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

Oct. 23

5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Minden Library Branch, Webster Parish Libraries. East & West Street. (Rain date: October 27.)

6 p.m. Lakeside Homecoming Parade. Sibley Town Hall to Lakeside High School. (Line up by 5:30 p.m.)

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.

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.

---

Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

---

Play Sudoku online!

---

Jerome Blankenship, 57, 900 block S. Main St., Springhill: arrested Oct. 19 by WPSO on warrants for domestic abuse battery, false imprisonment, aggravated assault. Bond set $42,000.

Artie Lee Brown, 55, 400 block Weston St., Minden: arrested Oct. 18 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (crack cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia, pedestrians on highway, outstanding bench warrants. Bond set $20,000 surety or $750 cash.

Clyde Douglas Gibson, 49, homeless encampment Clerk St., Minden: arrested Oct. 19 by Minden PD on warrant for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines). Bond set $5,000.

Broderick James Howard, 27, 2000 block Angelina Dr., Dallas, Texas: arrested Oct. 20 by Minden PD on fugitive warrant from Hinds County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office. No bond set.

Victor Batton, 32, 800 block Harris St., Minden: arrested Oct. 19 by Minden PD on bench warrant. Bond set $20,000.

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

---

Alan D. Lee
July 30, 1953 — October 19, 2025
Minden
Visitation: 10 a.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, First Baptist Church of Minden.
Celebration of Life: Noon until 1 p.m.,October 23, 2025, First Baptist Church of Minden.

Virginia Joyce Dick
August 11, 1934  –  October 20, 2025
Cotton Valley
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 23,2025, First United Pentecostal Church, Cotton Valley.
Funeral service: 1 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2025, First United Pentecostal Church, Cotton Valley.
Burial: Cotton Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Germaine W. Lorden
October 9, 1940 — October 20, 2025
Minden
Graveside service: 11 a.m., Whispering Pines Cemetery, Minden, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Larry Earl Mills
June 6, 1951  –  October 18, 2025
Springhill
No service at this time.
Call Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, 318-539-3555
 
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

Webster Parish schools, including the central office, paid more than $2.642 million in utility costs during fiscal year 2024-25, and parish school board members will be considering an alternative plan to help with those expenses.

Director of Business and Finance Crevonne Odom presented board members a proposal for utilities allocation which would redirect 50 percent of the money from the district’s seven maintenance and sales tax funds to help pay utilities.

“If we can move about $1.2 million from the funds (to help pay utilities) we can save money in our general fund,” Odom said during Monday’s board meeting.

Those maintenance and tax funds support specific schools and are used to pay for maintenance, supplies and improvements. On Oct. 13, funds and the schools they support, include:

• Springhill Maintenance Fund: Browning Elementary, Brown Upper Middle and North Webster High. A fund balance of $917,177 supported by 7.31 mills property tax. Estimated revenue for fiscal year 2025-26 is $348,280.

• Consolidated Dist. 3 Maintenance Fund: Central Elementary and Lakeside Jr/Sr High. Fund balance is $2,249,793 million supported by total millage of 25.21. Estimated ’25-’26 revenue $1,011,316.

• District Six One-half Cent Sales Tax Fund: Phillips, Jones and Richardson elementary schools, Webster Jr. High and Minden High. Current fund balance is $6,568,792. Millage rate unavailable, but anticipated $2,546,059 in ’25-’26 revenue.

• Doyline Maintenance Fund supports Doyline High School. Fund balance is $1,097,320, supported by a 5.19 mill tax. Revenue for ’25-’26 estimated $147,179.

• Sarepta Maintenance Fund supports North Webster Jr. High. Fund balance is $1,428,763; millage rate is 24.25 with anticipated revenue of $229,628 for ’25-’26.

• Shongaloo Bond Fund supports North Webster Lower Elementary. Fund balance of $556,660. No millage rate; no estimate of revenue for fiscal year.

• Cotton Valley Maintenance Fund supports North Webster Lower Elementary and has a balance of $285,463. Millage rate is 5.06. Estimated revenue for ’25-’26 is $157,332.

A breakdown of utility costs by category for the past fiscal year show the school system paid a total of $2,169,067 for electricity, $307,001 for natural gas and $166,647 for water and sewage.

Board members reportedly will consider the allocation option in a future meeting, but did not set a deadline for a decision.

---

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Parents and guardians of Project Reclaim students learned Saturday exactly what that means. While most drop off their children at the after-school and summertime program, they didn’t know what their children are learning.

