Nellie Sapp Burge
February 20, 1936 — December 21, 2025
Doyline
Visitation: 9 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, West Lake Baptist Church, Doyline.
Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Point Chapel Cemetery, Doyline, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

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

By Pat Culverhouse

Two men reportedly were treated for stab wounds received during a physical altercation Friday afternoon, and one is currently in the parish lockup as a result.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said 39-year-old Haughton resident Justin D. Bamburg is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a charge of aggravated second degree battery. His bond has been set at $20,000.

Deputies Justin Spillers and Jeff Hood reportedly responded to a call of a fight in progress at a residence in the 500 block of Horseshoe Loop just before 3 p.m. During initial interviews with the two men involved, deputies learned the residence occupant returned to the residence from work and allegedly was attacked by Bamburg.

According to statements, Bamburg allegedly began hitting the man in the face and head with his fists. The victim reportedly retreated to his room and retrieved a mini-survival shovel to defend himself.

Deputies were told Bamburg followed the man into the room, continued the attack and the pair began to wrestle over the shovel. Deputies learned the shovel was equipped with a built-in knife and during the struggle, both men reportedly suffered stab wounds.

Both men reportedly were transported to Minden Medical Center’s emergency room for evaluation and treatment. Following his release from medical care, Bamburg was placed under arrest.

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 Tiffany Flournoy

Thursday  a Webster Parish court upheld a temporary restraining order sought by a Cotton Valley resident against Cotton Valley Police Chief William “Bill” Ingersoll, extending it until additional testimony is heard on Jan. 22. 

During a civil hearing Thursday, Jessica Sublett told the court that Ingersoll sexually assaulted and stalked her and retaliated against a renter in her home.

Roughly two hours of testimony and questioning were heard in the civil proceeding. 

Ingersoll remained mostly silent, speaking only in whispers to his attorney, Eric Johnson. Sublett is representing herself. Ingersoll, through his attorney, invoked his Fifth Amendment right shortly after Sublett mentioned during her testimony that she had contacted Louisiana State Police regarding his alleged behavior. Sublett said Louisiana State Police has opened an investigation into the matter. She also said she contacted the state ethics board, which has scheduled a hearing for January.

“The allegations against Chief Ingersoll are false. He looks forward to answering these charges while protecting and serving the citizens of Cotton Valley as their elected chief of police,” Johnson told the Webster Parish Journal. 

At the conclusion of the hearing, the court’s hearing officer, Melissa Fox also amended the initial temporary order, restoring Ingersoll’s right to carry a firearm in his official capacity as police chief. She also noted that he would not  be in violation of the order while performing his official duties as an elected police chief by attending town hall or council meetings or responding to emergencies, even if he is within 100 yards of Sublett.

Sublett told the Webster Parish Journal that Ingersoll violated the initial  Dec. 4 order that prohibited him from carrying a firearm.

“He never stopped carrying his weapon. So the order never affected him because he didn’t adhere to its lawfulness…,” Sublett said. 

The order stems from a petition filed by Sublett on Dec. 4 in Webster District Court, alleging sexual assault and stalking. Sublett alleges Ingersoll made inappropriate comments and engaged in unwanted touching of her upper body. She also alleges Ingersoll refused her attempts to file incident reports related to safety concerns near her home.

Sublett further alleges that Ingersoll entered her home without consent through a closed but unlocked door. Testifying Thursday, she said that, in her view, Ingersoll retaliated against a renter living in her home after she raised complaints. The renter, a Cotton Valley police officer and Webster Parish sheriff’s deputy, is facing termination from Cotton Valley Police Department , according to Sublett. 

She said Ingersoll initiated the move. The town has since tabled the termination matter, she said. 

In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s easy to wonder whether one person can truly make a difference. Justin Thomas is living proof that they can.

Despite facing health issues, the weekend following Thanksgiving, Justin took on an challenge: walking five miles from downtown Springhill all the way to LaMa Animal Rescue on the outskirts of Sarepta. It wasn’t for personal recognition or praise—it was for the animals who don’t have a voice, but desperately need advocates.

