Deputies locate firearms inside a vehicle reportedly driven by Edwards.
By Pat Culverhouse
A Doyline man who went on a shooting spree at a residence in Doyline on Thursday, Aug. 21, is facing multiple charges after he was arrested on warrants in connection with the incident.
Dallas Major Edwards, 23, is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $135,000 bond following his arrest Thursday, according to Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker.
Edwards reportedly is charged with illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm/concealed weapon by a convicted felon, possession of CDS Sch. II (cocaine), illegally carrying a weapon in presence of CDS and simple criminal damage to property.
Parker said Edwards allegedly fired multiple shots from a handgun while at the Doyline residence of a family member, with several bullets striking a vehicle parked in the yard.
During a search, deputies found weapons inside the vehicle Edwards allegedly had been driving and located a bag containing suspected cocaine in a bag on the back seat. Deputies also recovered a number of spent cartridges in the yard of the residence.
Edwards had been the subject of an earlier report of shots fired from a residence in a Minden neighborhood late Thursday, but after Minden police and parish deputies sealed off and searched the area, the report proved to be unfounded.
Deputies tracked Edwards to the Doyline residence where he was taken into custody without incident shortly after 9:30 p.m. He was later transferred to a Shreveport facility for evaluation. His arrest came after his release around noon Thursday.
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.
Bullet holes in the passenger window of a vehicle in the yard of a Doyline residence.
This week’s most wanted is Dewayne Demont Green. His last known residence was in the 1000 block of Pine St. in Minden.
Green is wanted on a number of warrants including three for resisting an officer, possession of CDS Sch. I, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice and drinking in public places.
His bond on the charges has been set at $1,800 cash or $20,000 surety.
Green is also a convicted sex offender and has a very violent criminal history. The public is advised not to attempt to approach Green, but rather call police with any information.
Anyone with information on Dewayne Demont Green is asked to please contact Det. Matthew Hicks at 318-639-7776. 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.
20 years ago: Hurricane Katrina heads toward New Orleans
The 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is today (Friday), and Governor Jeff Landry announced that August 29, 2025, will be recognized across Louisiana as “Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Day.”
To commemorate the day, Landry and First Lady Sharon Landry are encouraging Louisianans of all faiths to participate in a statewide day of prayer on August 29, 2025. Landry has also ordered that all United States and Louisiana flags be flown at half-staff on state buildings from sunrise to sunset.
Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, claiming the lives of more than 1,800 people, displacing hundreds of thousands, and causing widespread destruction across Louisiana. Yet, in the face of unimaginable suffering, Louisianans displayed extraordinary courage, compassion, and resilience.
“Twenty years ago, our state endured one of the darkest chapters in its history. But out of that tragedy, the people of Louisiana showed the world what it means to rebuild, recover, and rise stronger than ever before,” Landry said. “This week, we honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the countless heroes who answered the call. As we remember Hurricane Katrina, we also recognize the incredible progress we’ve made to rebuild stronger, invest in preparedness, and protect the future of our great state.”
Tuesday is the day you’ve all been waiting for. It’s the Webster Parish Journal Football Pick’em Contest.
Each weekly winner over the life of the contest will be on the receiving end of $100 and will have their photo taken at our title sponsor Under Dawgs Sports Grill.
Anyone 18 and older is eligible to participate. All it takes is an email address and a combination of skill and a little luck. Every week, local high school football games, four college teams and four pro teams will be on the ballot, which will include tie-breakers based on total points of two selected teams.
Signing up for the contest only takes a couple of minutes. And just like the Journal, there’s no cost to enter.
Entries will remain open until 4 p.m. Thursday before any Thursday games and Friday games when there are none. Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal.
So fire up your phones or computers and get ready to pick’em.
Paid Editorial Feature – The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Journal.
Last month, OnPath Federal Credit Union agreed to buy Heritage Bank of St. Tammany in Covington, Louisiana, a century-old institution with deep local roots. The deal was hailed by OnPath CEO Jared Freeman, who praised Heritage’s “unwavering commitment to the local community.” But what Freeman failed to mention is that the acquisition will rob that community of a critical source of revenue.
