Benard Ashley Bailey, 45, Brooks Ave., Minden: arrested Feb. 17 by WPSO on outstanding warrants. Bond set $432.

Kaleb Paul Beraud, 30, N. Arkansas St., Springhill: arrested Feb. 19 on warrants for theft of a firearm, domestic abuse battery. Total bond set $60,000.

Lisa Meshell Scott, 52, N. Collins St, Cullen: arrested Feb. 20 by Springhill PD on warrant for distribution of CDS Sch. II (crack cocaine). Bond set $25,000.

Kayla Frazier, 34, W. Main St., Homer: arrested Feb. 20 by Homer PD for unauthorized use of food stamps, warrants for careless operation, speeding, driving under suspension, switched license plates, simple battery. Total bond set $5,250.

Cody Benjamin Teague, 41, 100 block Fullbright Rd., Minden: arrested Feb. 23 by WPSO for speeding, on outstanding warrant. No bond set.

Samuel Cody Miller, 36, 100 block Parkside Landing, Doyline: arrested Feb. 23 by WPSO for violation of protective order. Bond set $25,000.

Ralterrian Reeder, 18, 800 block Columbia St., Minden: arrested Feb. 22 by MPD on fugitive warrant from Ringgold PD. Bond set $200,000.

Chawndrika L. Harris, 31, 500 block Fincher Rd., Minden: arrested Feb. 22 by MPD on outstanding warrants for domestic abuse battery, cruelty of juveniles. Total bond set $75,000.

Davaris Moore, 34, no address, arrested Feb. 22 by MPD for public drunkenness. Bond set $500.

Brittney Michelle Amey, 29, 400 block S. College St., Minden: arrested Feb. 22 by MPD for unauthorized entry of a place of business. Bond set $15,000.

Andrae Moore, 45, 300 block Lee St., Minden: arrested Feb. 22 by MPD on outstanding bench warrant. Bond set $500 cash or $20,000 surety.

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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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.

Alice Laverne Mathes

July 9, 1945 — February 23, 2025

Doyline, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. February 26, 2025, West Lake Cemetery, Doyline, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Dustin Dean Cook

May 25, 1970 – February 20, 2025

Minden, La.

Memorial service at a later date.

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 Friday night fight evolved into a shooting incident and a 28-year-old Minden man is currently being held in the parish prison as a result, according to Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver.

McIver said Martin Wayne Sims, Jr., is charged with illegal use of weapons after he allegedly fired shots toward a group of individuals just before 10 p.m. Friday. No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting.

Officers responded to a Moore St. residence to investigate a disturbance which had been reported by Sims Jr. At the scene, officers reportedly found the suspect with injuries including scrapes, a minor laceration to one finger and a bloodied nose.

During an interview, Sims Jr. claimed someone among a group of people threw a bottle toward him as he walked in his neighborhood. When he and one individual began fighting, Sims alleged he was attacked by multiple individuals.

According to officers, Sims Jr. admitted to returning to his residence, retrieving a handgun and firing one shot toward the group from the front door in what he claimed was an act of self defense.

Witnesses claimed to have heard six or seven gunshots, but reportedly were unable to provide information on the alleged physical altercation.

After receiving consent to search the Moore St. residence, officers reportedly located the firearm in a bathroom. When the firearm was discovered, the magazine reportedly was empty and the slide mechanism was locked to the rear, which officers said is normal when a semi-automatic handgun fires its last round.

Sims Jr. is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $20,000 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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Minden residents, your voices have been heard loud and clear. The electricity bills straining our households and businesses have long been a shared burden. It’s no secret that Minden carries the unfortunate distinction of having the highest electricity rates in Louisiana. At 16.31 cents per kilowatt-hour, well above the state average of 11.55 cents, our community is paying a steep price, both financially and competitively. Small businesses feel this pressure just as deeply, with energy costs cutting into already tight margins. This isn’t just a number. It’s a challenge we face together every day.

The Toll on Our Community

The effects touch every part of Minden. Families among us are making tough calls, cutting back on essentials to keep the lights on. Local business owners grapple with whether to raise prices or take the hit themselves, risking their livelihoods either way. Meanwhile, as nearby cities highlight their affordability, we’re left working harder to hold onto the people and businesses that make Minden our home. This isn’t just about money. It’s about our pride, our stability, and the future we envision for our city.

