By Brad Dison

The detective was dead.  On August 6, 1975, the New York Times published a front-page obituary for one of the most famous private detectives in history.  Before becoming a private investigator, he had been a high-ranking detective in the Belgian police force.  In 1904, he was forced to flee his home because of the invasion, occupation, torture, and mass murder of Belgian citizens by German troops during World War I in what is now referred to as the Rape of Belgium.  The detective became a refugee and fled to a town called Styles St. Mary in Essex, England.  Despite being a man of small stature—he stood only about 5 feet 4 inches tall—the detective was proud, always impeccably dressed, and very clever. 

Shortly after his arrival in England, a wealthy, elderly lady was murdered in her home in the same small town in which he had settled.  A friend of the murdered lady knew of the detective’s police background and asked him to help.  The Scotland Yard detective allowed the former police detective into the home just to see if there was anything he could offer.  Within a short time, the Belgian refugee had solved the crime, earned the respect and friendship of the Scotland Yard detective, and began his career as a private detective.  For decades, the private detective had worked independently and with Scotland Yard to solve crimes.

The private detective, now aged, wheelchair bound because of arthritis, and suffering from a weak heart, was working a murder case in the small town where his private detective career began, Styles St. Mary.  The private detective linked four other unsolved murders to the one he was investigating.  Through meticulous investigation, the private detective learned the identity of the murderer and wrote it down in a detailed letter to an acquaintance.  He went to bed that night without taking his amyl nitrite heart medicine and died during the night from a heart attack. 

The New York Times reported that the detective’s age was unknown.  Although elderly, the proud detective concealed his age with false hair and makeup.  Even his being wheelchair bound was a ploy to help him gain information in what was to be his last case.  The former Belgian police detective, the refugee who escaped the atrocities of the Germans, the private detective who purportedly died as a result of a heart attack while solving his last case, was murdered.  He was murdered by his own creator.  The private detective was the creation of the most successful novelist of all time, outsold only by Shakespeare and the Bible.  The private detective’s name was Hercule Poirot.  He was murdered by Dame Agatha Christie just months before her own death.  The obituary published on the front page of the New York Times on August 6, 1975, was the first instance in which the newspaper had printed an obituary for a fictional character. 

Source:

1.      The New York Times, August 6, 1975, p.1.

2.      Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (New York: John Lane, 1920).

3.      Agatha Christie, Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case (London: Collins Crime Club, 1975).

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If you answered yes to the above questions, then we would love to talk with you.

Webster Parish Journal is looking for a writer to help cover the northern part of Webster Parish. We are specifically interested in someone who is familiar with the people and places north of Cotton Valley to Springhill, preferably someone who lives in that area or has lived there in the past.

We want someone who loves to write features about the people who make this community great.

We also need someone who can take on some assignments and cover local government.

If this sounds like you, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Send a resume and samples of your writing.

This is NOT a full-time job, but a great opportunity to earn extra money as a stringer.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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Today I’ll wrap up my life’s journey explaining how I have become the person I am today. While fishing and the outdoors have been a huge part of my life, sports have been my saving grace. It has all been due to great parents, teachers, and coaches who have had the greatest impact on my life. 

Although my biological mother made a tough decision to walk away from me in the summer of ’69, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. My life turned 180 degrees as my aunt and uncle made it official in 1970 by adopting me. 

A year or two before, they decided to adopt a child from birth and named him Chad, who was 6 or 7 years younger than me.  Now this young boy was super smart, funny with a great personality, somebody who never met a stranger. Was class president and class favorite throughout his entire junior and senior high years. He was a good athlete, a team player, and very mechanical minded who could fix anything.

As I stated earlier, I had a younger stepbrother (Kenny) who I have lost contact with but did very well for himself as he graduated from Texas A&M and became a navy captain on a nuclear submarine. Last time I heard, Kenny was working for Texas Instruments out of Dallas. Hats off to my bio mom as she decided to raise Kenny herself and it appears she did a pretty good job. After her second divorce, she finally found a good man in her third husband (Bill) who gave Kenny some direction and discipline being a former military man himself. 

Now according to my aunt, who I later would call mom, it turns out that it took me a little while to adjust and feel secure, as I still was hiding food under my bed for about a year. Based off what a psychologist told her, this was considered normal behavior because I was still in survival mode. This would eventually stop as I became confident that I was going to be taken care of. 

There was another obstacle I had to overcome early with my education. I was diagnosed with dyslexia going into the second grade. Every day for both the secod and third grade years, I would leave my mainstream class during the English period and go to Mrs. Carpenter’s classroom as she slowly turned me around by improving my ability to read. I owe a lot to Mrs. Carpenter who did an outstanding job of getting me on the right path.

