A two vehicle collision at the corner of Goode Avenue and Bymo Drive in Minden Monday morning involved six persons and sent two to the hospital for minor injuries. No one was cited in the incident.
Two vehicle collision at the corner of Goode, Bymo
Month: November 2025
Argument over keys leads to abuse charge
By Pat Culverhouse
An apparent argument over car keys became physical Sunday and a Dry Prong man is now sitting in the parish lockup facing an abuse charge.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said 48-year-old William Tom Tyson, Jr. is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on $30,000 bond for one count of domestic abuse with strangulation.
Tyson reportedly was picked up by deputies Monday in connection with the incident which occurred at a trailer park in the 8400 block of U.S. Hwy. 371 in Sibley. He reportedly was found inside a makeshift tent in the yard of the residence.
According to the victim’s statement to deputies, she and Tyson were in an argument which became heated, and she entered the residence to “calm the situation down.” Tyson reportedly came inside, wanting her car keys.
When the victim went outside to unlock the vehicle, Tyson allegedly grabbed the keys. As she walked toward her vehicle, he allegedly grabbed the victim around the throat in a choking manner and threw her to the ground. Deputies observed red marks on the front and side of the victim’s throat.
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.
Officers hired, promoted at Minden City Council meeting
By Bonnie Culverhouse
Four Minden Police Officers are now Officers First Class following a unanimous vote for their promotions Monday at the monthly meeting of Minden City Council.
Promoted are Marlin Choyce, Dedrick Anderson, Jessica Thompson and Branthony Brown. Also, the council approved two new hires – DeAveon D. Benjamin and Austin M. Clouston.
In addition, the council declared a utility trailer, two Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors and one Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as surplus property and fix the terms of sale.
Brian Meeker was reappointed to the Minden Main Street Program/Downtown Development Commission and hear the financial, fire and police reports.
Several other items were discussed by the council in a 5 p.m. workshop prior to the regular meeting. Watch Webster Parish Journal for those stories.
Early voting under way for November 15 election
Early voting has begun for the November 15 election is taking place now through November 8 (except Sunday, November 2).
Webster Parish early voters can vote in the following two locations from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.:
WEBSTER PARISH COURTHOUSE 410 MAIN STREET ROOM 101
MINDEN, LA 71055-3382
318-377-9272
SPRINGHILL CIVIC CENTER
101 MACHEN DR
SPRINGHILL, LA 71075
318-377-9272
See below for sample ballots.
More than 1,000 attend Trunk or Treat at Webster Parish Library
By Marilyn Miller
Neighborhoods surrounding the Webster Parish Library on East & West Street in Minden were inundated with vehicles and goblins of all ages and sizes on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.
More than a thousand adults and children waited nearly two hours in a long line to participate in the “Trunk or Treating” activities, which included booths decorated with mechanical dragons, smokey haunted “booths,” every kind of Halloween costume in existence, and candy, candy, candy…
After the Trick or Treat tour, attendees were invited to experience the highlight of the evening, the “Haunted Library,” and hundreds took advantage of “having their wits scared out of them” for free!
Other branches of the Webster Parish Library also sponsored annual “Trunk or Treat” events, including Springhill.
Churches, fire departments, and organizations also sponsored evenings for safe Trick or Treating throughout the parish.
Start playing today: WPJ Pick’em contest
Week 10 of the 2025 season begins has begun – the last weekend of regular high school football.
The contest opened at 6:55 a.m. today and will close at 5 p.m. Friday.
Week 9’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
Doyline celebrates a busy and festive October
By Shannon Wright
October was a bustling month for the Village of Doyline, as residents came together for a full slate of fall festivities and community events. Like many small towns, this time of year in Doyline is filled with traditions that bring neighbors together and celebrate the spirit of the season.
The fun kicked off with the traditional Bonfire and “Meet the Panthers” event held uptown on Friday, October 24. This long-standing celebration has, in recent years, been combined with National Night Out, turning the evening into a lively community pep rally and somewhat of a kickoff to the varsity basketball season.
The event drew residents from across the area and featured participation from Webster Parish Fire District Three, whose firefighters joined the parade and served up hot dogs and nachos. Public Relations Director Taylor Loftin Simons said the event was a wonderful opportunity for firefighters to connect with the community. As tradition dictates, the department closed out the night by lighting the towering bonfire, a crowd favorite every year.