Because OnPath is a credit union and thus tax-exempt, the deal means that St. Tammany Parish will lose a reliable stream of tax payments. Those dollars help fund schools, pay essential public servants like police officers and firefighters, and support other vital public services across the parish. Once the acquisition is finalized, that revenue will disappear, and the burden of making up the difference will fall squarely on the shoulders of local taxpayers.
The example of OnPath in Louisiana illustrates a much bigger problem across the country: credit unions are no longer the small, member-focused institutions they were established to be. Many have grown into large financial operations, similar to banks, all while enjoying tax-exempt status. Lawmakers must investigate whether credit unions’ tax-exempt status is still necessary in light of their significant growth, which is ultimately leaching revenue from state and local governments and setting the stage for higher taxes on local communities.
The situation in Louisiana is not the first. Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) had planned to acquire Sabine Bank and Trust, which is based in Many, Louisiana. Although TDECU ultimately backed away from the acquisition, it underscores the fact that credit unions have strayed far from the original mission Congress envisioned when it exempted them from most federal, state, and local taxes under the Federal Credit Union Act. It’s time for Congress to revisit whether the tax breaks are still justified.
Credit unions like TDECU have grown into large financial institutions by leveraging taxpayer subsidies. Far from its founding mission to serve the residents of Lake Jackson, Texas, TDECU now serves over 380,000 members across the state. Ending 2024 with $4.8 billion in total assets, TDECU’s services have widened to include wealth management investment products through its partnership with LPL Financial, which they even acknowledge as being a conflict of interest. The growth doesn’t stop there. Credit unions are buying community banks at a time when bank consolidation and burdensome regulations are putting extreme pressure on banks’ bottom lines. The current regulatory environment and credit union acquisitions are exacerbating bank consolidation. In fact, data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) shows that the number of community banks dropped by 46% over the last two decades, falling from 7,620 in 2003 to 4,129 in 2023. Credit unions are thriving, and skirting taxes while community banks are getting squeezed.
One negative outcome of tax-exempt credit unions acquiring community banks is that local and state governments lose revenue. This essential tax revenue helps fund local schools, projects, and infrastructure. The state of Louisiana has a bank shares tax that funds local communities, but when a credit union acquires a bank, it eliminates that source of revenue and results in less funding for local services. The shortfall in revenue could compel a parish to raise taxes on households to maintain a balanced budget. According to the Tax Foundation, “since 2011, more than 100 credit union–bank acquisition deals have been announced across the country.” Credit unions get to grow and avoid paying taxes, while American households across the country are getting forced to foot the bill at the end of the day.
Americans expect transparency, safeguards, and a level playing field from banks. These same principles should apply to credit unions. This is not about eliminating credit unions; it is about accountability and ensuring the law matches credit unions’ behavior. In an era where credit unions operate more like large financial institutions and less like community-oriented lenders, Congress should conduct oversight hearings and reexamine whether their tax-exempt status still aligns with their actions today. Louisiana taxpayers, in towns like Many and Covington, and in parishes around the state, should not have to pay more taxes because the law, as currently written, allows credit unions to exploit their tax loophole.
Ken Hale is the President & Chief Executive Officer of BOM Bank
I’m not a policy expert, but I know this much: credit card rewards help working folks like me make ends meet. Whether it’s a few dollars back on fuel, groceries, or a little help with a family trip—we’ve earned those points, and we count on them.
That’s why I’m speaking out against the Credit Card Competition Act. It sounds like it’s about lowering costs, but all it really does is help big-box stores boost their profits while everyday people lose the benefits they rely on.
My message to Senators Cassidy and Kennedy is simple: don’t let Washington elites take away something that actually works for us. The last time they did this with debit cards, we got fewer rewards and more bank fees. We don’t need a repeat of that.
Laila is available through Minden Animal Shelter and has already been featured on WPJ’s Pet Project. She is being featured a second time because it is imperative she find her home soon.
Intake # 25161 “Laila” is approximately 11-month-old spayed female pit mix. 32 lbs. Laila loves other dogs and is great with people. She is very treat motivated and is starting to enjoy playing with toys.