Justin’s heart for animals is not new. In 2011, he founded Lumberjack Rescue, a grassroots effort born from compassion, determination, and a refusal to look away from animals in need. That humble beginning eventually grew into what is now LaMa Animal Rescue, a safe haven for countless dogs and cats who have faced abandonment, neglect, and hardship.

Through pledges gathered for his walk, Justin raised $1,040, funds that will go directly toward covering critical veterinary expenses for the animals currently in LaMa’s care. Every dollar represents medical treatment, comfort, healing, and a second chance at life.

What makes Justin’s journey even more remarkable is that it came at a personal cost. Walking five miles is no small feat for anyone—doing so while managing health challenges takes courage, grit, and an unshakable commitment to a cause greater than oneself. Justin pushed forward because he believes deeply that animals are worth the effort, the sacrifice, and the fight.

His walk is a powerful reminder that you don’t need perfect health, unlimited resources, or a large platform to create change. You just need a caring heart and the willingness to act. Whether it’s walking, donating, volunteering, fostering, sharing a post, or simply speaking up, everyone has something they can give.

Justin Thomas showed us that one person’s compassion can ripple outward, touching lives far beyond their own. Because of him, animals will receive the care they need. Because of him, others are inspired to help. And because of people like Justin, hope continues to walk forward—one step, one mile, one rescued life at a time. 

In the spring of 2026, Justin plans to do this walk again, this time he wants to challenge others to walk with him. Just imagine if ten or even twenty people followed in his steps and walked in support of LaMa Animal Rescue.

To volunteer, foster, donate or to find out more about LaMa Animal Rescue please visit our website LaMaAnimalRescue.org .

As of this writing, December 21st is the official start of winter. Today is also the shortest day. 

This past week has been uneventful weather wise. The temperatures are be very mild but cool at night. 

Lows will be in the 50s and highs will reach upper 70s. 

What are the chances of white Christmas? Non existent. Christmas day should be a high of 76 degrees F  There is a slight chance of showers each day. 

Springhill and Minden there was very little rainfall with Springhill 0.02 and Minden 0.04 inches.

(Jerry Strahan was a first responder in fire and emergency services for almost 45 years. He lives in north Webster Parish and has written weather articles for other publications.)

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Saturday night more than 2,000 people experienced life of the first Christmas during O Come All Ye Faithful, the second annual Community Wide Live Nativity in Minden.

Three churches were on Minden’s Downtown Historic District walking route – St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden Presbyterian Church and First Methodist Church.

Pearls of Purpose member and Minden Main Street Director Sarah Overall said this event will definitely become an annual tradition.

“I couldn’t get over the amount of people,” she said.

The marketplace at St. John’s was dedicated to the memory of Howard McMurrian, a member who died shortly after last year’s Live Nativity.

Minden Presbyterian Church had live animals that would have been part of the first nativity.

First Methodist Church, Minden hosted a community choir that sang songs representing The Three Wise

Men traveling to bring gifts to Baby Jesus. The choir was directed by Dr. Dan Gibbs and accompanied by Helen Nelson and Aaron Wilson.

Other participants included
Minden Mayor Nick Cox
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver
Emmanuel Baptist Church
First Methodist Church
Friends of Minden Main Street
Lakeview Methodist Church
Liberty Christian Ministries International
Living Word, Minden
Minden High School Choir
Minden Presbyterian Church
Pearls of Purpose, Inc.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. Paul Catholic Church
Visit Webster Parish
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker
Webster Parish Tax Assessor

(Special thanks to Kathy Dumas, Marilyn Miller and Mary Copeland for photos.)

2025 MHS HOLIDAY CLASSIC
BROWN SERVICE CENTER

Results of games Thursday, Dec. 18

 Gibsland-Coleman 28 vs Loyola 25 (Girls)
Gibs.-Coleman         9   3   8    8   28   
Loyola                      10  6   3   6    25
Gibs. Coleman- Allen 9, Rushing 8, Jenkins 5, Tillman 3
Loyola- Gibson 8, Beach 8, Garcin 3, Smith 2, Melendez 2, Weeks2