My junior high years offered a different kind of challenge especially athletically as the skinny beanpole kid, which is a perfect description of me at that time, went out for seventh grade football. I was so skinny that extra-small pants were loose on me. I was still a good athlete but did not have any lead in my britches, so to speak. As good as I was at baseball, that did not translate to being that good at football initially as I started the season as a third team running back. Not first or second string — third string!

By the end of my eighth grade year, I had moved up to second string. Then as I got to high school in the ninth grade, I was moved to starting quarterback and never looked back as my body started to fill out and with great coaching, my confidence soared. 

The one thing I never lacked was confidence on a baseball field. This is the one area of my life that I always felt I was as good as anyone who stepped on the field. After a great Little League and Dixie Youth experience, I was ready for high school and the best four years of my life!

My high school (Mt. Pleasant) had the reputation as one of the top athletic programs in Texas. The 1970s were some glorious times for the Mt. Pleasant Tiger athletic program in all sports.  During this period, Mt. Pleasant was the winningest all-around program in the state of Texas, only behind Odessa Permian which many of you know from the movie, “Friday Night Lights.”  It did not matter what sport; the MP Tigers were a state contender in all sports throughout the ‘70s.

Then during my junior year in the spring of 1978, it all came together for a group of guys who had grown up together playing baseball. After a couple of disappointing finishes from the previous two seasons, we finally got the job done, going 26-4 and winning the ’78 Class 3A state baseball title — Mt. Pleasant’s first state championship in any sport! 

Then came my senior year, which was a year of highs and lows, as the ’78 football season would be a true trial and tribulation for me mentally and physically. We struggled the entire season with a new coaching staff. To this day, I still have mixed emotions about that year as it was probably the most difficult season I would ever endure as an athlete.

Compounding a difficult football season, I lost my best friend Kevin Owsley. He was a brother from another mother for me and we shared some good times together growing up playing ball, hunting and fishing. Kevin was one of those people everyone liked due to his infectious personality. He was also our starting second baseman on our defending state championship baseball team and losing him really put a huge damper on our attempt to repeat as we came up one game short of a trip back to the state tournament in Austin.  

But there was one great thing that came out of my senior year, an offer to play in college on the Division I level. While I had several Division I offers, it wasn’t until a coach by the name of Al Miller (later an NFL strength coach for the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons) came to my house and made an offer to continue my athletic career and education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

Committing to NSU turned out to be the best decision I ever made. This is where I met my wife of 43 years, Sherrie. We have celebrated life together and raised three awesome kids Brittany, Meredith and Brandon. I cannot imagine where I would be today had I not gone to NSU. 

After graduating from NSU with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology/engineering, I was blessed with the opportunity to play baseball on the next level after being drafted in 1983 by the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals). Playing in the Expos minor league system and trying to reach the major league level was truly a great experience and one I am thankful for. 

The friends I have made through my college experience is priceless. I had the privilege to play with some of the greatest to ever wear an NSU Demon uniform, several that went on to play in the NFL with great success. The level of talent at NSU during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s was incredible!

In 2009, I had the greatest honor you can receive from your alma mater, being inducted into the Northwestern State N-Club Hall of Fame as a two-sport athlete. In 2023 I was welcomed into the Mt. Pleasant High School Hall of Fame.  

The good Lord has blessed me in so many ways I’ve lost count. The early years of my life were merely a test of my determination and perseverance. I’m a true believer in the words, “God had a plan.” Over my lifetime, so many families, friends, teammates, coaches and teachers have had an impact on my life that I cannot even begin to list them all. 

Most of them know who they are and all I can say is “thank you.” Thank you for believing in a young boy who had all kinds of issues and challenges he had to overcome to achieve success. Without each of you, none of it would have been possible. 

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to thank those that have impacted your life before they are no longer with us. Next week we’ll get back to more stories and experiences of the great outdoors as tournament fishing season is upon us.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt … set the hook!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Monday, January 27, Courtroom A:

BATTON, JAQUAVA MALIK

99289 CT 1 Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer

99289 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BROOKS, EDGAR CHARLES

98358 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

CARR, CEDRICK DORALL

T069323 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

T069323A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

CARR, CEDRICK DORALL

99265 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

CLARKSON, ISSAC DESHAWON

99259 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or

Controlled Dangerous Substance

JOHNSON, ISIAH JESHUN

99185 CT 1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

99185 CT 2 Obstruction Of Justice

JOINER, JONCONNOR

91713 Second Degree Murder

*Competency Hearing

A Sanity Hearing

MORRIS, CHARLES L.