She isn’t very timid at all anymore and loves getting out for a walk. She is heartworm negative and started on prevention. She is also spayed, up to date on all vaccines, and started on flea prevention.
Laila’s adoption fee has been covered by a donor. It covers spay, microchip, and all age appropriate vaccines/vetting.
Webster Parish Journal and McInnis Insurance Co. are proud to say our Pet Project initiative has helped place two LaMa dogs in furever homes – Sugar and last week’s feature, Milo.
Minden’s Brooklyn Sunderland has advanced to the top five percent nationwide in the Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year competition.
But votes are needed for Brooklyn to be featured in a 3BRAND ad in Sports Illustrated and win $25,000.
Brooklyn is a proud representative of Minden and of Louisiana athletics—earning three state championships for Minden and two World Series titles as a member Team Louisiana.
Her mother, Jennifer Sunderland says her daughter’s hard work and determination on the softball field embody the spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and community pride.
“She is excited about possibly being in Sports Illustrated, a magazine so many of her idols have also been in,” Jennifer said. “Also, she would get a $25,000 scholarship if she wins, and she would like to donate 10 percent directly back to Minden sports.”
By voting for Brooklyn, you’re not only supporting her journey—you’re also shining a spotlight on youth sports in Minden and putting it on the map in the national conversation.
This campaign also supports a greater cause: it’s in partnership with the V Foundation, with all donations going directly toward cancer research.
Can anyone smell what I smell? Ah, yes, it’s that time again. Our favorite time of the year. Football season. It’s time for your Glenbrook Elementary Apaches to show out on the gridiron. The 2024 season had its ups and downs. It showed heroics, bloodshed, tears and heartbreak. But suffering through the latter brings forth toughness, grit, resolve and a new laser focus to improve every week. In 2025, your Apaches look showcase the hard work for the next six weeks against outstanding competition.
In week one, your Apaches travelled to the tall Loblolly’s of south Webster parish to take on our good friends and brothers, the Lakeside Little Warriors. Each of your Apache teams saw victories with 2/3/4 grade winning by a score of 42-6 and the 5/6th grade outpacing the Warriors, 20-6. This competition always brings out the best among our young athletes as several are best friends off the gridiron, with most represented your hometown of Minden by going deep into the Allstar Playoffs each of the last several years in Dixie Baseball. They battled together across the state and shined a great light on our community.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Graders kicked the events off with the Apaches starting on defense. It was a quick series for the Little Warriors with Awesome Austin Ramsey and BK-Brooks Ingles making huge tackles for loss in 3 consecutive plays to force a Warrior punt. On the ensuing set for the Apaches, the offensive line and running backs opened up a hole on the right side for QB-1, Awesome Austin to scurry untouched, 70-yards for the first of many scores on the night. On the extra point, Ramsey handed it off to cousin, Liam-Hulk-Hurley who powered in on the left side for the extra point. The Apaches led 7-0 early. Wrecking-Will Abshire wreaked havoc on the next Warriors possession and made two crucial tackles in a row to force another punt. The high-powered Apache offense trotted back out and utilized its many weapons with 4th grade full back, Zaine The Knight Train pounding the ball up the middle behind great blocking where he picked up several first downs. On the next play, the longtime outstanding coach, Alex Collins dialed up a beautiful misdirection. Ramsey handed the ball to the Blistering BK Ingles on a counter trap. BK’s speed was unmatched when he rounded the corner as he ran like a dog was chasing him, 50-yards for another Apache touchdown. Awesome Austin got to showcase his hard work he put in all offseason at the QB position where he found Hulk Hurley on a beautiful TE release, in the numbers for the 2-pt conversion. The Apaches led quickly, 15-0 to start the 2nd Quarter. Big Bad 4th grade tackle, Brooks Boyd, beat his man and made a great tackle for loss on a 4th down play for the Warriors that turned the ball over on downs. That set up one of the most beautiful plays I’ve seen in my short 4 years of elementary football. One the first Apache play from scrimmage; Awesome Austin floated the ball 25-yards in the air that dropped in perfectly over the left shoulder of Zaine The Knight Train who took it 35 yards for another touchdown. Ramsey continued his air raid and found Wildman- Wilder Butler in the endzone for the 2pt conversion. The Apache smothering defense forced a fumble on the 10 yard line. On the ensuing play, Wildman Wilder ran it in for another Apache touchdown to close the first half where the Apaches led 29-0. The second half continued with great ball playing by the Little Apaches. Touchdowns being made by the 2nd team offense where Big Mac-Brooks McCollough ran like his hair was on fire and his tail was catching. He also handed the ball off to little brother, Hot Rod Hayes McCollough who choked the football with both arms as the nose of said ball bopped him in the chin with every stride as he crossed the goal line for the extra point. Great plays on defense made by Colossal Case Parker, Jolting-Joshua Johnson, Buttery Brant Darden held true. I would be remised if I didn’t mention the outstanding play and smoking speed of the Little Warriors running back, Brooks Lewis who made a few tacklers miss and blazed his way down the field, 70 yards for the lone Warrior touchdown. As the game closed, the Apaches arose victorious by a score of 42-6.