A Bold Step Forward with LEPA

We are not here to linger on the problem. We are here to celebrate the solution. After months of careful planning, our community is taking bold action. On June 1, 2025, we’ll transition our electricity supply to the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority, or LEPA. For those unfamiliar, LEPA is a cooperative that harnesses the collective purchasing power of municipalities like ours to secure electricity at better rates. By uniting with other Louisiana cities, we are embracing the advantage that comes from sharing our purchasing ability. Sharing the load, we’re paving the way for progress.

What does this mean for us? Experts estimate this shift could lower our electricity rates by 20 to 25 percent. That’s a meaningful reduction, enough to lighten the load on our monthly budgets and give our businesses a real shot at thriving. When July and August roll around, and those first adjusted bills land in our mailboxes, we’ll see the change for ourselves. This is a moment we’ve long awaited, a step we’ve championed because it matters to all of us.

Building a Stronger, More Competitive Minden

This isn’t just about saving money. It’s about reshaping Minden’s future. Lower electricity costs will make our city more welcoming to families looking to put down roots and entrepreneurs ready to invest. Together, we’re sharpening our edge, ensuring Minden is known not for its struggles but for its resilience and determination. Picture a city where the lights burn bright without draining our wallets, where businesses flourish free from crushing overhead, and where our neighbors no longer look elsewhere for a better deal. That’s the Minden we’re building as a team.

Moving Forward Together

As June approaches, we’ll keep everyone in the loop every step of the way. This victory belongs to all of us, and we want everyone to feel part of it. As a community, neighbors, leaders, and friends who have all felt the weight of these rates, we’re dedicated to seeing this through.

Minden, this is our moment to claim the fairness we deserve, and to build a brighter, more affordable tomorrow. Let’s stay tuned for updates as we approach the switch to LEPA. Relief is coming, and we’re excited for what lies ahead as we continue moving forward, together!

Mayor Nick Cox

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(Editor’s Note: Watch Webster Parish Journal for a list of the Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, as well as a special tax for Fire District 2.)

Wednesday, February 26 is the last day to register to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office, in order to vote in the March 29, 2025 – Municipal Primary Election

The following is important information for the Saturday, March 29, 2025 Municipal Primary Election:

The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is March 8.

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).

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By Pat Culverhouse

Attacking a companion with a leather belt has landed a Minden woman in the parish jail looking at a domestic abuse charge.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said Marlicia Sims, 27, a resident of the 400 block of Gum St., is officially charged with domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. McIver said officers learned two infants were inside the residence when the alleged incident occurred.

Responding officers reportedly found Sims’ companion with a torn shirt, scratched arms and welts on his chest and back caused by alleged strikes with a leather belt. Officers were told during interviews that the pair began arguing when Sims allegedly returned home in the early morning hours Sunday.

A struggle reportedly ensued when Sims pulled a sleeping baby from the arms of her companion. Officers said Sims claimed she grabbed the belt to protect herself, but no marks were observed on her body.

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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Glenbrook’s Apaches split a pair of weekend contests with Shreveport’s Calvary Baptist Academy.

Calvary 7, Glenbrook 3

Cooper Holmes had three hits and Jacob Tibbett picked up three RBI to lead the Calvary Baptist Academy Cavaliers past Glenbrook’s Apaches 7-3.

Glenbrook jumped out to an early first inning lead when Seth Mangrum put the Apaches on the board with an RBI double. That lead didn’t last long as Calvary  scored on a passed ball to tie the game at one in the home half of the first.

Calvary broke the game open in the bottom of the third, scoring six runs on three hits to take the lead, 7-1. Most of the damage in the inning came on a bases loaded Apaches error.

Jack Testa earned the win for Calvary while Ryan Reagan took the loss for the Apaches.

Kleaton Davis went 1-for-2 at the plate and had two runs batted in. Davis, Mangrum, and Jackson Waller each collected one hit for Glenbrook. Christian Ashworth collected two hits for the Cavaliers in two at bats.

Glenbrook 6, Calvary 2

Sam Ricord scattered eight hits over seven innings, struck out seven and gave up only one earned run as the Glenbrook Apaches downed the Calvary Baptist Academy Cavaliers 6-2.

