Teena Humphrey Stiles

November 4, 1955  –  August 9, 2025

Springhill, La.

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Salem Cemetery, Plain Dealing, La.

Albert Sidney Smith

October 18, 1923 — August 9, 2025

Bossier City, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, Williamson Cemetery, Bienville Parish.

Reception following: home of Alvin and Gloria Bramlett, Arcadia.

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.)

By Pat Culverhouse

A letter from Minden City Attorney Jimbo Yocom to Louisiana Legislative Auditor Michael Waguespack attempts to clarify why the city issued a $25,000 check to a Texas couple and paid another $1,912.57 to repair their vehicle.

In the letter dated July 29 and obtained through Louisiana Public Records laws requests made by the Webster Parish Journal, Yocom says the two payments were paid “…in connection with the settlement of potential claims against the city…”

Yocom claims in the letter that the affected individuals, Shawanda Hall and Donald Benard, sought compensation and threatened litigation stemming from an incident where a Minden police officer allegedly damaged personal property during a January, 2025, traffic stop.

What is not explained in the letter is why the payments were made to Hall and Bernard without any document indicating the City received a formal demand letter from either complainant or an attorney acting on their behalf.

Yocom says his letter is intended to “…clarify the legal basis for those actions, describe the steps taken and to ensure the City’s ongoing commitment to financial transparency and legal compliance.”

In explaining the background and circumstances, Yocom says he was notified (by unnamed persons) of potential litigation and consulted with Minden Mayor Pro Tempore Carlton “Buddy” Myles. Myles was consulted because Mayor Nick Cox and his family were on vacation out of state.

“It was my legal opinion that, under the City’s special legislative charter and relevant ordinances, the Mayor (or in his absence, the Mayor Pro Tempore with legal counsel) has authority to resolve such claims prior to litigation,” Yocom wrote.

Myles, acting under Yocom’s opinion, authorized a settlement of up to $50,000. “I negotiated a settlement for $25,000, and the associated payments including a car repair in the amount of $1,912.57 were issued accordingly,” he said in the letter.

While explaining the legal authority and compliance to the legislative auditor, Yocom writes, “Furthermore, at all times, City Staff including the City Clerk (Melaney Langford) and Assistant City Clerk (Elizabeth Campbell) acted under the express direction of legal counsel and the Mayor Pro Tempore, in good faith reliance…”

Neither Mayor Cox nor members of the city council reportedly were consulted prior to the payment. Likewise, no explanation was given for the urgency of the settlement other than the threat of pending litigation.

After Cox returned from vacation, Yocom said the matter was disclosed to the city council. A request for a resolution approving the payments was tabled unanimously during a special council meeting even though the check had already been delivered and a receipt and release had been signed.

Names on the release include Yocom, Chief of Police Jared McIver, Langford, Campbell and the complainants, Hall and Benard.

Yocom’s letter ends with his assurance that the Legislative Auditor’s review is welcomed, and the city “…stands ready to implement any corrective recommendations.”

Cox self-reported the expenditures to the Legislative Auditor’s office in an email dated Thursday, July 24.

In the email to Waguespack, the Mayor said the City became aware of “a possible improper authorization or handling of public funds related to two payments made in connection with the settlement of potential claims of liability, without a lawsuit having been filed.”

Neither payment was preceded by a demand letter, lawsuit or formal City Council approval, Cox said in his email. He also said the matter has been “…clarified through internal discussion with the City Attorney (Yocom), Police Chief (Jared McIver), City Council and members of staff.”

In return correspondence, the Legislative Auditor’s office agreed to further investigate the issue.

PREVIOUS STORY: https://websterparishjournal.com/2025/08/09/records-cast-shadow-over-settlement-payments/

By Pat Culverhouse

An early Saturday morning stroll turned into an unsuccessful footrace and eventually the arrest of a Minden man on drug and weapon charges.

While on routine patrol, Minden PD Officer Cody James reportedly spotted 35-year-old DeMarcus D. Wills walking in the middle of Joel St. shortly before 2 a.m. When the officer attempted to question Wills, he reportedly fled.

Wills reportedly was apprehended after a brief foot chase and placed under arrest. During a search at the scene, the officer reportedly found a loaded 9MM handgun in his pants pocket.

During a secondary search at police headquarters, officers found a rolled “joint” with a green leafy substance identified as synthetic marijuana in one of the suspect’s socks. In another sock, officers found a white powder substance which tested positive as cocaine.

Wills, a resident of the 700 block of Sibley Rd., is charged with simple possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana), possession of CDS Sch. II (cocaine), possession of a firearm by convicted felon, illegal carrying of weapon in presence of CDS, resisting an officer by flight and pedestrians on highway.