Immediately following, the hard-hitting 5th and 6th graders took the field. The Apaches started on offense with great blocking where Hollywood-Ryder Hollingsworth called his number on the keeper that moved the chains for the Apaches. The Apaches found themselves in Warrior territory quickly, where Hammering Hank Rowton picked up a hard fought 8-yards on 4th down that continued the drive. On the next play, Hollywood Hollingsworth spun the football beautifully to find the first year Apache, 5th grade receiver, Ice Cold-Cullen Adkins for the first score from 35 yards out. Hammering Hank followed behind the first of several pancakes laid by, Oh Captain-My Captain Powell as Rowton boiled over the linebacker for the extra point. The Apaches led 7-0. On the ensuing Warriors possession, 6th grade leader, King Cade Smith met the Warrior running back in the backfield and forced a fumble that Easy E-Everett Tucker fell on to give the Apache offense great life deep in Warrior Territory. The only issue, The Warriors had OUTSTANDING linebacker play with #41 creating havoc everywhere he went. He played a heck of a ball game that forced a miscue on offense where the handoff was fumbled in the backfield as the Apaches approached the goal line. The Warriors recovered. The Warriors made shifty plays with #41 out of the wildcat and picked up some yardage, but on second down, King Cade made his presence felt again with a HUGE tackle for loss to force a 3rd down and an Uber fare. 5th grade standout, Sky-man Skyler Malone made a great read on the QB and stepped in front of a bullet pass for an interception. Not to be outdone, the formidable Warrior defense stepped up and quickly forced a punt by the Apache offense with just 35 seconds left in the half. The outstanding running of the Warrior back, 41, nearly put the Warriors on the board as time expired, but Action Jackson Shipp took a great angle from the safety position and made a touchdown saving tackle to end the first half. The Apaches led 7-0.
In the second half, the outstanding halftime adjustments made by Coach Nick Rowton proved to shift the Warriors stellar defense on its heels just enough to find success on offense. But the story laid with the awesome defense played the Apaches starting 11 and the substitutes who came in and played their tails off. On the second possession of the half for the Warriors, a fumbled hand off on a misdirection found the ground where Sky-man Skyler Malone found his second turnover of the night to give the Apache offense new life. The dual running attack by Hammering Hank Rowton and Laser Levi Ray consistently moved the chains for the Apache offense, but the awesome linebacking crew for the Warriors forced another punt. The next defensive possession, Big G and I do mean GRAVY-Grayson Avery made 2 tackles for loss and the great defensive coach, Wesley Duck, dialed up a blitz for Hollywood Hollingsworth who sacked the QB for a 12-yard loss and forced a punt. Hammering Hank and Laser Levi went back to work and moved the chains several times that set up a bomb of 35-yards in the air, from Hollywood Hollingsworth who dropped a dime to, you guessed it, Ice Cold Cullen for a 45-yard Apache touchdown, his second of the night. Hammering Hank bullied his way across the goal line again for the extra point. The Apaches led 14-0 with just 2 minutes left in the contest. All it took was 2 plays for the stifling Apache D to force another turnover. The very next play, the flowing curls of the Blonde Bullet-Brant Bridges swayed in the wind as he made 3 defenders miss, and blazed his way into the endzone for another Apache TD. The 2pt try failed, but the Apaches led 20-0 with 1-mintue left. With 35 seconds in the contest, the substituted Apaches defense bottled the Warrior running back, but he made a Sportscenter spin move and found daylight. The Warrior RB hustled into the endzone for the only score of the night. The final tally found your Apaches on top, 20-6.