Green Oaks 66 vs Loyola 46 (Boys)
Green Oaks   17    22    15   12    66
Loyola             10   12     8     16   46
Green Oaks- Dandford 22, Benjamin 13, Dean 10, Tellis 10, Wilson 5, Hooper 2, Williams 2, Sonnier 2
Loyola- Hargon 8, Moore 8, Metoyer 8, Taylor 5, Brown 4, Horton 4, Woodard 3, Ward 2, Walker 2, Lafitte 2
 
Gibsland-Coleman 61 vs Haughton (Boys)
Haughton             9    10    10    14    43
Gibs.-Coleman   12    13     19   17    61
Haughton- Alexander 14, Lippollis 9, Attaway 5, Marshall 4, Gladney 3, Pyle 3, Morgan 3, McHenry 2

North Caddo 38 vs Lakeside 32 (Girls)

Camden, Ar 65 vs Lakeside 28 (Boys)
Camden    16   20    17    12    65
Lakeside    14   3      5      6      28
Camden- Randall 12, Thompson 12, Duhart 9, Ware 8, Evans 8, Jackson 7, Morris 4, Clontz 3, Leak 2, Collins 2
Lakeside- Humphreys 11, West 9, Jackson 9, Roberson 1, Sheets 1

Arcadia 42 vs Camden, Ar 39 (Girls)
Arcadia   6   8    11    17    42
Camden  9   0     20   10    39
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Lincoln Prep 59 vs Arcadia 50 (Boys)

North Desoto 39 vs Woodlawn 34 (Girls)

Results of games played Saturday, Dec. 20.

Arcadia 52, Red River 51 (Girls)
Arcadia      8    9    17    18    52       
Red River  12  10   22     7     51
Arcadia-Williams 20, Abney 14
Red River- Housley 9, Smith 6, Gary 5

Parkway 73, Gibsland-Coleman 70
Gibs.-Coleman    12    16    20    22   70
Parkway               18    15    21    19   73
Gibs.-Coleman- Demarquis Durham 20, Xavier Gray 16, Deavery Durham 11, Justin Woodford 10, Dea. Moore, 9
Parkway- Caleb Evans 27, Kaleb Williams 23, Burney 11,

Gibsland-Coleman 58, Minden 55 (Girls)

Green Oaks 58, Minden 54–2OT (Boys)
Green Oaks   11   12    11   14   12   58
Minden            9    16   15    6     8    54
Green Oaks- Jandford 19,  Wilson 11, Tellis 10
Minden- Cameron Parker 14, Kameron Harris 12, Lassien 8

Homer 44, North Caddo 39 (Girls)

Woodlawn 58, Camden, Ar 57 (Boys)

Green Oaks, 46, North Desoto 26 (Girls)

Lincoln Prep 48, Homer 27 (Boys)

We are likely in the crush of the Christmas season.  Perhaps things are just as, if not more, busy and hectic than they’ve been all year.  We feel pressed into a dizzying pace to address the countless things to be done for work, for our families, and the additional requirement of gifts and activities for Christmas Day itself.  It is easy to become wrapped up in the commercial side of Christmas.  On the heels of what may have already been a demanding year, it is easy to feel stressed out and maxed out. 

Here’s to hoping we won’t!  Here’s to hoping that we find a sense of peace, even if it’s only in our own hearts and minds. 

We are all aware of the profound reason for Christmas—the celebration of the birth of Christ.  Billions across the world cling to the belief that the birth of Christ marked the introduction into the world of forgiveness, salvation, love, and hope.  And, while there are many traditions attached to Christmas, at its core it is about Christ’s birth—the promised Messiah, born to redeem humanity from sin, with the promise of everlasting life. As President Trump declared, ‘the birth of Jesus turned human history from night to day.”

For this reason, Christianity at large traditionally observes the Christmas season with spiritual reflection, great gratitude, charity, and the intentional spreading of kindness.  All of this is critically important and necessary in a fallen world. 

But I think there is another equally important aspect of His birth.  The peace of Christ.  His message of peace was and remains one of the foundational aspects of His ministry on this earth.  

