopson is urged to contact Det. Lt. Jason Smith at the Minden Police Dept. (318-371-4226) or 318-268-1441.

All information will be confidential.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Violating traffic laws has landed a Colorado man in the Webster Parish lockup facing more serious charges of trafficking illegal narcotics.

Rodney Karl Jackson, a 60-year-old Denver resident, is currently being held on two counts of possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of CDS Sch. II and one count of distribution of a Legend drug. 

According to Louisiana State Police, Jackson was stopped near the Minden exit on Interstate 20 around 9 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 16) for a traffic violation. After making contact, the trooper reportedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana on the driver and inside the vehicle.

During a probable cause search of the vehicle, a backpack was found inside an ice chest located in the bed of the truck. Inside the backpack, a quantity of drugs including multiple bags of suspected marijuana reportedly were discovered.

Also found were approximately 1,000 pills along with THC gummies and THC vapes.

Jackson reportedly told the arresting trooper he was transporting the pills and other narcotics to Jonesboro (LA) with the intent to sell. He reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center with a total bond set at $80,000.

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.

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Leland Dawayne Harvill, 62, 100 block Coyle St., Sarepta; arrested Oct. 14 by WPSO on outstanding warrants through Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Summer N. Howell, 33, Smith Loop, Sarepta; arrested Oct. 14 by Springhill PD on outstanding warrant for simple burglary. Bond set $25,000.

Kayla Breanne Young, 35, Minden; arrested Oct. 15 by WPSO on warrants four counts improper supervision of a minor.

Darien D. Moore, 26, 500 block Sullivan St., Minden; arrested Oct. 14 by WPSO on outstanding warrant.

Crystal Harrell, 42, Reiny Circle, Springhill; arrested Oct. 15 by WPSO on warrants for bank fraud, access device fraud. Bond set $16,000.

Rometrius Lewis, 36, Marion St., Minden; arrested Oct. 17 by WPSO for parole violation.

Levert Letrell Young, 30, 500 block Central School Rd., Dubberly; arrested Oct. 17 by Louisiana State Police on four outstanding warrants from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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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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.

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Fall feeding is one of the most critical feeding times for your lawn.  A healthy and stable plant can endure the hardship of winter better than a week plant.  Using a winterizer lawn food builds better hardiness, stem strength and disease resistance in lawns.  It also is a good evaluation time for your grass.  Is there proper moisture content with good drainage?  You don’t to have places that have standing water.  This just causes more stress to your lawn along with the winter stress.

Fertilome has a winterizer that is 10-0-14 that also contains trace elements.  The application rate is 20 lbs per 5000 square feet.  It is also is labeled to use around your shrubs and trees.  Trees use 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter around drip line. For shrubs use 1 cup per 3 ft of height around drip line.

Another thing to think about is overseeding your lawn with perennial ryegrass.  This does not mean perineal that comes back every year.  Perineal ryegrass is a really thick ryegrass that makes your lawn look green, thick and luscious.  This is the grass that the baseball fields use in the winter.  When they start spring season there is a silent competion between   the coaches of who has the best looking field.  Futura and Panterea are names of 2 of the varieties used in our area.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Petit Jury Monday, October 21:

GARLAND, STEPHEN

98888 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

PJD Jury Trial MPD

COKER, ELIZABETH DIANNE

98888A Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

PJD Jury Trial MPD

CASEY, DONTAY DEWAYNE

98547 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms

PJD Jury Trial MPD

WILLIAMS, NATHANAEL

98980-CT.1 Battery of a Police Officer While in Custody or While Detained

98980-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98980-CT.3 Attempted Aggravated Escape

PJD Jury Trial WPSD

ARMSTEAD, KEDRICK KENTWON

98509-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

98509-CT.2 Attempted Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

98509-CT.3 Second Degree Rape

PJD Jury Trial SPRINGHILL

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE

97339 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PJF Jury Trial MPD

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE

98993 Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

PJF Jury Trial WPSD

MARKRAY, DECARRIO

98936 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

PJF Jury Trial MPD

MORNING, RICHARD R

98332 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PJF Jury Trial MPD

GIPSON, DESHAWN

98533 CT 1 Simple Burglary

98533 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

PJF Jury Trial MPD

ARRINGTON, TIMOTHY E

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

PJF Jury Trial DIPD

Restitution owed to Rasco’s Grocery per the report- $5,430.00, plus $814.50 fee, = $6,244.50 total

GEORGE, RICHARD

98335 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98335 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98335 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

PJF Jury Trial MPD

HENDRICKS, ALEX FITZGERALD

97141 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

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

PJF Jury Trial CVPD

Restitution owed 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

PJF Jury Trial CVPD

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Students from four south Webster Parish High Schools were presented with the Honesty & Integrity Awards from Minden Masonic Lodge #51 earlier this week. Special guest, Mason Jay McCallum, who sits on the Louisiana Supreme Court, gave out the awards and kept the audience laughing.

