Braxton C. Gray, 33, 100 block Braxton Trail, Sibley: arrested Aug. 15 by Louisiana State Police for DWI second offense, careless operation, chemical test refusal. Bond set $1,502.
Johnathan Hardiman, 19, 300 block Emerald Dr., Minden: arrested Aug. 17 by WPSO on warrant for violation of protection order. Bond set $10,000.
Anthony Dale Martin, 44, 1100 block Hwy. 163, Doyline: arrested Aug. 17 on warrants for domestic abuse battery/use of dangerous weapon, simple and aggravated cruelty to animals, simple kidnapping. Bond set $325,000.
Latoria Nicole Rankin, 36, 1000 block Opera St., Stamps, AR: arrested Aug. 15 by Springhill PD on warrant for felony theft. Bond set $10,000.
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: 9 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. immediately following visitation.
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.
Loy “Barney” Ware
August 14, 1938 – March 16, 2025
Minden, La.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, First Methodist Minden Sanctuary, 903 Broadway.
Funeral service: immediately following visitation.
Small gathering and fellowship will follow in the church hall.
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 Minden police officer responding to aBOLO (Be On the Look Out) broadcast reportedly nabbed a 25-year-old local man who is now housed in the parish prison facing illegal drugs and firearm charges.
LaCarlos Lofton, a resident of the 500 block of Penal Farm Rd., was arrested Friday, Aug. 15 after MPD Officer Kendale Booker spotted his vehicle which matched the description of one believed to be involved in a drive-by shooting.
Lofton was stopped on the Sibley Rd. shortly before 10 p.m. and reportedly gave consent to Officer Booker for a “walk around” inspection of the vehicle. During that inspection, the officer reportedly observed a .223 AR pistol/rifle in the front seat.
Booker also reportedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in a vehicle search, and inside the officer found approximately 73 grams marijuana and a large sum of cash.
After receiving his Miranda warning, Lofton reportedly admitted he owned the marijuana and was aware the firearm was inside his vehicle.
Lofton is charged with possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS. He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond reportedly has been 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.
After being denied the use of a family member’s debit card, a Minden man apparently flew into a rage and is now in the parish prison looking at charges related to domestic abuse.
Webster Parish deputies arrested 20-year-old Zander Keaton Couch after he allegedly threatened his mother and physically assaulted the woman’s teenaged daughter during the incident at a Scooter Roach Rd. residence shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday.
Sheriff Jason Parker said Couch is now charged with domestic abuse battery and two counts of aggravated assault. He currently is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $52,000 bond.
During an interview with the victims, Deputy Daniel Dooly learned Couch had allegedly threatened his mother and her animals when she refused to allow him use of her debit card. Couch then allegedly struck the woman’s daughter, who reportedly lives at the residence, in the face.
According to the witness statements, Couch allegedly went outside the residence, picked up a butane bottle and threatened to “..blow this b….. up” while his mother was inside. He then reportedly re-entered the residence, picked up a knife from the kitchen and threatened to kill the teenager.
During the deputy’s interview at the time of his arrest, Couch reportedly admitted he grabbed the knife while in an argument with the teenager. He reportedly also admitted he picked up a butane bottle outside the residence and threatened “to blow the m……f….. up” while his mother was inside.
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 latest Sibley Town Hall meeting brought good news for the community, with updates on infrastructure projects, grant awards, and an exciting upcoming event.
During the meeting, the Sibley Town Council adopted two resolutions to apply for additional funding to complete the Saltworks Water System Consolidation, an ongoing project that is approaching its final stages.
In addition, the town has received a $35,000 grant from the Community Water Enrichment Fund, which will go toward the purchase of new radio-read water meters, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in utility management.
The Sibley Volunteer Fire Department also received a significant grant, with $26,060.49 awarded by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. These funds will be used to purchase new bunker gear for the department.
In more infrastructure news, contracts were officially signed for upcoming street improvement projects.
Phase I, the Weatherton Street and Jones Street Project, has been awarded to Benton & Brown for $610,288.00.
Phase II, the NE 5th Avenue Project, will be handled by TL Construction at a cost of $197,738.50.