Christ defined peace not just as the absence of civil or military conflict but as a deep sense of calm, wholeness, and renewal that can only derive from a real relationship with Him.  It is this relationship that deeply restores us because we know that flowing from the right relationship with Him are reconciliation and eternal life.  That is the knowledge that produces in us the calm and sense of peace we so fervently seek.  His promise to His disciples of the “peace I leave you” is one of the clearest examples of the renewal He intended his personal suffering and sacrifice on earth to provide us.

Philippians speaks of a peace that surpasses all understanding—”And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  This is interpreted as a deep, supernatural calm found in faith, even during chaos, which shields us from worry and anxiety. It’s a divine peace, beyond logic or human comprehension, offering spiritual protection through a relationship with Jesus. 

However, this requires some introspection, prayer, and meditation on our part.  That requires a bit of quiet, undistracted time which is often hard for us to find.  When we do, though, I think we can unload our greatest stresses and burdens because we, through our prayer and reflection, are acknowledging that we, in fact, are not ultimately in control of most aspects of our lives and neither are we supposed to individually bear all of its difficulties.  I find that thought powerfully encouraging and reassuring.     

Let me close with this.

There are many hardships that we face in our lives and in our country and I don’t know what will be necessary for us to begin to heal, but I am certain that it is going to require a power much greater than our own.  I hope that for a time we can all slow our hectic paces and reflect on the most profound birth, and gift, the world has ever known.  From there may we, relying on what Lincoln referred to as the “better angels” of our nature, prayerfully and hopefully find a way to that peace that surpasses all understanding. 

Merry Christmas!

(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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The boil advisory that was issued on December 17 for the following areas has been lifted:

400 & 500 blocks of Fincher Road

500 block of Patrick Street

All of Patrick Circle

1500 block of Sheppard Street

100 Block of Willow Creek Drive

You can visit the City of Minden website at  mindenusa.com for more information.

H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is causing mortalities in wild birds in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. Most mortalities have been detected in southwest Louisiana.

This year’s fall migrations have created a resurgence of HPAI-induced disease in waterfowl and other birds in Louisiana.

Many different species of wild birds can be infected with HPAI. Geese and other waterfowl are particularly susceptible to HPAI. Many wild birds recover from infection and develop immunity to a particular strain of AI, but others may exhibit neurological symptoms, which ultimately lead to the death of the bird. Scavenging raptors, including vultures, are also susceptible to the disease.

Although public health officials consider this strain of HPAI to be of minimal threat to humans, sick birds should not be handled. Additionally, as this disease is highly contagious to other wild birds and domestic poultry, sick birds should not be comingled with other birds.

Although uncommon, fatal infections have been documented in dogs, cats, foxes and even dolphins. For information pertaining to infections in domestic pets and livestock, refer to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Contact between pets and birds showing neurologic signs should be avoided.

Wildlife rehabilitators should be careful not to bring potentially HPAI-infected birds into their rehabilitation facilities to prevent introduction and spread of the disease within the facility. Clothing and other objects, or even seemingly healthy waterfowl, which may have come in contact with the disease should be washed thoroughly and kept away from other birds, especially domestic poultry.

Once again, sick birds should not be handled and no bird exhibiting signs of disease or found dead should be utilized for human consumption.

Sick or dead birds should be reported to regional LDWF offices. The contact information for these offices is as follows: Hammond Office, 985-543-4777; Lake Charles Office, 337-491-2575; Lafayette Office, 337-262-2080; Minden Office, 318-371-3050; Monroe Office, 318-343-4044; Pineville Office, 318-487-5885.

More information about HPAI may be found at the CDC’s bird flu webpage and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service avian influenza webpage.

Tuesday

Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 74. South wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Calm wind.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Christmas Day

Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Dec. 23

Noon until 3 p.m., Project Reclaim of Louisiana and Food 4 the Soul are the headlining sponsors for “Free Dinner Plates for the Community,” American Legion Hall (119 W. Pine Street, Minden.) If you want to help, call Barbara Goston with Food 4 the Soul at 318-639-7434.

Dec. 24

5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden. A Choral Prelude will begin at 10:30 pm.

6 p.m. Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary of First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

Stanley Wallace Ford, 49, 200 block Fort St., Minden: arrested Dec. 18 by Minden PD on warrant. No bond set.

