By Bonnie Culverhouse

Two well-known North Webster Parish natives who have made Minden their homes, were recognized as Minden’s Man and Woman of the Year during the Greater Minden Chamber 83rd Annual Awards Gala Thursday night.

Springhill native Sara McDaniel who has purchased and renovated several properties in Minden, as well as been instrumental in bringing an HGTV TV show and several magazines to town, was named by Young Women’s Service Club as Woman of the Year.

Tracy Campbell, also from Springhill, has spent the last several years in the community as a journalist and financial institution agent helping others in many capacities. He was named Man of the Year by Minden Lions Club.

Campbell served as emcee of Thursday night’s event, along with Jake Chapman.

In addition, named as award winners were the following:

Small Business of the Year: Brick Street Coffee

Business of the Year: Harper Motors

Business Person of the Year: Kathryn Cropper, Red Blooms

Community Partner of the Year: Living Word Minden and

Spirit of Hospitality: James Huffman (not pictured).

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Although there is still an ongoing discussion concerning ownership of Sheppard Street – city or state – and who is responsible for repairing and maintaining it, City of Minden officials are working toward a safety issue for foot traffic along that thoroughfare.

“Until ownership is settled, there’s nothing we can do about the street – and we know the state it’s in,” said Mayor Nick Cox. “But a lot of people walk along that street to get to retail businesses, and we can make it safer for them.”

Cox and councilmen Michael Roy, Andy Pendergrass and Carleton Myles traveled to Washington DC to request federal grant funds from three departments (see below) to build a sidewalk on the northern side of Sheppard and north of the drainage ditch.

“Technically, the City of Minden doesn’t own any sidewalks,” Cox said. “And normally, we are not responsible for upkeep on existing sidewalks, but we are committed to the upkeep on this one once it’s built.”

Sheppard Street Multimodal Transportation Project

PROJECT TIMELINE: 12 MONTHS

The City of Minden is seeking approximately $343,000 in

federal, state, and local funding to construct a new sidewalk

on the northern side of Sheppard Street to connect to

existing sidewalks along Lee Street and East Union Street. The

proposed project will stretch 1,500 linear feet and will include

related grading and drainage improvements. The proposed

sidewalk will provide a safe walking path for Minden

residents (especially those living in a nearby low-income

residential area), connecting them to essential public services,

commercial businesses, and recreational facilities. The current

span of Sheppard Street does not have a defined shoulder nor

pedestrian pathway, yet experiences regular non-vehicular

traffic in addition to an average daily traffic count of 7,305.

Upon completion, the city has committed to maintaining the

facility with local funds.

Funding & Support Needed

Estimated Funding Needed: $343,320.60

Title Abstracting: $1,350

Property Appraisal: $10,800

Appraisal Review: $5,400

Property Negotiations: $6,000

Right-of-Way Acquisition: $35,000

Engineering: $30,000

Survey: $10,000

Construction: $187,325.60

Contingencies: $57,445

Potential Funding Opportunities

• Louisiana Department of Transportation &

Development Safe Routes to Public Places

Program (pending)

• Louisiana Community Development Block

Grant Make a Difference Program

• Louisiana Transportation Alternatives

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William Hilyer, 36-year-old white male, is wanted for allegedly stealing items from his employer and then quitting the next day.

Hilyer is believed to be staying  on Goose Creek Rd in the Dubach area.

Anyone with information on William Hilyer is encouraged to contact MPD Detective Lt. Jason Smith at 318-371-4226 (office), 318-268-1441 (cell) or email at  jksmith@mindenusa.com.

All information will be confidential.

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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Friday

Sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Monday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Monday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Bonds totaling $140,000 on a total of 10 charges have been set against a Minden man arrested early Wednesday during a police raid on a Brenda Circle residence.

Charges filed against 32-year-old Justin Bridges include five counts involving firearm violations and four related to possession and distribution of illegal narcotics. Three of the counts were the result of arrest warrants served on the suspect at the time of the raid.

Charges and bond amounts include:

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts, $40,000 bond.

• Possession of a firearm w/obliterated serial number, $10,000 bond.