“By activities that are educational and fun, they are learning about self-esteem, responsibility – also studies like English and Math,” said Project Reclaim Executive Director Ron Anderson.

Electronic games are a large part of the learning and reward system Anderson’s team uses. Also, the kids  – elementary through high school are learning responsibility and how to reach others with an interview system that uses video and audio equipment.

“I see them learning team work and how to work together by helping one another,” one attending parent said.

Anderson said since the program’s inception in 2008, 71 of 72 graduates have avoided a life of crime.

Project Reclaim requires $180,000 annually to operate.

“About a third of the funds are through grants,” Anderson said. “The rest is private individuals.”

To learn more about Project Reclaim – how to volunteer and donate – visit https://prstars.org .

---

By Paige Gurgainers

Even with rain clouds on the horizon, joy and remembrance filled Minden’s downtown park on Saturday morning as families, runners and supporters gathered for the inaugural Angel Baby Fun Run, hosted by Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness.

The event, created to honor babies gone too soon while providing connection and healing for grieving families, was a heartfelt success. Attendees enjoyed a day of running, music, vendors and community fellowship – capped off by a touching bubble release ceremony that filled the sky with color and love just before the storm moved in. 

“Overall, the event was great. I did not expect that many people to sign up to run. There was a family of more than 20 that came to run in honor of Baby Randall Zane,” said event organizer Neisa Murray. 

The event raised a total of $1,546.39, in addition to numerous in-kind donations and sponsorships that helped make the day possible. Proceeds will go toward supporting families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and toward officially registering Hearts & Halos as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Funds raised included:

Pre-registrations & online donations: $407.39, Day-of registrations: $204.00, Gift basket raffle entries: $40.00, Direct monetary donors: $895.

Among the many supporters who helped make the event possible were:

Women of Courage – Webster ($300), Men of Courage – Webster (in-kind support), Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery ($100), CanDo Ministries ($100) and Minden Medical Center (donated bubbles valued at $29.99).

Local businesses also contributed to the gift basket raffle, including Shake Those Pounds, The Villas at Spanish Court, The Clayground Louisiana and Shug’s Minden.

In addition to honoring babies lost too soon, the event served as a celebration of healing and hope – a reminder that even in grief, community can bring light.

According to Murray, the organization still needs $155 to complete the process of registering as an official non-profit, which will allow them to apply for grants, host more community events and expand their mission of supporting grieving families across the United States.

“Together, we can continue to bring comfort, awareness, and hope to families who’ve experienced the unimaginable loss of a precious baby,” Murray shared in a statement.

To make a contribution, please donate here: https://gofund.me/41c08ed8b

---

By Pat Culverhouse

Springhill police have arrested a 22-year-old woman who allegedly entered a residence while the victim slept, stole the keys to his vehicle then attempted to flee following a traffic stop.

Chief of Police Will Lynd said Hallie Watson, a resident of the 900 block Rosebud Loop, has been booked into the parish jail for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unauthorized entry, simple burglary and resisting an officer as a result of the Saturday incident. Her bond has been set at $30,500.

Springhill officer Amandia Hamilton reportedly investigated a complaint that an elderly man’s pickup had been taken while he slept. The victim reportedly identified Watson as the person who came into his residence, took his keys and cellphone and left in his vehicle.

According to the victim’s statement, Watson left a note saying she would be back at a specific time and asked that police not be called. When the suspect did not return, the victim reported the theft.

After talking with the victim, Hamilton reportedly received word from Springhill dispatchers that a vehicle matching the one being sought was seen swerving into a ditch while heading into the city.

When the officer located the vehicle and turned on the unit’s emergency lights, the suspect stopped the pickup, exited and attempted to flee on foot. Watson reportedly was apprehended following a brief chase. After being advised of her rights, Watson reportedly admitted she entered the apartment and took the cellphone, keys and truck.

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 Marilyn Miller

The Law Enforcement STEP program has been paying off for the Village of Dixie Inn, with the total number of tickets issued on Interstate 20 increasing daily since the program took effect earlier this year. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the overall goals of the STEP (Safety Traffic Enforcement) Program are as follows:

Goal 1 —To increase passenger vehicle motorist awareness of the need to leave
sufficient space when passing a truck .
Goal 2 —To increase passenger vehicle motorist perception that they will
receive a ticket if they cut off a truck or exhibit other unsafe driving behaviors
around commercial vehicles .
Goal 3—To increase the number of citations written by law enforcement
officers for unsafe driving behavior around commercial vehicles .
Goal 4—To decrease the number of unsafe driving behaviors observed by law
enforcement officers .
Goal 5—To reduce the number of crashes between commercial and passenger
vehicles . (This goal would clearly require a comparison over time).