Wills reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his bond has been set at $35,502.

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.

Michael and Chequella Walker are thanking everyone who joined them for the 10th Annual Prayer in the Park Saturday morning.

“It meant a lot to us to see so many people this year,” Michael Walker said. “I would like to send a special thanks to Gary Swanson of Parkway Baptist Church and  Craig Williams of the New light Baptist Church for their heart felt prayers.”

The Walkers also thanked Ursula Hullaby for her talk on school safety and gave a big shoutout to John Gill Jr and his soulful sounds with a great song. He also thanked Walmart for the refreshments.

“And to my wife who I will always be grateful to – thanks for always being by my side,” Walker said. “Until next year: Thank you Minden.”

Mayor Donna Hoffoss and other Village officials cut the ribbon Friday afternoon on Dixie Inn’s totally revamped kids’ park and new restroom facility.

The park has a working restroom now, thanks to financing through a grant from Love Louisiana Outdoors. “That’s been a project long in the making,” said Mayor Donna Hoffoss. Past Mayor Kay Hallmark applied for the grant in 2017, and the Village was awarded $125,000 for the project.

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.

Micah Hanson (left) of b1 Bank presents a check for $25,000 to United Christian Assistance Program officials Mary Seney, Charlotte Jones, Fred Cabaniss and Tommy Davis. The check represents proceeds from the b1 Bank/UCAP golf tournament fundraiser held recently at Pine Hills Country Club, Minden.

By Paige Gurgainers

As the back-to-school buzz fills the air across Webster Parish, the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) of Minden is making sure educators and students feel supported in more ways than one. 

With chalkboards being dusted off and classroom doors swinging open, the club is stepping in to provide a little extra help where it’s needed most. This fall, 10 local teachers will each receive $100, and 2 deserving schools will receive $200 to assist with everything from classroom supplies to hygiene items.

These funds were raised with the Mother’s Day basket raffle held this past May, where club members were able to generate upwards of $1,400. 

“Education is very important to our club and we will always support our teachers, staff and students,” said YWSC President Gillian Davis. “This giveaway is just one small opportunity for us to show our support to them and our community every year.”

But they’re not doing it alone. They need your help to decide who these awards go to. Do you know a teacher who stays late, shows up early or finds creative ways to make learning come alive? A school that serves as a true community hub and goes above and beyond for students?

If so, you’re invited to submit a nomination by filling out this short form: https://forms.gle/FLsu27WG3i2LzLaMA

Nominations are open through September 1st and winners will be announced September 8th.

Whether it’s markers and glue sticks or hand sanitizer and tissues, this giveaway ensures students walk into classrooms that are not only stocked but filled with care and support.

Bible Study Fellowship is an international, inter-denominational Bible Study that is free to all who are interested in studying the Bible. Each study last from September to May.

Minden is fortunate to have a Women’s Group that meets every Wednesday from 9:30-11 a.m. at North Acres Baptist Church and a Men’s Group that meets every Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Minden. A new addition to the Women’s Group starting this year is a BSF Children’s program. Any child from birth to 5 years may be enrolled to participate as long as their mother or grandmother are also enrolled and attending.

This coming 2025-2026 Bible Study Fellowship will begin September 9. The study this year is titled “Exile and Return.” It focuses on the eight Old Testament books that narrate the history of God’s people during their exile and subsequent return to the promise land (Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, Nehemiah, and Malachi).  The study aims to help participants understand God’s plan for His people during challenging times, see God’s faithfulness to restore His people in the land He promised, discover how to build a life in Christ.

For information about Bible Study Fellowship or to register for this year’s study of “Exile and Return” visit www.bsfinternational.org. Click on ‘Find a Class and follow the prompts.

A community blood drive with LifeShare and Webster Parish Libraries has been rescheduled to 2 until 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 13 at the Minden branch on East and West Street.

Walk-ins are welcome or call 318-371-3080 to schedule.

One donation can save up to three lives, and blood stays local to help neighbors and friends.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a two-zone East-West boundary with the option of two splits (three hunting segments) for the 2026-30 waterfowl hunting seasons during its August meeting Thursday (Aug. 7) in Baton Rouge.

The zones will be the same as the previous five seasons.

The west zone will be that portion of the state between the Texas state line and the line going south on Louisiana Highway 79 from the Arkansas border to Homer; then south on Louisiana Highway 9 to Arcadia; then south on Louisiana Highway 147 to Hodge; then south on U.S. Highway 167 to Lafayette; then south and east on U.S. Highway Hwy 90 to the Mississippi state line.

The east zone will be the remainder of the state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recommended the option after consideration of hunter preferences from the 2025 Louisiana Waterfowl Hunter Survey.