Today’s recipients, representatives of Doyline High School, are Rileigh Luco and Gauge Garner.

“We need to do all we can to encourage these young people (to develop honesty and integrity in their lives),” Justice McCallum told a large audience gathered at Minden’s Masonic Lodge.

Each of the eight students, who were selected after interviews with people from their schools, churches, civic and school clubs, and various other adults, were also presented with a check by Masonic Chaplain Richard Fletcher on behalf of the Temple Masonic Lodge in Bossier City. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)

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 Springhill, LA — Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce has joined the Clean Biz Partnership, a new program created by Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) aimed at reducing and preventing litter, and is asking area businesses to share in the responsibility of addressing the state’s litter problem.

KLB, in cooperation with the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (LACCE), is asking Chambers across Louisiana to join the Clean Biz Partnership and recruit businesses in their area to participate as a Clean Biz Partner. As part of the new campaign, KLB is providing supplies, recognition and branded marketing toolkits to participating Chambers and enrolled businesses to display in their place of business. The program was created to address a recommendation made/ from the Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force created by Governor Edwards and chaired /by Lt. Governor Nungesser.

“A clean Louisiana is good for business — by doing our part and keeping our businesses litter free, we are giving a great first impression to customers and visitors while positively impacting our state’s economic development efforts,” said (insert Chamber rep name and title).

According to KLB Executive Director Susan Russell, a recent litter public attitude survey conducted in Louisiana showed that 89% of those polled stated they believe litter negatively impacts businesses by decreasing revenues.

“Litter is a problem that affects the health and vitality of all communities in Louisiana,” said Russell. “Street flooding, property values, tourism, our state’s image, the environment and our businesses are all impacted by litter — it’s a responsibility that must be shared by all of us, including the business community, to make meaningful change and keep our communities litter free.”

Businesses can sign up to be a Clean Biz Partner at bit.ly/CleanBIZPartnershipApplication. For more information about the program visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org/CleanBiz.

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By Paige Gurgainers

The next Night at the Museum event for the year is scheduled for October 21 at 6 p.m. and will feature Claiborne Parish Historian Wesley Harris speaking about his new book. 

“Wild Boys: Outlaws Link Waggonner and Tom Kinder and the Policy of Violence in 1890s Louisiana” tells the story of two of the area’s most notorious outlaws. 

According to Harris’ extensive research on this time period, North Louisiana experienced decades of violence following the Civil War. While the region was mostly untouched by fighting during the war, the following Reconstruction era was marked by political and racial violence as well as traditional crime like stagecoach robberies, murder, and the like.   

“The book looks at some reasons for this rise in crime that did not exist before or during the war,” said Harris. “In particular, I examine two of the best-known outlaws from Northwest Louisiana during the 1880s and 1890s and the horrific crimes they committed that almost always involved the murder.” 

The event is free to attend, although donations are welcome. Potluck snacks and desserts will be served. Doors open at 5:30 and seating is limited. Harris’ new book will also be available for purchase. It is also available on amazon.com, No. 9 Books & Records in Ruston and the Claiborne Parish Library in Homer.  

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Courtroom A

The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Criminal Court Monday, October 21:

BERAUD, KALEB PAUL

98423 Theft Of A Firearm – 1st Offense

BERAUD, KALEB PAUL

97813 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

DISOTELL, JACOB DAWSON

98679 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

DISOTELL, JACOB DAWSON

99063 CT 1 Simple Battery

99063 CT 2 Aggravated Assault

FORD, LAMONT MARIEL

99046 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

FOSTER, RANCE D.

99051 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

GIFFORD, DAVID W

98789 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

GUTIERREZ -AGUILAR, LUIS MIGUEL

98970 CT 1 Simple Burglary

98970 CT 2 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

Restitution owed to the victim per the report- $14,314.12, plus $2,147.11 fee = $16,461.23 total

HOFFMAN, III, JOHN STANTON

99147 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HOFFMAN, III, JOHN STANTON

97711 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

97711 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

97711 CT 4 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

JONES, NICHOLAS LEBOB

98010 CT 1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98010 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

98010 CT 3 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98010 CT 4 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Co-Def: T. Edwards, A. McClendon

