Play Sudoku online!

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Scott D. Parker, 51, no address listed: arrested Aug. 4 by WPSO on warrant for felony theft of a motor vehicle. Transferred from Ouachita Parish to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Bond set $25,000.

Christian Loyal Masingill, 25, 300 block Cox Rd., Sarepta: arrested Aug. 4 by WPSO for DUI, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), improper lane usage. Bond set $1,000.

Richard Morning, 31, 1100 block Clarence St., Bossier City: arrested Aug. 4 by WPSO on warrant for resisting arrest with force. No bond set.

Rodrick D. Scott, 57, 2600 block Carver St., Arcadia: arrested Aug. 5 by Minden PD on fugitive warrant from Bossier Parish SO. No bond set.

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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Sandra Butts Modisette

February 21, 1945  –  July 15, 2025

Shongaloo, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 9, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

William Joe McDonald, Jr.

October 21, 1946 — August 3, 2025

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025, Alabama Baptist Church Cemetery.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

In a unanimous move, members of the Minden City Council voted to terminate Lt. Christopher Hammontree’s time with the Minden Police Department Monday night, following an internal investigation arising from his conduct that occurred on or about May 23, 2025.

At the request of Hammontree and his counsel Pamela Breedlove, council members convened in executive session to discuss Chief Jared McIver’s request for termination.

After around one hour and 20 minutes, council members, Hammontree, Breedlove and McIver returned to council chambers and, with no explanation, voted for termination.

District E Councilman Andy Pendergrass made the motion for the termination, along with furnishing Hammontree and the Fire and Police Civil Service Board with “a statement in writing of the actions taken and complete reasons therefore.”

District A Councilman Carleton “Buddy” Myles seconded the motion.

In other business, the council voted to do the following:

• Adopt the 2025-2026 City of Minden budget;

• Authorize closure of an existing bank account and the opening of a new bank account for the City of Minden, as well as transfer of all exiting funds to the new account;

• Reschedule the Minden City Council September 2025 regular session due to Labor Day; and

• Budget, fire and police reports.

At the beginning of the meeting, the mayor and  council presented proclamations to Minden 8U, 10U and 12 U All-Stars.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Leaving a pet locked inside a vehicle without proper ventilation during extremely hot weather has put a Bossier City woman in hot water with the law.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said Shardenai Jozette Shaw, 28, a resident of the 1600 block Anita St. in Bossier City is facing a charge of cruelty to animals after officers found her pet dog inside a vehicle at the Minden Recreation Center.

She was booked Thursday, July 31, and is looking at a $750 bond.

Officers responding to an animal welfare concern call reportedly found a poodle inside a vehicle in the recreational center’s parking lot with the windows only slightly cracked. Officers said the animal was barking and panting heavily due to the extreme heat inside the vehicle.

Temperature at the time reportedly was 95 degrees and the Minden area was under a heat advisory.

Shaw was found “working out” inside the recreation center. She reportedly told officers she had been inside only a short time before they arrived.

McIver said individuals should be more informed of the dangers pets and young children face if they’re left inside a vehicle, even for a short period of time.

“Statistics show it doesn’t take but a few minutes for the temperatures inside a vehicle to reach extremely dangerous levels, even if the windows are slightly cracked,” he said.

Nationally, hundreds of reports are filed about animals dying of heatstroke after being left in hot cars. And, reports say, not all cases of animal deaths are reported to authorities.

Authorities said dogs can be especially vulnerable to heatstroke with studies showing a dog can die from heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes.

Some 32 states have laws on the books that either prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle.

Most laws provide that the animal must be confined or unattended in a vehicle that is parked or stationary. To be in violation of the law, conditions inside the vehicle must be such that the animal’s life is endangered.

In Louisiana,  RS 37:1738.1 grants immunity from liability (protection from lawsuit) to persons for property damage or trespass to a motor vehicle if damage was caused while the person was rescuing an animal in distress.

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 Pat Culverhouse

Workers with a local lawn care company who were going about their task Thursday morning found themselves staring down the barrel of a shotgun and a Minden man is in custody for threatening the crew.

Police officers responding to a call of a disturbance in the 500 block of Quarles St. learned 50-year-old Darrell Gene Jackson, a Quarles St. resident, had approached the crew claiming they were not allowed to mow the yard.

Jackson allegedly told the lawn care company owner the crew could “…never come back down Quarles Street again.” According to statements from the owner, Jackson threatened to kill him and his workers.