These projects are expected to begin soon.
In addition to all the projects going on, Sibley will host the Small Town Mayors’ Conference on September 24–25, 2025, at the Minden Civic Center. The town is inviting local businesses, individuals, and churches to contribute door prizes such as gift cards, baskets, crafts, or promotional items. Anything to help promote their work and the Sibley community. Anyone interested in donating is encouraged to contact the Sibley Town Hall at 318-377-0345.
With progress on infrastructure, public safety, and community engagement, it’s clear: good things are happening in the Town of Sibley.
Mayor Robert Smart and the Council encourage residents to attend the monthly meetings, held on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Sibley Town Hall.
Minden police officers will be putting a Minden Medical Center donation to good use.
(Editor’s note: Story courtesy Brian W. Sparks, MPD Special Response Team medical officer and certified tactical paramedic. He is an emergency medicine physician’s assistant at Minden Medical Center.)
A spirit of collaboration between healthcare providers and law enforcement blossomed into a meaningful gesture that will have a lasting impact on public and officer safety.
Minden Medical Center (MMC) CEO Keith Cox was joined by Materials Management Director Jason Bates and Warehouse Manager Joe Payne to deliver nitrile exam gloves that will be stocked in every police unit.
Their visit was a demonstration of the mutual support that underpins the city’s commitment to health and safety. This donation was facilitated by MMC and supplied by Tronex Healthcare, a leader in personal protective solutions.
Modern policing extends far beyond traditional law enforcement. Officers routinely encounter emergencies where they must perform lifesaving interventions, administer first aid or support medical personnel when an ambulance arrives.
At these times, personal protective equipment is not just a convenience, it is a necessity. The donated nitrile gloves will allow officers to maintain body substance isolation, a practice crucial in minimizing risk of disease transmission.
Whether on an emergency call or conducting searches during everyday patrols, officers are now better prepared to protect themselves and others.
Mission of the Minden Police Department is to be ready to respond to emergencies and serve the city’s citizens with professionalism and compassion.
“We cannot express enough gratitude to the local hospital for supplying this needed resource,” said Chief Jared McIver.
“This partnership exemplifies the interconnectedness of Minden’s public institutions, each playing a vital role in safeguarding community health and wellbeing. Today’s donation to the Minden Police Department is more than a transaction—it is an emblem of Minden’s values,” said MPD Deputy Chief Chris Cheatham.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises the public that as the LA 531 overpass replacement project over I-20 near Minden in Webster Parish draws closer to completion, upcoming nighttime interstate closures will be required.
Those closures have been scheduled as follows:
6 p.m. until 7 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2025, I-20 westbound at LA 531
6 p.m. until 7 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025, I-20 eastbound at LA 531
These closures are necessary to allow the contractor for the $20.7 million project to safely finish the work located in the median of I-20. This will be done, weather permitting.
Traffic will be diverted to the on and off-ramps at the interchange. The LA 531 overpass will also be closed to traffic, which will be routed to the ramps as well.
As a reminder, the newly constructed LA 531 overpass was previously opened to traffic, and the old bridge was removed. The two roundabouts on either end of the new bridge are undergoing the final phases of construction, with traffic flowing through.
The entire project should officially wrap up in September 2025, depending on weather conditions and other factors.
The Village of Shongaloo has received a $25,000 grant from the FY 2024-2025 Louisiana Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) to make much needed repairs to the town’s Civic Center. Governor Jeff Landry’s office confirmed the award in a letter to Mayor Amanda Sexton.
Sexton said this is not the first time grant funding has brought improvements to the community.
“The last grant I applied for allowed us to replace the Civic Center roof and renovate the bathrooms at our ballfield,” she said. “Our Civic Center still needs a lot more attention, and thanks to our amazing town clerk, Mrs. Tracy Purvis, we were able to get another grant this year.”
The Civic Center is a vital part of life in Shongaloo, regularly rented for community gatherings and housing the Fire Department. With this year’s $25,000 grant dedicated solely to the facility, the village is eager to begin the next round of improvements.