“It’s working,” Dixie Inn Chief of Police Jeff McNeill reported during the Oct. 14 Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Aldermen. “It’s working because we only had one traffic accident in September,” he said.

According to the Daily Ticket Count report tallied by Chief McNeill’s office, a total of 403 tickets were issued on Oct. 14, 2025, for a fine total of $100,750. Dixie Inn’s part of that total will be $48,360, with $18,135 earmarked for officers.
The overall STEP goal is to induce motorists to drive safely. STEP encourages Dixie Inn’s officers to issue more tickets, which not only deters speeding drivers who are pulled over, it encourages other drivers on the highway to slow down.

Chief McNeill reported that there were 280 traffic stops made in September 2025, a total of 256 citations written, no arrests made, four Lemis reports made, 31 non-Lemis calls, 90 building checks, 10 back-ups, 30 public assists, 32 calls for service, and one accident reported.

Originally a Canadian program, STEP is now a program with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which was combined with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to educate drivers on safely sharing the road with motor carriers (large trucks).

---

By Pat Culverhouse

A physical confrontation between a man and his uncle at a Sibley Rd. restaurant Friday has a North Carolina man in hot water with local authorities.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said Joshua Donald Maxwell, 33, a resident of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, is now housed in the parish prison following his arrest as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. No bond reportedly has been set.

According to the incident report, Maxwell’s nephew came to Minden police headquarters to report a fight between him and his uncle outside a restaurant on the Sibley Rd. Officers reportedly were told Maxwell and his employer had been drinking heavily inside the establishment.

Maxwell allegedly came outside to the truck where his nephew was sitting and became belligerent. A physical confrontation ensued and ended when the nephew punched Maxwell in the face, then drove away to report the incident.

Officers were told the nephew did not wish to pursue charges, but did want an escort to a shared Sibley Rd. motel room in order to remove his possessions. The nephew reportedly told officers he feared returning to the room because Maxwell possessed a gun and was a convicted felon.

When police officers interviewed Maxwell at his room, they reportedly found him to be highly intoxicated. During the interview, Maxwell admitted to the fight and said a firearm was present in the room. He reportedly told officers they could confiscate the weapon because he was a convicted felon.

Officers learned that Maxwell, who reportedly was working in Minden on an undisclosed job, had a criminal history in North Carolina. His last conviction reportedly was in December, 2020, for aggravated eluding arrest. He was released from prison one year later.

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.

---

United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: soup, pasta. biscuit mix, canned meats

Clothing: men’s shoes & boots, all coats  (Sorry, we cannot accept any other clothing until we catch up.)

Household Goods: towels, twin & queen sheets, pots & pans

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.

---

The Louisiana-based congressional redistricting case, Callais v. Louisiana, was argued for a second time this past Wednesday at the U.S. Supreme Court.  It is always interesting to me when Louisiana has a case before the Supreme Court.

The case was first argued in March and centered on whether Louisiana’s 2024 congressional map—which added a second majority-Black district— amounts to an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.  The outcome could determine how states nationwide apply the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in future redistricting cycles.  The Court delayed ruling and ordered the parties to submit new legal briefs addressing whether Louisiana’s creation of a second majority-Black congressional district under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) violates the 14th Amendment (equal protection) or 15th Amendment (the right to vote may not be prohibited based on race) to the Constitution.

Although the questions the Justices ask during oral argument may very well not be indicative of how they ultimately rule in a case, I still find their questions insightful.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s questions indicated that the 1965 Voting Rights law may not have been intended to last forever and, instead, “sunset” at some point.  Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s questions reflected the same concern.  Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson interjected that because the VRA is derived from the 15th Amendment, “it does not have a time limit.”  It was an interesting point although I don’t think it is legally correct.

Louisiana’s Solicitor General, Ben Aguiñaga, arguing for Louisiana, urged the Supreme Court to prohibit the use of race as a factor in redistricting. “We are 50 years removed” from the original use of these race-based factors, he argued, and they “have placed states in impossible situations, where the only sure (thing) is more racial discrimination for more decades.”  He contended that the racial considerations required under VRA are tantamount to a system of “government-mandated racial balancing” and urged them to be rejected outright.