When the crew attempted to exit the area in their work truck, Jackson allegedly stood in the street with a shotgun, preventing them from leaving. At that point, the crew awaited the arrival of police officers.

According to responding officers Sgt. Ben Sparks and Lt. Shane Griffith, the homeowner was present during the incident. The homeowner reportedly told officers she witnessed Jackson “talking crazy” to the work crew while possessing the shotgun.

Officers included in their incident report witness and victim statements along with images of Jackson standing beside the street holding a shotgun.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said Jackson, has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon.

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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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: Soup, Ramen noodles, green beans, corn, powdered milk, pasta

Household goods: pots & pans, skillets, towels

Clothing: men’s large short sleeve shirts

Thank you for supporting UCAP!

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

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BATON ROUGE, LA – As Child Support Awareness Month begins, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) announces the return of its limited-time offer to help noncustodial parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support get “On the Road Again” for a reduced fee.

The promotion runs August 1 through September 30, 2025. It applies to licenses administratively suspended by DCFS.

“This initiative gives parents a real opportunity to get back on track – not just with their license, but with their role in supporting their children,” said Sammy Guillory, Assistant Secretary of Family Support. “Children benefit when both parents are engaged, and a valid license can make a big difference in helping parents meet their obligations.”

Child support can play a vital role in strengthening the bond between non-custodial parents, usually fathers, and their children. By connecting early and offering manageable payment options, the program helps promote steady involvement and long-term positive outcomes for children across Louisiana.

Under normal circumstances, parents must be current on child support, have paid all past-due amounts, and provide health insurance for their child (if required) to reinstate a suspended license. During the promotion, eligible parents can reinstate their licenses by:

Paying two months of child support for each case,

Paying $100 toward any past-due balance for each case, and

Paying any court-ordered fees.

For arrears-only cases, payment amounts will be determined separately. These payments are in addition to any fines or fees owed to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for reinstating a license.

Federal law requires states to suspend licenses for unpaid child support. In Louisiana, a noncustodial parent who falls 90 days behind may lose their driver’s, hunting, fishing, professional, or business licenses.

Noncustodial parents interested in the On the Road Again promotion are encouraged to contact their caseworker to determine the amount they must pay to qualify. Full payment is due by September 30, 2025. Cash, money order, or cashier’s check is the fastest, but electronic payments are also accepted. Licenses may be re-suspended if the parent does not remain current on future payments.

Last year, 131 parents participated in the On the Road Again initiative, resulting in more than $155,000 collected on behalf of 202 children.

To learn more about the On the Road Again program, visit dcfs.la/otra.

• Noncustodial parents can also:

• Complete and submit an online form

• Message their caseworker through the CAFÉ portal at www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe

• Email OnTheRoad.DCFS@la.gov

• Contact LAHelpU at LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov or 1-888-LAHelp-U (1-888-524-3578)

• Visit a local Child Support office. Find one near you at www.dcfs.la.gov/offices

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Dear Webster Parish Livestock Supporters,

Thank you for the continued support through the years of supporting Webster Parish 4-H and the Webster Parish Livestock Programs, especially the livestock sale. We at the Webster Parish Extension office could not have the wonderful programs without the continued support of our communities. Once again thank you.

We had a successful livestock show and fair last year and sent several of our livestock exhibitors to The State Fair of Louisiana and the LSU Spring Shows February 10^th -16^th, 2025 in Gonzales, Louisiana.

Even though it is summer, we are beginning to make plans for this year’s fair tentatively set for September 30th-October 3rd, 2025, and our sale and luncheon on October 3^rd, 2025. Webster Parish has a long tradition of livestock programs and supporting the program. The program has seen many highs and lows, and we are currently in one or those low times, but we are not ready to give up. We are actively looking for new ways to improve our events and increase participation in 4-H livestock. The livestock club participated in the 4-H fun day, where families could view the different animals exhibited and visit with the 4-H participants.

Webster Parish 4-H is excited to begin the new year and grow our program to encourage the youth of Webster Parish to participate in the livestock program.

We are asking for your support to continue the tradition of a remarkable livestock show. If you would like to support the Webster Parish 4-H Livestock program, please contact the Webster Extension Office at 1202 Homer Road in Minden, LA 71055 (318) 371-1371. We will accept cash, check, or money orders. Please make the check payable to Webster Parish 4-H Foundation. We appreciate your willingness in supporting Webster Parish 4-H.