Have I ever mentioned how much I love living in the country?!
Living in the country means our mornings aren’t just about getting everyone out the door — they’re mini adventures. Now that Emerson, Ashton and Kameron are at different schools, I’ve got two drop-offs on two different routes, which means we encounter just about everything rural roads have to offer.
We dodge the occasional armadillo that didn’t quite make it to the other side (country kids barely notice anymore), slow down for deer crossings and sometimes even wave to a cow that has decided the grass really is greener on the wrong side of the fence.
The other morning, Ashton spotted what she called a “steep hump” in the road. Most folks call it a speed bump, but honestly, “steep hump” is way better. We laughed as the car rolled over it like we were climbing a tiny mountain instead of coasting over asphalt.
Some days (most days, honestly), we get stuck behind a tractor on the way to school. Nobody honks. Nobody weaves. We just wait, knowing that tractor is headed to a field that’s been worked for generations and that field probably feeds a lot of families.
But my favorite thing about these drives through the country? When a funeral procession comes by, every car pulls over to the shoulder — every time, without fail. It gives me chills every time and brings tears to my eyes. It doesn’t matter if it’s a beat-up pickup or a shiny SUV, whether the driver knows the family or not. The world just slows down. For a moment, we’re all the same… just small-town people paying our respects.
Country roads may have their “steep humps,” slow tractors and the occasional unfortunate possum, but they also carry something worth holding on to: respect, patience, and the quiet reminder that we’re all in this together. I also never miss any opportunity to yell “cow” any time we pass a field.
(Paige Gurgainers is a mom of three girls, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)
Dr. Pallavi Shirsat, a distinguished nephrologist committed to advancing kidney health and patient care, has been awarded the prestigious Fellow of the National Kidney Foundation (FNKF) designation. This esteemed recognition honors her exemplary contributions to the field of nephrology, academic medicine, and community outreach.
Dr. Shirsat serves as Associate Editor for two respected peer-reviewed medical journals, Cureus and the Journal of Medical Case Reports, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping high-quality clinical scholarship and advancing evidence-based medical knowledge.
A passionate advocate for kidney disease awareness and prevention, Dr. Shirsat recently spearheaded a successful community fundraising event to support education, early detection, and treatment programs for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The event brought together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members in a shared mission to fight kidney disease and promote lifelong kidney health.
“It’s an honor to receive the FNKF designation,” said Dr. Shirsat. “This recognition reflects not only my dedication to nephrology but also the collective efforts of my colleagues, patients, and the community. I remain deeply committed to advancing clinical care, research, and outreach in the battle against kidney disease.”
With a growing national presence in both academic and clinical nephrology, Dr. Shirsat continues to inspire peers and patients alike through her leadership, compassion, and advocacy.
Clothing: men’s large (and up) short-sleeve shirts, men’s shoes sizes 12 & up
A special thanks to those who heard of our food shortage and brought in food last week. Thanks to all 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.
This past week President Trump exercised his authority to deploy the National Guard, federalize the D.C. police department, and take control of the City’s streets.
He did so vowing to “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor—and worse.” He’s also calling up 800 troops from the D.C. National Guard to begin to return order. “Crime is out of control,” states Trump’s emergency declaration. “The city government’s failure to maintain public order and safety has had a dire impact on the Federal Government’s ability to operate efficiently to address the Nation’s broader interests.”
To do this, President Trump invoked the Home Rule Act which allows him to federalize the police in certain circumstances. This first installment is expected to last 30 days. AG Pam Bondi has been tasked with overseeing the City’s police department.
Knowing Trump’s personality, I think it likely that the tipping point for his deciding to take this step was the recent brutal beating of one of Elon Musk’s former DOGE staffers, Edward Coristine, who was viciously attacked while trying to defend a young woman on a D.C. street.
The Wall Street Journal has observed that “on the whole, local control of D.C. looks like a failure. The city has enshrined noncitizen voting in local elections and “sanctuary” policies to thwart federal immigration enforcement. Why should the President and Congress stand for this in America’s seat of government?” (WSJ, Aug. 11, 2025).