After the teams scored a run apiece in the first inning, the Apaches went ahead for good in the top of the third with a four-run outburst. Ryan Reagan drew a walk, driving in one run, Easton Sanders singled, scoring one run, and a Dawson Day single sent two more runs across the plate.

Day and Sanders each drove in two runs for Glenbrook, and the Apaches stole five bases in the game.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Glenbrook’s Lady Apaches flexed some muscle during a winning three-game stretch, scoring double-digit victory margins in all three contests.

Glenbrook 25, Southwood 7

An 11-run first inning and five total home runs for the day helped power the Glenbrook Lady Apaches past Southwood, 25-7 in girls’ softball action.

Glenbrook’s Gabi Brown drew a walk, scoring one run, and opening the flood gates for the Lady Apaches. Hallie Harmon powered a grand slam to center, Anna Vining singled, scoring one run and  Gracie Heard drew a run-scoring walk. Addison Chanler had a bases-loaded double to drive in another three runs and Bree Bonsall drew a walk, scoring one run.

A Presli Waller inside the park home run started another round of Glenbrook scoring in the second, and a Southwood error produced one more run. The  Lady Apaches added to their lead in the top of the third inning when Kullyn Chanler and Bonsall each stole home.

Three more Lady Apaches crossed the plate in the top of the fourth inning on four hits. Chanler raced to a solo inside the park home run, Chanler singled, scoring one run, and Savannah O’Glee produced another RBI single. Home runs by Brown and Heard propelled the Lady Apaches to a seven-run outburst in the top of the fifth inning.

Savannah Mangrum started the game in the circle for Glenbrook, giving up just one hit and no runs in two innings of work. She had three strikeouts and walked none. Izzy McMillon and Chanler each appeared in relief for the Lady Apaches.

Lady Cowboys starter Sa’Derrica Lars gave up 14 hits and 25 runs (23 earned) over five innings, striking out 12 and walking 12.

Brown provided pop in the middle of the lineup for Glenbrook with four runs batted in. The shortstop went 1-for-1 on the day. C Gregg, Harmon, and Chanler each collected two hits. Kynzie Smith, Chanler, Bonsall, and Chanler each stole multiple bases for Glenbrook as the Lady Apaches stole 14 bases in the game.

Glenbrook 19, Northwood 8

Hallie Harmon collected three hits, including a solo home run, as Glenbrook’s Lady Apaches defeated the Northwood Lady Falcons 19-8. Harmon also had a solo home run and a pair of singles in the game.

Glenbrook scored first when Vivian Still singled to center field and later stole home, and Anna Vining singled to center. Northwood made a comeback and took the lead, 4-3, in the bottom of the first thanks to a pair of RBI singles.

Still tied the game at 4-4 in the top of the second with an RBI triple to left field, but Northwood recaptured the lead, 5-4, in the bottom of the second.

Five runs on five hits in the top of the third gave the Lady Apaches a 9-5 lead and they would never trail again. Four more Glenbrook runs in the fourth extended the lead to 13-6. In the inning, Harmon nailed a solo home run to right, Ellie Earnhardt tripled to score one run, Chloe Gregg singled in another and a Hollis double drove in one more.

Rebecca Mosley earned the win for Glenbrook, allowing nine hits and seven runs (five earned) over six innings while striking out nine and walking four.

Glenbrook tallied 20 hits in the game with Still and Hollis collecting four hits each. Harmon, Earnhardt, and Vining each collected multiple hits. Still stole three bases, leading the way as the Lady Apaches picked up seven stolen bases for the game.

Glenbrook 16, Caddo Magnent 1

Gabi Brown hammered a pair of home runs and picked up three RBI as the Glenbrook Lady Apaches rolled past Caddo Magnent 16-1. Brown homered in the first and second innings.

Glenbrook got on the board in the top of the first inning when Colby Hollis singled, scoring one run, Vivian Still doubled to scoring one and Brown nailed a two-run shot to center. Hadley Haynes tripled, driving in one run, Chloe Gregg produced an RBI single, Hollis singled in another followed by a steal of home.