98937 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

98937 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

98937 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE

98993 Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE

97339 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

Co-Def: J. Hickey, S. Martin

SHEPHARD, JEREMY SHERROD

98902 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

THOMAS, DECARLOS

98338 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000.00

THOMAS, DECARLOS

99186 Simple Arson

WILLIAMS, BRETT DEMARCUS

98643 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98643 CT 2 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

Co-Def: J. Hollingsworth

WILLIAMS, HEATH LOGAN

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

Co-Def: C. Reed

WILLIS, GREGORY CARTEZ

99126 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

99126 CT. 2 Operating A Vehicle While Under Suspension For Certain Prior

99126 CT. 3 Speeding 25 & OVER

99126 CT. 4 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

WILLIS, TYRONE WILLIAM

98637 Obscenity

WILLIS, TYRONE WILLIAM

98637 Obscenity

WOODS, JR., BENJAMIN DWAYNE

98104 Armed Robbery

Co-Def: D. Kemp

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

January 22

1:45 p.m. The Circle. BINGO at Minden Medical Center Cafe. Guest speaker: Leah Walker, RD LDN. Accepting new members – applications available.

January 22-23

3 – 4:30 p.m. Glenbrook School’s Mini Sundancer Camp. Performances at halftime of varsity games January 24.

January 28

6 p.m. Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Club will meet.

January 30

10 a.m. Cake ’n’ Coffee Talk, Senior Adult Planning Session, First Methodist Church Wesley Room, 903 Broadway, Minden.

February 5

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Evaluation Day for Upward Soccer at North Acres Baptist Church. K5-5th Boys and Girls. Come and go. Season begins March 10th-May 3rd. Practices will be Tuesday evenings and games Saturday mornings. There will be two Tuesday games towards the end of season. If you have any questions, please email nabcsoccer@gmail.com

February 15

11 a.m. MLK Black History Parade/Youth Rally, Downtown Minden.

5 p.m. Minden Mardi Gras parade rolls. Face painting begins at 3:30 p.m.

February 22

8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

March 22

Noon  until 3:30 p.m. MVP Room Minden Rec Center, 1000 Recreation Drive, Minden, Hearts & Halos, a heartfelt and creative event honoring families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss. This free event is designed to offer healing through creativity, support, and connection. Spaces are limited to 30 attendees (plus 1 optional guest per registrant). RSVP is required to secure your spot. Register here: https://forms.gle/qwm5TLhhbNN5Ujbx9 

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/share/19MTtduPTF/

March 31

DEADLINE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Meriwether Wealth and Planning is proud to support local students by offering four (4) $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. They are able to double their scholarship offerings this year thanks to the generosity of their clients.

Applications are available at https://www.meriwether.com/resources and must be received by Monday, March 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.

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Brittania Bailey, 31, Shreveport Rd., Minden: arrested Jan. 8 by WPSO on warrant for felony theft. Bond set. $5,000.

Skylar Carl Belcher, 25, Johnson St., Doyline: arrested Jan. 17 by WPSO on warrant from Bossier Parish S.O. for pornography involving juveniles. No bond set.

Samuel Cody Miller, 35, Parkside Landing, Doyline: arrested Jan. 17 by WPSO for violation of protective order. No bond set.

Brent Duane Sikes, 30, 1300 block Dorcheat Rd., Minden: arrested Jan. 18 by WPSO for felony theft of a motor vehicle. Bond set $10,000.

Matthew John Beigler, 35, 1000 block 7th St. SE, Springhill: arrested Jan. 18 by Springhill PD for domestic aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bond set $75,000.

Sean Simmons, 24, 800 block Clay St., Minden: arrested Jan. 18 by MPD on outstanding warrant. No bond set.

Courtney Lee Brooks, 37, 200 block Roosevelt Dr., Minden: arrested Jan. 19 by MPD for resisting officer, disturbing the peace/intoxication, on outstanding warrant, fugitive from Webster Parish S.O. Total bond set $11,900.

Levi S. Dance, 30, 600 block Marion St., Minden: arrested Jan. 20 by Doyline PD on fugitive warrant fromWebster Parish. Bond set $250.

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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Franklin Derald Kirkland

May 9, 1935 – January 19, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, First Baptist Church West Chapel, Minden.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. First Baptist Church West Chapel, immediately following visitation.

Burial: 12:15 p.m. Gardens of Memory.

Doris Jean Horn Lary

January 7, 1930 – January 16, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La.

Mary Catherine Zimmerman

August 11, 1954 – January 19, 2025

Bossier City/Springhill, La.

Visitation: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

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

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.)

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By Marilyn Miller

Members of the Little River Band will be featured “LIVE at Corbeau Creek” in Minden on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 starting at 6 p.m.

“Tickets are going fast,” said Sara McDaniel, founder of Phillip’s Cottage. “Prices range from $75 a seat, to the VIP Experience of $549. The VIP Experience includes a two-day stay at one of my 5-Star properties at The Villas at Spanish Court, the Cottage on Fort, or the Fuller House Upper Room. Brunch at the Fuller White House on Sunday will be included, along with an exclusive Meet & Greet with the performers before the show. VIPs also get one set of a Little River Band CD and book.”

