Dadrien D. Carey, 40, 200 block William Brown Rd., Minden: arrested Oct. 27 by WPSO on warrants. Bond set $500.

Travis Smith, 37, 1900 block St. John Rd., Homer: arrested Oct. 25 by Minden PD for misdemeanor theft. No bond set.

Rochaun R. Thomas, 58, no address (homeless): arrested Oct. 25 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch.I (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia, on outstanding warrants. Bond set $2,500.

Keneicya Miles, 20, 300 block Gilbert St., Minden: arrested Oct. 25 by MPD for simple battery, fugitive warrant from WPSO, on bench warrant. Total bond set $20,500 surety or $650 cash.

Shimetria Hill, 24, 600 block Tillman Dr., Minden: arrested Oct 25 by Minden PD for interfering with law enforcement investigation. Bond set $750.

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.

Tommie Lynn Evans
November 26, 1955 — October 25, 2025
Heflin
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: Noon Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial: Bistineau Church Cemetery, Heflin.

Opal D. Williams
December 12, 1949 — October 27, 2025
Minden
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Graveside service: 3 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025, Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Rickey D. Thornton
June 18, 1957 — October 25, 2025
Minden
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 29. 2025, Pine Grove Methodist Church, Minden.
Burial: Pine Grove Cemetery.

Beverly Vaughan Ayers
June 28, 1957  –  October 25, 2025
Springhill
Visitation: Noon until 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Welcome Cemetery, Taylor, Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Stephen O. Crowe
April 7, 1950  –  October 26, 2025
Sarepta
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2025, New Sarepta Baptist Church.
Burial: Old Sarepta Cemetery, Sarepta.

Martha Rae Lee
October 10, 1938  –  October 21, 2025
Shongaloo
Visitation: Noon until 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Old Shongaloo Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Robert E. Stoneking II
January 2, 1955 — October 22, 2025
Minden
Funeral service held at a later date, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

By Pat Culverhouse

After spotting Bossier a 13-7 lead early in the second quarter, Minden’s Crimson Tide ripped off six straight scores to run past the Bearkats 49-13 and send a Homecoming crowd home happy Friday at W.W. Williams Stadium.

Minden did most of the damage on the ground, piling up 326 total yards rushing with Caylien Aubrey and Kaiden Shine each going over the 100-yard mark to even the Tide’s season record at 4-4, 3-2 in District 1-4A play.

Quarterback Montrevell Lewis put the Bearkats up 7-0 with a three yard TD run, capping a 91-yard, 12-play drive with the opening kickoff. He would score again opening the second quarter with a 24-yard scramble to pay dirt that regained the lead after Minden had tied it with 13 seconds left in the opening quarter.

Minden’s score came after a bad snap on a Bossier fourth down attempt put the Tide in business at the Bearkat 33. A Hudson Brown to Jayden Johnson 13-yard scoring pass knotted it 7-7.

Brown put the Tide ahead on its next possession, capping an eight-play, 42-yard drive with a one yard plunge and Braxton Glover kicked Minden into a 14-13 lead. From that point, a punishing ground game combined with a stingy defense started the Tide’s six-touchdown run.

Caylien Aubrey, who led all rushers with 129 yards on nine carries, scored consecutive touchdowns on runs of five yards in the second quarter and 44 yards on the Tide’s first possession of the second half.

Kaiden Shine then followed with two scores on consecutive drives in the third quarter on runs of eight and 13 yards. Shine would finish the night with 121 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Freshman Jardon Carey notched the Tide’s final score, smashing one-yard up the middle to cap the 49-13 win. Carey carried five times in Minden’s final seven-play, 78-yard scoring drive. Carey, filling in for the injured Lucas Owens Jr., finished with 78 yards on 13 carries.

While the offense was piling up 437 total yards on the night, the Tide defense applied the stops, picking up three sacks and one interception to stymie the Bearkats.

Brown had a good night through the air, completing seven of nine passes for 111 yards. Johnson had four catches worth 78 yards, Aubrey caught two for 29 yards and Mikey Shepherd caught one pass for 14 yards.

Bossier’s Lewis was 11 for 19 passing for 145 yards. He also rushed 23 times for 66 yards to lead his team.

