The challenge of betraying Jesus faced by every Christian on a daily basis was depicted on canvass by Leonardo da Vinci in “The Last Supper,” and will be brought to life in a dramatization at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the sanctuary at First Methodist Church Minden, 903 Broadway.
In this living dramatization, the 12 apostles speak their minds to themselves, to each other, and to the Lord in light of the words, which they have just heard Jesus speak, “One of you will betray me.”
The public is invited and encouraged to attend this free, life-changing event.
Visitation: noon Thursday, April 17, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 1 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gilgal Cemetery, 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.)
A 17-year-old Minden High School student is in custody after he allegedly used an unusual substance in an assault on a female student just after classes got underway Tuesday.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said LaMario Elkins Jr. is charged with terrorizing, aggravated battery and resisting an officer after he allegedly splashed urine from a water bottle into the student’s face. McIver said the substance also splattered onto the clothing of nearby students.
Elkins reportedly was booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional and will be transferred to the Jackson Parish juvenile facility.
McIver said Elkins entered the school around 8:17 a.m. then went to a restroom where he changed into all-black clothing and donned a black ski mask. He then allegedly entered the classroom where he splashed the student.
“He told us that he did this because the female student had disrespected him,” the Chief said.
Elkins reportedly fled the classroom after the incident and left the school heading toward West Union St. with Minden Police Department school resource officers Marlin Choyce and LaDarius Joseph in pursuit. MPD Officer Branthony Brown, who was on traffic duty in the school zone, joined the foot chase.
McIver said Elkins attempted to fight with officers after he was apprehended but he was successfully restrained. No officers suffered injuries during the struggle, and reportedly found no other weapons in his possession during the arrest.
“Thank God there were no other weapons involved,” the Chief said.
McIver said officers reviewed security camera footage which showed the incident, and showed Elkins leaving the building.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland, no students reportedly were injured.
“Student safety is of paramount importance, and we are appreciative of the quick reaction of the administration and staff, as well as the presence of our school resource officer on campus who immediately intervened.”
In his statement, Rowland said additional information could not be released, but “…we wanted to make our parents aware of the situation and that it has been addressed.”
Rowland said the incident did not result in a lockdown at Minden High.
“This unfortunate incident occurred as classes were beginning as usual and classes are continuing today as usual,” he said. “Again, we want to thank Chief McIver and the SROs for way they handled this so quickly to ensure the safety of our students.”
State law now allows 17-year-olds to be treated as adults in the criminal justice system. Under state law, persons convicted of terrorizing shall be fined not more than $15,000 or imprisoned (with or without hard labor) for not more than fifteen years, or both.
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.
Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America, but we will celebrate it also in downtown Minden.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox said Wednesday will be a special day for the entire community.
“I’m excited to welcome everyone to our ‘Two Lights for Tomorrow’ ceremony on April 16 at 10 a.m. in downtown Minden,” Cox said. “Let’s gather at the Pearl Street flagpole (across from Minden City Hall) to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, honor our history and light up a bright future together.”
The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred overnight on April 18 – 19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow originated out of multi-state collaboration at A Common Cause to All in Williamsburg and uses the imagery of that shining light 250 years ago as a uniting call to action today for our fellow citizens, no matter where they are, to commemorate and remind ourselves that our history is about working together for a better tomorrow.
At its heart it is a call across the country, in private homes, local communities, and statehouses alike, for two lights to be displayed to remind us all of the importance to come together to form a more perfect union.
How to Participate
Everyone can participate. All you have to do is display two lights in your homes, at your visitor centers, your cultural, historical, and community sites and in your government buildings in April 2025 to raise awareness and draw attention to and commemorate the beginning of our constant endeavor as a nation to work together for a better tomorrow.
Additional charges have been filed against the man who allegedly set fire to a local business, then had to be pulled unconscious from the smoldering structure.
Jordan Daniel Tomlinson, 36, is now facing charges filed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office of aggravated arson, simple arson and simple burglary. Bonds on those charges total $310,000.
He currently is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a Webster Parish charge of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment for an alleged physical confrontation with his former girlfriend and owner of the business. Bond on that charge is $25,000.
In the incident which occurred in March, Tomlinson allegedly attempted to burn the business located in the 100 block of Dewberry Lane after he was told to permanently leave the residence where he had been living with his girlfriend.
Tomlinson was pulled from the smoldering building by Webster Parish deputies who responded to the emergency call. He reportedly suffered from smoke inhalation and recovered in a Shreveport hospital.