Concert-goers will be treated to stories and songs from the road, written and sung by Little River Band members. The Little River Band is a rock group formed in Melbourne, Australia in March 1975. The band achieved commercial success in both Australia and the United States. They have sold over 30 million records, with six studio albums reaching the Top 10.

Nine singles appeared in the Top 20, with “Help Is On Its Way” the only No. 1 Top Single. Ten singles reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Top 100, with “Reminiscing” their highest, reaching #3. Some of the LRB’s most popular singles also included “It’s a Long Way There,” “Lady,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Cool Change,” and “Take It Easy on Me.”

Stephanie Calvert has also volunteered to perform. Stephanie belted out “Nothin’ Gonna Stop Us Now,” and “We Built This City” during the 1980s when she was lead singer for “Starship.” On Feb. 2, she’ll join the Little River Band on stage at Corbeau Creek. Like LRB, Stephanie has a big heart for non-profits like Phillip’s Cottage and the women and children it helps.

“We don’t often get this kind of talent in Minden, and this is amazing that they are using their gifts to bless Phillip’s Cottage this way,” Sara said.

ALL proceeds from the event will benefit Phillip’s Cottage, a transitional home for women and their children who have graduated from the Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge Program.

“Please help us provide a safe haven for those women who have worked hard to reclaim and restore their lives,” Sara commented.

All purchases are non-refundable, but tickets are transferable in the event you are unable to attend. Tickets are available at https://www.accelevents.com/e/little-river-band–concert-to-benefit-phillips-co.

Corbeau Creek is located on Hwy. 80, east of Minden.

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Important messages from the National Weather Service (NWS):

• Winter weather advisory in effect through Tuesday afternoon across deep east Texas and north Louisiana.

• Greatest snowfall accumulations in those areas should be one inch or less.

• Cold temperatures continuing through the middle of the upcoming work week.

Current Forecast:

• Cold temperatures area wide through Tuesday with a  cold weather advisory for our area with the wind chills in teens until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

• Winter Weather advisory is changed from north of the current advisory to parishes just beneath Bossier and Caddo until Tuesday 6 p.m.

• Freeze warning not yet issued but will probably be in effect Tuesday night.

• Freezing nighttime cold temps and the high temp on Tuesday at 35 degrees will only be brief. The NWS still not sure how long will track below freezing.

• Precipitation that falls in our area should be all snow forecast to be one inch or less. Forecast may not be enough for accumulations and should be ending in our region by 6 p.m. Tuesday.

• Expect dry snow and the worst case scenario is one inch for our area, but NWS doesn’t expect that to happen. We will see dry snow with no impacts expected according to the NWS.  

• Expect light snow with Tuesday flurries south of  I-20 with the most impacts from moderate to heavy snow ranging from deep East Texas and north central Louisiana.      

Temperatures forecast as follows:

• Low temps: Tuesday 24 degrees F; Wednesday 18 degrees F; Thursday 25 degrees F; Friday 27 degrees F.

• High temps: Tuesday 35 degrees F; Wednesday 43 degrees F; Thursday 51 degrees F; Friday 56 degrees F.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service is observed the third Monday of January, but some young people in Minden feel like it could be observed every day.

Ranging in ages from 9 to 17 several boys and girls showed up at Project Reclaim on a national holiday Monday to serve in Dr. King’s name, and all seemed happy to volunteer.

“We needed some work done inside our building,” said Project Reclaim Executive Director Ron Anderson. “We could’ve brought in some other organization to do it, but I thought, why not have the young people who use this building do it, and they were willing to come out on this cold morning.”

The kids organized files and took care of some light cleaning, but they also watched educational videos about Martin Luther King Jr. and, while they said they already knew the legacy of Dr. King, they said Anderson was teaching them more background.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Freshman Louisiana state legislator Senator Adam Bass has become very familiar with the hallways and meeting rooms of the state Capitol during his first term as the District 36 representative.

Between regular sessions and special sessions, “We’ve spent more time in Baton Rouge in session during the last year than at any other year in history,” Bass told members of the Minden Lions Club Thursday.

Sessions ranged from redistricting to taxation and Bass said results were mostly positive.

“We did some good things and there were issues that we still must resolve,” he said.

On reapportionment, Bass said he was unhappy with the realignment of one state Supreme Court district which was created as a majority-minority district. The district winds its way from Baton Rouge to Shreveport and remains under review.

“There’s not much in common between Baton Rouge and Shreveport, and I believe it could take away our voice on the court. I would like to see north Louisiana keep a voice on the Supreme Court,” Bass said.