Minden continues district play with a road contest against a strong Northwood Falcons unit in a Thursday game. Northwood, 7-1 on the season and 4-1 in 1-4A play, is fresh off a 47-6 win over Southwood.

By Gray Haynes

Friday night, the North Webster Knights traveled to Monroe for a district 1 3A matchup with the Richwood Rams, which ended in a 34-6 loss for the Knights.  The Rams hosted the Knights for their homecoming. 

The Knights won the opening coin toss and deferred their option to the second half.  Richwood took the kickoff out to their own 37 yard line where they faced first and ten.  On their first play from scrimmage, Richwood’s quarterback handed off to the running back who tossed to the receiver coming around, and he tossed it back to the quarterback for a reverse flea flicker.  The quarterback found another receiver streaking down the left sideline and hit him in stride.  The pitch and catch were good for 63 yards and a Richwood touchdown.  The two point conversion made the score 8-0 early in the first quarter. 

After fumbling the kickoff, the Knights managed to fall on the ball on their own 32 where the offense would take over.  After a couple of running plays for minimal yardage, a fumbled snap cost the Knights ten yards and forced them to punt.  A good return and a penalty gave Richwood the ball on the Knights’ 45 yard line.  It took the Rams 11 plays and a couple of defensive penalties to find the end zone.  The two point conversion made the score 16-0. 

A short kickoff gave the Knights the ball just shy of midfield.  A couple of incomplete passes and a costly penalty later, the Knights faced a 4th and 26 and were forced to punt again.  Richwood took over on their own 32 for their third drive of the evening.

After driving the ball down inside the Knights’ 15 yard line and eating up the rest of the first quarter, the Rams turned the ball over on downs at the 13 yard line where the Knights took over.  North Webster lost a yard on first down then Jameson Harden sprinted around the right side for an 88 yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter.  The Knights elected to go for the two point conversion and were unsuccessful.  The score was 16-6 early in the second period. 

The ensuing kickoff bounced around on the turf for a while, but Richwood finally took control on their own 26 yard line.  The Rams drove the ball out to the Knights’ 40 but failed on a fourth down.  The Knights took over there.  A forty-five yard gain on first down was nullified by penalty, so the Knights would have to reset with a first and five.  The Knights picked up that first down but were unable to pick up another and turned the ball over on downs near midfield. 

Aided by a questionable facemask penalty and a questionable call declaring a receiver down in bounds, the Rams marched down to the three yard line.  From there, the quarterback called his own number and raced in for the touchdown.  The two point pass attempt was batted away and the score remained 22-6 late in the first half.  The Knights ran out of time in the half, and a desperation heave as time ran out resulted in an interception to end the half.

North Webster returned the opening kickoff of the second half out to the 42 yard line looking to decrease the deficit on the score board.  Two short runs and a completed pass left the Knights a few yards short of the first down, and they were forced to punt.  A 54 yard punt by Christian Whitlock rolled into the end zone for a touchback, so Richwood started their drive from the 20.  On the first play of the drive, the quarterback scrambled right and threw back across his body to a receiver streaking toward the middle of the field.  The receiver caught the ball and took off through the Knights’ defense down to the Knights’ 25 for a 55 yard gain.  On fourth and ten, the Rams again completed a pass for a touchdown to make the score 28-6.  The two point attempt was thwarted by the Knights’ defense. 

North Webster took the kickoff out to the 42 and drove the ball down to the 25 where they lost a fumble on the visitor’s sideline to end the drive.  Richwood drove down the field, aided by some costly penalties, where they scored with 4:46 left in the game.  The two point try was unsuccessful to make the score 34-6. 

The Knights were able to pick up a few first downs with the passing game before a fumble recovered by the Knights forced a third and 36.  The Knights were unable to pick up that first and were forced to punt.  The punt rolled into the end zone to give the Rams the ball at the 20.  They were able to move the ball down the field to Knights’ 40 before having to punt.  The ball was downed at the 19 yard line of the Knights.  The Knights ran a final play to run out the clock and end the game. 

North Webster is now 3-5 on the year with a big matchup with Many coming next Friday night.

