By Marilyn Miller

Hundreds of representatives from organizations, churches, private citizens and more from across Webster Parish combined their resources on Friday, Nov. 21 to host a luncheon for those individuals and families who have fallen on challenging times during the holiday season.

“Hands of love” served over 200 plates of chicken & dressing, turkey, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, green beans, green bean casserole, pea salad, ham, jambalaya, bread, cranberry sauce, corn casserole, and more in the gymnasium of the Minden Presbyterian Church on Broadway and Lewisville Road.

Serving started at 12 noon and was totally FREE of charge. Many plates were delivered to those who could not make it to the church.

The “love banquet” was an outgrowth of a committee formed in September when the public began to hear of homeless people populating Minden and Webster Parish. Feeding the homeless, the needy, and families who live below US poverty standards became a challenge of the committee, according to D’ McCoy, spokesman for the special group.

D’ sent out a special thank-you to Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver (jambalaya), the Antioch Baptist Church (desserts), First Baptist Church (chicken & dressing), First Methodist Church (serving and several dishes), Minden Presbyterian Church (gymnasium, tea, plates and cups, etc.), Men of Courage (hams), Women of Courage, Living Word Worship Center, the First Assembly of God, Camp Minden YCP (putting up and tearing down tables), Michael Roy, and AOK Sorority,

Although D’ McCoy likes to do things quietly, she did believe that these special groups, including the Minden Police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, deserved a pat on the back. At one point during the morning when Minden councilman Michael Roy showed up with eight smoked turkeys, members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority jumped in and began the “greasy” job of carving the birds.

“This was our opportunity to show love and support for those in our community who are facing challenges and insecurity during the holiday season.” D’ said.

She can be contacted at dmccoyrn@gmail.com.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Enforcing the speed limit on Interstate 20 turned into more than just a traffic stop for a Minden police officer enforcing the department’s Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).

Chief of Police Jared McIver said Officer Hunter Buchanan’s stop around 1 a.m. Friday has resulted in the arrest of a Minden man on a charge of possession of a machine gun. 

Jacoby Rankin, 19, a Kennedy Lane resident, is currently being held for possession of machine gun after he reportedly was found in possession of a Glock 23-C that had been fitted with a switch that converted the handgun into a fully automatic weapon.

After initiating the traffic stop, Officer Buchanan reportedly noticed the odor of marijuana inside the vehicle. During a pat down of the driver (Rankin), the officer reportedly retrieved a baggie of marijuana.

Lt. Kenny James responded to the stop and, during a probable cause search of the vehicle, found the modified Glock handgun and an Anderson Mfg. Model AM-15 which reportedly belonged to a passenger in the vehicle.

Officers also found an extended magazine for the Glock.

During questioning, officers reportedly determined the weapon belonging to the passenger was legal, and no charge has been filed. An investigation is continuing.

  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.

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By Zoë Pickett

Springhill residents packed the room this week for a community vision meeting focused on the future of downtown. The event was led by the Springhill Main Street Program in partnership with Louisiana Main Street and supported by Visit Webster Parish and Springhill Medical Center.

Organizers thanked the evening’s sponsors and encouraged residents to support them by following their social media pages. The crowd was made up of city officials, business owners, church leaders, and community members that was praised repeatedly for its turnout, which rivaled participation seen in much larger cities.

The meeting featured the consulting team from Community Design Solutions, the group selected through a state-awarded Louisiana Main Street grant. Springhill is the smallest community in the state to receive this award, sharing recognition this cycle with larger cities like Thibodaux and Ruston.

Consultant Randy Wilson opened with stories of his first 24 hours in Springhill, praising the hospitality he encountered, from local restaurants to building owners and residents who stopped to welcome him. “In less than 12 hours I experienced the kind of hospitality that often you don’t experience in years,” he told the audience. “Our goal is to make your place look and be as good as the people who live here. You deserve it.”

Wilson introduced his team, each bringing expertise in architecture, branding, economics, planning, and landscape design. Together, they will craft a “downtown roadmap” using feedback from residents and business owners. “We don’t want Springhill to just look good. We want Springhill to be good,” Wilson emphasized. “This vision has to be yours, not ours.”