The festivities continued the following week with Doyline High School’s annual Halloween Carnival on Tuesday, October 28. The carnival featured games, a silent auction, a costume contest, and the ever-popular dunking booth. The highlight of the night came with the crowning of this year’s Halloween Queens. Congratulations to High School Queen Chloe Upchurch and Junior High Queen Macey Hair.
Meanwhile, Lake Bistineau State Park hosted its beloved Halloween Trick-or-Treating Event, where campers, families, and local businesses decorated campsites and handed out candy to eager trick-or-treaters strolling through the grounds.
Adding to the October excitement, the fire department launched its first-ever FireTRUCKS and Treats event, giving families a chance to meet volunteer firefighters, explore the fire trucks, and enjoy some Halloween fun. Events like this highlight the department’s deep commitment to serving the community, not only through emergency response but through outreach and family-friendly gatherings as well.
Several local churches also joined in the seasonal fun by hosting Trunk or Treat events, rounding out a month full of laughter, fellowship, and small-town charm.
With so many activities packed into the month, October once again proved that Doyline is a village with a big heart and a strong sense of community spirit.
Spiritual X-Ray
Only God can see us from the inside. He knows what’s in our hearts, and He knows our thoughts. There’s nothing we can do that’s hidden from GOD! He’s the only one who can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Lord Search My Heart!
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
If we asked God to do a Spiritual X-ray on us today….What would he find?
Would He find love, peace, joy, kindness, a repentant heart, or would He find hate, evil, unconfessed sin, selfishness, jealousy, bitterness, grudges?
We should ask the Lord daily to search our hearts and remove anything that displeases Him.
I’m reminded of the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis Chapter 4.
Jealousy will cause you to turn on your sisters and brothers in Christ, in the natural. We should ask the Lord to help us and guard our hearts from this evil spirit called envy and jealousy.
Cain was jealous and envy of his brother Abel because his sacrifice was sincere from the heart, and Caine was not. God accepted Abel’s offering, but rejected Cain’s.
We should make sure when we do acts of kindness, doing things for the Lord that it’s genuine and sincere and not just to be seen, not for pats on the back, not for our names to be called -but to do it for Jesus Christ. “Only what we do for Christ will last.”
God knows more about us than we know about ourselves! He already knows what’s in our hearts, He allows circumstances to rise up so we can see who we really are! God wants us to repent like David did.
See Psalm 51:10
Do you ever tell God..it’s not my sister, it’s not my brother, but me God!
Through all what’s going on, God is trying to show us ALL Something, He’s exposing what’s in all our hearts! We all need to repent from something!!! Satan is out to steal, kill, and destroy, he don’t care about anybody!!!
Only JESUS can change hearts!!!!!
Pray for your enemies. Don’t allow someone else’s wrong actions to cause you to gain a hateful heart! Let it go and let God handle it!!! You can draw more with Love than with hate! Hate can’t drive out hate, but Love can!
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Prayer: Lord we thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive us for our sins and cleanse our hearts from all unrighteousness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Be Encouraged!
Glory To God!
(LaTina DeLoach, is a devoted wife and mother who shares these words in hopes of uplifting those who read what God writes through her.)
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Event welcomes Pippa Lane
By Paige Gurgainers
A fresh layer of vintage charm has been added to Minden’s downtown scene with the grand opening of Pippa Lane Antique Boutique. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Friday morning at 11 a.m. at 806 Broadway Street in the Historic Main Street District, drawing a strong turnout from the community and business leaders alike.
Hosted by the Greater Minden Chamber, the event officially welcomed Pippa Lane as one of the city’s newest small businesses. Guests gathered for light refreshments, “first look” browsing, and the ceremonial snip of the ribbon – a symbolic start for what many say will become a beloved destination for treasures and local flair.
Pippa Lane is described as a boutique showcasing curated antique finds, rare home décor, refurbished furniture, unique accent pieces and much more – perfect for shoppers seeking meaningful style rooted in history. With its prime downtown location, the shop adds to the growing vitality of Minden’s revitalized Main Street area.
The Greater Minden Chamber notes that events like this one play a vital role in supporting local business growth and downtown renewal. The ribbon-cutting signals not just a new store opening, but a welcoming of entrepreneurship, heritage and community investment.
For visitors planning to stop by, Pippa Lane is now open at 806 Broadway Street, Minden. With the holiday season approaching, the boutique encourages guests to browse early for one-of-a-kind finds and support local business.
UCAP needs week of November 3
United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:
Food: cooking oil, biscuit & cornbread mix
Clothing: coats (all), men’s long-sleeved shirts. We still cannot accept any other clothing.