• Possession of a firearm in presence of CDS, two counts. $20,000 bond.

• Distribution of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana), three counts (warrants). $45,000 bond.

• Possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana) with intent to distribute. $15,000 bond.

• Possession of CDS in presence of a juvenile. $10,000 bond.

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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Benton’s Tigers continued their unbeaten ways Wednesday, taking a 12-1 triumph over the Glenbrook Apaches to record their 10th straight win.

Benton got on the board with four runs in the top of the first inning on an Apaches error, a catcher’s interference call, a Brody Turnipseed walk and a Kannon Greer groundout, each driving in a run.

Glenbrook’s lone run of the game came in the bottom of the first when Jackson Waller slammed a solo home run. Waller would end the game as the Apaches’ leading hitter with two hits in two at-bats. He also had a stolen base.

A double by Cole Snell, a single by Kade Bryant, and a wild pitch helped Benton extend their lead in the second, and the Tigers struck again in the top of the third as a Snell double and Bryant’s single each produced a run.

Jax Prewitt earned the win for Benton, giving up five hits and one run over five innings while striking out 11 and walking one. Seth Mangrum took the loss for Glenbrook.

Benton tallied 10 hits in the game, led by Snell and Bryant with three hits each. Snell also had three RBI.

Glenbrook will try to get back on the winning track Friday with a 6 p.m. home game against the Darbonne Woods Timberwolves.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Happy 23rd anniversary to the love of my life Chequella Walker. To the good times and better times we have been there for each other. Love you more and more each day. – Michael

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By Marilyn Miller

“I am Civitan: as old as life, as young as the rainbow, as endless as time. My hands do the work of the world and reach out in service to others.” This, the opening lines of the Civitan Creed, includes just one of those activities, the annual Minden Civitan Clergy Appreciation Banquet, which took place February 25.

The Civitans conduct fundraising events all through the year to make money for their service projects and other works in Minden and Webster Parish. The list of projects is large, considering that an average of 15 people carry the load for these activities.

Every year, the Minden Civitans donate to the Boy Scouts, the Minden St. Jude Auction, the Webster Parish Council on Aging fan drive, Girls State, the Special Olympics of North Louisiana, and the Shoebox Ministry. Members participate in the Minden Mardi Gras Parade and a Christmas Party with the Minden Evening Lions Club.

They conduct a canned food drive each March, host an Easter Party for the Special Needs Class at Webster Jr. High, host a Crawfish Boil each April, give away five bicycles at the Young Women’s Service Club Back-to-School Bash, conduct a coat drive every August, take up tickets at Minden High School football games, park cars at the Webster Parish Fair, host a Halloween Party and a Christmas Party for the Special Needs Class at WJH, and sponsor a Christmas Party for the area’s mentally challenged adults.

Sponsorships include a Little League team at The Rec, the annual Civitan Golf Tournament at Pine Hills Country Club, the Webster Parish Fair Queen and Princess Pageants, and the Civitan Santa Program, where they donate toys to needy kids in Webster Parish.

Each year, the Minden Civitans recognize a “Citizen of the Year” at Minden High School, Webster Jr. High School, and Glenbrook School.

The Civitan Creeds ends with a pledge – to “practice the Golden Rule and to build upon it a better and nobler citizenship.” For this small service club in Minden, this is obviously a pledge that they take seriously.

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PHOENIX – Sparklight®, a leading broadband provider, invites schools and organizations serving K-12 students to enter its 7th annual “Dream Bigger” contest for the opportunity to win $2,500 to fund their science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) project or club.

“Sparklight has long recognized the vital role STEM education plays in preparing students for future success,” said Trish Niemann, Vice President of Communications Strategy. “Our annual Dream Bigger contest supports initiatives that introduce students to STEM concepts early, igniting a passion that can shape their futures for a lifetime.”

K-12 schools and organizations in communities throughout the 24 states Sparklight serves may enter to win simply by sharing a photo and a written summary outlining how the money will be used to fund their technology project – whether for equipment, competition fees, curriculum development, field trips or other materials – and how it benefits students. Twelve winners will receive a $2,500 donation. 