Bass said the legislature’s first special session dealt with high crime rates across the state and in cities, including Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He told Lions members of additional constitutional concealed and carry legislation, plus laws which allowed 17-year-olds to be tried as adults.

On insurance, Bass said one of the state’s big problems is not an affordability problem, but one of availability with companies pulling out of the state.

“I’m not very optimistic about auto insurance in the state,” he said. “We seem to be more injury prone in this state with people getting hurt at a rate more than twice the national average. We need more transparency in injury lawsuits.”

Bass serves on the senate’s Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee and he spoke of movement in tax reform during one legislative session. Changes in tax laws saw personal income tax placed at a flat 3 percent rate, corporate tax drop to 4.5 percent and a state sales tax increase from 4.5 to 5 percent.

A Constitutional amendment scheduled for a March ballot in the state could, if approved, double deductions for people 65-years-old and older and give teachers permanent pay raises.

“My goal is to have no state income tax,” he said. “We are the only state in the south where more people are moving out and we have to reverse that trend. With no income tax, people would be more likely to stay.”

Bass said nearly all surrounding states to Louisiana either have no state income tax or are moving in the direction to eliminate the tax.

“We currently rank number 42 in tax policy and with these packages, our ranking will improve,” he said. “Cutting our ranking is a huge step. It doesn’t mean we’ve got everything right, but it means we have taken the right steps.”

Bass said he had successfully presented his first bill to the legislature, one which provides a strategically-placed safe place for babies which may not be wanted by mothers. The “Baby Box Bill” provides a place, such as fire and police stations, where these babies can be safely cared for, he said.

He also carried the bill which allows for public display of the Ten Commandments through passage in the Senate.

“The ACLU has sued to stop the Ten Commandments bill and that is being adjudicated at this time,” he said. “I think the bill is constitutional, but it’s still making its way through the courts.”

In response to a question concerning preadjudication of juveniles, Bass said Gov. Jeff Landry had promised to study the problem with an eye on the possibility of establishing regional juvenile correctional facilities.

“The governor appointed Kenny Loftin as head of the O.J.J. (Office of Juvenile Justice), and I believe he knows what is going on,” Bass said. “I believe there has been progress in studying the problem, but at the end of the day it’s money that is the issue. Where’s the funding coming from?”

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By Paige Gurgainers

In April 2022, the Webster Parish Libraries announced that the Doyline Branch would be moving into a brand-new building, and now it is one step closer to completion.  

According to Webster Parish Libraries director Savannah Jones, the company Testament Construction is overseeing the project and recently shared an update detailing the progress and adjustments made to the schedule that have shortened expected delays and the construction timeline.  

“Initially, the Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) delivery was scheduled for May 5, 2025, with the library’s overall completion set for January 20, 2026,” said Jones. “However, updated projections now commit to a March 4, 2025, building delivery date, moving the completion timeline up to November 19, 2025.”  

Of course, weather-related delays could be possible, but this still represents a significant improvement.

Construction crews have been actively working on areas of the project not dependent on the building delivery, with notable progress made on the parking lot.  

The parking lot was scheduled to be paved Wednesday, January 15. However, critical path tasks have been delayed due to the absence of shop drawings. These drawings are now expected by January 21 and once they are received, crews can resume excavation and foundation work.

“The new Doyline Library Branch will be a significant addition to the community, and despite the challenges, progress is moving forward. We are working with a great team,” said branch manager Kelly Burge. “I am thrilled that Doyline will soon have a new branch of the Webster Parish Library System. Our community has been closely following every step of the building process with great anticipation. This new facility will provide the Village of Doyline with a modern space and access to new resources, offering a much-deserved enhancement to our town.”

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One of the many things of which you can be sure, the food at the Minden St. Jude Auction is worth every penny – and it isn’t JUST because every penny goes to the auction.

The food served during the auction is made with love. Here is the food schedule for Thursday through Sunday, so make your plans to be in line early. It goes fast!

Thursday February 6

11 a.m. $10 Jambalaya Plates – provided by Matt Wimberly

5 p.m. $12 Pork Chop Plates – provided by Hugh Wood and Alex Collins

Friday February 7

7 a.m. $7 Pancake Breakfast – provided by Minden Medical Center

11 a.m. $13 Brisket Plates with beans, chips, and dessert – provided by Schuyler Marvin and the D.A.’s Office

5 p.m. $10 Gumbo –  provided by Jesse Waller

 

Saturday February 8

11 a.m. $10 Fajitas  – provided by Calvary Baptist Church

4:30 p.m. $12 Fried Fish Plates – (drive thru pick-up OR inside pick-up / dine-in)  provided by Gary Brown and the Alley Cats

Sunday February 9

11 a.m.  $15  Hamburger Steak Plates  –  provided by Jimmy Hall

5 p.m. $10  Hamburgers  – provided by Pleasant Valley Methodist Church

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LaMa supporters who attended the LaMa Animal Rescue Mardi Gras kick-off fundraiser on Saturday, January 11 were in for a big surprise. They were present for the delivery of a fully-equipped animal transport van being donated to LaMa by Grammy Rose Dog Sanctuary in Acton, Maine.