Even former President Biden signed a Congressional resolution in 2023, “amid that year’s murder surge, to overturn the D.C. City Council’s revisions to its criminal code, which included a reduction in the maximum penalties for carjacking and illegal gun possession. The vote in Congress included dozens of Democratic ayes. One was Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig, who had been assaulted in an elevator at her D.C. apartment building. Another was Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, who later that year was carjacked at gunpoint.” (Id. WSJ, Aug. 11, 2025). Naturally, though, now that President Trump is the one addressing the crime and dysfunction in D.C., the same individuals will likely oppose it.
In fact, national Democrats bizarrely assert “crime is down.” My response is, down from what? Is crime down in DC because last year there were only 200 murders instead of 250 murders? How many murders are acceptable? If D.C. were a state, it would have the highest homicide rate of any state in the United States. (The Heritage Foundation).
Which brings me to the tragic, maddening story of Nasrat Ahmad Yar who, according to CBC, ‘survived a lifetime of war, more than a decade of work as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, a Taliban takeover, and a perilous journey to America — only to be shot and killed while driving for ride-hailing service Lyft in Washington, D.C.’
This issue is personal to me.
I worked in D.C for nearly 8 years serving two different members of Congress from Louisiana. During that time, the threat of crime hung continuously like a dark cloud in the air, impacting the quality of life in our nation’s capital. I would come and go from the Capitol building and travel to different parts of the city many times. I would often hear from colleagues and local news of violent crime occurring and was always anxious about that. Crime and dysfunction in D.C. were my lived experience.
(As an aside, I note that period of time in my life also finished making concrete my views in strong support of gun rights and gun ownership. D.C. strictly prohibits firearms and as I walked or drove its streets, I, many times, thought to myself “if I’m attacked, I have no way to defend myself and the cops will never get here in time. Great. Only the criminals have guns!”)
I close with a prediction.
Trump will be successful in this. Crime, the homeless problem, ugly graffiti, and D.C.’s status as a “sanctuary” city for illegals are going to be reduced or eliminated. Thereafter, the rest of the country is going to notice these improvements and Americans across the country are going to wonder why, in their crime-ridden cities like Chicago, NYC and LA, the same thing is not accomplished by their Leftist, soft-on-crime, Democrat leaders.
Americans deserve a capital city—our Nation’s front door—that is safe, clean and reflects well on the USA to the world. We are having that returned to us.
(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 .)
Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Wednesday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Thursday
A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.
High school football begins soon, and Webster Parish Journal is proud to announce that we will once again be holding our weekly football contest, beginning the first week of September and equally proud to welcome back Under Dawgs as our contest’s title sponsor.
This always-popular contest is held weekly and lists all parish high schools, some college and a few pro games. Winners receive $100 in cash and have their photo taken with at Under Dawgs’ with owner Claudine Thomas.
In order to make this contest a success, we need help from advertisers. We are offering ads with spaces between the listed games, so your ad will always be seen from contest players. If you are interested in advertising, please contact Cynthia Sandidge at 318-510-2611, Paige Gurgainers at 318-382-2118 or in the Springhill area, Zoe Pickett at 318-455-1972.
5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Bites and Beats, Miller Quarters Park, Minden, food trucks and live music. mindenmainstreet.com .
August 22 – 24
6:30 p.m. nightly, Revival with special music, powerful sermon and healing following services. Pine Grove Methodist Church.
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.
6 until 10 p.m. Girls Night Out: Havana Nights, Minden Civic Center. Drinks, food, shopping. Tickets: $40.
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.
Sept. 27
Webster Parish Fair Pageant.
Oct. 17
5 until 8 p.m. BIG YEET, in concert, North Webster Junior High, 6041 Hwy. 2, Sarepta. Free admission to event.
Christian L. Masingill, 25, 300 block Cox Rd., Sarepta: arrested Aug. 14 by WPSO for parole violation. Bond set $1,002.
Jenaya L. Arceneaux, 35, no address listed, Springhill: arrested Aug. 14 by Springhill PD for simple burglary. No bond set.