Since 2019, Sparklight has awarded $150,000 to STEM programs across its footprint through the Dream Bigger initiative. Entries will be accepted through March 11 at sparklight.com/contest. Finalists will be selected by Sparklight, and the 12 winners will be determined by public online voting from March 13 through March 19 at sparklight.com/contest.

The winning schools and organizations will be highlighted on Sparklight’s social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

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Next week, Webster Parish schools will be celebrating Read Across America.  Parents will be invited to participate in planned activities at their child’s school to celebrate and encourage reading. Parents are asked to check with schools for details of planned activities. 

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

Tuesdays

11:30 a.m., Line dance Classes at Webster Parish Council on Aging.

March 1

Noon, Chili Cook-off Fundraiser benefitting The Grace Closet and LaMa Animal Rescue, Sharpe’s Department Store, Springhill.

March 8

6 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC Building, Springhill. Entertainment is fiddler Mike White who has cancer. All proceeds will help with medical expenses.

March 10

6 p.m. Night at the Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden. Speaker: past museum Director Schelley Francis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Potluck snacks and desserts. Free admission, donations encouraged, seating limited.

March 11

5:30 p.m. Town Hall meeting for Minden City Council District E, Minden Community House, Gladney St., Minden.

March 20

6 p.m. Minden First Methodist Church, UCAP Hungerfest and Dessert Auction Fundraiser. $5 per person, children 12 and under free. Purchase tickets at the door or from UCAP at 204 Miller St.

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 27

6 until 7:30 p.m. You’re Being Scammed. Minden Civic Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.  Dinner is free with limited seating. RSVP is required. Call 318-377-0523 (b1 Bank).

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.

April 3

2 p.m. Springhill Branch of Webster Parish Libraries. Pysanky Egg Classes. Make your own Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Supplies limited. Adults or teens must register through WPL app, call branch manager or Shelley at 318-371-3080 X 142.

April 8

1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Doyline Branch of Webster Parish Libraries. Pysanky Egg Classes. Make your own Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Supplies limited. Adults or teens must register through WPL app, call branch manager or Shelley at 318-371-3080 X 142.

April 9

2 p.m. Minden Branch of Webster Parish Libraries. Pysanky Egg Classes. Make your own Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Supplies limited. Adults or teens must register through WPL app, call branch manager or Shelley at 318-371-3080 X 142.

April 12

8:25 a.m. Phillips 5K, a benefit run for Phillip’s Cottage, Minden. Tickets: run signup.com/Race/LA/Minden/PhillipSCottageK.

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 Today and this week have been beautiful.  Lots of people have started their garden and have been working their yards.  Next week is not looking as good.  Does the early bird actually get the worm?  I think not if the early bird just gets wet worms and soggy grass. 

Of course I’m no expert about this.  I’ve seen and heard about the purple martins coming in already.  At least the scouts are here.  I know of one beautiful border collie that is excited about the martins.  He lives in Sibley and his owner has 4 different martin houses and gourds.  The Purple Martins come in droves to this beautiful haven for them.  Of course, Patch, the border collie, never has been able to catch one.  It’s fun to watch him play.  They fly at him and are able to dodge the catch.  Sometimes over a hundred Purple Martins are there to play this game. 

Thinking about it, one of the pleasures of life is just sitting outside and watching the martins come in.  You can do a lot of good thinking while you sit out in the cool evening watching the sun go down.  Watching the cows, birds, even the guys that are cutting and baling hay is relaxing.  I guess not so much for the guys that are working.  If you have plenty of martins you won’t even have the pesky mosquitoes. 

The smell of the fresh cut bermuda hay is also a great plus.  I guess I’m just spoiled for the country.  It’s time to catch the fish at the ponds or just try.  I think I will try to learn to fly fish this year.  Back in the 60’s, mom used a fly rod to catch catfish.  If I could do as well as she did, we won’t be hungry.  I sure do miss those days.  Well let’s get going because spring is almost here.  Good fishing.

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

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Gov. Jeff Landry visited Northwestern State University this week to meet with community officials, legislators and leaders in business, industry, education and economic development to address the pending closure of the International Paper mill in Campti and its projected negative impact for Natchitoches Parish. 