Respectfully,

John Monzingo, Assistant Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent

K’Lanie Gordon, Assistant 4-H Youth Development Agent

Dr. Shakera Williams, Webster Parish Chair, and Associate Nutrition & Community Health Agent

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) would like to thank Senator Kennedy for requesting approximately $3.2 million to procure innovative saltwater electrofishing boats through the National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration (NOAA). These boats are the first of their kind, having the ability to operate in full saltwater conditions.

“On behalf of all the Fisheries staff at LDWF, the saltwater anglers of our state, and the citizens that rely on our fishery for their livelihood, we want to thank Senator Kennedy and his staff for their support of Louisiana’s vital saltwater fishery”, said Tyler Bosworth, Secretary of LDWF. “These new electrofishing boats will allow Louisiana to continue leading the way in revolutionizing active marine fisheries management through advanced stock assessment technologies.”

With Senator Kennedy’s help and the potential addition of four new electrofishing boats, LDWF will have the ability to perform stock assessments more effectively and efficiently than through gaining the ability to capture data on certain saltwater fish species that previous technologies were unable to capture. This will lead to better Fisheries recruitment data, leading to proactive, instead of reactive, marine fisheries management.

Saltwater electrofishing gear is much more efficient than the use of gillnets or seines for targeting multiple age classes of Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and Flounder (the stock assessment species LDWF is most interested in). These boats will allow better estimates of year-class strength with less uncertainty in LDWF stock assessment models. The addition of these types of time series will allow LDWF fishery managers the ability to forecast future stock conditions for recreational and commercially important finfish species with more certainty.

LDWF has become a leader in fishery management innovation across the country, with many states trying to replicate our methods due to their high rates of success. LDWF introduced LA Creel in 2014 to improve fishery data collection methods, which is tailored to fit Louisiana’s unique recreational fisheries and coastal areas. LA Creel, which has been certified by NOAA, has been recognized by other Gulf States to be the most accurate tool to count recreational fishing harvest and provide near real-time results to fishery managers.

The combination of electrofishing technology, which enhances our ability to count fish stocks, and LA Creel, which allows LDWF to accurately count recreational harvest, will keep LDWF on the cutting edge of fishery management and ensure Louisiana’s natural resources remain available to future generations. LDWF looks forward to working with Senator Kenedy and his staff as this funding works its way through the process.

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I have watched with interest the negative attacks in response to the American Eagle ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney modeling, in an attractive and alluring manner, the company’s blue jeans. It seems quite routine. Thousands of such ads hawking every kind of product are run every day in America.

So, what sparked the controversy?

As the ad concludes, Sweeney looks at the camera while a voice intones stating, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.”  Apparently, the ad’s play on the word “genes” causes some viewers to think about the genetics of the blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman. “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My genes are blue,” Sweeney purrs in one video.  (I will save for another day addressing the damaging credo that “sex sells” in modern commercialism).

Critics have chosen to focus on her statement that she has great “genes” as somehow conveying negative stereotypes about race and beauty.  Some critics—who are always looking for something about which to be aggrieved—have viewed this clever phraseology as, somehow, a positive commentary on the discredited theory of eugenics which held that the human race could be improved by selective breeding.  Some have even deemed the ad “Nazi propaganda” and yet another example of “white supremacy.”

WOW. 

This strikes me as a typical overreaction by the Woke Left.  The whole point of hiring attractive people for commercial advertising is to motivate a potential buyer to somehow identify and connect with the model and the product.  It’s probably the most fundamental rule of advertising.

The Sweeney ad expresses a classic American view of beauty and attractiveness, yet we are attacked by the Cancel Culture for our personal tastes—for believing that beauty can be reflected, and appreciated, in a white, blonde-haired, blued-eyed, all-American looking girl. 

However, no one is suggesting that white, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girls are the only example of feminine beauty.  There are as many versions of feminine beauty as there are eyes to behold it.  Yet, we are simply not allowed to express “unapproved” views.

America has spent 150 years striving mightily to rid itself of all classifications based upon the immutable characteristics of race and gender. However—in a complete and glaring contradiction—the Looney Left continues to demand that every assessment of every individual American be based not upon character or merit, but solely upon identity.  That is the very last thing that needs to happen in a nation like ours that has sworn to abide by—and many have died defending—the principle that we are truly equal under law. 