Four more runs crossed the plate in the top of the second inning on three hits. Brown had her second homer, a solo inside the park effort, and an error produced two runs before Addison Chanler singled in one more.

Glenbrook extended the lead to 16-0 in the third inning when Still clubbed a solo home run to center field, an error scored one run, and Chanler doubled, scoring two runs.

Rebecca Mosley earned the win for Glenbrook, giving up one hit and one unearned run over three innings. The Lady Apaches accumulated 13 hits in the game with Still, Brown, Hollis, Hallie Harmon, and Chanler each collected two hits.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Lakeside’s Lady Warriors found a liking for the number 10, taking a pair of wins by 10-1, 10-4 to stay on winning track.

Lakeside 10, Converse 1

Maggie Mandino, Madilynn Squyres, and Moose Jernigan combined for six of the team’s 10 hits Saturday, leading Lakeside’s Lady Warriors to a 10-1 win over Converse Saturday.

Hitting from the bottom half of the lineup, the trio combined to score four runs while driving in seven.

Lakeside scored six runs in the second inning on the strength of a Squyres two-run single, a Mandino RBI double, a Jernigan RBI fielder’s choice, a McKenna Chreene RBI double and a Raleah Harris run producing ground out.  A double by Squyres extended the Lakeside  lead to 7-1 in the bottom of the third inning.

Jernigan earned the win for Lakeside, allowing just two hits over seven innings while striking out seven and walking none.

Lakeside 10, Parkway 4

McKenna Chreene struck out 12 batters and collected a pair of hits, including a solo home run, to lead Lakeside’s Lady Warriors past the Parkway Lady Panthers 10-4.

Chreene gave up eight hits and three runs over six innings while walking none.

After Parkway opened with a pair of runs in the first inning, Lakeside took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the inning when Chreene cracked a solo home run to center field, Meredith Robinson singled to score two runs and Madilynn Squyres added an RBI single.

Four more Lakeside runs crossed the plate in the sixth inning to round out the scoring at 10-4. Raleah Harris singled for one run, and Emily Jones clubbed a three-run homer to give Lakeside the win.

Robinson and Chreene each collected two hits for Lakeside and Jones and Robinson each drove in three runs. Robinson had two stolen bases in the game as the Lady Warriors picked up four steals.

McCall led Parkway with two hits and three runs batted in. K. Grovengo and Z. Horn each collected multiple hits for Parkway.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Lakeside and Minden exchanged walk-off wins in a pair of one-run thrillers, but the Warriors took two of three from the Crimson Tide in a weekend baseball series.

Lakeside 9, Minden 8

Brock Case’s RBI single in the bottom of the seventh drove in the winning run as the Lakeside Warriors edged past Minden’s Crimson Tide 9-8 Saturday.

Trailing by two runs, Minden scored five in the top of the seventh on four hits to take an 8-5 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Keegan Pope, his third hit of the game, that drove in two runs.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Lakeside struck back for the win after Drake Chreene grounded out, Jake Glass was struck by a pitch, Noah Redding singled to center field, and Case produced his game-winning single up the middle.

Pope, Jacob Jefferson, and Bray Winston each drove in two runs for Minden and Landyn Huddleston collected two hits for the Crimson Tide in five at bats.

Noah Redding and Gage Williams each collected two hits for Lakeside. Eli Campbell, Redding, Chreene, Williams, Jon Jon Dick, and Case each drove in one run. Williams had three stolen bases as Lakeside swipped a total of seven in the game.

Minden 5, Lakeside 4

Keegan Pope ended an extra-inning nail biter Friday with a game-winning RBI single in the eighth to lead the Minden Crimson Tide past Lakeside’s Warriors 5-4.

Minden started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Bryson Ranger doubled, followed by sacrifice flies from Landyn Huddleston and Jaxon Smith, each scoring one run.

Lakeside tied the game in the top of the fourth thanks to singles by Eli Campbell and Drake Chreene, and an error. A single by Rider Miller gave Minden a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the sixth, but Gage Williams singled to center to pull Lakeside into a tie in the top of the seventh.

Huddleston earned the win in relief, allowing no hits and no runs in one inning of work. Brock Case took the loss for Lakeside.

Hudson Brown and Pope each collected two hits for Minden. Smith, Pope, Ranger, Huddleston, and Miller each collected an RBI.