The meeting was divided into three phases. First, attendees completed individual surveys about downtown’s strengths, weaknesses, desired improvements, and future attractions or services. Then each table collaborated to narrow their answers to the top three in each category. Groups identified strengths such as friendly people, the small-town atmosphere, the historic movie theater, downtown apartments, Main Street’s walkability, and the city’s architectural character. Weaknesses ranged from dilapidated buildings and limited business hours to flooding issues, lack of youth activities, and heavy 18-wheeler traffic that shakes buildings and damages roads.

Residents also shared ideas for improvements, including murals, landscaping, better lighting, sidewalk connections, buried utilities, and refurbished buildings. Wish-list items for the next five years included art galleries, hotels, family entertainment like arcades or mini-golf, walking and biking trails, and more events and activities for all ages.

Springhill’s new Main Street Director, Tanya Capps, was introduced during the session and will help guide the plan’s implementation over the next three to five years.

The final stage of the night involved participants voting with color-coded dots to prioritize the most important community desires. These results will help consultants shape their recommendations.

Residents left the meeting energized and optimistic about the future. As Wilson noted, the passion and participation displayed reflected a community ready to “fall in love with its place again” and ready to build the Springhill it wants for the next generation.

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The Glenbrook School swim team closed out a strong season at the 2025 LHSAA Division IV State Swimming Championship in Sulphur, with multiple individual finalists, major time drops, and all three girls’ relays advancing to the finals.

Mollie Thurman (Junior) turned in two outstanding performances in her individual events. She finished 5th in the 100-yard Freestyle with a personal-best time of 1:05.63, improving her entry time by nearly three seconds. Thurman also placed 6th in the 100-yard Backstroke, dropping over five seconds from her seed time to record a final time of 1:18.08. She improved her placement in both events and set personal records in each.

Maddox Snider (8th Grade) qualified for finals in both of his individual events. Snider delivered one of the largest improvements of the meet in the 200-yard Individual Medley, cutting his time by more than 15 seconds to finish 8th in 2:31.84. He also competed as a state finalist in the 100-yard Butterfly. Snider qualified for an impressive seven of the eight individual events offered at the state level this season.

The Glenbrook girls’ relay team—Lexi Barnett, Emma Kratzer, Grace Dennin, Mollie Thurman, and Ella Stahl—had a standout showing, qualifying for finals in all three of their relay events and producing major time drops.

• 200-yard Medley Relay: 7th place — 2:40.32, a drop of 14.73 seconds
• 200-yard Freestyle Relay: 9th place — 2:37.25, dropping 6.60 seconds
• 400-yard Freestyle Relay: 7th place — 6:08.98, improving by 13.42 seconds

Several swimmers posted personal-best splits within these races. The Medley Relay featured one of the largest team improvements of the meet, despite a mid-race goggle issue.

Head coach Amber Snider praised the group’s commitment and progress.
“These swimmers showed up every day ready to work,” Snider said. “Their drops at State were the result of consistency, effort, and a strong team culture. I’m incredibly proud of each of them.”

Glenbrook closes the season on a high note with multiple top-10 finishes, significant individual improvements, and a young roster that continues to grow and advance in Louisiana’s competitive high school swimming landscape.

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My name is Brandon Oswalt, (Licensed Master Plumber – LMP #7529), and I’m the owner of Oswalt’s Plumbing. I’ve been in the plumbing industry for a little over 20 years, and I started my own company in 2012 with one goal in mind — to provide honest, dependable plumbing services to families across north Louisiana.

I was born and raised in Bossier City, and today my wife Dabney and I are residents of both Dubberly , Louisiana and Bossier City. We’ve raised four wonderful kids, and we’ve built our life and our business around faith, family, and doing right by people. Because of my deep roots in this area, it means a lot to me to serve communities like Minden and the rest of Webster Parish — small towns with big values, where people prefer to work with someone who is truly local.

What We Do

At Oswalt’s Plumbing, we handle everything from everyday plumbing repairs to full remodeling projects. Our services include:

General Residential & Commercial Plumbing

Leak repairs
Drain cleaning
Sewer line troubleshooting
Water heater repair & replacement
Fixture repairs (faucets, toilets, showers)
Gas line inspections & repairs

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling

We offer complete remodel services, including:

Full bathroom renovations
Tub-to-shower conversions
Custom tile work
Kitchen sink & faucet upgrades
Re-routing plumbing during remodels
Installation of tubs, showers, vanities & fixtures

Our team takes pride in leaving every home clean, safe, and functional, with work done to the highest professional standard. We stand behind our craftsmanship and treat every property as if it were our own.