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.
A 50-year-old Sarepta man is being held on multiple charges after he allegedly held a female victim against her will at his Smith Loop residence, threatened and later physically assaulted her.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said James D. Collins was arrested April 11 after deputies responded to the report of a female telling a truck stop employee that a man had pulled a gun on her.
Sgt. Aaron Barnes and deputy Jeff Hood learned Collins and the victim had been involved in an on-going altercation since earlier in the week, and that she had been afraid to leave the residence because of alleged threats he had made.
During an argument, Collins reportedly grabbed the victim by her hair, forced her to the floor of the residence and struck her in the head and on the foot with a glass vodka bottle. He then allegedly threatened to break both her feet.
According to her statement to deputies, the victim was able to leave the residence after Collins reportedly fell asleep in the living room. During his arrest, the suspect reportedly admitted to deputies that he had handled a shotgun, then placed it in a closet.
Parker said Collins is charged with false imprisonment, domestic abuse battery, simple assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and on a warrant filed April 12 for domestic abuse aggravated assault. His total bond has been set at $55,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
When it’s Springtime in Minden, there is plenty to do. If you’re feeling hungry the last Saturday of the month, fly down to Walmart Supercenter for the Minden Lions Club Spring Chicken Charbroil.
Beginning at 9 a.m. (until sold out) April 26, the group will be serving ready-to-go box lunches for $10.
Even if you aren’t hungry yet, they keep well in the refrigerator and warm up quickly in the microwave.
Tickets available from any Lions Club Member but aren’t necessary. All proceeds go back to the club’s community projects.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Target Range Grant Program, which provides financial assistance for development of shooting ranges in Louisiana, has begun an application period that will be open until July 1.
The program is designed to help fund planning, development and construction of new, or expansion of existing, shooting ranges. The program uses a portion of existing federal funds allocated to LDWF through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act from excise taxes paid on certain firearms, ammunition and archery equipment.
Local governments and their subsidiaries, non-profit organizations, commercial entities and other state and federal government agencies are eligible to apply. Following the application period, LDWF will conduct its project selection process and the winners will be notified in September with the grants awarded after January of 2026.
A walk-off single off the bat of Isaias Saucedo in the bottom of the seventh helped Northwood turn a 5-0 early Lakeside lead into a 6-5 Falcons win Thursday.
Jaxon Bentzler picked up the win for Northwood. Peyton Gray started for the Warriors, going up just one hit and no runs over his four innings.
Jon Jon Dick led Lakeside with three hits in four at bats. Drake Chreene, Dick, and Eli Campbell each drove in one run.
Brock Case and Gage Williams also had multiple hits for Lakeside. Cody Roark and Bentzler each collected two hits for Northwood.
SOFTBALL
Lakeside’s Lady Warriors put a nice touch on their week with a pair of wins.
Lakeside 5, Evangel 4
Lakeside came from behind in the top of the seventh, scoring two runs on a Meredith Robinson double and another on Emily Jones’ single.
Ella Wood got the win for the Lady Warriors, pitching two innings of two-hit ball. L Thompson took the loss.
Jones led Lakeside with two hits in four at bats.
Lakeside 9, Ebarb 4
Emily Jones had three hits including a solo home run and Raleah Harris added a round-tripper to lead the Lady Warriors past Ebarb.
Moose Jernigan went the distance to get the win for Lakeside.
Lakeside pounded out 14 hits with Jernigan leading all hitters with four hits in four at bats. McKenna Chreene had two hits and two RBI.
Lakeside’s defense turned one triple play in the game.
I continue to be amazed at the state of Maine’s resistance to returning to the original, correct, and traditional view of Title IX: that it does not allow biological male athletes to compete as girls. It is truly costing the state financially, if not politically.
What caught my eye this week was the treatment of a parent at a school board meeting in Maine’s capital city of Augusta. The meeting included a testy interaction between a parent, Nick Blanchard, and the school board Chairman, Martha Witham, over Maine’s stubborn and inexplicable insistence that males be allowed to compete in girls’ sports. This dispute not only includes the State’s dogged adherence to the trans delusion but also presented a glaring free speech issue.