Bradley M. Wilson, 45, 100 block Southfield Rd., Shreveport: arrested Dec. 19 on warrants for aggravated battery of dating partner, simple kidnapping, theft, domestic abuse battery. Total bond set $140,000.

Kourtney Ocasico Boden, 46, 100 block Louisa St., Simsboro: arrested Dec. 19 by WPSO for speeding, DWI second offense, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), violation of open container law. No bond set.

Christin S. Specks, 24, 36000 block 62nd St., Fort Cavazos, Texas: arrested Dec. 20 by WPSO/Springhill PD on warrants for improper passing, no drivers license on person: Bond set $750.

Deborah Ann Jenkins, 57, 300 block Lee St., Minden: arrested Dec. 19 by Minden PD on warrants for aggravated criminal damage to property, self-mutilation by prisoner. Bond set $60,000.

David Ragan, 31, no address given (homeless): arrested Dec. 19 by Probation and Parole for parole violation. No bond set.

Darius D’Shon Germany, 31, 100 block Stanley Dr., Dixie Inn: arrested Dec. 19 by bond agent (surrender of bond) on charges of driving under suspension, speeding. Bonds totaled $1,500.

Brandon T. Wilson, 21, 4400 block Wildwood Dr., Shreveport: arrested Dec. 21 by Dixie Inn PD on fugitive warrant from Caddo Parish. No bond set.

Thomas Roguel Kavanaugh, 40, 1000 block Greenwood Dr., Ruston: arrested Dec. 22 bin Dixie Inn PD on warrants for speeding, driving under suspension. No bond set.

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

Pearl Mae Merritt
July 21, 1935 — December 19, 2025
Minden
Graveside service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, Pine Grove Cemetery, Minden.

James Donald Mouser
December 2, 1940  –  December 19, 2025
Shongaloo
Funeral service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home Chapel, Springhill.
Burial: Welcome Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

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.)

Minden firefighters were called to CVS Pharmacy on Homer Road around 5 p.m. Thursday to investigate a suspicious “haze” and odor. Fire Chief Brian Williams said firefighters were checking HVAC units on the roof of the building, but found no flames.

Shawna Ivey is wanted for an offense following an incident that  had occurred at Walmart on Oct. 18 of this year.

Patrol Officers subsequently secured an arrest warrant following the incident. The following is the charge and bond amount associated with Shawna Ivey:

Theft (Misdemeanor) with a surety bond of $500.

Anyone with information on Shawna Ivey is urged to 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.

The annual Historic Downtown Minden “Wine Walk” drew hundreds of people from near and far. Above, this group of ladies traveled from El Dorado, Arkansas to participate in the event. More than 20 downtown businesses served as “wine stops,” while others put out snacks and charcuterie boards. Almost all of the downtown businesses were open. In the bottom photo, artist Jennifer Heard of “Jennifer Heard Art,” poses with a customer of Parish Design Company, Marilyn Miller. Jennifer’s paintings and “shelf-sitters” are popular at Parish Design Co., which is owned by Rachel and Patrick Miller. Sponsors for the Wine Walk 2025 were  Minden Family Dental, The Minden Foundation, Purvéy Minden, Kyle Towns Services LLC, Orleans on Main Bistreaux, A/C SERVICES OF MINDEN, and The Mosaic Company. Photos by Marilyn Miller, Zoë Pickett, Bonnie Culverhouse.

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University awarded 292 degrees to 290 Summer 2025 graduates and 607 degrees to 595 Fall 2025 graduates during commencement ceremonies Dec. 17-18.  Summer graduates listed by hometown are followed by Fall graduates listed by hometown. 

Webster Parish summer graduates listed by hometown are as follows:

Doyline – Erica Shelley, Associate of General Studies

Minden – Morgan Savell, Bachelor of Arts; A’Shuntee Simmons, Bachelor of General Studies; Hollan Haynes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Shongaloo – Sydni Richardson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Fall 2025 graduates are as follows:

Dubberly – Joni Nelson, Doctor of Education

Heflin – Peyten Ware, Bachelor of Science

Minden – Jelisea Brown, Associate of Science in Nursing; A’Shuntee Simmons, Colton Wiggins, Bachelor of Applied Science; Maci Salley, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Sandra Ward, Master of Science in Nursing

Springhill – Phyllis Williams, Associate of General Studies

Two little lab mix sisters spent the first weeks of their young lives hidden deep in the woods of a deer lease, surviving on nothing more than scattered deer corn and sheer will. No soft bed, no warm hands—just each other and the sounds of the forest to remind them they were alone.