A Local Company You Can Trust

Small towns like Minden value honesty, accountability, and long-term relationships — and that’s exactly how we run our business. We don’t believe in cutting corners or selling people things they don’t need. Instead, we focus on:

Quality workmanship
Clear communication
Fair pricing
Showing up when we say we will
Leaving the job cleaner than we found it

We’ve built our reputation over the last decade by taking care of our customers, and many of them have become lifelong friends.

Our Mission

At Oswalt’s Plumbing, our mission is simple:

“To provide dependable, high-quality plumbing and remodeling services to the families and businesses of Minden and Webster Parish — with honesty, integrity, and local pride.”

We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and we look forward to earning your trust on every call.

Contact Information

Oswalt’s Plumbing
Licensed Master Plumber: LMP #7529
 Proudly Serving Minden & Webster Parish
 318-453-5108
 Your Local, Reliable Plumbing Team

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PROJECT UPDATE – RAMP REOPENED: I-20 major rehab project, Bossier Parish

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

The westbound off-ramp at Airline Drive is slated to reopen to traffic on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. An update will be issued when that occurs.

As a reminder, the Airline Drive eastbound on and off-ramps were reopened to traffic on Friday, October 24, 2025 after being fully rebuilt.

The reopening of the Airline Drive interchange marks another significant milestone for the $128 million project that is providing a host of critical improvements to the 3.5 mile stretch of I-20.

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

All major concrete paving work is also nearing completion, a critical component of the overall project, which include the total reconstruction all travel lanes, roadway base, and interchange ramps from Benton Road to Industrial Drive in Bossier City. New drainage structures, street lighting improvements, and all new striping & signage are also included.

The entire project is anticipated to wrap up in early 2026, weather and other factors permitting. To read all about the project, click here to visit the project webpage.

PROJECT UPDATE: Jimmie Davis Bridge Replacement Project, Caddo & Bossier Parishes

SHREVEPORT – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that the ongoing $361 million project to replace the LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge) over the Red River in Caddo and Bossier Parishes has progressed into a new phase of construction.

Phase 2/2A of construction involves the continued widening and realignment of LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Hwy/70th Street). Beginning on Monday, November 24, 2025, a traffic shift will occur to allow construction activities to take place on westbound LA 511 on the west side of the bridge.

The Clyde Fant Parkway southbound ramp to LA 511 westbound will be closed. Motorists wishing to access LA 511 westbound will continue southbound on Clyde Fant, go under the JDB overpass, and proceed around to a temporarily installed traffic signal that will provide access to LA 511 westbound.

This configuration is anticipated to be in place until March 2026.

In addition to the widening/realignment of LA 511, major construction activities continue full steam ahead on the new 4-lane bridge. Drilled shaft installation, pouring bent footings, and pile driving operations are all underway.

The entire project remains on track to wrap up in mid to late 2027, weather and other factors permitting.

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Bodcau shooting range will be closed Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. Both ranges will be back open Nov. 29-30 with normal hours.

Bodcau shooting range is located at 168 Ben Durden Road in Benton.

Information on all LDWF shooting ranges can be found https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/shooting-ranges.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Petit Jury Monday, Dec. 1:

FARRAR, SHELLY ARETHA
99191 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule I CDS (Less Than Two and One Half Pounds)
Please make sure forfeiture of $7,094 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

GRAHAM, DERRICK D
99166 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Holland, Hugo Felicia Hamilton Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half
Pounds or More).

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As Thanksgiving approaches, it may benefit us to take a deep breath and realize that although this past year was at times difficult, we have made it.  We have persevered through another year and that is commendable, in and of itself.

Our recently passed Veterans Day makes me grateful not only for our current military heroes but also for those who were grievously wounded and those 1.1 million American service men and women since the Revolutionary War to the present day who died defending America, placing on the altar of freedom that “last full measure of devotion.”

And why was this enormous sacrifice made?

For the defense and preservation of the freedom and liberties we often take for granted.  These fundamental rights include the ability to speak out and peacefully express our opinions—to one another and to our government; to defend ourselves in court when we are accused of a crime; to arm ourselves under the 2nd Amendment so we may protect ourselves and our families against crime—and even, according to our Founders’ intent, from an unjust U.S. government; and to gather and pray as millions of us will do with our loved ones on Thanksgiving Day. 