The facts are very straightforward: Blanched, a local parent, was cut off from speaking several times by Witham when he attempted to raise the issue of biological males competing in girls’ sports. Blanchard had drafted a petition he wished to present to the school board to have Kim Liscomb, a middle and high school principal, removed from her position. Liscomb is currently the president of the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), which supports allowing biological males to compete in girls’ school sports based upon their “gender identity.” (Jackson Thompson, FOX News, April 10, 2025).
Regarding the meeting itself, I hardly found Blanchard’s commentary to be so egregious or inflammatory as to require him to be silenced or dismissed. What was really eye-opening was Witham’s demand that “no comments on personnel are allowed in any way … so you may not speak to any individual employees of the … school system. No complaints or allegations are allowed at board meetings concerning any person employed .. will not be tolerated …” Witham also condescendingly stated that “we discourage duplication, and we’ve had alot of repetition so if your point has (already been made by others) we understand that point” and don’t need to have it repeated. (FOX News, Id).
Witham immediately cut Blanchard off when he merely complimented the 6 board members who voted against allowing men to compete in sports against girls and stated “shame on the one board member that voted” to allow it. He was cut off again when he mentioned his petition in connection with Liscomb’s name.
I was taken aback. Is he really not allowed to state a public official’s name?? If that was not enough, Blanchard then clarified that he was not intending to address his comments to Liscomb in particular but the Board generally. Nevertheless, Witham replied, “such comments will not be tolerated … directed to us or to anyone else in this room.” He was not even allowed to generally reference “the president of the Maine Principals Association.”
This is a violation of freedom of speech if I’ve ever seen it.
This school board is a government entity, and it is directly suppressing, silencing speech the Chairman deems to be “offensive.” While a government entity is certainly allowed to maintain order and decorum during its meetings, disallowing a reference to a public official directly or even indirectly goes too far. That is censorship.
I was also struck by how many times Witham stated that Blanchard’s remarks would not be “tolerated.” The use of that term in a public forum sounds ominous and authoritative. (All of this is to say nothing of the prohibition on “repetition or duplication.” Repetition and duplication of speech regarding public policy by concerned parents is what creates the very pressure required to force school board members, or any elected official, to change course.)
Allowing men to compete against girls in sports is fundamentally unfair. The fact that that point even has to be made in 2025 is a sad commentary on the moral confusion in our American culture. However, there is simply no justification for silencing a speaker who is attempting to address the issue. This reminds me of the heavy-handedness of the Biden Administration when parents of public-school students were deemed “domestic terrorists” because they had the “nerve” at school board meetings to challenge the forced masking and vaccinations of their children during Covid and the existence of Woke, pornographic literature in public school libraries.
This government entity in Maine is ripe for a constitutional challenge to the conduct of its meetings. I hope one is undertaken.
(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 .)
Glenbrook saw its late lead fall when North DeSoto’s Porter Doyal drove in the winning runs with a double in the bottom of the sixth to lead the Griffins past the Apaches 8-6 Thursday.
Preston Eaves picked up the win for North DeSoto ad Darron Hollingsworth took the loss for Glenbrook.
Ryan Reagan and Hollingsworth each collected two hits for Glenbrook and Easton Sanders had a home run.
North DeSoto had 11 hits in the game. Brayden Toothman had three hits in four at bats and Miller Warren collected two hits.
SOFTBALL
Hallie Harmon drove in four runs on three hits, including a three-run home run, to lead Glenbrook past Family Community Christian 12-1 Thursday.
Glenbrook scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the fifth inning when Anna Vining singled, scoring two runs, Harmon doubled, scoring one run, and Gabi Brown nailed a two-run homer.
Rebecca Mosley earned the win for the Lady Apaches.
Glenbrook had 13 hits in the game. Brown, Hadley Haynes, Ellie Earnhardt, and Colby Hollis each collected multiple hits.
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has developed the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, a new recognition for high school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education.
Approved today by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the endorsement will be awarded to students who score Mastery or above on the LEAP 2025 civics assessment. Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, eligible students will receive a special diploma seal and a red, white, and blue honor cord to wear during graduation.
“Graduating with a strong understanding of government and our nation’s history sets students up for academic success and informed civic engagement,” said Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education. “This new diploma endorsement highlights Louisiana’s commitment to strengthening civics education.”
Louisiana Diploma Endorsements
A diploma endorsement is a special recognition students can earn that highlights achievement in a particular area. These endorsements give students the opportunity to showcase their hard work, interests, and future readiness on their high school diploma.