“There is no one who understands the economic impact of the loss of these jobs more than me,” Landry said, referencing the closure of multiple Fruit of the Loom facilities in south Louisiana in the 1990s and early 2000s. “It’s not only the jobs that are leaving the Campti facility, but the downstream effect of what it does to the small businesses that are attached. While I don’t have all the answers today, I can tell you that we will continue to work towards building economic opportunities throughout central and north Louisiana.”

“I think that the greatest opportunity that we have for economic development is actually central and northern Louisiana,” he said, referencing the selection of Richland Parish as the site of Meta’s $10 billion artificial intelligence data center.

The governor said a proposed constitutional amendment on the March 29 ballot to reform the state’s tax code could open new opportunities to bring jobs to north and central Louisiana. He has also tasked higher education administrators with shaping Louisiana’s universities and community college systems to support jobs and industry.

“I think it’s evident from the governor’s remarks that his intention is clearly to bring the full force of the government to do whatever we can do to mitigate the reality of this decision by IP,” said Susan Bourgeois, secretary of the Department of Louisiana Economic Development. “One of the things I started out talking about in my role was that we really had to take the whole of government approach to economic development. It’s not just a government solution to the challenges or the opportunities that we face. It really does have to be the private sector, the education sector, the public sector, all of us pulling on the same rope.”

Bourgeois said her office is currently working with five active wood-related projects in north Louisiana.

“We’ve announced 21 wood-related projects in the last seven years that our team is now going to focus on seeing about placement of employees, placement of product and how we can redeploy some of the Louisiana resources that were used at the Campti facility in those projects,” Bourgeois said.

Susie Schowen, secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, said she has engaged a rapid response team, the team that responds to layoffs, who can offer services specifically for IP workers.

“The IP workers are getting services in career counseling, envisioning where their career could go and how to connect with training. We can help offset the cost of that training with the focus of getting people jobs right here in this area.”

“We want to do as much as we can to backfill, to give back, what the closure is going to cause,” Landry said. “We will work as hard as we can and the good news is you’ve got other areas of the state that are performing, and a high tide has a tendency to lift all boats. We are focused on this area, not only Natchitoches but the central and north Louisiana area. We are hyper focused on opportunity because I think that there are opportunities out there.”

Landry said there are companies around the country and around the world are looking for investments in the U.S., which aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to boost American manufacturing.

“Right now, that is being driven primarily by the president’s agenda and we want to be able to capture as much of that as we can. You see this great team and we have worked hard and I don’t know anyone who isn’t trying to soften the impact,” he said.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has resources available at https://www.laworks.net/.

Information on the Louisiana office of Economic Development is available at
https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/.

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Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced new voter list maintenance data sharing agreements with Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. These agreements will help ensure the further accuracy of Louisiana’s voter rolls by detecting duplicate registrations within neighboring states.

“I am thankful to Secretary Nelson of Texas, Secretary Watson of Mississippi, former Secretary Thurston and current Secretary Jester of Arkansas for working with our office to help keep our voter list accurate and up-to-date,” Secretary Landry said. “Election integrity is my highest priority as Louisiana’s Secretary of State. These agreements underscore how focused my office is on maintaining safe and secure elections, while also safeguarding voters’ sensitive data.”

Secretary Landry previously announced a similar agreement with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen in July 2024.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Monday, March 3:

ADKINS, HAYDEN CORINNE

98751 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

ANDERSON, DMITRI

INCOMING Felony Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile

BAKER, DARREN DUANE

INCOMING Simple Burglary

BASSINGER, LINDSEY MARIE

99512 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

BECK, JR, CHARLES THOMAS

99373 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99373 CT. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

BECK, JR, CHARLES THOMAS

99043 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

BOYD, SCOTTY DEANDRE

99506 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

BOYD, SCOTTY DEANDRE

T-737-09 Maximum Speed Limit

T-737-09 Driving Under Suspension

BRIGGS, JEREMY OBRIAN

97901 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

Please make sure forfeiture of $2,604 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