We are thankful our Declaration of Independence remains the “promise” of America and that our Constitution remains dedicated to the “fulfillment of the promise” of America.  We treasure the Declaration’s recognition of both our intrinsic human value and that our rights come not from government but from God: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights and that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” 

It’s true America must continue to grapple with and solve many challenges that face us. We are still addressing economic and cultural displacement and confusion, among other struggles.  Yet, I am encouraged at the thought of the tremendous talent and ingenuity of the American entrepreneur and the stunning ability of the free market and free people to adapt to tough times, as we have so many times in American history. 

In his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, President George Washington declared:

“…it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor … I recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

In both his first and second Thanksgiving Day addresses, President Reagan echoed Washington’s beliefs. 

In his 1981 Thanksgiving Day Address to the American people, President Reagan, for whom my brother Tom worked in the White House at the time, reminded all Americans that God, not government, is the source of the multitude of national blessings bestowed upon all Americans, and that charity toward one another is engrained upon our national soul.

President Reagan pointed out that “long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character.” 

In his second Thanksgiving Day message in 1982, President Reagan said that “I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth who had a special love of faith and freedom.”

This week I hope we are able to unplug and reconnect with our families and our faith, reaffirming what should be our enormous gratitude for our blessings.

Pres. Trump, for whose re-election we should be deeply grateful, proclaimed Thanksgiving Day in 2020:

“On Thanksgiving Day, we thank God for the abundant blessings in our lives.  As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this season of generosity, hope, and gratitude, we commemorate America’s founding traditions of faith, family, and friendship, and give thanks for the principles of freedom, liberty, and democracy that make our country exceptional in the history of the world … I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.”

Amen!  Happy Thanksgiving!

(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 .)

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Several years ago, everyone had that one friend or family member who would rant about a conspiracy theory that politicians and the global elite were all connected to a pedophile trafficking ring. We would all nod our heads and say “that would be wild” and politely attempt to change the subject to something far more sane. Then, in 2019 with the arrest of Jeffery Epstein, the majority of us were completely shocked to find out that the conspiracy theory was true.

Then, about a month after his arrest, Epstein was found dead in his cell, which was ruled as a suicide and not investigated more thoroughly, despite several suspicious circumstances, such as the security cameras missing only the minute of his death.

Meanwhile, the American public demanded the names and information of anyone who participated in this ring, and we were met with nothing but a few crumbs to keep us quiet every few months.

Joe Biden was elected the next year and we pushed for the files to be released, since it wasn’t done under the first Trump administration, but there was only radio silence as they claimed to still be investigating. Next, Trump ran a second time with the release of the files as one of his top campaign promises. Shortly after his swearing-in, he had influencers go to the White House and take photos holding binders labeled “The Epstein Files” and the public was hopeful for the first time in years.

Then suddenly, Trump informed us all that the Epstein files never existed, and that they were manufactured as a Democratic hoax to make him look bad. The flip-flop on such a serious topic was a wake-up call that made even some of his most fierce supporters turn on him. Despite the pushback from nearly everyone, he continued down this path and even urged all of the Republicans in Congress to vote against the release of the files. Unfortunately, most of them followed his instructions with only a few Republicans rebelling against his orders and voting “yes”.

Despite Trump’s best efforts, those few joined the Democrats and made for just enough signatures to force Congress to officially vote on releasing the files, which by this point actually had enough support to pass. And then suddenly, right before losing the battle, Trump flip-flopped again and announced that he wants all Republicans to vote to release the files because he has nothing to hide.

This is incredibly suspicious. As the sitting president, he has had access to the Epstein files since 2019. What has changed in the last few days that he is no longer afraid of their release? Did the public opinion finally get to be too much for him? Or is he confident now only because he had the files scrubbed of any mention of him and his allies? Or worse, could he have had some of his rivals’ names added, even if they were innocent?

The Epstein files have been sitting in the hands of the government for six years at this point. They have had many eyes on them and they have changed hands many times through the three terms. How can we trust the legitimacy of them anymore, if they even do get released?

I see a lot of people online claiming that Trump couldn’t be in the Epstein Files, because the Democrats would have used them as leverage in the 2020/2024 elections. However, we need to consider the possibility that there are so many Democrats AND Republicans implicated in the files that it could ruin both of their parties, which could be why neither of them made any effort to get them released until the public pressure began to be too much to handle.

But what else could the files contain? From the breadcrumbs we’ve gotten, Epstein was a high-school teacher without a college degree who had a lucky break to get hired at an investment bank that allowed him to rub shoulders with high profile names. Since he was good at networking  with so many famous people, it’s hard to determine who were acquaintances and who were involved in the degeneracy.