KEMP, JR., DARRYL WAYNE

99064A Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

99064 Ct. 1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

99064 Ct. 2 Resisting An Officer

99064 Ct. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

99064 Ct. 4 Operating A Vehicle With Improperly Lit Lamps For Conditions

99064 Ct. 5 Failure To Dim Lights – Oncoming

KEMP, JR., DARRYL WAYNE

98421 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

MILLER, RUSSELL GLEN

97582 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MILLER, RUSSELL GLEN

97582 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

NOLAN, TOMMY RAY

98638 Aggravated Battery

OGDEN, KADARRYL OLAJAWON

98960 Distribution Of A Substance Falsely Represented As A Controlled Dangerous Substance

OGDEN, KADARRYL OLAJAWON

97161 Aggravated Second Degree Battery

PARRISH, TAYLOR DEAVALON

98473 Simple Escape

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE

98993 Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

*On the Trial docket

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE

97339 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

*On the Trial docket

Co-Def: J. Hickey, S. Martin

STEPHENS, JARYON

98880 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98880 CT 2 Attempted Second Degree Murder

Co-Def: G. Kemp

STEVENSON, ROMEKO DESHAWN

T073024 Failure to Use Safety Belt

T073024A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

STEVENSON, ROMEKO DESHAWN

99037 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

99037 CT 2 Theft Of A Firearm – 1st Offense

TAYLOR, JAMIE M.

98604 CT 1 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

98604 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

TROQUILLE, JOE

98658 CT 1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime

98658 CT 2 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law

Please make forfeiture of P-380 handgun as part of any sentence/plea agreement.

TROQUILLE, JOE

98658 CT 1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime  Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law

98658 CT 2 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law

Please make forfeiture of P-380 handgun as part of any sentence/plea agreement.

WALLACE, COLTON LANE

98451 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

WILLIAMS, HEATH LOGAN

99129 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Co-Def: C. Reed

WILLIS, GREGORY CARTEZ

98978 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

WOODS, JR., BENJAMIN DWAYNE

98104 Armed Robbery

Co-Def: D. Kemp

Courtroom B

ARMSTEAD, KEDRICK KENTWON

97678-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

97678-CT.3 Cruelty To Juveniles

BARRIERE, RICHARD

99139 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender 2nd Offense

BROWN, MICHAEL JASON

97862 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

COOPER, BOBBY

99006A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99006A-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99006A-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

Codef: A. Morales

IRBY, TOMMI JO

98460 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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

JONES, SR., TERRY WYATT

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

JONES, SR., TERRY WYATT

99179 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

PACKARD, II, RICHARD P

97448 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

97448A Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

POTTS, JAMES L.

98825 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

POTTS, JAMES L.

97664 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

RUGLEY, JR., CARL

98984-CT.1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

98984-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98984-CT.3 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

SPECKS, MARTEZ DEVON

99282 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

TIMS, RANDALL L.

98295 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

WALTMAN, TONY

98580 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

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All people associated with the SAREPTA HIGH SCHOOL from 1923 until the consolidation of Webster Parish Schools in 2011 were invited to “A Celebration of Friends” on October 5, at the Sarepta Community Center, 210 Vines Street in Sarepta. 

Classmates, teachers, and workers from far and near gathered to visit and reconnect.  Harold Dean (class of 1956) and several others formed this organization to keep in touch with fellow Sarepta High School administrators and friends and to contribute in various ways to the community.  Throughout the years this group has held fundraising events and donated thousands of dollars for such things as the Webster Parish Junior High School display sign.  They have also found and restored all the graduating high school class photographs and hung them in the Community Center.

This caring body has an ongoing fund to assist Josh Branton who was disabled while participating in a Sarepta High School Football game.  It takes many hard-working, generous members and the public to keep supporting these and other endeavors.  Gerald Holland (class of 1957), 41 Stonehenge Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712, is the volunteer treasurer.  Any donations to the “Hornet Fund” may be sent to him.

Dale and Frances Johnston (class of 1956) Haley deserve special recognition for all the long hours and personal funds they gave while compiling the information and pictures of every class from 1923 to1995 and for printing the “REUNION” book that was sold.  These proceeds went to The Hornet Fund. This talented couple also have restored and refinished an upright piano donated by the Dean Family and have built two display cabinets that house the salvageable Sarepta School trophies. These items are in the Sarepta Community Center.

During the program, Mr. Dean presented gift card awards to Nell Slack Bice (class of 1952) who traveled the farthest from her home in Idaho to attend and to the oldest teacher and the oldest student, Tope Dean Colvin (class of 1951).  The youngest student was from the class of 2003, Josh Branton.

The Sarepta Celebration of Friends will next meet on October 4, 2025, at the Sarepta Community Center.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of October 11 through 17. Civil suits are public record.

October 11

Betty Lynn Sherrill, succession under $125K.

Harold Arnold, succession over $125K.

Alexis J. Ware vs. Samuel Sterling Ware, divorce.

Angela Marie Clark vs. Andrew James Clark, divorce no children.