A 5th quarter was played where the Warrior and Apache 5th graders got to play an entire 10-minute quarter to gain extra experience for the grueling schedule to come. The Apaches took the ball on offense and who else but Sky-Man Skyler Malone, who followed great blocks made by Titan Tate Mandino all the way down the field for a 70-yard TD. The Apache defense continued its dominance with B-Hud, Brant Hudson and Monster Myles McCollough, each with tackles for loss. The Apaches offense flipped the field with Madd Maddox Tibbett at the helm and QB-2. The Apaches leaned on the Warrior defense and on the last play, Action Jackson Shipp took the misdirection and cut it up field behind a short stack of pancakes plated by B-Hud, Wreckin Waylon Chapman, and Master Marcantel, Jedd Marcantel for a 55-yard TD to close the contest.
What a way to start the 2025 season with great victories by each Apache team! Come join us at the end of Country Club Circle next Tuesday, 9/2 at 6pm, where we’ll face JGS.Just pull on in through the blue gate, you can’t miss it. Loud and proud, IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN APACHE!
This year, the Ticklebones are here all month long, not just 24 hours.
For participating City of Minden businesses:
* Reserve your Ticklebones: $50 for one or $120 for the pair, by emailing mainstreet@mindenusa.com!
* Deadline is September 15 to sign up. Pick up skeletons from city hall between Sept 25-30.
* Decorate how you dare! Bring your creativity to life and attract more visitors.
* A judging panel will select the top 10 decorated or themed locations.
* The community will then vote, starting on October 10, every $1 spent equals 1 vote.
* Winner will receive bragging rights and a gift basket full of gift cards to local businesses.
* All proceeds of fundraiser will go toward purchasing new hanging baskets for the Main Street District.
For the Community:
* Grab a punch card and map of all participating locations.
* Stop by each spot to snap a selfie with the Ticklebones for extra cackles! Use #skeletourminden & #mindenmainstreet for extra chances.
* Make a purchase to earn a punch on your card.
* Complete your card and drop it into the cauldron at City Hall for a chance to win a gift basket full of gift cards to local businesses.
* The community will then have a chance to place votes from the final 10, starting on October 10th, every $1 spent equals 1 vote! Remember, this is a fundraiser! Voting links will be provided during the voting period.
Both winners announced November 3.
Join the fun, support local, and make this Halloween one to remember.
When you send your daughter off to junior high, you brace yourself for homework, sports practices and maybe the occasional attitude. What you don’t expect is a crash course in Gen Z lingo that makes you question if you’ve accidentally landed on another planet. I know I have written a column about this before, but it has turned into a completely different beast at this point, so it deserves a follow up.
Emerson is officially in junior high now, and suddenly I’m living in a world where “slay,” “ate,” “delulu,” and “sus” are part of everyday conversation. She’ll walk in the door and say, “Ugh, mom, today was so mid.” MID! When I was her age, the worst insult you could dish out was “loser.” Now I’ve got a kid ranking my dinner like she’s a TikTok food critic.
And don’t get me started on the drama. One day, someone’s “bestie,” the next day, that same bestie is “so fake” and “full cap.” (For those of us who need subtitles: cap = lying. I know, I know, I’m basically fluent now.) And apparently, group chats are the Hunger Games of junior high. You either survive the tea being spilled or you’re the tea.
But here’s the thing: as confusing and, yes, “extra” as it all seems, I kind of love it. Every “slay” and “sus” is Emerson carving out her identity. Every dramatic friendship fallout is her learning who she really wants to keep close.
Me? I’m just along for the ride – clutching my coffee and trying not to embarrass her too much by asking what half of these words mean. Junior high is chaotic, messy and full of slang that makes me feel “old AF,” but honestly…it’s also pretty amazing.