Campbell, Jon Jon Dick, and Jake Glass each had two hits for Lakeside, and Dick added five stolen bases to his day’s work. Lakeside had ran wild eight stolen bases for the game.

Lakeside 6, Minden 3

Lakeside’s Warriors turned a 3-1 deficit into a 6-3 win over the Minden CrimsonTide, breaking loose for five runs in the the sixth inning to seal the deal.

Bray Winston led Minden Crimson Tide Varsity with two hits.

Lakeside opened the scoring in the third on a Gage Williams RBI single, but Minden captured a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth after Jaxon Smith singled up the middle, and Rider Miller grounded out, each scoring one run.

Eli Campbell earned the win for Lakeside, surrendering six hits and three runs (two earned) over seven innings. He had one strikeout and walked two. Smith took the loss for Minden, allowing just one earned run on five hits.

Williams led Lakeside with three hits in four at bats and Campbell had two RBI. Smith, Winston, and Miller each drove in one run for the Crimson Tide.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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North Webster’s Knights collected more hits but fewer runs Saturday, dropping a tough 10-7 baseball decision to Jennings. The Knights picked up 14 hits in the game compared to 13 for the Bulldogs.

Jennings flipped the game in the top of the second, scoring five runs on four hits to take a 6-1 lead. 

Cayden Bernard led North Webster with three hits. Ingle went 2-for-5 at the plate and led the team with two runs batted in. Aiden Woodall, Mckenzie, Dinkins, and Gillentine each collected multiple hits for the Knights. Bernard and Ingle each stole multiple bases as the Knights collected seven steals in the game.

North Webster travels to Logansport for a Saturday contest with the Tigers.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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It was a tough stretch for Minden’s Lady Tide softball squad with three losses over the weekend.

Stanley 18, Minden Lady Crimson Tide 3

Stanley’s Lady Panthers rode a nine-run scoring outburst in the second inning to take an 18-3 softball win over the Minden Lady Crimson Tiders Saturday.

A three-run home run by the Lady Panthers’ Kraegan Jordan was the big blow in the inning.

A triple by Lizzie Balkom put Minden on the board in the top of the first, but Riley Palmer homered to center field to tie the game at one in the bottom of the first.

Leigha Kennon Gilbert set the pace, leading the Lady Tiders with two hits in two at bats. Tatum Oliver and Balkom each drove in one run for Minden. Kennon Gilbert stole two bases.

Jordan had two home runs in three at-bats for Stanley. Campbell went 3-for-4 and Jaci Springer collected two hits.

Capt. Shreve 8, Minden Lady Crimson Tide 4

Minden collected seven hits to Captain Shreve’s six, but the wasn’t enough as the Lady Tiders fell 8-4 to the Lady Gators.

Lindsay Ryan, Tatum Oliver, and Lizzie Balkom each collected two hits for the Lady Tiders. Leigha Kennon Gilbert had an inside the park grand slam in the top of the fifth for Minden.

Ryan took the loss for the Lady Tiders, going six innings and giving up just two earned runs while striking out six and walking two.

Logansport Lady Tigers 16, Minden Lady Crimson Tide 1

Logansport scored 12 runs in the third inning on the way to a 16-1 win over the Minden Lady Crimson Tiders. 

Logansport got on the board in the first inning when Kennedi Smith grounded out, scoring one run. Lindsay Ryan hit into a fielder’s choice, pulling the Lady Tiders into a tie in the top of the third before the Lady Tigers’ explosion put the game out of reach.

Ryan had one run batted in while Nola Lange, Kaelynn Williams, and Charli Flournoy each collected two hits for Minden.

(Stats and info provided by GameChanger Media.)

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Minden Lions Club members appreciate Lion District 8-L Gov. Helen Mazier for speaking to the club last week about Lionism and reminding them about their role as community servants and champions for the blind and sight-impaired. She took the opportunity to initiate new Lions (Andy Partington, Ben Gorman, and Claude Reeves). Lion District Gov. Mazier also provided Lion Paul Kitchens with his 50-year membership pin and provided special pins of recognition to former Lion District 8-L Gov. Jerry Madden and current Minden Lion’s Club President Rick Buckner.