BROWN, BILLIE JO

98711 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

BROWN, BILLIE JO

98545 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

CAMPBELL, CORINNE E. HALL

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

CARSON, SANTARIO

99500 Ct. 1 Speeding 16-24 MPH

99500 Ct. 2 Possession of CDS I Marijuana (More Than Fourteen Grams)

99500 Ct. 3 Resisting An Officer

CARSON, SANTARIO

INCOMING Injuring Public Records

INCOMING Resisting An Officer

INCOMING Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)

COLEMAN, GEORGERICK

INCOMING Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

Please make sure forfeiture of $3,590 is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

COOPER, ISIAH VEREON

98746 Armed Robbery

COX, LAPATRICK

99459 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

DAVIS, JR., LARANCE EDWARD

99322-CT.1 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense

99322-CT.2 Simple Burglary

99322-CT.3 Simple Burglary

DAVIS, TRAVIS ANTONIO

99318 Racketeering

99318A Obscenity

DEMOSS, COREY J

99169 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

EASON, KEITREON AMONZO

99256A Accessory Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

ERVING, DEDRICK CORTEZ

99407 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

FARRAR, SHELLY ARETHA

99191 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Less Than Two and One Half Pounds)

Please make sure forfeiture of $7,094 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

FORT, DONAVAN XAVIER

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

GARNER, BRYAN DANIEL

99269 Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen

GAY, ANTONIO

98746 Armed Robbery

GILL, DEAUDRICK

98905-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98905-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

GRANT, SHAKAYLA LASHUN

98598 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Yocom, Jimbo Felicia Hamilton Property

Possible restitution owed in the amount of $2,956.41 plus fee $443.46 = $3,399.87.

GRIGSBY, MIKIERRA

99377 Simple Escape

HAMMONTREE, MATTHEW A.

99228 Theft Of A Firearm – 1st Offense

HARDIMAN, JOHNATHAN

98820 Felony Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile

HARRIS, COLLIN

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

HARRIS, CORDERO A.

INCOMING Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

HARRIS, JR., KELVIN

98746 Armed Robbery

HARRIS, TYCHRISTOPHER

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

HARRISON, JARED MALCOLM

99398 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

HARRISON, SAWYER BLAIR

99296-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty- Eight Grams)

99296-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

HARRISON, SAWYER BLAIR

99296-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

99296-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

HAWTHORNE, EDNINA THOMAS

99024-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99024-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

99024-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

HOLDEN, SHIKEL

98746 Armed Robbery

HOLDEN, SHIKEL

99256 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

HOLYFIELD, JR., BENNIE JABIEN

99322-CT.1 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense

99322-CT.2 Simple Burglary

99322-CT.3 Simple Burglary

HUDSON, KHALIA A

98842 Attempted Aggravated Arson

JOHNSON, JOSHUA MEREDITH

99382 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

JOHNSON, LABARRON KEITH

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

JONES, CHAMETERIA

99257 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

KELLEY, GINGER L.

98846 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

LARD, DJIMON HETONIUS

97082A Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

LOFTON, LACARIOS TYREKE

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

MAYWEATHER, LAWRENCE

99258 Aggravated Second Degree Battery

MOORE, DEANDRE LEE

98330 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

NUTT, TERI WALKER

99495A Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

PARKER, CAMERON

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

PENNYWELL, JR., CALVIN W.

97519-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

97519-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PINK, ELLIS ALVIN

99513-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

99513-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

PRICE, KAYLIEB RUSSELL

99511 Second Degree Battery

RADFORD, KALELAH

98977 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

ROBINSON, ROBERT D

99297 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence (2 counts)

99297A-Ct.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

99297A-CT.2 False Imprisonment

RUSHING, NIKKI COURTNEY

98735 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

SHELBY, JAREL EDWARD

98331 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

98331A Possession of Schedule II CDS – Oxycodone

SHINE, MERNARD L.

99495 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

SHYNE, LAVERTO

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

SIMS, AUSTIN J.

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

SNEED, DAVID J.

99267 Molestation of a Juvenile

SNEED, III, ROBERT LEE

99444 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

SNEED, TAMMIE

99338 Obstruction Of Justice

SPECKS, JOSHUA

97954 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

Please make forfeiture of firearm part of any plea/sentence.