Fortunately, thanks to President Trump, Wokeism, and its most virulent strain, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DIE), are on their death knell.   While no one else is required to share our thoughts and beliefs, in a free society, we are allowed to hold and express them.  Otherwise, certain groups—the Thought Police—take it upon themselves to decide what speech or expression is “hate filled” and “offensive” and that quickly becomes a slippery slope because every single one of us has a different idea about what is offensive and unacceptable. 

The Cancel Culture seeks, through the use of intimidation, bullying and violence, to “cancel” those with whom they disagree from their very participation in our society, and in the most violent examples, to literally ‘cancel’ the lives of those with whom they disagree. 

This kind of censorship simply cannot be allowed if our Republic—and the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution—are to endure.  The greatest virtue of free thought and free speech is that all kinds of ideas are thrust into the rough and tumble of the marketplace of ideas where the best idea prevails.  It is this collision of, this testing of, speech and thought in a free and open exchange that produces the best results—and leads the nation to wise and popular policy results on challenging national issues.

Sydney Sweeney may have great jeans or great genes, or neither, or both.  We are all supposed to be free to decide for ourselves.  

Most encouraging is that American Eagle has made clear it is not going to apologize for the ad and it’s not going to be cancelled for not doing so. 

Bravo.  This is an important first step in slaying the dragon of Woke-ism and Cancel Culture and returning America to our Judeo-Christian roots and virtues.

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

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Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 94.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 94.

* Info provided by National Weather Service.

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Play Sudoku online!

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

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

August 5

5:30 until 8 p.m. LifeShare Blood Center community Blood Drive at your Webster Parish Libraries Minden Branch, 521 E and W St, Minden.

August 7

10 a.m. Minden Planning Commission meeting, Pelican Room, Minden City Hall. On the agenda is a request from Jim Huffman with Huffman Manor for a zoning variance on property owned by him located at 1114 Broadway Street. The property is zoned R-1 (Residential). The purpose of this zoning variance request is to use the property as an event venue. All interested parties will be given a chance to be heard.

August 9

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree 4th anniversary show, CAC building, Springhill. Guest Star will be Georgette Jones daughter of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Advance Tickets on sale at Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce and Express Tax Title & License in Springhill for $15 General Admission and $25 for reserved seating. Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 General Admission.

August 16

6 p.m. Murder Mystery, “Betrayal At The Block Party,” The Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill. Preregistration required. To register, text Michelle at 318-272-6093.

August 21

5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Bites and Beats, Miller Quarters Park, Minden, food trucks and live music. mindenmainstreet.com .

August 23

5 p.m. Doors open at Springhill Civic Center for W.H.O. Matters, celebrating 10 years of Women Helping Others.  Ladies-only event featuring BINGO, raffles dinner, door prizes, shopping and a silent auction, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets: Kylee Ayers at 318-268-0027,

Info: Amber Cobb at 318-423-3710 or Kalee Adams at 318-578-1574,

Vendors: Elizabeth Simmons at 318-517-5207, Donations: Pam Jenkins at 310-453-3740.

Sept. 8

6 p.m., 2025 Gala for Dorcheat Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden. Raffle, cake auction, fundraiser for operation and expansion.

Sept. 13

Legends on Wheels, Vintage Car Club’s 17th annual car and bike show, downtown Minden.

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Daniel Hair, 57, 300 block Lorox Rd., Minden: arrested July 31 by bond agent on warrants for simple burglary, reckless operation. Bond set $40,500.

Shane Lee Neal, 49, 8900 block Hwy. 80, Princeton: arrested Aug. 3 by WPSO on warrants for domestic abuse w/strangulation, false imprisonment. Bond set $260,500.

Joseph Vinson Bennett II, 38, 200 block Davis Rd., Ringgold: arrested Aug. 3 by WPSO on warrants. Bond set $3,750.

Casey C. O’Neal, 31, 1200 block Richardson Loop, Homer: arrested Aug. 1 by WPSO for disturbing the peace by intoxication. No bond set.

Darnell Harris, 40, 500 block Southwood Dr., Bossier City: arrested Aug. 1 by Probation and Parole for parole violation on charged of possession of a firearm/carrying concealed weapon by convicted felon. Held without bond.

Kenneth Bernard Whitfield, 30, 700 block Peach St., Minden: arrested Aug. 1 by Louisiana State Police for failure to obey stop sign, suspended drivers license, fugitive warrants from Minden PD. Bond set $501.