Freedom Framework
The new civics endorsement aligns with Louisiana’s Freedom Framework, the state’s K-12 student standards for social studies. Spearheaded by State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley and adopted in 2022, the standards tell the story of American exceptionalism as well as the nation’s continuous journey towards becoming a more perfect union.
Adopted in 2022, the 2023-2024 school year marked the first year of implementation in Louisiana classrooms. The new standards are more rigorous and also introduce historical content in a more precise, coherent, and chronological manner while ensuring students develop essential skills.
Minden scored 20 runs in the first inning to take away any doubt in the game Thursday, taking a 24-4 win over Strong.
Gracie Sparks earned the win for Minden, giving up two hits over two innings.
Minden had 17 hits in the game with Lindsay Ryan, Leigha Kennon Gilbert, and Kaelynn Williams each picking up three. Tatum Oliver and Charli Flournoy also collected multiple hits for the Lady Tiders.
BASEBALL
Minden’s Crimson Tide split a pair of games last week, pounding Southwood by 21-1 and dropping a close 6-3 decision to Family Community Christian.
A 17-run second inning by the Tide shut the door on the Cowboys in Thursday’s win. A three-run, inside-the-park home run by Landon Brewer had given the Tide a 4-1 lead heading into the big inning.
Landyn Huddleston got the win for the Tide while Chadarius Rhines took the loss for the Cowboys.
Brewer and Bryson Ranger had two hits each to lead Minden hitters. The Tide also accumulated 13 walks in the contest. On defense, Minden turned a triple play.
In Saturday’s game, Family Community Christian turned the game around in the bottom of the third with a five-run outburst, overcoming a 2-0 Tide lead.
Kyler Roberts earned the win for the Warriors and Jaxon Smith took the loss.
Bryson Ranger and Landyn Huddleston each collected two hits for Minden.Eli Cottingham and Tripp Williams had two hits each for Family Community Christian.
The LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station will host a Beef and Forage Field Day on Thursday, April 24, from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hill Farm Research Station located at 11959 Hwy. 9 in Homer.Topics to be discussed at this annual event include high versus low input cattle management, the Hill Farm’s winter forage program, Bermuda grass planting, weed control in pastures and hayfields, an update on the cattle market and fly control options.In addition to a great line-up of speakers, there will be a trade show featuring a large variety of equipment, products and services of interest to the cattle producer.
This Beef and Forage Field Day is a free event with lunch being provided.Please R.S.V.P. with Kathy at the Hill Farm Research Station by April 20.The number at the station is 318-927-2578.For more information on the Beef and Forage Field Day, or other LSU AgCenter beef cattle programming, please contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension Office.If you should need special accommodations to attend this field day, please contact Kathy at 318-927-2578.
Weston scored 10 runs in the third inning on their way to the win over Doyline.
Sawyer Watkins earned the win for the Wolves while Dario Galvez took the loss for the Panthers.
Zach Normand and Zack Moseley each collected one hit for Doyline.
Doyline 4, Castor 1
Noah Spears was dominant on the mound, ringing up 15 strikeouts while giving up just two hits in the Panthers’s win over Castor.
Logan Mitchell went the distance for Castor in a losing effort, giving up six hits and one earned run while striking out seven.
Zach Normand and Dario Galvez each collected two hits for Doyline. Normand, Galvez, and Jonas Florence each had an RBI. Collin Young went 2-for-2for Castor and had his team’s RBI.
United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:
Food: canned meats, powdered milk, pasta, green beans, biscuit & cornbread mix Household goods: twin, queen and king sheets, towels & washcloths
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.
7 p.m. Living Lord’s Supper, living dramatization, First Methodist Church, Minden, 903 Broadway. No cost admission. Public is invited.
April 18
1 p.m. Easter egg hunt for all youth, Pine Grove Methodist Church, 4549 Lewisville Rd., Minden.
April 19
10 a.m. until 1 p.m., LaMa Animal Rescue Shelter and Jordan’s Way. Grand Opening and virtual livestream fundraiser. 220 Bennett Rd., Sarepta. Activities, games, field day style races, corn hole tournament, pie eating contest, egg hunt. Free hotdogs and chips. Crawfish available for purchase. Live stream on Facebook.
3-5 p.m., Easter Egg Hunt Fest, Beech Springs Baptist Church. The public is invited.
April 20
6 a.m. Annual Ecumenical Sunrise Service at Sibley Baseball field. All welcome.