Bill Clinton and Donald Trump’s names both have come up in released emails because they were at least in contact with Epstein at a point in time. It’s unknown yet if either of them participated in anything awful. However, the UK’s Prince Andrew was recently stripped of his royal titles in preparation for the public to learn about his connection to Epstein, so it’s safe to assume the worst in his case.

Mike Johnson has expressed that releasing the entirety of the files unredacted could pose a national security risk, but why? Epstein was a civilian investment banker. If he had any of our national security secrets, it would highlight a massive failure of our government. However, some of his leaked emails show that Epstein had close connections to Ehud Barak, the former Israeli prime minister and Minister of Defense, and that Epstein assisted him in intelligence deals between Israel and other countries. Those kind of connections could place a lot of powerful people in the files and could cause issues for our foreign relations if those individuals were outed.

Also, less than two months before he was assassinated, Charlie Kirk and Tucker Carlson sat down together on an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show and claimed that not only was Jeffery Epstein a Mossad agent (which is basically the Israeli CIA), but he was running a blackmail scheme to target US and foreign officials on behalf of Israel. Obviously, I don’t know if there’s any truth to this claim, but its timing with regard to Charlie Kirk’s death makes it suspicious and worth mentioning. If Epstein were linked to a foreign intelligence agency that had blackmailed members of our government, it would be easy to imagine that they would want them covered up rather than admit their own failures in judgment.

No matter what the situation, I believe I can speak for everyone that we want the full, unedited files released so that the victims of this island can receive justice. No matter if the offenders were Democrat or Republican, pedophilia and human trafficking isn’t something to use as election leverage and we want to see anyone involved punished, even if it means that a politician we admire will be sent to prison.

But I have one request of anyone who reads this article: If there is a noticeable lack of Republicans in the files, get suspicious. If the only names in the files are people that Trump does not like, get suspicious. If there’s anything missing in the release that we know to have been true, get suspicious. Do not trust that we have the full files until it’s proven without a doubt.

As I said earlier, there is overwhelming evidence that the Epstein Island was bipartisan and we need to make sure we receive the actual, real files. Not some watered-down, redacted list that would keep us from knowing the truth about which of our elected officials are degenerates. We, the American people deserve better. It’s time we demand that.

Taryn Ogletree is a local small business owner and author with previous experience of several years in finance. 

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Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 36.

Thanksgiving Day

Sunny, with a high near 59.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 37.

Friday

Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Nov. 29

9 a.m.until 3 p.m., Hot Cocoa Crawl, Main Street, Springhill.

Shop Small Saturday in Minden. Check out the event on Facebook at Small Business Saturday-Minden and be sure to follow shop Small-Minden  for updates, promotions, and participating businesses.

Dec. 5

5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Santa, Hot Cocoa & Fireworks, Sibley Town Hall, 345 N. Main Street, Sibley. (Fireworks at 6:30 p.m.)

6 p.m. Minden Medical Center’s 12th annual Rehab Reindeer Run. Sign up at runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/RehabReindeerRun. 

Dec. 7

7 p.m. Minden Community Cantata Choir, under the direction of Dr. Dan Gibbs, presents “The Road to Bethlehem,” at First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden. Featuring a full orchestra and Legacy Dance Studio of Shreveport. The public is invited to attend.

Dec. 12

6 until 9 p.m., Holiday Trail of Lights Hayride, downtown Minden.

Dec. 12 and 13

Presents on Pearl Vendor Market, downtown Minden.

Dec. 13

5 p.m., A Hometown Christmas Parade, downtown Minden.

Dec. 14

1 until 5 p.m., Christmas Tour of Homes. Tickets on sale soon with Webster Parish Convention and Tourism Bureau.

Dec. 18

6 p.m. Kid’s Night, Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry, 814 Constable St., Minden, pre-registration required, donations of cereal, bread, canned soups or blankets much appreciated.

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

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Play Sudoku online!

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Eugene F. Henderson, 33, 1700 block Old Benton Rd., Bossier City: arrested Nov. 20 by WPSO on warrants. Bond set $3,000.

Jimmy Shine, Jr., 36, 900 block N. Main St., Homer: arrested Nov. 20 by Minden PD for disturbing the peace by intoxication. Bond set $500.

Ethan Martin, 26, 1100 block Miller Rd., Minden: arrested Nov. 20 by Minden PD on warrant. Bond set $20,000 surety or $800 cash.