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Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s annual business meeting and memorial service was held on Sunday, February 16, 2025 in the sanctuary of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Guest speaker Justice Jay McCallum was introduced by Wayne Gray and Society president John Cole. During the meeting, the 2025-2026 slate of officers, board members, and advisory board members were presented. They are:

Officers: President John Cole, Vice President Phillip Towns, Treasurer Marsha Andrews, Corresponding Secretary Mary Claire Kettler, Recording Secretary Marguerite Gray, Publicity/Marketing Donna Sutton, and Publicity/Marketing/Hostess Vickie Youngblood.

Board Members: Ann Barr and Joey Allen, Elaine Carter, Aaron Clark, Beth and Steve Fontenot, Marguerite and Wayne Gray, Patti Joyner, Melinda Kidd, Jack Land, Steve and Jennifer Towns, Steven Lyles, and Tommy Youngblood.

Homeowners Advisory Board: Marsha Andrews, Roger Freeman, Jennifer and Herbert Newman, Pam and Jeff Stogsdill, and John C. Thurmond.

It was noted that Mt. Lebanon Historical Society now has 257 members. Fifty-six of these are charter members from 1968. The meeting concluded with a memorial service, which was conducted for Society members who have passed away. Mrs. Earlene Melton, James Cronin Egan, Jr. and Mary Alice Hardman Egan were remembered during this service.

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: canned meats, soup, crackers, powdered milk, Ramen noodles, spaghetti, cornbread mix, biscuit mix

Household goods: sheets, towels

Clothing: men’s shoes

Thank you for 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 .

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 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 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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By Pat Culverhouse

A second individual has been charged in connection with a violent domestic incident at a Springhill residence, according to Springhill Chief of Police Will Lynd.

Yolanda Daniels, a 50-year-old resident of Camelot Dr., was arrested by Springhill officers Wednesday and has been booked for domestic abuse aggravated assault, Lynd said. Her bond has been set at $3,500.

Springhill officers investigating the incident said Daniels and her reported boyfriend, 50-year-old Mickey D. Kemp, became involved in a physical confrontation at a Payne St. residence around 2:15 p.m. Officers reportedly learned the pair struggled after Daniels allegedly kicked Kemp, who responded by pushing her onto a couch and choking her.

Officers reportedly learned Daniels managed to get away and ran into the kitchen, armed herself with a knife and chased Kemp from the house. Officers said Daniels had bruising on her neck and chest from the fight while Kemp showed scratches on his face and a busted lip.

Police said Daniels has been in court for similar offenses on three occasions. While two of the charges reportedly were dropped by the victim, one case is pending.

Kemp is currently being held in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a charge of domestic abuse with strangulation in the incident. His bond has been set at $50,000. Kemp reportedly has also previously been charged with domestic abuse.

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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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.

Alice Laverne Mathes

July 9, 1945 — February 23, 2025

Doyline, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. West Lake Cemetery, Doyline, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Dustin Dean Cook

May 25, 1970 – February 20, 2025

Minden, La.

Memorial service at a later date.

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

For the second time in three weeks, the vote was unanimous, pushing across the finish line a contract to transfer power to City of Minden utility customers from Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) to Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA).

“This was a campaign promise we made,” said Minden Mayor Nick Cox, referring to his fellow councilpersons as they sought a way to lower energy bills. “We said we were going to look for a way to make this happen. This was a giant day for Minden – a move in the right direction – a day I was looking forward to even before I took office.”

Cox said he likes to set a goal and accomplish it, “and this was a big one.”

During Minden City Council’s February 3 meeting, council members voted unanimously to give Cox the authority to sign the contract with LEPA and Thursday, February 20, members of LEPA’s board voted unanimously to allow the city to become a full requirements’ member – and the mayor signed on the dotted line.

Cox said LEPA’s meeting was not a regularly-scheduled gathering but one called to bring Minden onboard.

City of Minden residents and businesses officially will begin receiving power from LEPA June 1, but it may be a few weeks before customers see a change.

“Half the (June) bill will be on (SWEPCO), and half will be on the new,” Cox said. “It may be August before we see a difference, because of the way the billing system is. You won’t see a full bill until then.”