It’s Monday morning and the beginning of Week 9 of Webster Parish Journal’s Pick’em Contest. Our link goes live at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday. Please don’t play the game until you receive your email. Otherwise, the computer will delete your entry. Also, with two Thursday high school games, we will be closing this week’s contest at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Remember, just like the journal, our contest is free, but you must be 18 or older to play.

Monday

Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Calm wind.

Tuesday

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Tuesday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m., then a chance of showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 60.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Oct. 30

5 until 7 p.m. Trunk or Treat Springhill Library Branch. (Rain date: Oct. 31.)

Oct. 31

4 until 6 p.m., Trunk-or-Treat Fall Fest, Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 Hwy. 80, Minden. Games and food provided.

5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Fire District 3 Fire Trucks and Treats, 349 Main St., Doyline.

6 p.m. until 9 p.m., Minden Rec Center Halloween Fall Festival, Minden Rec Center. Free admission and parking with a $1 per person charge for the Haunted House. Activities: haunted house, games, cake walk, trunk or treat.

Nov. 1

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Minden Maker’s Fair, The Farm of Cultural Crossroads, Minden, www.culturalcrossroadsofminden.org .

11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Old Mt. Lebanon Days Festival, Stagecoach Grail Museum, three miles south of Gibsland.

2 p.m. 22 Hands Up High School Day. Grambling vs. Alabama A&M. To register, call 318-268-2223.

Nov. 3

SKELETOUR winners announced.

Nov. 7-8

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Piney Hills La. Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale under the downtown water tower in Minden.

Nov. 7-9

Main to Main Trade Days, 50 miles of shopping, Webster Parish.

Nov. 8

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Paws & Pumpkins, The Lucky Pup, 217 N. Main St., Springhill. Sponsored by LaMa Animal Rescue. Training demo and lessons, photo booth, crafts, pet wellness and more. Please bring dogs on leash.

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mission Adoption Bazaar/auction/lunch, First Baptist Family Life Center Gym, Minden.

Miss Louisiana Volunteer, Minden Civic Center.

Nov. 15

9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Hunt for W.H.O. Big Doe Contest. $50 entry, 280 15th St. NW, Springhill. Stateline Showdown (LSU and U. of A.) at Ark-Ana’s! Call or text 318-423-3710.

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Slow Food North Louisiana, Cultural Crossroads to present “Hand Them Down to Lift Them Up: An Heirloom Food Forum” at The Farm at Cultural Crossroads of Minden, The Farm is located at 419 East Union Street in Minden. Tickets must be purchased in advance. slowfoodnorthla.org/events .

Martha Rae Lee
October 10, 1938  –  October 21, 2025
Shongaloo
Visitation: Noon until 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Old Shongaloo Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Eldon R. Thurman
September 7, 1933 — October 24, 2025
Minden
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2025, Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home Minden.

Robert E. Stoneking II
January 2, 1955 — October 22, 2025
Minden
Funeral service held at a later date, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Charles Randolph Neal
August 20, 1957  –  October 22, 2025
Sarepta
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2025, New Sarepta Baptist Church.
Burial: Old Sarepta Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Thomas Lee Houser
April 15, 1969  –  October 22, 2025
Shreveport/Springhill
Memorial service at a later date.

Charles Roger “Chuck” Herrington

October 22, 1946 – October 22, 2025

Funeral service: 11 a.m. First Baptist Church, Natchitoches, under the direction of Blanchard Saint Denis Funeral Home, Natchitoches.

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 wrongful death lawsuit naming the City of Minden and Minden police Capt. Keith King has been filed on behalf of the widow of a 70-year-old man who died from injuries received in an Oct. 16 two-vehicle accident.

Attorney Trey Morris of Shreveport law firm Morris & DeWett filed the suit Thursday (Oct. 23) with the Webster Clerk of Court on behalf of Sherri Stoneking, wife of Robert Stoneking.

Robert Stoneking died six days later (Oct. 22) at a Shreveport hospital from injuries sustained in the wreck.

According to the filing, the suit is bound for the 42nd Judicial District Court, DeSoto Parish.

While the lawsuit mentions no dollar amount, itemized damages sought by plaintiff Sherri Stoneking include survival and wrongful death damages, negligent infliction of emotional distress and past present and future medical expenses.