Household Goods: towels, twin & queen sheets, pots & skillets
Thanks to all for supporting UCAP!! A special thanks to all who have brought extra food!
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.
Trump makes historic trip to meet Chinese president
President Trump has now returned from a precedent-setting summit with an overarching accomplishment: every time President Trump and Chinese President, Xi Jinping, meet I believe America’s economic and military primacy is reasserted and that, in and of itself, has great value.
The two men met in Busan, South Korea. Many observers deemed the meeting an important first step in reviving and strengthening the relationship between the two men from the first Trump term, and, in fact, a temporary truce resulted in the trade battle between the two superpowers. The truce will likely help cool the heated conflicts over trade and technology that have stifled economic and diplomatic progress.
The specific achievements of the summit include pulling back port fees and rare-earth export controls for one year. The U.S. also agreed to cut its fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese goods 10%, lowering overall tariffs to 47%. In return, China promised to take “very strong action” against chemicals used to produce fentanyl and agreed to ease export controls on processed rare earth minerals.
Further, Trump again demonstrated his devotion to American farmers regarding soybean purchases, getting China to agree to purchase huge amounts of U.S. soybeans. In the coming years that country will buy some 25 million metric tons a year. Further, on the important issue of export limitations, the U.S. agreed to pause some export restrictions. Both sides also agreed to halt reciprocal port fees. (At some point, the ever-burgeoning issue of Artificial Intelligence is also going to need to be addressed head on).
However, I caution that President Xi Jinping also promised ‘very strong action’ to Trump in the first term and President Biden as well. So, as President Reagan has said, Trump must now ‘trust but verify’ with tariffs.
For context, The Heritage Foundation has argued that the U.S. must remember that “America’s competition with China is unlike any rivalry we’ve faced. It tests which system delivers greater security and prosperity—hallmarks of human flourishing—for its people.” (“How America Can Beat China and Herald a New Golden Age,” D. Morgan, Sep. 22, 2025).
The author, Derrick Morgan, also argues that ” … we must reduce—and ideally eliminate—our dependency on China for critical supply chains. We should begin with products essential to our military, economy, and healthcare, and tighten export controls to prevent China from acquiring U.S. frontier technologies in semiconductors and AI.
At the time of the China Virus, I was shocked to learn that ‘in the early 2000s, two of the largest American medical manufacturers, Honeywell and Kimberly-Clark, shifted most of their PPE (personal protective equipment) manufacturing supply lines to China. And the numbers today still reflect that reality. A full 90% of America’s antibiotics are sourced overseas, along with 75% of its acetaminophen. More to the point, 48% of American PPE in 2019 originated in China, including 95% of our surgical masks, 97% of our plastic gloves, and 70% of our N95 respirators.’ (The PPE Crisis: How We Got Here, et al.)
Morgan further contends that our plan to rebuff the China threat must include a realistic defense strategy as well. “The United States must also reorient its defense doctrine around the Indo-Pacific. That means prioritizing military planning and resources toward Asia, deploying forward forces, and modernizing capabilities for cyber, space and hybrid warfare. Alliances with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and India must deepen, and economic, technological and energy policies should support this strategy. European allies must shoulder more responsibility against Russia so America can focus on Asia, where the stakes are highest.”
I close with this.
The Chinese Communist Party has made clear it will do whatever it determines is necessary to win what it sees as an inevitable war with the United States, including conventional—and even nuclear— warfare, terrorism, and biological, cyber, economic, data and political warfare. That is why economically, militarily, and geographically the United States faces a stark threat from China. In fact, China has for years engaged in cyberterrorism, hacking, industrial espionage, and the theft annually of hundreds of billions of dollars of intellectual property against the U.S. (Over the last 15 years, it is estimated that the Chinese government has stolen some $6 trillion of U.S. intellectual property).
The United States must plan aggressively to counter this multifaceted threat to America. I think President Trump realizes this and makes certain every interaction he has with Chinese leadership puts America in the strongest position possible.
(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 .)
2025-26 Louisiana duck season opens in November
The 2025-26 Louisiana duck hunting season begins in the West Zone with a youth-only hunt (Nov. 8-9), followed by the first split of the regular season a week later (Nov. 15), the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced.
The East Zone’s youth & veterans hunt will be Nov. 15-16 with the first split of the regular season beginning Nov. 22.
To see a map of the zone boundaries and complete season dates for both zones, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Resources/Publications/Regulations/25-26-LDWF-Hunting-Regs-sm.pdf.