Cox said after the meeting he and Councilman Carleton “Buddy” Myles met with engineers.

“We talked about designing the new meters, so LEPA will be able to meter the power that comes in,” he said. “LEPA will be able to audit the power charges that pass through. That will be at the substation.”

Not everything will change.

Local maintenance and repairs will remain with Minden’s utility crews. The City of Minden will handle downed lines, routine upkeep and direct customer support just as it does now. Transmission is administered by the regional grid operator, MISO. LEPA coordinates and schedules power on Minden’s behalf, but it does not physically own or operate the transmission lines.

For the past 16 years, City of Minden has been in a 20-year contract with Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) for its electricity.

According to the State Attorney General, Louisiana Revised Statute 33:41649(B) reads:

Municipalities may obtain water or electric current under contracts extending over a maximum period of fifteen years with private persons, on such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the parties. The governing authority of the municipality contracting for such water supply or electric current may bind the municipality, the greening authority and its successors in office to carry out the terms of any such contract.

At this point, Cox feels that law will back up the City’s move, and what happens with SWEPCO after this point will be dealt with as it arises..

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By Pat Culverhouse

Additional charges have been filed against a Waldo, Arkansas man who was arrested last week by Springhill police after a stolen UHaul truck filled with stolen items was discovered on a business parking lot.

Lawezleon Munchete Davis, 54, who is currently incarcerated at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, reportedly was served Wednesday at the prison on an active warrant for simple burglary and racketeering. Bond on the two charges was set at $40,000, upping his total bond on all charges to $90,250.

Davis was booked for racketeering, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen things and fugitive warrant from Columbia County, Arkansas following his Feb. 11 arrest.

He reportedly was arrested after a Springhill resident notified Springhill police that he spotted a UHaul truck and trailer which had been posted on a social media site as stolen in Arkansas.

During a search of the UHaul, officers reportedly located a pair of motorcycles, one dirt bike, numerous household items and several sets of golf clubs.

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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Eli Don Coker, 19-year-old white male, is wanted for Stalking and Unlawful Communications.

Anyone with information on Eli Don Coker 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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By Zoe Pickett

The Cullen town meeting for February 18, was canceled with no explanation, leaving residents with more questions than answers after an already worrisome meeting held on February 6 where residents were informed they would no longer have trash pickup.

One of the first items discussed during the February 6 meeting included an ordinance amendment that affected the town business’s hours of operation.

When asked to read the amendment Cullen’s town lawyer Michael Kelly, read “All businesses located within the town of Cullen shall be closed at 2 AM and shall not reopen until 6 AM the following morning with the only exception being the enterprise zone beginning at Martin Luther King and ending at Murphy Street. These businesses should be extended until 2 AM. No one should be on the business premises no later than 30 minutes after closing time.”

Kelly suggested the council vote on revising this ordinance as it is unclear as to what the wording should read regarding the differentiation between the businesses inside and outside of the enterprise zone.

Following this discussion, Mayor Terry Hoof stated that Kelly would rewrite the ordinance and present it to the council.

In the same meeting, residents were told that Knights Services would no longer be picking up their garbage as they have been doing for the last 9 years.

“We are $22,000 in the hole,” Kelly said in reference to the balance owed to Knights Services. On February 14, Knights Services was reportedly seen picking up trash cans from the residents’ homes in Cullen.  

Residents are paying a fee on their water bill specifically for garbage pick-up and will continue to do so. No one from Cullen Town Hall was available for further comment.

With no long-term solution, the taxpayers of Cullen must wait until the next meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6 p.m.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Springhill police have arrested a 50-year-old man for allegedly attacking and choking a female companion during an altercation that turned physical Wednesday at a Springhill residence.

Chief of Police Will Lynd said Mickey D. Kemp, a resident of Payne St. in Springhill, is being held in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a charge of domestic abuse battery by strangulation. No bond reportedly has been set.

Springhill officers Amandia Hamilton and Andrew Evans reportedly responded to the call shortly after 2 p.m. and found the woman with bruising and scratches around her chest and neck area. According to an incident report, the woman claimed Kemp had pushed her onto a couch and began to strangle her during an argument.

Further investigation reportedly revealed Kemp has been in court for prior similar offenses, including one conviction and another which is still pending.

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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