While the delivery of the van was not planned to be a part of the Mardi Gras celebration, the turn of events with snowy weather resulted in a one-day delay in arrival and, as luck would have it, the van arrived mid-way through the celebration with an all-too-fitting second line parade.

The van driver from New Hampshire was warmly greeted with mardi gras beads, boudin balls and king cake. LaMa Animal Rescue is forever grateful for this donation. The van will be used to continue their mission of saving the homeless dogs and cats in Webster Parish and the surrounding community.

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Hoping for a fresh start with the incoming Trump Administration, I had not planned to return to the topic of corruption in the Biden Administration. However, news of a concerning circumstance—with a direct connection to Louisiana—came to my attention and prompted me to address it once again. 

This past week, former Louisiana U.S. Rep Bob Livingston penned a letter in the Wall Street Journal that highlights the corruption of the Biden Administration.  The events he recounts in his letter are disconcerting and much more befitting a third world country or a banana republic than the United States of America.

I first met Mr. Livingston years ago when I was working in D.C. for his fellow Louisiana Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, the late Clyde C. Holloway.  I was quite proud of, and grateful for, the opportunity to work for Congressman Holloway.  Both men exemplified the “service” part of public service. 

When Mr. Livingston left Congress, he founded the Livingston Group and has represented a wide range of interests over the years before the U.S. Congress.  Many of the individuals I knew on his congressional staff joined him in his new firm. 

Mr. Livingston and Mr. Holloway were conservative Republicans.  As such, it is unsurprising that Mr. Livingston would have supported President Trump when he sought the presidency and that is the basis of his letter.

The Livingston letter is entitled “A Letter to Merrick Garland.”  Salient portions of the letter include this excerpt from Mr. Livingston to Attorney General Garland: “Your time in office won’t run out a moment too soon.  You will be remembered as a tool in the Democratic Party’s strategy of misusing the Justice Department to visit injustice on innocent people with differing political views. I am a victim of your dysfunctional leadership but, unlike many of your targets, I have survived unscathed.” (WSJ, 1-15-2025).

WOW.

The Livingston letter continues: “In 2022 two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents came to my home in New Orleans and questioned me about incidents involving our representation of an international client. Having nothing to hide, I spoke with them for about 2.5 hours … I was given to believe that they were looking only for background information.”  However, the letter continues, I soon learned that the meeting “was neither benign nor simply for background … I soon learned I was a target.” (Emphasis added).

Mr. Livingston then points out something about which I have no doubt:  “In all my years as a lobbyist, I have bent over backward to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) … I have repeatedly told my clients that we must comply with FARA to avoid any possibility of transgressing the law … and our company has employed a full-time officer to assure compliance.” 

Nevertheless, Justice Department prosecutors “said on several occasions that I was the target of felony charges.  Every day and night for 20 months, I lived with the possibility that the hammer could drop at any moment. Everything I worked for would be tarnished. My firm would collapse, my employees would lose their jobs, all of us would be ruined in the press, and I could go to prison.”

Can any of us imagine living under such a cloud of uncertainty? 

Tragically, one of Mr. Livingston’s employees—the firm’s very compliance officer—could not.  “David Lonnie was interviewed and harassed.  He was told that if he knew what was good for him he would talk. He went to bed on December 31, 2023, and didn’t wake the next day.  His family is devastated.” 

While his company was innocent of all charges, Livingston states, we were forced “to spend incredible amounts of money on legal counsel … and while our 88-page brief backed prosecutors down … I am convinced that the department’s actions were political and malicious, targeting me for having supported Donald Trump and being critical of President Biden.”

We are painfully familiar with the lawfare and weaponization suffered by President Trump himself, most of the J6ers, as well as the “investigations” into picketers at abortion clinics and parents at school board meetings who were characterized as “domestic terrorists.”  This is to say nothing of the FBI “investigation” into Catholic churches across the country to “monitor and report” on their parishioners.  However, the Livingston letter reflects as egregious an example as any I have seen.  This simply cannot be allowed to occur in America. 

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races. He can be reached at RoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com .)

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If you answered yes to the above questions, then we would love to talk with you.

Webster Parish Journal is looking for a writer to help cover the northern part of Webster Parish. We are specifically interested in someone who is familiar with the people and places north of Cotton Valley to Springhill, preferably someone who lives in that area or has lived there in the past.

We want someone who loves to write features about the people who make this community great.