Keundrell Eason, 42, 1400 block Lincoln St., Minden: arrested Aug. 1 by Louisiana State Police for possession of CDS Sch. II. No bond set.

Donald L. Allums, 62, 200 block Lorex Rd., Minden: arrested Aug. 1 by Louisiana State Police for illegally parking on roadway, flight from an officer. No bond set.

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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Sandra Butts Modisette

February 21, 1945  –  July 15, 2025

Shongaloo, La.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 9, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

William Joe McDonald, Jr.

October 21, 1946 — August 3, 2025

Arcadia, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia.

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025, Alabama Baptist Church Cemetery.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

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By Pat Culverhouse

A child abuse case which began in Florida ended in Minden shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday when the suspect turned herself in at Minden police headquarters.

Maranda Leann Rousseau, 25, a resident of Turtle Dove Dr. In Orange Park, FL, is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center awaiting extradition. She was arrested on a fugitive warrant from the Jacksonville, FL, Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Shane Griffith, head of the MPD’s Violent Crimes Unit, said Rousseau turned herself after local police applied pressure through extensive search and surveillance which began Friday and continued through the night.

Griffith and his investigators were acting on a “take into custody” order issued by the Duval County, FL, Juvenile Division. A warrant reportedly had been issued for an incident involving an alleged abuse committed on a minor child in May of this year.

“We had received a tip Friday that the subject would be at a W.R. Reeder St. residence here. We made contact with the resident at that address but the subject was not there,” Griffith said. “We left our card for contact and conducted surveillance on the residence throughout the night.”

During the course of their investigation, Griffith said investigators knocked on practically every door in the W.R. Reeder St. neighborhood.

“My team of investigators worked through the night attempting to locate the child,” he said. “We received cooperation from the neighbors, but they didn’t have much information on the subject we were seeking. They made it clear, though, they didn’t want someone like that in their neighborhood.”

Griffith said Rousseau called and advised she was prepared to turn herself in. When she arrived at police headquarters, the two-year-old child was present and appeared to be unharmed.

“Chief Jared McIver has made it a priority to protect the most vulnerable which are our children and elderly,” Griffith said. “When we received the information from Duval County needing our assistance, Chief McIver advised to exhaust every effort in locating this child.”

Griffith issued special recognition to the Louisiana Dept. of Child Protection for their prompt assistance.

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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A three-vehicle crash in Webster Parish has claimed the lives of two Bossier Parish men.

At approximately 10:40 p.m., Friday, troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to the crash on U.S. Highway 80 near Barbeque Road. Killed were 50-year-old Brian Frost and 45-year-old Kendrick Fisher, both of Haughton.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 GMC Yukon, driven by Frost, was traveling west in the eastbound lane of U.S. Highway 80. At the same time, a 2024 Kia Forte, driven by Fisher, and a 2016 Dodge Charger were both traveling east on U.S. Highway 80. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC collided head-on with the Kia and overturned, causing the Kia to then collide with the Dodge.

All parties were properly restrained at the time of the crash. Frost and Fisher sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

A passenger in the Kia sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Dodge sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment on the part of Frost is suspected. Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver’s evening shopping trip turned into a duty call when he found himself involved in breaking up a fight involving multiple individuals which began inside the local Walmart and spilled into the parking lot.

As a result, four individuals reportedly now find themselves facing charges ranging from disturbing the peace to aggravated battery. 

McIver said 18-year-old Jatravion L. Rogers, a Joel St. resident, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery, simple battery and disturbing the peace for his part in the melee.

Three others: Latonya Carter, Zeniya Carter and Devon Porter, were also taken into custody on a charge of disturbing the peace.

Officers responding to a call of a disturbance at the discount store just after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday were told Chief McIver was attempting to defuse a situation and were asked to “step it up.”  On arrival, officers found their Chief in the parking lot attempting to calm a situation involving two females.

After questioning, officers learned the disturbance began inside the store between four individuals when Rogers allegedly “pulled the hair” of one female. McIver reportedly intervened and the suspects moved outside where the disturbance continued.

During the fracas in the parking lot, Rogers allegedly threw golf ball sized rocks, hitting two of the combatants in the leg. While the Chief attempted to separate the individuals, screaming and threats continued until backup units arrived.

As he was trying to separate the individuals, McIver was nearly struck by a vehicle attempting to leave the scene.

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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This week’s Most Wanted is Javonte Leon Ardison.