Also, funeral expenses, past and future loss of consortium, past and future mental pain and anguish, past and future grief and past and future loss of enjoyment of life.

In the suit, attorneys claim Keith King was operating an unmarked police vehicle and traveling at unsafe speed when he reportedly collided with the Stoneking vehicle on its driver’s side. King reportedly was enroute to an emergency call for service at the time of the accident.

“King endangered public and caused plaintiff harm by failing to maintain a proper lookout, being inattentive, driving distracted, failing to yield right-of-way traffic and speeding,” the lawsuit claims.

According to the lawsuit, the City of Minden is liable since at time of the crash King was in the course and scope of his employment with City of Minden/Minden Police Dept.

By Pat Culverhouse

A Springhill police officer has been charged with malfeasance in office following an investigation by the Louisiana State Police into alleged illegal activities involving an unauthorized license plate query.

Amandia Hamilton, 43, a Shongaloo resident, reportedly was arrested on a warrant at approximately 5:30 p.m. Thursday. She reportedly turned herself in at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where she posted a bond of $2,500.

Hamilton, a detective with the Springhill PD narcotics unit at the time, became the subject of an investigation which began in September. Investigators learned that she, while in her official position, provided results of an unauthorized license plate inquiry on a private citizen to a family member for personal gain.

Springhill Chief of Police Will Lynd has reportedly terminated Hamilton.

By Pat Culverhouse

A mother and her daughter are currently being held in the Webster Parish jail after an alleged argument over taking a bath became physical at a Dorcheat Rd. residence.

Lacy Prince, 45, reportedly has been charged with domestic abuse battery and is being held on a $5,000 bond. Her daughter, 20-year-old Devonie Daniels, was booked for domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon for the same incident. Her bond is set at $10,000.

Webster deputies were dispatched to the residence just after 11:30 p.m. Friday in reference to a 911 text message that reportedly read, “Help before it gets physical.” Deputies learned the man, reportedly Prince’s father, had been physically assaulted by the women.

According to statements, the incident allegedly began when the man wanted to go to bed but couldn’t because Daniels wanted to take a bath. Deputies noted the bathroom was in the father’s bedroom.

When an argument began, Prince allegedly punched her father in the face with her fist as he sat in a chair in the living room. Daniels then reportedly picked up a walking cane and struck her grandfather on the top of his head, leaving marks.

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.

BOSSIER CITY – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that the I-20 eastbound on and off-ramps at the LA 3105 (Airline Drive) interchange in Bossier City have been REOPENED to traffic following their full reconstruction as part of the ongoing I-20 major rehabilitation project.

The westbound on and off-ramps will be reopened in the coming weeks as final tasks are wrapped up related to their rebuild.

The $128 million project continues on its course toward a late 2025/early 2026 completion, with other ramp work still underway at the US 71 (Barksdale Blvd) and LA 3 (Benton Rd) ramps, in addition to ongoing concrete paving operations, dirt work, drainage improvements and other related tasks.

The Barksdale Blvd and Benton Rd on-ramps to I-20 westbound are anticipated to reopen in late November 2025, with the I-20 eastbound off-ramp to Benton Rd. slated for reopening in late December 2025.

As a reminder, all ramps are currently open to traffic at the Old Minden Rd. and Industrial Drive interchanges.

The overall project, which stretches from near Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive, is a critical investment in the state’s interstate system, providing new concrete paving and roadway base on the travel lanes and interchange ramps for the first time since this section of I-20 was constructed in the 1960s.

CMV REMINDER:

Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as 18-wheelers are currently prohibited under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:327 from driving through the rehab work zone (from Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive) due to narrow lane widths. As construction progresses and the new travel lanes are built, this prohibition will be assessed for its necessity. CMV drivers must utilize the primary detour of I-220.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone. Pedestrians should avoid walking or bicycling on an interstate.

Saturday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7am. High near 71. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Sunday

A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Oct. 25

3:30 until 10:30 p.m., Witches Ride of Minden parade, followed by party in Civic Center parking lot., downtown Minden.

6 p.m. Haunted Hotel Homicide murder mystery, The Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. WN, Springhill. Registration Required, text 318-272-6093.