TAYLOR, ALDARAVION

97082 Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

TAYLOR, JASON

T161416 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T161316 Operating a Vehicle with an Unlit License Plate

TAYLOR, JASON

INCOMING Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

INCOMING Operating a Vehicle with an Unlit License Plate

INCOMING

Operating a Vehicle While License

Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

INCOMING Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)

INCOMING Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

THORNTON, TYLER

98102 Ct. 1 Speeding 16-24 MPH

98102 Ct. 2 Unlawful Sales Of Tobacco To A Person Under the Age of 21

98102 Ct. 3 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

98102 Ct. 4 Displaying/Possessing An Invalid Registration Certificate Or Registration Number Plate

THORNTON, TYLER

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

THORNTON, TYLER

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

TUCKER, JENNIFER ELLEN

99360 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty- Eight Grams)

WASHINGTON, KENTRAVIAN

99127 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

WEBB, DMARION MALIQUE

99475 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

WHITE, III, NATHANIEL

99273 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

WHITE, III, NATHANIEL

INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk Of Court the week of February 21 through February 27:

February 24:

Madeline Capps vs. Chance Whitlock, divorce

Erica Anne Shelley vs. Joshua Ryan Winnkler, divorce/no children

Discover Bank vs. Brian K. Odom, monies due

Republic Finance LLC vs. Whitney L. Tripp, suit on note

Republic Finance LLC vs. Terri J. Stampley, suit on note

Rocket Mortgage LLC vs. Debbie Pearson, executory process

Taylor Brooke Gates vs. Brandon Michael Sukey, protective order

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Veronica Benson, monies due

American Express National Bank vs. Donald Webb, monies due

Synchrony Bank vs. Ebonee K. Archie, Bonnie’s due

Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC vs. Michael J. Langley, executory process

February 25

Marah McDonald vs. Thomas Mouser, State Farm Mutual Automobile, damages

February 26

Robert Lewis Moore vs. Ralph Henry Moore, interdiction

Rickey Lynn Brown vs. Jai Kendel Amere Downs, damages

Discover Bank vs. Benjamin E. Thompson, monies due

Discover Bank vs. Ebonee K. Archie, monies due

Portfolio Recovery Associates vs. Bobby Carroll Jr., monies due

February 27

Terri Jiles Kennedy, succession under $125K

Teri Joyce Hemphill, Larry Wayne Gill, vs. J. Schuyler Marvin, District Attorney, name change

Jami Nash vs. Tom Womack, divorce

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Ginger Slack Smith

September 8, 1958  –  February 26, 2025

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Saturday, February  29, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home.

Burial: Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Minden.

Linda Ethel Montgomery

March 15, 1949  –  February 25, 2025

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until noon Friday, February 28, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Graveside service: 1 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, Christies Chapel Cemetery, Magnolia, Ark.

Martha Blanche Hollis Alexander

September 15, 1929 — February 20, 2025

Minden, La.

Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, First Baptist Church West Chapel, Minden.

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

Inurnment: Gardens of Memory, Minden, 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

A Minden man had a rude awakening early Wednesday morning when  Minden police officers and members of the department’s Special Response Team came knocking at his Brenda Circle residence to enforce arrest and search warrants.

As a result, 32-year-old Justin Bridges now finds himself facing a bevy of charges including possession of drugs with intent to distribute and several serious firearms violations. Chief of Police Jared McIver said Bridges, a convicted felon, was already the subject of three warrants charging him with distribution of illegal drugs.

During a search of his residence officers found additional evidence including roughly 26 ounces of synthetic marijuana, a pair of handguns (one with the serial number defaced) and $1,000 in cash hidden in a shoe.

Officers reportedly found one 9MM handgun hidden under a mattress in the master bedroom and the other, a 9MM Glock 43, secreted in a shoe in a closet.

McIver said Bridges is now charged with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, two counts possession of a firearm in the presence of a CDS, possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number, possession of a CDS in the presence of juveniles and possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana) with intent to distribute.

Police also reportedly seized two vehicles in connection with their investigation into Bridges’ illegal drug activities.