Bottom line: Emerson’s growing, I’m growing, and as long as she doesn’t call me “mid” again, we’ll be just fine.
(Paige Gurgainers is a mom of three girls, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)
Dorcheat Historical Museum Executive Director Jessica Gorman shows off Silent Auction items.
By Marilyn Miller
“Celebrating Our Expansion” is the theme of the 2025 Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum Gala, which starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8 at the museum at 116 Pearl Street in downtown Minden.
Tickets are available by calling the museum at 318-377-3002, dropping off your invitation at 116 Pearl Street in Minden, by mailing in your response cards, or by going on the museum website, www.dorcheatmuseum.com. Price of admission is $25 per person/$30 at the door. Tickets will be available at the door.
“Please mail your response cards by August 29 so we can get an idea of how many people plan to come,” said director Jessica Gorman. “If you plan to drop off your response card, please do so by Sept. 6.”
The evening will include Hors d’Oeuvres and drinks. Members of the Board of Directors are pitching in to create the Hors d’Oeuvres. Wine will be included.
Again this year, the Cake Auction will highlight the evening. “Good ole boys,” “Dr. Feelgood” Richard Campbell and “TLC Picker” Tracy Campbell will serve as auctioneers. You are invited to bring a cake or baked good for auction, but it is not required for attendance.
The gala will also feature a Silent Auction, with everything from a smokeless fire pit to a movie night basket included. A diamond ring and a clock will be given away during a Live Auction.
Chances on the $1,000 cash raffle will be available, with the winner being drawn at the end of the evening.
“Acknowledgements will be given to sponsors of Phase I of the Expansion Project,” Gorman said. “Please come out to the gala and bring a friend. The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, so if you can’t attend, please consider a donation.”
Showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7 a.m. High near 81. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfallamounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Friday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 7 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., then showers likely after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Saturday
A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Sunday
A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Many banks, federal and state offices and local businesses.
If your business is going to be closed, please email us at the above address.
Sept. 4
10 a.m. Minden Planning Commission meeting, Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. Zoning change request at 406 Fincher Road to use existing building as primary residence.
Sept. 8
6 p.m., 2025 Gala for Dorcheat Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden. Raffle, cake auction, fundraiser for operation and expansion.
Sept. 10
11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Webster Parish Veterans and Community Mental Health Resource Fair will take place at the Minden Recreation Center, located at 1001 Recreation Drive, Minden. This free event is open to the public and aims to raise awareness of mental health resources available in Webster Parish, while honoring Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Attendees will hear from inspiring guest speakers, explore a wide range of community vendors, and receive free educational materials related to mental health and wellness. A complimentary lunch for adults will be provided courtesy of Humana Healthy Horizons and the Webster Parish Veterans’ Safety Net Coalition.
Sept. 13
Legends on Wheels, Vintage Car Club’s 17th annual car and bike show, downtown Minden.
6 p.m. Elvis Game Night for LaMa Animal Rescue. Elvis impersonation and costume contests, concessions, prizes, games, BINGO. Springhill Civic Center.
7 p.m., Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building in Springhill. Special Guest will be Layla & Lyndi Whitlock, Reagan Harville, Ava Burford, Nancy Collins and Cynthia Sandidge.
Sept. 20
8:30 a.m. Soil to Harvest at Hill Farm Research Station, 11959 LA-9, Homer. Sponsored by LSU AgCenter.
Sept. 26
6:30-7:30 p.m., Brushwood Methodist Church of Dubberly will host a Revival.
Sept. 27
Webster Parish Fair Pageant.
Sept. 28
Brushwood Methodist Church of Dubberly will host a Revival.
Oct. 17
5 until 8 p.m. BIG YEET, in concert, North Webster Junior High, 6041 Hwy. 2, Sarepta. Free admission to event.
Oct. 25
6 p.m. Haunted Hotel Homicide murder mystery, The Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. WN, Springhill. Registration Required, text 318-272-6093.
Marshall Dalton Gage Lester, 34, 300 block Lakeview Dr., Doyline: turned himself in to WPSO on warrants for simple burglary, simple battery, simple assault, criminal trespass. Total bond set $51,000.