The new waterfowl hunting zones will take effect for the 2026-27 season and run through the 2029-30 season. To see the upcoming 2025-26 waterfowl hunting zones and dates, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations

For more information, contact Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.

United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Tuesday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Wednesday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Thursday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

* Info provided by National Weather Service.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Cody L. Roberts, 34, 300 block St. John St., Winnfield: arrested Aug. 8 by WPSO on warrants for simple burglary, as material witness. Bond set $30,000.

Raytez Charta Davenport, 30, 100 block Washington St., Plain Dealing: arrested Aug. 8 by WPSO on warrants for driving under suspension, no seatbelt. Bond set $596.50.

Darius D. Germany, 30, 800 block Nella St., Minden: arrested Aug. 10 by WPSO on warrants. No bond set.

Patricia Parker, 59, 300 block Hillside Lane, Minden: arrested Aug. 8 by Probation and Parole for probation violation. No bond set.

Shoncey B. Lister, 43, 500 block Winford St., Minden: arrested Aug. 8 by Minden PD on outstanding warrants. Bond set $20,000 surety or $2,000 cash.

DeVontre Rodriquez Miller, 28, 600 block Bayou Ave., Minden: arrested Aug. 8 by Minden PD on bench warrants. Bond set $40,000 surety or $1,850 cash.

Jarvis Jujuan Cooke, 33, 500 block Barron Dr., Farmerville: arrested Aug. 10 by Minden PD and Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, improper lane usage, speeding (50 mph in 35 zone). No bond set.

John Christopher Rogers, 61, 5400 block Vineyard Lane, McKinney, TX: arrested Aug. 9 by WPSO and Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, littering. No bond set.

JeWan Dante Alexander, 45, 200 block Pecanview Dr., Minden: arrested Aug. 10 by Minden PD and Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, open container, improper lane usage. Bond set $1,000.

Dustin Lee Stage, 40, 400 block 5th St., Springhill: arrested Aug. 10 at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center by bail bond officer for bond surrender. Bond $2,500. Was being held at BDCC on charges of racketeering activity, simple burglary and possession of a firearm by convicted felon. Bond on those charges total $120,000.

Kedrick Kentwon Armstead, 49, no address, Springhill: arrested Aug. 10 by Springhill PD for home invasion. 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.

Teena Humphrey Stiles

November 4, 1955  –  August 9, 2025

Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Salem Cemetery, Plain Dealing, La.

Nadine E. Fryer

August 30, 1928 — August 3, 2025

Doyline/Minden, La.

Visitation: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.

Graveside service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, West Lake Cemetery, Doyline.

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.)

By Paige Gurgainers

A $25,000 settlement paid by the City of Minden earlier this year has drawn scrutiny after records show the payment was made without a demand letter, lawsuit, council vote or prior public discussion.

According to documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) by the Webster Parish Journal, the settlement was approved by Mayor Pro Tempore, Carleton “Buddy” Myles on the advice and under the direction of city attorney, Jimbo Yocom, while Mayor Nick Cox was on a family vacation out of state.

In a July letter to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Yocom said the action was lawful under Minden’s pre-1974 charter, which he claims allows for certain pre-litigation settlements without following state statutes that typically require council approval.

The payment was issued to resolve an undisclosed matter involving a claimant whose personal vehicle was also repaired at public expense. City records show $1,912.57 was paid from municipal funds on June 12 to Midas in Abilene, Texas, on a city-issued credit card to repair the claimant’s vehicle. No public explanation has been provided for this separate expense.

Travel receipts also confirm that a Minden police detective visited Abilene on June 11, two days before the release was signed and the $25,000 check issued on June 13. The purpose of the trip or its connection to the case, though it occurred within the timeline of settlement negotiations, has not been publicly released.

In a statement, the city attorney maintained that all actions taken were “in good faith” and lawful under the city’s charter. The city clerk, Melaney Langford, and assistant clerk, Elizabeth Campbell, Yocom said, acted upon his direct instructions in processing the payments.

On July 24, 2025, Cox self-reported the expenditures to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, seeking guidance on how to handle the matter procedurally. The auditor’s office has confirmed it is currently reviewing the case.

Officials have not indicated whether additional information about the settlement, the detective’s travel, or the vehicle repair will be made public.

(Editor’s Note: See more in Tuesday’s Webster Parish Journal.)

Every week I write this column from the well-worn shoes of a mother: chasing kids, making snacks, trying not to completely lose my mind when someone spills the milk again! But this week, I’m stepping out of the mom role and into a different one – the daughter.

Last Sunday, I did something I don’t do nearly enough… I took my parents to the movies.