Bridges is being held on a total bond of $45,000 on the three warrants charging him with distribution of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana). Bond has not been set on additional charges.

Narcotics division detectives Lt. Shane Griffith and Lt. Kenny James said Wednesday’s raid reflects the MPD’s continuing push to combat illegal narcotics in the city.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in an outhouse or a penthouse, if you sell drugs in Minden you’re going to jail. No matter how long it takes, we will eventually get you,” Griffith 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 Bonnie Culverhouse

Parishwide elections on Saturday, March 29 will include, Constitutional Amendments, however, Fire Protection District 2 (Sibley) voters will have more on their ballots.

A tax renewal for all of precinct 40 and parts of precincts 34, 39 and 41 will see the following:

Shall Fire Protection District No. 2 (Sibley) of the Parish of Webster, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of 10 mills (the “Tax”) on all property subject to taxation within the District (an estimated $114,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2025 and ending with the year 2034, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating fire protection facilities and equipment, including the purchase of fire trucks, in and for the District, and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes and/or contracting for fire protection services for the District, provided that a portion of the Tax proceeds is required to be contributed to state and statewide retirement systems as provided in R.S. 11:82?

Early voting is March 15-22 (excluding Sunday, March 16) from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Webster Parish Courthouse and Springhill Civic Center.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 25 by 4:30 p.m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.

The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is March 28 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

On election day, the polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

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Thursday

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Calm wind.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 46.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 75.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

Continue your article here…

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By Paige Gurgainers

Local libraries and schools are preparing for “Read Across America Week’ that is set to kick off March 3 – 7. The National Education Association began this initiative in 1988 in celebration of the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss and to inspire the joy of reading.  

“We are thrilled to once again celebrate ‘Read Across America Week’ with our annual parish-wide coloring contest and special reading events,” said Kim Sentell, Director of Marketing and Community Liaison for Webster Parish Libraries. 

Coloring Contest Details – Drop-Off Locations: 

Minden Library Branch – 521 East and West Street, Minden, LA 71055 

Springhill Library Branch – 1000 S. Arkansas Street, Springhill, LA 71075 

All entries will be displayed throughout the remaining month of March at one of the above locations. 

Winners will be selected by community members in the following grade categories: 

Pre-K & Kindergarten 

1st & 2nd Grade 

3rd & 4th Grade 

5th & 6th Grade 

In addition to the coloring contest, the library staff will be visiting the schools for a special reading event that will take place throughout the week through their partnership with Minden Medical Center, the “special story time” will feature the book, “Oh, the Things You Can Do That are Good for You!” by Tish Rabe. 

“This engaging and educational book introduces children to healthy habits in a fun and interactive way,” Sentell continued. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the committed educators and schools that graciously host us each year as guest readers.”  

The Webster Parish Libraries would like to send a special “thanks” to Mr. Lee, Principal of Central Elementary, Ms. Tori Young, Educator at North Webster Upper Elementary, Michelle Finley, Principal of E.S. Richardson and their friends at Mother Goose Land, among many others. 

“Read Across America Week is a time to inspire young minds, celebrate the power of storytelling, and foster a lifelong love of reading,” said Sentell. “We look forward to coming together as a community to share in this wonderful tradition.” We invite everyone to join us in celebrating literacy, creativity, and the joy of reading throughout Read Across America Week.” 

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Minden found themselves in an early hole and couldn’t find a way out as Oak Grove’s Tigers came away with a 9-1 win over the Crimson Tide Tuesday.

Oak Grove got off to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Tanner Duff and Jackson Bradley delivered doubles, wrapped around a Minden error. The Tigers extended the lead in the third, adding a pair of runs on a Gaige Neal RBI single and a J.T. Layton sacrifice fly.

Jaxon Smith took the loss for Crimson Tide, going three innings, giving up five runs (two earned) on five hits. Landyn Huddleston went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Tide and Bryson Ranger had a pair of hits in three tries. Bray Winston collected two hits

Neal led Oak Grove with two hits and three RBI; Duff and Brodie Stuart each had a pair of hits.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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