Charles B. Striplin, 62, 100 block Grant Circle, Doyline: arrested Aug. 26 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, careless operation. Bond set $1,001.
Christopher Morris, 42, no address given: charged Aug. 27 at BDCC by WPSO on warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. No bond set.
Randall Gene Larry, 45, 100 block Hollow Rd., Minden: dressed Aug. 27 by WPSO on warrant. No bond set.
MikierraSharzae Grigsby, 19, 200 block Percy Burns Rd., Springhill: arrested Aug. 26 by Springhill PD on warrant for aggravated battery. Bond set $20,000.
Shatora Bell, 22, 200 block Percy Burns Rd., Springhill: arrested Aug. 28 by Springhill PD on warrant for aggravated battery. Bond set $20,000.
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.
The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of August 22 through August 28. Civil suits are public record.
August 22 Eliga Jones, succession under $125K. Angela Joiner vs. Deangelo Makel Joiner, custody. August 25 Terry Louise Powell McGrew Babin, Danny Ray Babin, succession over $125K. August 26 Mary Frances Roberts, succession over $125K. Dana Miller, Michael Miller, tutorship. Johnnie Kaitlyn Snider vs. Robert Charles Snider, divorce w/children. August 27 Brian K. Odom vs. Timothy Hughes Gardner Jr., establish paternity. Connor Wayne Chandler vs. Kimberly Chandler, divorce w/children. Bethany Renea Ferguson vs. Amber Michell Billings, divorce. Capital One vs. Brandon K. Smith, monies due. Freedom Mortgage Corp. vs. Donald Klick, executory process. August 28 Betty Renee Simmons, succession over $125K. Jerry Charles Harper, succession over $125K.
Dr. Gladden W. “Buddy” Willis March 26, 1939 — August 26, 2025 Doyline/Minden, La. Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, Doyline United Methodist Church, Doyline. Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation. Burial: Doyline Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Billy Frank Edwards November 15, 1960 — August 25, 2025 Minden, La. No service listed at this time. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Lester Parrie October 9, 1954 – August 24, 2025 Springhill, La. Graveside: 2 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, Spring Branch Cemetery, 586 Columbia Rd., 22, Taylor, Ark.
Gene Patrick Hughes February 7, 1950 — August 24, 2025 Minden, La. Visitation: 9 a.m. Thursday, August 28, City On A Hill Pentecostal Church, Minden. Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation. Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Alton McCann April 9, 1956 — August 25, 2025 Minden, La. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Minden, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Patricia W. “Pat” Prince October 19, 1932 — August 26, 2025 Minden, La. Visitation: 8:30 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden. Funeral service: 10 a.m, immediately following visitation. Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Don Gentry Teague February 26, 1946 – August 22, 2025 Springhill, La. Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, Central Baptist Church, 504 West Church Street, Springhill. Burial: Old Town Cemetery, Louisiana 534, Haynesville, La.
Carolyn Moncrief Lyons December 3, 1942 — August 5, 2025 Minden, La. Graveside service: 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, Gardens of memory Cemetery 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.)
The Minden Civic Center side of City Hall will soon see something much needed – updated plumbing. During the city council’s special session Monday, they voted unanimously to approve a budget amendment to allow for a project to replace infrastructure that is more than 50 years old and made of cast iron.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox said that because the project bid came in under the bid threshold, additional authority was not required to award the project bid of more than $45,500.
“The council voted to approve the expense as it was an emergency and not a budgeted item,” Cox said.
The City Hall side of the complex was updated in 2010 during remodel and addition, he said.
Shreveport-based Storer Services is set to begin any day now.
“The timeline will depend on coordination and any unforeseen conditions once work starts, but we expect the project to move forward quickly and be completed in about two weeks,” Cox said.
Until that time, portable facilities are located in the parking lot just outside the civic center.
“Legends on Wheels: Chrome & Classic,” the 17th annual Car & Bike Show is coming to downtown Minden on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. And again this year, there is no cost to both entrants and attendees!