Steven Drew Parker, 36, 900 block Brackin St., Minden: arrested Nov. 23 by WPSO on warrants for neglect of family, violation of probation. Bond set $10,000.

Charles L. Morris, 50, 800 block Fincher Rd., Minden: arrested Nov. 21 by Probation and Parole for probation violation.  No bond set.

Charles Howard, 39, 700 block Wood St., Minden: arrested Nov. 21 by Minden PD for misdemeanor theft. Bond set $500.

Tommy Ray Nolan, 55, 300 block Lee St., Minden: arrested Nov. 21 by Minden PD on warrant for aggravated second degree battery. Bond set $110,000.

Ashley Y. Cornelius, 37, 200 block Mason Dr., Minden: arrested Nov. 21 by Minden PD on warrants. Bond set $900.

Peyton Leon Thomas, 34, 8800 block McCann Rd., Shreveport: arrested Nov. 22 by Minden PD on warrant for violation of protective order. Bond set $7,500 surety or $750 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.

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Lisa D. Chism
June 20, 1970 — November 22, 2025
Minden
Memorial service at later date.

Charles Roden
October 6, 1946 — November 21, 2025
Minden
Funeral service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Minden.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Michael S. Calhoun
August 27, 1970 — November 21, 2025
Minden
For information, contact 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.)

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Children in the Minden area can mail their letters to Santa at Minden City Hall, beginning immediately until two days before Christmas.

Minden Mayor Nick Cox, along with the persons who made the new mailbox a reality, held a news conference Friday morning.

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Serderrick Harris is wanted for offenses resulting from an incident that occurred on June 24 of this year.

Patrol Officers secured two arrest warrants for following the incident. The charges associated with the incident are:

• Simple burglary: Bond set $25,000 surety.

• Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling: bond set $20,000 surety.

Anyone with information on Serderrick Harris 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.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, November 24;

ARCHER, TYLER ARMSTRONG
99982 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two
Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

ARY, JR., ANTHONY
100001 Simple Burglary

BAKER, ANDERSON L.
98940A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940A-CT.2 Conspiracy Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

BAKER, ANDERSON L.
98940A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940A-CT.2 Conspiracy Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
Total bond $335,000

BAKER, ANDERSON L.
98940A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98940A-CT.2 Conspiracy Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

BARNES, WESLEY D.
99212 Simple Criminal Damage To Property
Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
Restitution owed to the victim $1,500, plus $225 fee = $1,725 total A

BLAKENSHIP, JEROME
99897-CT.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
99897-CT.2 False Imprisonment
99897-CT.3 Aggravated Assault

BRIDGES, BRICE
99317 Forgery

BRIDGES, JUSTIN
99545-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99545-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99545-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99545-CT.4 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying
Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
Please make forfeiture of 2012 Volkswagen and $1,080 IN US Currency part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

BROWN, III, ARTIE LEE
100018 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

BROWN, FLOYD JAMES
99923 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less
than Two Grams)

CHISM, CHASION
99720 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less
than Two Grams)

COLE, TYNIAH SHONTAY
99585 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less
than Two Grams)

COLEMAN, GEORGERICK
99563 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule I CDS
Please make sure forfeitue of $3,590 is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

COLEMAN, MARCUS CHARLES
93711 Theft between $5,000 and $25,000
$11,584 restitution to Paul Rogers + $1,737 = $13,321 Balance as of 8/12/25 is $1,840

CROCKETT, TYKEYUNA
100013 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

CROW, SHANE
99863 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

DANCE, LEVI SCOTT
99717 Unauthorized use of a Movable more than $1,000

DANIELS, DEVONIE
99996 Cruelty To The Infirmed

DICKEY, DARREUS DOMINIQUE
99899 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying
Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
O
DOWELL, VICTORIA LANETTE
100027-CT.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
100027-CT.2 Aggravated Assault

EDGETT, BRITTANY L.
100014-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100014-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

FRAZIER, DELANDRY
99071 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less
than Two Grams)

GAY, TYTIYANA A
INCOMING Forgery
INCOMING Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

GERMANY, DEOTIS K.
99171-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99171-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99171-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

GREEN, QUINCEY T.
INCOMING Domestic Abuse Battery –
Strangulation – 1st Offense

GRISBY, CHARCAZA DIJON
98059-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98059-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98059-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
98059-CT.4 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying

GRISBY, CHARCAZA DIJON
91492 Distribution Of A Schedule II CDS

HAMILTON, AMANDIA
INCOMING Malfeasance in Office

HILL, KAVION D
99619-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying
Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
99619-CT.2 Attempted Second Degree Murder
Total bond $650,000

HOLIDAY, WILLIAM R.
99343 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less
than Two Grams)

HUDSON, BRIAN RAYNARD
99472 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

HUDSON, BRIAN RAYNARD
97803 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated
– First Offense

JOHNSON, ROBERT EUGENE
99306 Disturbing The Peace

KEMP, ADEYMI
99293 Battery of a Dating Partner

LANE, III, VESTER RAY
98300-CT.1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
98300-CT.2 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

LILLEY, TIMOTHY D.
99200 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

LOUIS, PETER SIMON
99970 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MARSH, KEVIN CHASE
99929 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense
99929 CT. 2 Speeding 25 & OVER
99929 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In
Motor Vehicles
99929 CT. 4 Operating a Vehicle While License
Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MASON, JACOBY
98941 Vehicular Homicide

MATTHEWS, ANTONIO
99866A Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

MATTHEWS, SHIRLINA
99379 Improper Supervision of a Minor by
Parent or Legal Custodian

MENDENHALL, XIKERION D.
99363 Armed Robbery
Restitution owed to the victim per the impact statement- $800, plus $120 fee = $920 total

MILLER, DEDRICK
99405 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MILLER, GREGORY
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic
Cannabinoids
INCOMING Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle With Improper
Tail Lights

MILLER, SAMUEL CODY
97422 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

MILLER, SAMUEL CODY
98785 Violation Of Protective Order

MILLER, SAMUEL CODY
99550 Violation Of Protective Order

MILLER, TYESHIA SHARMAINE
99475A Attempted Simple Criminal Damage To
Property Under $1,000

MINOR, DEANDRE
95889A Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule II CDS

MITCHELL, ADERRIUS DESHUN
99663 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule I CDS

MOORE, BRUCE WAYNE
99724-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99724-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99724-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99724-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99724-CT.5 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of
Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
99724-CT.6 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule II CDS
Please make sure forfeiture of mobile home and lot located at 1407 Webster Ave in Minden, La is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

MOORE, BRUCE WAYNE
99724-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99724-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99724-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99724-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99724-CT.5 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of
Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
99724-CT.6 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule II CDS
Please make sure forfeiture of mobile home and lot located at 1407 Webster Ave in Minden, La is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

MOORE, BRUCE WAYNE
99724-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99724-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99724-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99724-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99724-CT.5 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of
Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
99724-CT.6 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule II CDS
Please make sure forfeiture of mobile home and lot located at 1407 Webster Ave in Minden, La is part of any
plea/sentencing agreement.

MOORE, JAMICA
99530 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two
Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
99530A-CT.1 Simple Battery
99530A-CT.2 Simple Battery

OLMSTEAD, STEVEN CRAIG
99638 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated
– Third Offense

ONEAL, ANGELO DEON
99454-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99454-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99454-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

ONEAL, ANGELO DEON
97747 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less
than Two Grams)

PRINCE, LACY
99996 Cruelty To The Infirmed

RUSHING, HARLI LEIGHANN
98489-CT.1 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
98489-CT.2 A Probation Violation Hearing WPSD

RUSLEY, TAVIER DEVANTE
99718 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

SNEED, CHARLES CONWAY
100019 Simple Burglary
St Conf 2/2 Trial 5/4

SNEED, JANE DENISE
99995-CT.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
99995-CT.2 Simple Assault

STERLING, JASMINE
INCOMING Possession of a Schedule I CDS
INCOMING No Insurance
INCOMING Following Too Closely

STEVENSON, MICHAEL
99622 Unauthorized use of a Movable more
than $1,000

STEVENSON, MICHAEL
98662 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two
Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

STONE, AUSTIN
99933 Menacing
OC 10/13 Trial 3/23

THIBODEAUX, WENDY AYO
99961 Misd Illegal Possession Stolen Things

VASCOCU, ARIEL S.
99866 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

VILLARD, CHARLES WARREN
99870 Cruelty To The Infirmed

WALKER, ZACHARIAHE JERMON
98921 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated
– Second Offense
98921 CT. 2 Failure to Use Safety Belt

WALKER, ZACHARIAHE JERMON
97482 Ct.2 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated
– First Offense
OC 10/3 Officer: A. Herrmann

WILLIAMS, LATREVIOUS B
99931 Possession With Intent to Distribute a
Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

WOFFORD, JOSEPH
93135 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile
Under Thirteen

WOODALL, MARY ANN
100004 Simple Criminal Damage To Property
Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Long-awaited housing for stray animals is almost finished, and Minden Animal Control Director Carrie Ford hopes she will be moving the fur family in by the first of the new year.