He then took some sharp questioning from Justice Jackson who asked him whether, in Louisiana’s view, identifying and remedying racial discrimination is a “compelling interest.”  “If I’m right that Section 2 is about identifying the problem and requiring some remedy, I don’t understand why your answer to Justice Kagan’s question about, ‘Is this a compelling state interest,’ would be ‘no,’” Jackson said.  “The answer is obviously yes,” Jackson said. “You have an interest in remedying the effects of racial discrimination that we identify using this tool. Whether you go too far in your remedy is another issue.”  Justice Jackson then confounded me when she seemed to suggest that being a minority voter was similar to being disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In defending the Louisiana law and map as she is required to do, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill originally argued that the map adding the 2nd minority district could stand legal muster.  However, when the Supreme Court requested that the parties address specifically how the 14th and 15th Amendments affect the VRA, the state took the position that race-based redistricting is unconstitutional.

This rehearing indicates to me that the Court wants to take another look at the potential inconsistency that exists between the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and the 14th Amendment’s prohibition of racial gerrymandering.

The Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment of our Constitution requires that our laws apply equally to everyone and prevents governments from discriminating against different groups, particularly based upon their race. However, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which was designed to enforce the 15th Amendment—which guarantees the right to vote regardless of race or color—prohibits voting practices that result in the denial or abridgement of the right to vote on account of race.  This includes practices that “dilute” minority voting strength.

These two legal principles are directly in conflict.  The Voting Rights Act (VRA) is a statute, and no statute trumps the Constitution so the VRA could fall to the constitutional mandate of equal protection in the 14th Amendment.  If the VRA is struck down, redistricting across the nation will be affected.

The Supreme Court should confirm the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection and end the Voting Rights Act requirement of racial discrimination.  This would honor and adhere to the principle inherent in Dr. Martin Luther King’s “dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character …”

(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 .)

---

LaMa Animal Rescue will have a barkin’ good time on the patio/backyard of The Lucky Pup in Springhill. November 8 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Paws & Pumpkins is a free event that features the following:

• Training demo and Q&A with professional dog trainer Archer from Muse Dog Training
 • Photo Booth and fall crafts
 • A pet friendly atmosphere
• Pet wellness information with Dr. Tony Pearce from McMahen Veterinary Clinic

They will have some things available for purchase as well! All proceeds to LaMa:
• Face painting by our dear friend Evelyn
• Dog treats & other pet goods available for purchase
• Hotdogs and chips/drinks

PLEASE NOTE: all pets must be on non-retractable leash or slip lead. Dogs must remain in your control at all times. And always ask before allowing your pup to greet another!

---

The Mt. Lebanon Historical Society invites you to join us on Saturday, November 1, 2025 for the Old Mt. Lebanon Days Festival at the Stagecoach Trail Museum, three miles south of Gibsland. Activities are from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and include a silent auction, a cakewalk with DJ John Cole, and a cake auction with homemade cakes. Our lunch menu will be: gourmet hot dogs, chips, desserts, and a drink (tea, soft drink, or water).

This year’s raffle item is a Black Rain Ordinance AR-15 with a 16” barrel.  Raffle tickets are $5 each, and the drawing will be at 3 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased from Gibsland Grill, calling 318-843-6175, texting 318-243-2343, or purchase on site the day of the festival. Make plans to attend! This is a fun day, and an important fundraiser for our museum.

---

Week 8 of the 2025 season begins with three of our parish high school teams playing Friday and one with a bye (Glenbrook School).

The contest will close at 5 p.m. Friday.

Week 7’s winner has already been selected by computer software. Watch for a photo later this week.

Good luck and remember, you must be 18 or older to play.

Here is your link!

https://form.jotform.com/232385564755163

---

Tuesday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Tuesday Night

Clear, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

---

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

Oct. 23

5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Minden Library Branch, Webster Parish Libraries. East & West Street. (Rain date: October 27.)

6 p.m. Lakeside Homecoming Parade. Sibley Town Hall to Lakeside High School. (Line up by 5:30 p.m.)

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.

Nov. 1

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

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.

---

Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

---

Play Sudoku online!

---

Joseph David Coile, 40, 10000 block Hwy. 2, Shongaloo: arrested Oct. 16 by WPSO on warrants. Bond set $1,500.

Adam D. Vautour, 41, 5700 block Hwy. 80, Princeton: arrested Oct. 16 by Probation and Parole for parole violation. No bond set.

Jake Brooksy McCuen, 43, 1800 block Lewisville Rd., Minden: arrested Oct. 16 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetmines), improper lane usage, following too close. Bond set $50,002.