Garbielle R. Murray, 37, 3700 block Murvon St., Shreveport: arrested Aug. 14 by Dixie Inn PD on fugitive warrant from Bossier City PD.No bond set.
Tony Walker, 42, 700 block Plum St., Minden: arrested Aug. 14 by Minden PD on warrants. Bond set $20,000 surety or $1,800 cash.
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: 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, preceding Celebration of Life.
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m., Eastside Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 Park Hwy., Minden.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Tommy Ray Wren
September 29, 1952 — August 10, 2025
Minden, La.
Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. immediately following visitation.
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.
Loy “Barney” Ware
August 14, 1938 – March 16, 2025
Minden, La.
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, First Methodist Minden Sanctuary, 903 Broadway.
Funeral service: immediately following visitation.
Small gathering and fellowship will follow in the church hall.
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 City of Minden has issued a Boil Advisory on 8/18/25 for customers on Whispering Pines Drive, Dogwood Drive, Holley Street, Hickory Drive, Forest Drive, Evergreen Drive, and the 1400-1600 blocks of Eames Street. You can visit the City of Minden website at mindenusa.com for further information.
Ward 1 Marshal Danny Weaver does a little paperwork while 100 years worth of Ward 1 Marshals look over his shoulder.
By Pat Culverhouse
Ward 1 Marshal Danny Weaver’s decision to display the photos of past Marshals in a new, specially designed frame led to a rather surprising revelation.
“While I was looking at the photos of the past Ward 1 Marshals I had, I found out that our office is 100 years old this year,” he said. “I had no idea until I saw the picture of Marshal Larkin Turner showing he began serving in 1925. I thought, ‘Hey, this is 2025. That’s a hundred years.’”
During its 100 years, only nine individuals have served as Marshal of Ward 1, an area that extends from near the Couchwood area to the southern boundary of Webster Parish. Retired Marshal Randy Shelley, with 24 years in office, had the longest term of service.
Marshals are elected to six year terms, and their primary duty is to serve as officer of the Minden City Court.
“We serve all civil papers associated with Ward 1 in the parish,” Weaver, who is in his first term, said.
When it’s necessary to serve those papers, Weaver takes a different approach which he says keeps individuals from “throwing good money after bad.”
“The law says you try two times to serve papers and are unsuccessful, you turn them over,” he said. “We don’t do that. We continue until the papers are served.”
Some sources of income for the Marshal’s office include citations, garnishments, and the MPD’s Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Weaver’s office also receives money from the City of Minden and the Webster Parish Police Jury.
As his revenue stream improved, Weaver began upgrading his staff and equipment. Currently, two full-time and three part-time deputy Marshals plus one reserve officer are on the rolls. Weaver also purchased three new, fully-equipped vehicles.
“Some Marshals like to keep a very low profile, but I want the people of Ward 1, the people I work for, to know who we are and where we are,” he said. “
Weaver has also used some of the funds from his office to assist other law enforcement agencies. He most recently presented a $36,000 check to the Minden Police Dept. for license plate readers and purchased spike strips for the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“We have a very good relationship with other law enforcement agencies and we want that to continue,” he said. “We have been there with them when a call for assistance went out.”
Photos of the nine Ward 1 Marshals who have served over the past 100 years.
This week’s Most Wanted is Shelvin Garner, a resident of Plum Street in Minden.
Garner is wanted on four active warrants through the Minden Police Department for failing to appear in court on July 24. His bond has been set at $1,500.
Anyone with information on Shelvin Garner is urged to contact Lt. Kenneth James at (318) 371-4226 (office) or (318) 532-9083 (cell). All information will be confidential.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Charlie Chandler on the bike during the Half Iron Man in Waco.
By Marilyn Miller
If you gain nothing else from this story, (which is highly unlikely), remember this – people are running and cycling the streets and roads around Webster Parish. Please drive attentively. Runners and cyclists are dependent on you!
Charlie Chandler is one of them.
Three years ago, when Charlie visited his doctor, he weighed 300 pounds.
“I was on two blood pressure medicines, and I was unhealthy as I could be,” he admitted. Until a friend talked him into entering a half marathon, which is 13 miles running.