We also need someone who can take on some assignments and cover local government.

If this sounds like you, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Send a resume and samples of your writing.

This is NOT a full-time job, but a great opportunity to earn extra money as a stringer.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: spaghetti, powdered milk, canned meats

Household goods: sheets, towels & wash cloths

Clothing: men’s  shoes

Thank you for supporting UCAP!

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.

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

January 21

1 p.m. The Circle, sponsored by Minden Medical Center. The Price is Right. Webster Parish Library. Guest speaker: Brittany Harris. Accepting new members – applications available.

January 22

1:45 p.m. The Circle. BINGO at Minden Medical Center Cafe. Guest speaker: Leah Walker, RD LDN. Accepting new members – applications available.

January 22-23

3 – 4:30 p.m. Glenbrook School’s Mini Sundancer Camp. Performances at halftime of varsity games January 24.

January 28

6 p.m. Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Club will meet.

January 30

10 a.m. Cake ’n’ Coffee Talk, Senior Adult Planning Session, First Methodist Church Wesley Room, 903 Broadway, Minden.

February 5

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Evaluation Day for Upward Soccer at North Acres Baptist Church. K5-5th Boys and Girls. Come and go. Season begins March 10th-May 3rd. Practices will be Tuesday evenings and games Saturday mornings. There will be two Tuesday games towards the end of season. If you have any questions, please email nabcsoccer@gmail.com

February 15

11 a.m. MLK Black History Parade/Youth Rally, Downtown Minden.

5 p.m. Minden Mardi Gras parade rolls. Face painting begins at 3:30 p.m.

February 22

8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms registration. Speakers begin at 9. First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

March 22

Noon  until 3:30 p.m. MVP Room Minden Rec Center, 1000 Recreation Drive, Minden, Hearts & Halos, a heartfelt and creative event honoring families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss. This free event is designed to offer healing through creativity, support, and connection. Spaces are limited to 30 attendees (plus 1 optional guest per registrant). RSVP is required to secure your spot. Register here: https://forms.gle/qwm5TLhhbNN5Ujbx9 

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/share/19MTtduPTF/

March 31

DEADLINE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Meriwether Wealth and Planning is proud to support local students by offering four (4) $1,000 scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors. They are able to double their scholarship offerings this year thanks to the generosity of their clients.

Applications are available at https://www.meriwether.com/resources and must be received by Monday, March 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Wednesday, January 22:

ALLEN, CHARLES THOMAS

98467 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98467 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98467 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98467 CT 4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

ALLEN, LAEVERETTICA QUEVETTE

98967 CT 1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98967 CT 2 Public Bribery

*Co-Def: D. Hendun

Make sure forfeiture of 2005 Chevy Tahoe is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

BEALE, JUSTIN CLAY

INCOMING Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

INCOMING Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

INCOMING Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

BEALE, JUSTIN CLAY

INCOMING Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

INCOMING Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

INCOMING Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

BERRY, WILLIAM GABRIEL

98869 Cruelty To Juveniles

Co-Def: H. White

BLACKMON, JUWAN M.

99144 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

BRITT, TERRA DARLENE

98324 Second Degree Robbery

Co-Def: S. Davis, E. Brown

BROWN, EMMANUEL JAMES

98324A Second Degree Robbery

Co-Def: S. Davis, T. Britt

BURDETTE, JA’QUEZ DEONTAE

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

BURKS, LADORIOUS

98574 Encouraging Or Contributing To Child Delinquency, Dependency, Or Neglect

BURKS, LADORIOUS

99253 Felony Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile

CAMPBELL, CORINNE E. HALL

99446 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

CANTRELL, MARGARET MELISSA

INCOMING Misd Illegal Possession Stolen Things

Co-def: K. Cantrell

COILE, HARLEY RAY

99254 Home Invasion

COLEMAN, MARLON T.

99328 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

COLSTON, MICHELLE R

97819 Ct. 1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

97819 Ct. 2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

97819 Ct. 3 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

COLSTON, MICHELLE R

98613 Ct. 1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

98613 Ct. 2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

98613 Ct. 3 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

COLSTON, MICHELLE R

99162 Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)

Co-Def: D. Gill

COOK, LARRY

99221 Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault

COOK, LARRY

99180 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

CORNELIOUS, JOHN KERRY

98808 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

DAVIS, SARA ELIZABETH

98323 Second Degree Robbery

Co-Def: T. Britt, E. Brown

DILLARD, SHIQUIL

99433 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

Codef: C. Montgomery

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

98526 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

98327 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

T061024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

T060123 Speeding 16-24 MPH

EDWARDS, LADERRICK LASHUN

99299 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

EDWARDS, NATASHA DENISE

99442 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less EVANS, NORMAN

98350 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Co-Def: D. Rascoe

FRANKS, JULIE C

99177 Simple Burglary

99177A Battery of a Dating Partner

99177B Simple Battery

FRANKS, JULIE C

98833 Gross Littering

WEBSTER, MISD E. Jacobs Please reassign to Div C to follow 99177, 99177A and 99177B

FRANKS, JULIE C

99440 Violation Of Protective Order

FULLER, KANDIS

97243 Cruelty To Juveniles

GILCREASE, JULES STEVEN

98229 Ct. 2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

GILCREASE, JULES STEVEN

99368 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

GILL, JR, DARRYL W

99162 Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)

Co-Def: M. Colston

GILL, D’MARCUS A.