Oct. 30

5 until 7 p.m. Trunk or Treat Springhill Library Branch. (Rain date: Oct. 31.)

Oct. 31

4 until 6 p.m., Trunk-or-Treat Fall Fest, Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 Hwy. 80, Minden. Games and food provided.

5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Fire District 3 Fire Trucks and Treats, 349 Main St., Doyline.

6 p.m. until 9 p.m., Minden Rec Center Halloween Fall Festival, Minden Rec Center. Free admission and parking with a $1 per person charge for the Haunted House. Activities: haunted house, games, cake walk, trunk or treat.

Nov. 1

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Minden Maker’s Fair, The Farm of Cultural Crossroads, Minden, www.culturalcrossroadsofminden.org .

11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Old Mt. Lebanon Days Festival, Stagecoach Grail Museum, three miles south of Gibsland.

2 p.m. 22 Hands Up High School Day. Grambling vs. Alabama A&M. To register, call 318-268-2223.

Nov. 3

SKELETOUR winners announced.

Nov. 7-8

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Piney Hills La. Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale under the downtown water tower in Minden.

Nov. 7-9

Main to Main Trade Days, 50 miles of shopping, Webster Parish.

Nov. 8

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Paws & Pumpkins, The Lucky Pup, 217 N. Main St., Springhill. Sponsored by LaMa Animal Rescue. Training demo and lessons, photo booth, crafts, pet wellness and more. Please bring dogs on leash.

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mission Adoption Bazaar/auction/lunch, First Baptist Family Life Center Gym, Minden.

Miss Louisiana Volunteer, Minden Civic Center.

Nov. 15

9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Hunt for W.H.O. Big Doe Contest. $50 entry, 280 15th St. NW, Springhill. Stateline Showdown (LSU and U. of A.) at Ark-Ana’s! Call or text 318-423-3710.

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Slow Food North Louisiana, Cultural Crossroads to present “Hand Them Down to Lift Them Up: An Heirloom Food Forum” at The Farm at Cultural Crossroads of Minden, The Farm is located at 419 East Union Street in Minden. Tickets must be purchased in advance. slowfoodnorthla.org/events .

Charles Roger “Chuck” Herrington

October 22, 1946 – October 22, 2025

Funeral service: 11 a.m. First Baptist Church, Natchitoches, under the direction of Blanchard Saint Denis Funeral Home, Natchitoches.

Burial: Natchitoches, La.

Eldon R. Thurman
September 7, 1933 — October 24, 2025
Minden
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2025, Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home Minden.

Robert E. Stoneking II
January 2, 1955 — October 22, 2025
Minden
Funeral service held at a later date, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Charles Randolph Neal
August 20, 1957  –  October 22, 2025
Sarepta
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, October 26, 2025, New Sarepta Baptist Church.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2025, New Sarepta Baptist Church.
Burial: Old Sarepta Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Thomas Lee Houser
April 15, 1969  –  October 22, 2025
Shreveport/Springhill
Memorial service at a later date.

Larry Earl Mills
June 6, 1951  –  October 18, 2025
Springhill
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, Lay Cemetery (Red River Church Cemetery), under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Matthew J Dunfey
June 12, 1955 – October 19, 2025
Ringgold
Private Graveside: Providence Cemetery, Ringgold, under the direction of Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold.

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 Bonnie Culverhouse

For somewhere around eight years, drivers exiting I-20 at exit 47 (Sibley/Minden) have done so in the dark.

“Every year, the project’s still pending, so the council has to reapprove it,” said Minden Mayor Nick Cox of the lights at the exit ramp.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development projects mid-2026 to install new lights.

“Our obligation is for the light poles,” Cox said. “Then there’s some backend work that the City has to do. A lot of progress has been made very recently.”

Cox said there are now plans in place, not just for the lights but the entire project, “because we have the power company that goes through there – the transmission lines – we have to move some of our poles.”

According to Cox, the longer the City has waited, the less expensive the project has become.

“The price of materials seems to be going down a little bit,” he said. “Originally, we were looking at matching up to half a million dollars. The last projection I got was $280,000.”

In the past, Cox has pointed out that if Minden is to grow, travelers need to see what is there when they exit the interstate at night.

Earlier this month, council members unanimously reapproved the project for 2026.