Torrence D. Jones, 43, 600 block Humble, Cotton Valley: arrested Oct. 16 by Cotton Valley PD on warrant for failure to appear. Bond set $1,000.

Charles C. Sneed, 48, 1000 block Columbia Rd., Magnolia, Arkansas: arrested Oct. 16 by Cotton Valley PD on warrant for simple burglary. Bond set $25,000.

Austin Wayne Perkins, 30, 100 block Shane Dr., Minden: arrested Oct. 17 by Fast AF agent on warrants. Bond set $1,500.

David Troy Burditt, 47, 100 block Lawson Davis Rd., Minden: arrested Oct. 16 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines). Bond set $50,000.

Romanthis Corderrial Dillard, 34, 300 block E. Union, Minden: arrested Oct. 17 by WPSO on warrants for illegal possession of stolen things, theft, fugitive warrant from Bossier Parish SO. Bond set $5,000.

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.

---

Pat Carter Hamm Kihneman
April 11, 1928 — October 4, 2025
Gibsland/Minden/Bossier City
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Gibsland, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Larry Earl Mills
June 6, 1951  –  October 18, 2025
Springhill
No service at this time.
Call Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, 318-539-3555
 
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

Caylien Aubrey rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns and two other Crimson Tiders scored two apiece to lead Minden past BTW 55-30 in a District 1-4A matchup Friday at W.W. Williams Stadium.

Aubrey’s scores came on romps of 65 yards in the first quarter and 63 yards in the fourth. He carried the ball only eight times on the night as Tide runners piled up 290 total yards on the ground.

Aubrey’s first TD at the 8:41 mark was followed by a Lucas Owens 18-yard dash with just 22 seconds left in the opening stanza to give the Tide a 14-0 lead.

BTW answered with an 11 play, 80-yard drive capped by an eight-yard scoring pass from Vincent Blake, Jr. to Vontravious Moore. A successful run for two made it 14-8 with just over eight minutes left in the second quarter.

Minden came back with a pair of TDs on consecutive possessions, with Owens’ second score of the night coming on a 16-yard dash up the middle  at 5:23 before the half and Jaden Johnson’s eight-yard run three minutes later for a 28-8 Tide lead.

BTW’s Blake broke loose on a scrambling 61-yard scoring run for the Lions to make it 28-14, but Minden turned a short kickoff into a three play, 52-yard scoring drive. With 42 seconds remaining  before intermission, Johnson hauled in a 33-yard scoring pass from Hudson Brown to make it 35-14.

BTW’s Devandre Johnson caught a 12-yard scoring toss from Blake to end a 10-play, 63 yard drive with just over a minute left in the third quarter  and the Lions trailed 35-22 after a two-point run.

Sophomore Abreon Curry rambled to the Lions’ three-yard line with the ensuing kickoff, but a penalty moved to ball at the BTW 33. Three plays later, Brown sneaked it in from four yards out for the first of his two scores and a 42-22 lead with 18 seconds left in the third quarter.

Brown scored again with 8:50 to go in the game on a two-yard sneak and Aubrey’s 63-yard scamper ended the scoring for the Tide. BTW got into the end zone with 14 seconds left in the game on a Zarvea Frazier two-yard run.

BTW piled up 411 yards in total offense compared to the Tides’ 361, but the Tide defense came up with big plays when needed.

Aubrey’s total led all rushers, followed by Owens Jr. with 59 on 10 carries. Johnson picked up 22 yards on four attempts and Kaiden Shine carried three ties for 16 yards.

Minden completed five of six passes on the night for 71 yards with Brown going three-for-four for 51 yards. Johnson had one completion in one attempt for 13 yards ad Kaiden King was one-for-one and six yards. Johnson caught four passes on the night worth 57 yards.

BTW’s Blake was in triple digits rushing and passing for the evening. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 214 yards and rushed 18 times, picking up an even 100 yards. Frazier added 90 yards on 15 attempts. Devandre Johnson caught seven passes for 58 yards and Caden Harris had three receptions for 66 yards.

Minden now stands at 2-2 in District 1-4A play, 3-4 for the season heading into Friday’s homecoming game against the Bossier Bearkats (3-4, 1-3). Bossier dropped its last game to district foe Northwood by a 48-14 score.

BTW sports a 4-3 season record and is 1-3 in district play. The Lions will next face undefeated Loyola, a 62-14 Friday winner over Woodlawn.

---