Javonte has 14 active warrants through the Minden Police Department that range from Failure to Appear Bench Warrants up to Home Invasion.

Anyone with information on Javonte Leon Addison 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.

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Disclaimer: If you are a gentle parent 24/7 and have never raised your voice above a calm whisper while surrounded by chaos, my column this week is probably not for you. I still love you, but please kindly step aside while the rest of us scream into a dish towel and hope for the best. 

I don’t start the day yelling. I start with intentions, deep breaths and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Along with the gentle hum of (short-lived) calm, thanks to a little orange pill that helps keep my anxiety in check.

But by approximately 7:23 a.m., I’ve already said, “Put your shoes on,” five times to three different children, all apparently living in separate dimensions.

There’s Emerson, who has suddenly forgotten how time works and thinks “we’re late” is a suggestion, not a fact. Ashton who is usually halfway into a lecture about dinosaur extinction, begging her to brush her teeth. And Kameron….well she’s still running around naked from the waist down and very proud of it.

At this point, my voice goes up an octave, then another…Then I’m shouting across the house like I’m calling hogs, but with less optimism.

“WHY ARE WE STILL NOT IN THE CAR?!”

Of course, this is when someone (usually Emerson) pipes up: “Geez, Mom, you don’t have to yell.”

Child…

 I didn’t want to yell. I tried not to yell. In fact, if we rewind the tape, you’ll hear me calmly saying all these things earlier—soothingly, even sweetly—while packing lunches, feeding the dog, untangling a doll’s hair from the vacuum, and trying not to have a full-blown existential crisis before 8 a.m.

But here’s the thing: Even the most medicated mom, with therapy under her belt and mantras on her mirror, has a threshold, a breaking point, a line (and that line is usually crusted with syrup or suckers or anything really sticky!)

I don’t yell because I’m mean. I yell because I’m human and because apparently, in this house, “Let’s go” translates to “Please continue doing the opposite of what I just asked while making loud unrelated noises.”

Some days I feel guilty. Other days, I remind myself that no one gets it right 100% of the time. We’re all doing our best with the tools we have and sometimes, those tools include coffee, a quick cry in the laundry room and a well-placed “GET. IN. THE. CAR. NOW.”

At the end of the day, my kids know I love them. They’re safe, fed and surrounded by laughter, boundaries, unconditional love… and yes, occasionally, a very loud mom voice.

But hey… at least they finally put their shoes on!!!!

(Paige Gurgainers is a mom of three girls, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)

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In the scorching heat of August 2024, on the quiet outskirts of Webster Parish, a devoted mama dog named Ruple was found with her ten tiny puppies. We don’t know how long they had been out there alone, but it was clear Ruple had done everything in her power to keep them safe. Her eyes told the story—tired, but full of fierce love and determination.

Her puppies were precious. Plump, playful, and full of promise. As soon as they were old enough, they were transported to one of our trusted partner rescues up north, where loving families were waiting to welcome them home. It was the happy ending every little one deserves.

But Ruple didn’t get to go.

She tested positive for heartworms, and every foster home was already full. So Ruple began the long road to recovery—not in a cozy foster home, but in a boarding kennel. The treatments were painful, and the days were long. Still, she never lost her joyful spirit. Her tail wagged with every visitor, every meal, every moment of kindness.

It wagged so much that she developed “happy tail”, a painful condition caused by constant tail wagging in tight kennel spaces. Her tail became so damaged it had to be amputated. Even then, Ruple’s spirit didn’t dim. She simply adapted—waggling her whole backside instead of a tail, greeting everyone with the same bright eyes and contagious optimism.

Now, many months later, Ruple lives in our shelter, fully healed and finally heartworm negative. She still hasn’t found her forever family. Every day she waits, tail or no tail, her heart full of hope.

She watches the doors.
She wags her nub.
She dreams of being chosen.

Ruple is sweet, gentle, and full of love to give. She’s been overlooked too many times, but she still believes that somewhere out there, someone is looking for a dog just like her.

Could it be you?

CONTACT: Our adoptable pets are updated regularly, but if you want to check the availability of a pet… OR still have questions AFTER reading this profile, email us at lamaanimalrecords@gmail.com

ONLINE APPLICATION link:

https://forms.gle/nq3GGLH66XuDnD9Z7

Or you are welcome to print and fill out the app on our website and email to LaMaAnimalRecords@gmail.com, or https://lamaanimalrescue.org/adopt

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