All waterfowl hunters 16 years and older, even those who are not otherwise required to purchase a license, must have a Federal Duck Stamp. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/federal-duck-stamps for more information.
Those 18 and older duck hunting are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certification to duck hunt. To purchase a hunting license, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hunting-licenses-permits-tags.
Many LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state offer duck hunting opportunities. The most popular include: Pass-a-Loutre WMA, Atchafalaya Delta WMA, Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA, Sherburne WMA, Dewey Wills WMA and Russell Sage WMA. For a complete list of WMAs open to duck hunting and more information on WMA duck hunting, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/seasons-and-regulations.
All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License, except those 17 years of age and younger. Go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits for more information.
For more information on duck hunting in Louisiana, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/waterfowl or contact Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.
About Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation’s 2025 Conservation Raffle:
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.
Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives.
To purchase your ticket, visit: https://www.lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle.
Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26.
Main to Main Trade Days – 50 miles of finds returns November 7–9
Get ready to treasure hunt your way across 50 miles of finds! Main to Main Trade Days rolls out November 7–9, 2025, turning Webster Parish into Louisiana’s longest yard sale and one of the South’s favorite fall shopping traditions.
From Sibley, Louisiana to the Arkansas state line, Main to Main Trade Days winds its way up Highway 371, linking together the Historic Downtown Minden Main Street District, Dixie Inn, Cotton Valley, Sarepta, Cullen, and Downtown Springhill Main Street with antiques, collectibles, crafts, local eats, and small-town charm around every corner.
“Main to Main Trade Days is for the people who can’t pass up a good roadside sale or hidden-gem antique shop,” said Amie Poladian, Executive Director of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission. “It’s been part of Webster Parish for more than two decades, and it just keeps getting bigger and better. If you love a good treasure hunt- old signs, vintage furniture, porch sales, the works- this is your kind of weekend. Pack the truck, book a room, and take your time winding your way through Webster with us.”
Route: Sibley → Dixie Inn → Minden → Cotton Valley → Sarepta → Cullen → Springhil
Still Accepting Vendors
Vendors, makers, and pickers- there’s still time to join the fun! Main to Main Trade Days is an organized parish-wide event, and we’re still accepting vendors along the 50-mile route.
Everyone selling along the official event route — Downtown Minden, Downtown Springhill, or anywhere along Highway 371 — is asked to register using the event link:
https://linktr.ee/maintomaintradedays
Forecast: Sunny, clear, warmer temps
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 78.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 60.
*Information provided by National Weather Service.
Upcoming Events
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
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.
Jambin’ On Main, Hosted by Friends of Minden Main Street (501c3), this major fundraiser features live music, food, and community fun. Team registration form is attached- we’d love your participation or support! Or visit mainstreetminden.com for more information. The event will take place in the alley beside the Drake Building.
Miss Louisiana Volunteer, Minden Civic Center.
7 p.m. Due to the flooding in the building in the CAC building the Piney Woods Jamboree will be held in Magnolia at the Columbia County Hayride at KZHE radio station.
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 .
Nov. 17
5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Minden branch of Webster Parish Libraries.
Nov. 18
5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Springhill branch of Webster Parish Libraries.
Nov. 19
5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Doyline branch of Webster Parish Libraries.
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Arrest Reports
Michael Tyler Wayne Austin, 29, 200 block Methodist Camp Rd., Minden: arrested Oct. 30 by WPSO for battery of a dating partner. No bond set.
Kleane Armaiya Sheltun, 20, 700 block East St., Minden: arrested Oct. 31 by WPSO on warrant. No bond set.
Kenneth Wayne Elkins, 65, 100 block Fort St., Minden: arrested Oct. 31 by Minden PD on warrants for simple battery, fugitive warrant from Webster Parish SO. Bond set $1,000.
Rickey Lewis, 45, 700 block Columbia St., Miinden: arrested Nov. 2 by Minden PD for false communication w/intent to cause emergency response (misuse of 911). Bond set $750.
Gregory W. Cato, 63, 400 block Morrow St., Minden: arrested Nov. 2 by Minden PD on warrants. Bond set $20,000 surety or $1,200 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.
Notice of Death – November 3, 2025
Teddy Wayne Gray
February 17, 1961 — November 1, 2025
Sibley
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, City On A Hill Pentecostal Church, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the church.
Burial: Gray Cemetery, Sibley, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Patricia Ann Bays Atkins Harvey
April 20, 1938 — November 1, 2025
West Monroe/Homer
Visitation: 1 until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer.