The motorcycle and classic car show, sponsored by the Vintage Car Club, will feature “great food, family fun, the largest trophy presentation in the area, entries from all over the ARK-LA-TEX,” and it all happens in historic downtown Minden.
Registration on site begins at 7 a.m. and cuts off precisely at 11 a.m., at which time the judging will begin, according to car club member Larry Gipson. Participants can enter now via www.vintagemindencars.com. This year’s judges will be “30 guys from the Men of Courage,” he added.
“We hope that, with this many judges, the trophy presentations will begin around 2 p.m.”
Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m., led by Minden Mayor Nick Cox. Col. Carl Thompson will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Ronnie Morris will pray. The Star-Spangled Banner will be sung by Nathan Richardson.
Milford Parker will DJ the event, which will feature live entertainment, food trucks, a lemonade stand, a taco stand, the bouncy house, and face-painting by EJ Colvin. The Vintage Car Club will be selling Pork Chop Sandwiches, Smoked Turkey Legs, and drinks.
This family-oriented car show will once again feature competitions, including the Hula-Hoop and the Dance-Off. Adult winners in both competitions will receive $50, with children earning $25.
Attendance, which always depends upon the weather, is expected to reach 200 this year.
Sponsors include the following:
The Titanium Sponsor for the 2025 Annual Car & Bike Show is TG Companies LLC in memory of Terry Gardner.
Golden Sponsors are B1 Bank, Brown Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Hol-Mont Sales & Rental LLC, Little Scholars’ Academy & Preschool LLP, Minden Medical Center, Under Dawgs LLC, and “In loving memory of Dorothy Taylor-Washington, Sallie Shine-Taylor and Barbara Pearson.”
The Antique Sponsors are Laura Horton, State Farm Insurance; Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver, Seafood Empire LLC, Minden Mayor Nick Cox, and “Matters of the Heart.”
Classic Sponsors are Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker and Holcomb’s Body Shop LLC.
Wow! Another “opinion” from Royal Alexander that’s nothing more than recycled talking points from Trump’s cult of personality.
As pointed out elsewhere, the right went hard on Obama for metaphorically rolling out the red carpet for Putin.
Now, they’re worshiping the ground walked by the man who literally rolled out a red carpet for that malevolent dictator to walk into our country on. Prior to that when Zelenskyy came all he got was yelled at for not wearing a suit and not saying “Thank You” enough times to please our would-be God-Emperor. The hypocrisy is glaring.
In the Webster Parish Journal’s defense, they only post Royal Alexander’s opinions because he sends them out for free. They do not endorse any of his opinions as far as I’m aware. But do you ever wonder why people like Royal send these out for free? It’s propaganda, plain and simple. That’s all Royal is – an attorney, ex-congressional staffer, failed political candidate, and veteran of right-wing politicking masquerading as “analysis”.
It warms my heart to see more people in the comments dismantling and rebuking this sycophant as we get further into this term. Keep up the good work and don’t let this sort of trash go unchecked. Propaganda only works when it goes unchallenged, and it’s on us to make sure it doesn’t.
The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus. The department is seeing a higher number of Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths than are typically reported.
A Louisiana health official reported two more deaths from the flesh-eating vibrio bacteria, part of 14 more infections. It brings the state’s fatality count attributed to the pathogen this year to six.
The two most recent deaths involved people who ate oysters harvested in Louisiana at two separate restaurants — one in Louisiana and another in Florida – according to Jennifer Armentor, molluscan shellfish program administrator from the Louisiana Department of Health.
Armentor shared information about the vibrio-related deaths Tuesday during a regular meeting of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, held at New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
“It’s just prolific right now,” Armentor told task force members.
She did not provide any additional information about the individuals who died or where they ate.
So far in 2025, 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported among Louisiana residents. All of these patients were hospitalized, and four of these illnesses resulted in death. During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana.
Of those 17 cases, 75% reported wound/seawater exposure. Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in warm coastal waters and are found in higher numbers between May and October, when water temperatures are warmer.
Vibrio bacteria can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters. Vibrio infection can result in gastrointestinal illness, wound infection, or blood poisoning (bloodstream infection).
To learn more about the bacteria and its symptoms, visit https://ldh.la.gov/ .