It wasn’t anything elaborate or pre-planned. Just a simple afternoon outing with my mom and dad, you know… the kind of thing that probably happens all the time in sweet Hallmark families. Not ours. We’re busy. I’ve got kids and work, they’ve got grandparent duties and grandkid exhaustion. But somehow, we all ended up in the car, heading to the movies like a regular little trio.

The film of choice? A new horror (and horrified I was!) movie called “Together.” Sounds nice and family-friendly, right?

Let me tell you now… titles are deceptive.

As the movie started, it became very clear (very quickly) that this was not your average light-hearted Sunday matinee. There were language choices. There were subject matters. There were, um… scenes. And there I was, sitting amongst my mother and father, instantly regretting every decision I had ever made in my life, including the one where I got in the car.

But here’s the twist – instead of being mortified the entire time (okay, mildly mortified), my mom and I spent most of the movie giggling. Not at the film, mind you, but at my dad’s reactions.

Every uncomfortable moment was met with a huff, a head shake, or a good old-fashioned “what the hell” from his side of the row. At one point, I thought he might stand up and walk out just to cleanse his spirit. And for some reason, it was hilarious. My mom and I sat there stifling laughter like teenagers in church, elbowing each other every time he dramatically shifted in his seat.

It wasn’t the bonding moment I planned, but it was absolutely the bonding moment we got.

And somewhere in the middle of all that second-hand embarrassment and popcorn, I realized how sweet it was to spend a little time as someone’s daughter again. To hang out with my parents, laugh with my mom and tease my dad mercilessly.

One day, if I’m lucky, my kids will invite me along for a movie. And maybe it’ll be wildly inappropriate and maybe I’ll be the one shifting in my seat and sighing loudly. But I hope they laugh at me the way we laughed at my dad. I hope they don’t mind that I tag along. I hope they remember, even as adults, that time with your parents is still time well spent – even if it’s in the theater, watching a movie no one should’ve watched “together”… (see what I did there?)

So this week, I wasn’t the mom with all the answers. I was just the daughter… who picked the wrong movie but the right company!

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

By Pat Culverhouse

A second Shreveport man has been arrested for allegedly stealing and selling scrap metal from the Webster Parish oilfield services company where he was employed.

DaMarcus R. Everett, 31, a resident of the 9800 block of Driftwood Cr., was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 6, by Sheriff’s Office investigators for allegedly stealing three loads of stainless steel scrap.

Everett is facing one count of felony theft and is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his bond has been set at $15,000. He reportedly sold the loads of scrap for $1,800. A replacement value of the stainless steel has not been determined.

Webster Parish Det. Capt. Tommy Kemp Jr., who investigated the thefts, said Everett is the brother of Shayvon Haney, the man who was arrested in late July for allegedly stealing scrap metal worth nearly one million dollars from the same company. 

Haney reportedly received just under $28,000 for the stolen scrap. He is also housed at BDCC under a $100,000 bond.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Shannon Wright

Late last month, concerned residents around Lake Bistineau began to notice a troubling change in the landscape. The cypress trees were turning brown far earlier than expected. While the extreme heat was initially suspected as the culprit, officials have now confirmed the true cause: a cypress looper infestation.

The cypress looper, Iridopsis pergracilis, is a moth native to the southeastern United States. Its larvae, known for their inchworm-like movement, feed exclusively on cypress leaves. When infestations occur in large numbers, the damage can be severe, leading to widespread defoliation of these trees.

This is not the first time Lake Bistineau has faced such a threat. A similar outbreak in 2021 defoliated thousands of acres of bald cypress, not only here but also near the Marksville area. Now, the same cycle appears to be repeating itself.

In addition to damaging the trees, the current infestation has been linked to a recent wave of dead fish reported on the north end of the lake. Experts explain that as the looper larvae devour the cypress foliage, the leaves fall prematurely into the water. As these leaves decompose, they consume large amounts of dissolved oxygen.

This drop in oxygen, known as hypoxia, can quickly lead to fish stress and death. The situation has been made worse by the extremely hot temperatures and heavy salvinia growth, both of which further reduce the lake’s oxygen levels.

While the situation is concerning, the good news is that cypress trees are typically resilient. Most can recover from defoliation once the larvae pupate and the adult moths move on. The fish population will also recover. Still, monitoring remains crucial.

Wildlife and Fisheries officials are actively observing the infestation, not only on Lake Bistineau but also on Caddo Lake and other nearby waterways experiencing similar conditions.

For now, residents are urged to stay informed and report any unusual fish kills or changes in the tree canopy to local authorities.

This week’s Most Wanted is Robert Deaver. He is wanted for Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. He is facing a $150,000 bond.

Police received a report of a sex crime against a child. When the investigation began, investigators learned that Robert groped the child several times over the last three months. The victim of the incident is under the age of 13.

Anyone with information on Robert Deaver 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.