April 26
9 a.m. (until sold out) Minden Lions Club will be serving ready-to-go chicken charbroil box lunches for $10 in the parking lot of Walmart Supercenter. Tickets available from any Lions Club Member but aren’t necessary. All proceeds go back to the club’s community projects.
11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Furry Friends Fundraiser, Under Dawgs Sports Grill, 605 Main Street, Minden. Percentage of proceeds will be donated to LaMa Animal Rescue to help with vet bills and expenses incurred from Doyline hoarding situation.
April 29
10 a.m. until 2 p.m.,Greater Minden Chamber Job Fair and Resource Expo 2025. Minden Civic Center. There is no charge for a business or resource provider to participate. There are a limited number of spots available. Please respond no later than Thursday, April 24. Spots are first come, first serve. Contact the chamber at 318-377-4240 or info@mindenchamber.com . Event is in partnership with Coordinating & Development Corporation, City of Minden, Webster Parish Schools, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Noon until 1 p.m. Lunch and Learn, Webster Parish Library, 521 East and West St., Minden. Dr. Mark Wilson with LSU AgCenter will present Ornamental Flowers Use in Landscape. Open to the public; no pre-registration required. Bring a sack lunch.
May 1
7:30 a.m. Minden Community House. National Day of Prayer with City of Minden. Pray with local leaders.
May 9
9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Minden Civic Center. Leading Legacies, a Women in Business Event. Presented by Catherine C. Hunt, realtor, LAState Realty, LLC and Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce.
May 30
6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Seeds Women’s Center “Totally 80s Bingo.” Minden Civic Center, 520 Broadway, Minden. Sponsorships needed. Call Amber Bradford at 318-639-0907 for more information.
Top row from left: Tecarrius Ward, Jordan Tomlinson, Charity Pickrom, Cameron Romain, Latavion Thomas. Bottom row from left: James Blythe, Leon Javonte Addison, James Patterson, Decorrey Bridges.
James Matthew Patterson, 42, Hwy. 159, Minden: arrested April 10 by MPD on warrants charging improper land usage, passing in no-passing zone, passing a school bus, littering, aggravated flight from officer. Bonds set $8,750.
Jordan D. Tomlinson, 36, Vinton: arrested April 10 by WPSO from Caddo Correctional Center on warrant for domestic abuse with child endangerment. Bond set $25,000.
Hayden Jamall McGlothen, 19, 4100 block LA Hwy. 527, Haughton: arrested April 12 by Minden PD for aggravated assault of a peace officer, resisting arrest with force, possession of drug paraphernalia, restrictions to tire equipment, illegal window tint, obscured driver’s view.No bond set.
Charity Pickrom, 33, 500 block South St., Minden: arrested April 13 by Minden PD on outstanding warrants. Bond set $3,500.
Cameron Romain, 1400 block Nursery Rd., Sibley: arrested for offenses of March 30 by Minden PD on multiple warrants for domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse with child endangerment, simple criminal damage to property, interfering with emergency communication, theft. Bond set $135,000.
Brian C. Hayden, 46, 2400 block Doc Steed Rd., Minden, arrested April 11 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, speeding, improper lane usage. No bond set.
Latavion Thomas, 21, 2000 block Old Minden Rd., Bossier City: arrested April 11 by Minden PD for possession of a firearm by convicted felon, probation warrant. Bond set $25,000.
Dustin Niel Pierce, 28, 5300 block Hwy. 2, Sarepta: arrested April 12 by WPSO for driving under suspension. No bond set.
DeCorrey Bridges, 24, 100 block Oak Tree Lane, Minden: arrested April 11 by MPD on a probation and parole hold. No bond set.
Kimetha Shanta West, 44, 200 block Miller St., Minden: arrested April 10 by Minden PD on warrant for monetary instrument abuse. Bond set $45,000.
Artie Lee Brown, 54, 400 block Weston St., Minden: arrested April 10 by Minden PD for criminal trespass. Bond set $750.
Leon Javonta Ardison, 24, 2600 block Linda Lane, Coushatta: arrested April 10 by Minden PD on multiple outstanding warrants. Bond set $20,000.
Daniel Chase Williams, 37, McConn Rd., Sarepta: arrested April 11 by WPSO on warrants. No bond set.
James Hayden Blythe, 30, 100 block Holomon Cemetery Rd., Minden: arrested April 11 by WPSO on fugitive warrants from Panola County, TX, possession of methamphetamines, introduction of contraband into penal facility. Bond set $10,000.