October 14

Ronald Ralph Lennard, Darlene Johnson Lennard, succession under $125K.

Sherry Lynn Goodman Collins, succession over $125K.

Bill Gene Gosa, succession under $125K.

Planet Home Lending LLC vs. Davin D. Landry, Ashley D. Landry, executory process.

Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Gary Watters, monies due.

Capital One NA vs. Misty M. Byrd, monies due.

Cherrelle Moore vs. Zarvia Moore, protective order.

October 15

Roger Dean West, succession under $125K.

October 16

First Tower Loan LLC vs. Mitzi Alford, monies due.

Capital One NA vs. James E. Tims, monies due.

Citibank NA vs. Jessica McEachern, monies due.

Citibank NA vs. Kayla Guillory, monies due.

Citibank NA vs. Darrell Moore, monies due.

October 17

Louis Harvey Nelson, succession over $125K.

Ronald Bryant Robinson, succession over $125K.

Jessie Sanders, succession under $125K.

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Bettie Jean Hock

January 7, 1943 – October 16, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 9:15 Saturday, October 19, 2024, First Baptist Church, Minden.

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

Burial: Woodland Haven Family Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

William “Bill” L. Stanberry Sr.

March 1, 1932 – October 15, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Minden.

Funeral service: 10 a.m., immediately following visitation.

Burial: Friendships Cemetery, Haynesville, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Freda Joann Ratcliff

February 1, 1945 – October 15, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024 First Baptist Church West Chapel, Minden.

Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: 3 p.m., Gardens of Memory, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

Social media was a big help in helping Minden police detectives find the juveniles allegedly responsible for several vehicle burglaries in local neighborhoods earlier this month.

And a 2023 Louisiana statute governing Internet content gave detectives the tool they needed to locate the alleged thieves, said Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD’s criminal investigation division.

“A group of young people posted a video of themselves pointing firearms, and we recognized a handgun as one reportedly stolen in a vehicle break-in,” Smith explained. “There’s a state law prohibiting the posting of criminal activity on social media for notoriety and publicity and we used that as basis for an arrest.”

Louisiana RS 14:107.4 makes it unlawful for a person “…to obtain an image of the commission of the crime…and to transfer that image obtained during the commission of the crime by the use of a computer online service, Internet service, or any other means of electronic communication, including but not limited to a local bulletin board service, Internet chat room, electronic mail, or online messaging service for the purpose of gaining notoriety, publicity, or the attention of the public.”

Smith said the handgun that caught detectives’ attention had unique characteristics, and the juveniles in the video were quickly identified.

“So far, we’ve filed charges on three juveniles for violation of the state law covering social media, and one has additionally been charged with theft of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm,” Smith said.

Investigators are continuing to look for additional information which could lead to the discovery of other stolen firearms, he said.

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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By Paige Gurgainers

Following the success of the annual Seed’s fundraising banquet, the women’s center is not slowing down. Coinciding with October being Safe Sleep Awareness month, Seed’s will be hosting a “Clear the Crib” event tomorrow, October 18, beginning at 10 a.m. at the center located at 402 Broadway Street in Minden.  

“We will be clearing the crib. Which means taking everything out of the crib other than the things that belong, which is only baby and pacifier,” said Executive Director of Seeds Amber Bradford. “We will discuss the ABCs of safe sleep – Alone, on my Back and in my Crib.”  

Between 2019 and 2021, 92 infant deaths were classified as SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death) in Louisiana.  

Mayor Nick Cox will be doing a proclamation for Safe Sleep Awareness Day and Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker and Deputy Chief Tokia Harrison will also be here to support safe sleep. 

The fundraising banquet, held on October 8, drew a large crowd this year and raised $48,606 bringing them to a total of $51K and closer to their goal of $60K.  

“We are so thankful for everyone’s support of Seed’s Women’s Center and hope to continue to better serve our community and not only meet our goal, but surpass it,” said Bradford.  

This money will be used to revamp their new facility, previously known as the Ward Building. According to Bradford, this space is noticeably larger than their current location and will allow them to assist even more families and their children during their pregnancy and parenthood journey.  

Bradford continued, “We plan on closing on our new building on November 1 and will start renovations to make it perfect for our clients.” 

Seeds offers a multitude of services to the public free of charge including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, counseling services, clothing and supplies.  

Bradford said, since 2020 the center has served 535 individuals across 911 client visits, providing 597 pregnancy tests and 760 ultrasounds. They have had 96 people enroll in parenting classes with 9 fathers graduating from the Navigating Fatherhood course offered on an annual basis.  

For those wanting to make donations and join in on their mission, please stop by the facility on 402 Broadway. Donations can also be made via their website www.seedswomenscenter.com/donate, or via PayPal @seedswc 

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