INCOMING Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

INCOMING Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

INCOMING Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

INCOMING Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

HARRELL, CRYSTAL MARIE

99277 Distribution of a Schedule III CDS

HARRELL, CRYSTAL MARIE

99350 Forgery

JOHNSON, LABARRON KEITH

99445 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

JOHNSON, TYREAK ANTONIO

99304 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense – Victim Pregnant

MCFARLAND, JR, THOMAS

99222 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

MENDENHALL, DARIUS JARAY

99149 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law

MIMS, MELVIN KEITHER

99290 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MIMS, MELVIN KEITHER

97951 CT 1 Attempted Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

97951 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MONTGOMERY, CRYSTAL

99433 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

Codef: S. Dillard

ONEAL, WILLIAM AMOS

97903 Simple Arson

Restitution owed to State Farm Insurance Company- $151,181.90, plus $22,677.29 fee = $173,859.19 total

PEREZ, ELROY AKA ELOY

99069 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

Co-Def: T. Hodges

PETERS, MICHAEL OLINDA

99412 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

PHIPPS, RAMONE JATARI

96915 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms

POLK, COREY LAMONT

99012 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)

PRICE, KAYLIEB RUSSELL

INCOMING Second Degree Battery

PROCELL, XANDER REESE

98044 CT 1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

98044 CT 2 Unauthorized Use Of A Motor Vehicle

Possible Restitution pending in this matter.

ROGERS, MELISSA MARIE

99413 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99413 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

SANDERS, KYNDRA S.

99426 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000.00 Or More But Under $50,000.00

SHEHEE, ROY K

99268 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

99268 CT 2 Obstruction Of Justice

SNEED, JAMARION

99417 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

SNEED, III, ROBERT LEE

99444 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

STEVENSON, MICHAEL WAYNE

99303 Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation – 1st Offense

STRIPLIN, CHARLES BRUCE

98855 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

TAYLOR, TONY RAY

99418 Possession of a Schedule III CDS

THOMAS, ROCHAUN R.

99270 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WALKER, MICHAEL GENE

99300 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WARD, ELDERICK DEWAYNE

99354 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WEIDNER, BRADLEY JOEL

99143 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Co-Def: A. Bearly

WHITE, HEAVYN JULIETTE

98869 Cruelty To Juveniles

Co-Def: W. Berry

WILLIAMS, TIFFANIE LASHAY

T-3211-12 Driving Under Suspension

WILLIAMS, TIFFANIE LASHAY

99351 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

WILLIAMSON, MICHAEL C

99416 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

97893 A Status Hearing WPSD

Issuing Worthless Checks ($999 – $4,999)

IWC Restitution owed: $4,218.36 check amounts + $1,665.08 fees = Total Amount Due: $5,883.44

5/13-paid $200. New balance is 5543.44 as of this date.

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

99089 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

99089 CT 2 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

99089 CT 3 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

T059923 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T059923A Switched License Plates

WILLIS, CRYSTAL MARIE

98810 Aggravated Battery

WORTHAM, JAYLON JEROD

99013 Simple Burglary

WRIGHT, AARON DEMON

97764 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

97764 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

Please make forfeiture of Taurus 9mm part of any plea/sentencing.

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Doris Jean Horn Lary

January 7, 1930 – January 16, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, La.

Mary Catherine Zimmerman

August 11, 1954 – January 19, 2025

Bossier City/Springhill, La.

Visitation: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

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

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.)

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Due to the extremely low temperatures this morning, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2025 Unity March scheduled for 10 a.m. is canceled. Coordinator Michael Walker advised it is always best to ensure everyone’s safety in extreme weather conditions. All other events are taking place as scheduled.

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Congratulations 2025 Miss Minden Nilah Pollard, Miss Outstanding Teen Landry Edwards and Miss Fasching Jolie Ortego crowned Saturday, January 18.

Tuesday, Webster Parish Journal will have a more in-depth look at the day of competition and photos.

Young Women’s Service Club would like to thank this year’s sponsors: A.J. Price, b1 Bank, Gibsland Bank & Trust, Minden Family Dental, Fleur-de-Lease, and Bonvenue Bank.  

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