Kevin D. Ford, 39, Liberty Hill Rd., Homer: arrested April 11 by WPSO on warrants for resisting an officer with force or violence, battery of a police officer. Bond set $40,000.
Tadarion I. Smith, 24, 900 block Sibley Rd., Minden: arrested April 11 for flight from an officer, child desertion, violation of child restraint system, no drivers license, headlamp violation, warrant for simple criminal damage to property. Bond set $2,500.
Heaven Lashay Hunt, 22, Hwy. 80, Minden: arrested April 10 by WPSO on outstanding warrants. Bond set $2,250.
Fabian R. Weston, 34, 16,000 block Hwy. 80, Minden: arrested April 13 by WPSO on warrant for theft. No bond set.
Tecarrius D. Ward, 39, 100 block Knight St., Minden: arrested April 11 by MPD on warrant for principal to theft. Bond set $15,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Visitation: noon Thursday, April 17, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 1 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gilgal Cemetery, Minden.
Joye Dumas O’Bier
November 22, 1942 – April 4, 2025
Springhill, La.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
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.)
Minden police investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a man who stole a large sum of cash from a local hotel.
Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, said the unidentified suspect entered the hotel on Sibley Rd. Wednesday, March 26 at approximately 1 p.m. No one was present at the front desk when the man entered the lobby.
“This person was caught on a surveillance camera reaching over the counter and stealing money from the cash drawer,” Smith said. “He took approximately $300, left the hotel and walked towards Minden.”
Smith said the suspect is a black male of average height and build. He appears to have two full-sleeve tattoos.
Anyone with information on the individual shown in accompanying photo is asked to call Minden police headquarters at 318-371-4226 or Lt. Smith at 318-268-1441. Any 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.
Feeling it is time to take Minden to another level, the city council has given Mayor Nick Cox the authority to sign contracts with Synergy Sports to renovate and expand the current 25-year-old Recreation Complex.
The council agreed in two unanimous votes at last Monday’s meeting, to the overall project – not to exceed $10M and to negotiate a funding and development agreement with Synergy.
Cox said the project will “contribute significantly to regional sports tourism as well as being a quality-of-life enhancement to the community.”
During a previous workshop, District E Councilman Andy Pendergrass pointed out that one of the upgrades to the current complex would be turfing the infields with a new product that is comfortable and doesn’t draw heat.
“The outfields would still be natural grass,” Pendergrass said, “so we would not have the expense of doing a whole ball field.”
Cox said there will be improvements to multi-functional fields, shaded seating and a playground for all, including persons with disabilities.
“The world of sports is evolving; It’s turning into this industry that has a lot of financial incentive for auxiliary businesses to come in and support it,” Cox said referring to Industrial Drive (service road). “I heard a presentation about how to attract sports tourism. There’s an economic buzz in the background. This will bring in hotels and restaurants.”
Using NCL Government Capital, the city will enter into a transaction in the form of a Tax Exempt Municipal Lease Agreement.
“We bring the capital, we renovate the fields, then we’re going to turn that improvement into a lease expense to the city,” said North Carolina-based Synergy Sports executive Jason Boudrie during the previous workshop. “The city consents to support the project with annual appropriations, and the project should cover its own expenses and return dollars to the city.”
Key Strengths
Low Risk: Focus on revenue-generators, manageable costs
Flexibility: Minimum payment starts, scales with revenue
No Overreach: Current staff stays, third-party handles tournaments
Long-Term Partnership: Jason from Synergy as vision partner
Future Growth: Add phases (e.g., field house) as revenues increase
District D Councilman Michael Roy said the hopes the future growth may include a Recreational Vehicle (RV) park.
“Travel ball consists of a lot of people who have trailers, and it’s something that – during those events – would be additional revenue,” Roy said. “I would like for us to think about it. Infrastructure is already in place, so hopefully it would be a minimal cost.”
Tecarrius D. Ward, 39 year old black male, is wanted for allegedly helping a unidentified friend steal two cases of beer from a gas station on Sibley Road.
Ward was identified when, after the theft, the pair got into a vehicle that shows to be registered to Ward. Ward can also be identified through the store surveillance video. He is wanted for principal to misdemeanor theft.
Anyone with information on Tecarrius Ward is encouraged to contact MPD Detective Lt. Jason Smith at 318-371-4226 (office), 318-268-1441 (cell) or email atjksmith@mindenusa.com.
All information will be strictly 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.