Funeral service: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, immediately following visitation.
Burial: 2:30 p.m., Arlington Cemetery of Homer.
John Davis Walton
June 12, 1949 — September 9, 2025
Benton
Inurnment: 1 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, Carver Memorial Cemetery.
Mark Jeffery Youngblood
October 25, 1962 — October 10, 2025
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, Cypress Baptist Church, Benton.
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.)
Brothers busted in Halloween drug raid
By Pat Culverhouse
Two Minden brothers are in custody facing a litany of drug distribution charges after a special group of Trick or Treaters knocked on the door of their residence in the 700 block of Weston St. in the early hours Halloween morning.
Minden police officers, with the assistance of the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, arrested David Joseph and Martin Burks in a 6 a.m. coordinated Friday raid, putting the successful finishing touch on Operation Weston Wipeout.
According to Lt. Kenneth James, head of the MPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, anonymous tips through the website MindenPolice.org played a vital role in developing leads and building the case.
“The department values the continued partnership and trust of the community, whose cooperation remains critical in the fight against illegal narcotics,” James said. “Continued cooperation between citizens and law enforcement is essential to keeping Minden safe and drug-free.”
Joseph, 45, reportedly was arrested on three outstanding distribution warrants and is additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, methamphetamines, natural marijuana, synthetic marijuana, Ecstasy and Lorazepam.
He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $65,000 bond.
Burks, 44, was placed in custody on one outstanding distribution warrant and had added charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, methamphetamines, natural marijuana synthetic marijuana, Ecstasy and Lorazepam. He is housed at BDCC under a $25,000 bond.
Both Joseph and Burks are also charged with possession of a firearm in the presence of a CDS and felon in possession of a firearm.
During the execution of the operation, officers recovered approximately 44 grams of crack cocaine, 108 grams of natural marijuana, 122 grams of synthetic marijuana, 12 grams of methamphetamine, 8.4 grams of ecstasy, 41 Lorazepam tablets, and $3,300 in U.S. currency.
James said the residence occupied by the brothers was seized in accordance with state law due to its use in the facilitation of distribution of illegal narcotics.
“This operation sends a clear message that drug activity will not be tolerated in our city,” said James. “Our goal is not only to make arrests, but to restore a sense of safety and pride to neighborhoods that have been affected by this kind of activity. We remain committed to working alongside our citizens to ensure Minden remains a safe place to live and raise families.”
“The Minden Police Department thanks the community for its ongoing support and encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious or drug-related activity through MindenPolice.org or by contacting the department directly,” Chief of Police Jared McIver said.
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.
First responders aid in water rescue Sunday
Minden first responders were called to Turner’s Pond Sunday around 2 p.m. for a water rescue. Minden Fire Department, police officers and medics – according to a witness – found an unidentified woman attempting to rescue a man who had fallen in the lake. The Water Rescue unit pulled the man to safety and medics transported him to a hospital. The man was conscious and talking. The woman was uninjured.
Police promotions, new hires on today’s Minden City Council Agenda
By Bonnie Culverhouse
A number of promotions and two new hires in the police department will top the agenda of today’s Minden City Council meeting.
Up for promotion are Marlin Choyce, Dedrick Anderson, Jessica Thompson and Branthony Brown. Possible new hires include DeAveon D. Benjamin and Austin M. Clouston.
In addition, the council will declare a utility trailer, two Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors (vehicles) and one Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as surplus property and fix the terms of sale.
They will also vote whether to reappoint Brian Meeker to the Minden Main Street Program/Downtown Development Commission and hear the financial, fire and police reports.
At the close of the 6 p.m. meeting, proclamations will be presented to 2025 National Night Out Block Party Hosts by Councilman Carleton (Buddy) Myles.
Council meetings are held in Council Chambers at Minden City Hall and are preceded by a 5 p.m. workshop in the Pelican Conference Room. The public is invited to attend both meetings.
Hundreds spend Halloween Night at The Rec
By Marilyn Miller
The Minden Recreation Center, located off Industrial Drive, hosted its annual Halloween Fall Festival on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.
Hundreds of trick-or-treaters of all ages visited free of charge from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on a perfect “hallows” evening, enjoying treats, candy, bouncy houses, basketball and axe throwing, and desserts like banana pudding.
Older attendees paid just $1 to tour The Rec’s well-known and admittedly-frightening Haunted House.
The evening is a combination of trick-or-treating for the kids, while also getting to know the local police forces and fire department personnel.