No, Charlie didn’t just grab new running shoes and go run 13 miles. He ran. He trained. And he ran and trained some more. And when he got down on himself, wife Kayla, a nutritionist and personal trainer, encouraged him to run some more. As long as he didn’t hurt himself, added Kayla.
“I finished that in October, and it got me to thinking I could do more stuff, so I trained for another one and got 40 minutes faster.” Charlie recalled. When I finished that, it’s when I signed up for the first Half Iron Man, which is only 70 miles.” Only 70 miles. And he signed up for it with only 13 weeks to train. By then, he had gotten down to about 200 pounds.
“So, we bought a bike and found out I was terrible at swimming.” What to do? “I found a Sprint Triathlon a week later in Bossier City. It was a half-mile swim, an 18-mile bike ride, and a three-mile run. So, I showed up for it with basically no training and finished it in about 2½ hours.”
The Half Iron Man in Waco, Texas was next. The 75-mile challenge included a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.
“After I finished that, I decided maybe I could do a full one,” Charlie said. “So, I signed up for the whole enchilada (taking place) in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sept. 28.”The only requirement for entrance (besides the fee) is to be crazy enough, according to Kayla.
Training in Webster Parish has all of the “H” requirements of a race – heat, humidity, and hills. Chattanooga also has a lot of hills. At least Charlie loves to run, and is least skilled in the water, which is “only” 1.2 miles. He says he “swims like a cinder block.” There are no breaks in the triathlon, swapping from one sport to the next is the “closest thing to a break you get.” And learning to ride a bike was “just like riding a bike,” Charlie laughed.
“I think I will finish it in about 14 hours,” Charlie says of the Iron Man branded triathlon. Iron Man is really just a brand in the triathlon. “I think the 140-mile distance is unique to it.”
Kayla also loves to run, which is why she just organized the Minden Running Club. She is also a junior in nursing school at the Northwest Louisiana Technical College in Minden. She is “kinda” Charlie’s trainer. “Whenever he listens,” she said. She ran and finished the Louisiana Marathon (26 miles) earlier this year.
Typically, Charlie trains in each skill set twice a week…twice running, twice swimming, and twice riding the bike.
Charlie tore his calf in March and had to take 10 weeks off from training. “It took a little bit of rehab. We have a hot tub, and ice baths, a lot of stretching, yoga, leg workouts…had to wear one of those big boots for a month or six weeks. But it was necessary to come back healthy.”
Charlie is looking forward to running and finishing the Iron Man race in Chattanooga. “You know, only .01 percent of humans have ever finished the Iron Man. It puts you in a pretty elite crowd to finish it.” It’s just something he can prove to himself, he says.
“This has proven to me that anything is possible. We have five kids. And we want them to know that they can do anything.” The Chandlers’ five children are Ava, a Freshman at Glenbrook; Jacob, a Senior at Parkway; Josh, Leslie, and Bradley, who work. Charlie is a field superintendent for Expand Energy; a fairly new company formed from the merger of Chesapeake and Southwestern. Expand is the largest producer of natural gas in the United States. Besides working, he gets up at 4 a.m. to get his workouts done, or he trains in the evenings.
Kayla works in her professional fields for now and will add nursing in December of 2026. And she gives a lot of time to the Minden Running Club, which has its runs at 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday and 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. “We meet at different places, just look on Facebook.”
Kayla and Charlie have a dream for changing the “Friendliest City in the South” slogan to the “Friendliest and Healthiest City in the South.” When they aren’t working toward that goal, training for races, and working, they attend The Simple Church in Shreveport with their kids.
Kayla and Devin Martin are collaborating on the Kisatchie Crusher Gravel & Run, which combines running with bicycling at nearby Caney Lakes on Saturday, Sept. 6. The Crusher is a “Gravel Bike race for 15, 30 or 60 miles, or 5k/10k run.Pick 1, not both.”
Now you know why to pay attention while driving Webster Parish…everybody is running and biking on those same streets and roads!! And Charlie Chandler is swimming as well!
Charlie Chandler finishes the Half Iron Man race in Waco.