“We should be finished by then and hopefully have a ribbon cutting around the first of January,” Ford said. “Right now, we are waiting for plumbing and finishing the floors. I’ve already started moving in supplies.”

The new animal house has 18 total kennels, six of which are outside under a covered porch. There are also a cat room that will have tiered kennels and a Meet & Greet area. Offices will be located there, as well as storage.

Currently, there are five dogs and one cat (Cheeto) with animal control.

Monitored cameras are being installed, so there will always be eyes on the kennels, the kitties and the front and back gates, where, despite signs to the contrary, animals are often dumped in cages or tied to the fence.

Ford said she hopes the council will agree to leave the old building in tact for dogs that may need to quarantined.

“The roof, kennels and floor are still in good shape,” she said. “And all dogs and cats should be quarantined when they first come to the shelter, so they won’t spread unknown diseases. Once they are healthy, they can then go into the new building.”

There are many ways to help Ford and the furs get to the finish line. The animal control crew can do tests on the animals for heart worm and Parvo and help is needed there.

“There is an open account for the shelter at Minden Animal Clinic and Rocking Rooster Veterinarian,” said Ford. “These accounts are used for emergency needs, antibiotics and health certificates for rescue transport.”

Filling up the new building’s more than 2,500 square feet is proving a challenge, so Ford and her furry friends are asking for the public’s help. Needed items can be found at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/134L21QA7EKYQ .

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Property purchased in 2021 by Robbie Dale Williams Ministries Inc. may be the site of a future cemetery, if Minden Planning Commission agrees to a zoning variance.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, December 4, the planning commission will meet in the Pelican Conference Room at Minden City Hall to hear the request from Carlton Myles, agent with St. Rest Baptist Church for 1397 Sheppard Street, Minden, currently zoned R-3 (residential).

Any interested parties will be heard at the meeting.

The planning commission’s decision is final, unless there is an appeal. At that point, Minden City Council will make the final decision.

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By Marilyn Miller

The 5^th Annual “Fun With Mrs. Claus Toy Giveaway & Christmas Dinner” will take place Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Minden Civic Center.

According to organizer, Patrick White and the “We’re Here” non-profit, this community event ensures that local children have “toys, a warm meal, and a joyful Christmas experience.”

The event will provide free Christmas dinner for families and new toys for children ages 0 to 10. “Schools, churches and local businesses are presently participating in toy drives and friendly challenges to collect toys for children in need,” White said. “We want every child to feel loved, seen, and supported this Christmas. When the community steps in to help, we truly change lives.”

This year’s Platinum Sponsor/Presenting Supporter will be Diversified Energy. Community Partners (to-date) include b1 Bank, Mercy’s Closet, Coca-Cola Minden, Dan Weaver – Minden Marshall’s Office; and Local Supporter is Kennon’s Funeral Home.

“You can become a sponsor today, and be the one who helps change a life,” White added. “It’s not too late to help a child this Christmas. We have more sponsors that will be announced soon.”

To make donations, or to seek volunteer information or sponsorship details, contact Patrick White at 318-517-5670 or wereherewecare@gmail.com.

“B1 Bank and Mercy’s Closet will serve as drop-off locations if you would like to drop off new, unwrapped toys.”

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Honey Asia, a 6 year old , 35 pound, spayed female Beagle, is available through LaMa Animal Rescue in Sarepta.

Honey is truly a gem! She lives in the living room at the shelter – but she’d love to trade this couch for yours! She was fostered with dog-savvy children- who she absolutely adored. She has been with us far too long, and deserves to find her people. 

She is low-key, chill, and would love to have a home of her own- she could fit in with anyone. She is dog friendly. 

Honey is a picky eater, but if adopted we can send you along some of her favorite food. She also takes thyroid medication daily – and it has helped her a ton! This inexpensive medicine will need to be continued to keep her healthy. 

Interested? She would love to meet you and watch a movie on your couch or go for a short walk around the block! 

Apply at 

https://forms.gle/NTG6uqAY5Mv71a3n6

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