That all changed the day a kind man spotted them—thin, timid, and trembling with exhaustion. He could have walked away, but heroes never do. Instead, he returned day after day, bringing food and gentle words, showing the frightened girls that not all humans turn their backs. When they were finally brave enough, he safely trapped them and got them to LaMa Animal Rescue… and then went one step further. Out of pure compassion, he paid for all of their vetting to give them the healthy start they deserved.

We’ve named the sisters Victoria and Valerie, two fittingly strong names for two incredibly brave pups. Here at LaMa, they’re learning that hands can give comfort, voices can be kind, and people can be trusted. Each day they come out of their shells a little more, letting their sweet personalities shine through.

Now, these gentle girls just need one last thing: a family to love them. A safe home where their soft, soulful eyes can finally relax, knowing they’ll never be abandoned again.

If you’ve been searching for a pair of hearts to melt your own, Victoria and Valerie are waiting. Please check all our shelter dogs dreaming of a second chance on Petfinder, or reach out directly to LaMa Animal Rescue. 

lamaanimalrescue.org

The following students are being recognized for their academic achievements for the Fall 2025 Semester. The Dean’s List acknowledges students who have maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on a 4-point scale. The Chancellor’s List honors those students who have sustained a GPA of 4.00 for the entire semester. Students must be full-time with 12 hours.

Chancellor’s List

Cotton Valley, LA Will Coleman Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

Cotton Valley, LA Aiden Wood Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Doyline, LA Diego Valle Welding

Dubberly, LA Jeremiah Maxie Diesel Powered Equipment Technology

Heflin, LA Gavin McCoy Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Minden, LA Marlon Coleman Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operator

Minden, LA Kenneth Cross Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operator

Minden, LA Tyler Hodges Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operator

Minden, LA Trent Hudec Business Office Technology

Minden, LA Kendall Johnson Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operator

Minden, LA Lindsey Kalipp Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operator

Minden, LA Kristi McKan Associate of Applied Science Business Office Administration

Dean’s List

Dubberly, LA William Robinson Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

Heflin, LA Thomas Knudsen Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

Minden, LA Drew Blackwelder Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Minden, LA Spencer Brantley Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical TechnicianMinden, LA Camille Goldston Business Office Technology

Minden, LA Kevani Green Business Office Technology

Minden, LA Dominic Ingle Automotive Technology

Minden, LA Ceddrick Jackson Industrial Maintenance Technology

Minden, LA Seth Lowe Associate of Applied Science Practical Nursing

Minden, LA Jonathan Mangrum Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

Minden, LA Jonathan Rhodes Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Minden, LA Sarah Esther Scott Associate of Applied Science Business Office Administration

Minden, LA Jordan Simmons Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Minden, LA Jarrett Stricklin Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Sarepta, LA Landon Allen Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

Sarepta, LA Aaronlane Garza Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Sarepta, LA Sawyer Wages Industrial Maintenance Technology

Shongaloo, LA Christian Pair Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Sibley, LA Kenneth Campbell Associate of Applied Science Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Technology

Sibley, LA Alexis Lister Business Office Technology

Step into the story of Christmas and witness the miracle of Christ’s birth come to life!

Hosted by: Multiple Local Churches

Presented in: Minden’s Downtown Historical District

Join us for one special night as the streets of Minden’s Historic District transform into Bethlehem. Take a walking tour filled with costumed characters and live animals , including local “celebrities”, a Shepherd’s field  under the stars  , beautiful Christmas music  from a talented community choir, and heartfelt scenes from the New Testament Gospels.

This one-of-a-kind event will be a truly meaningful and memorable experience for the entire family — a celebration of Faith, Wonder, and Salvation. 

 Tour Route:

Begin at 1111 Broadway St., continue to St. John’s Episcopal Church, journey up Lewisville Rd. past Minden Presbyterian Church, and conclude at First Methodist Minden Church.

 Come and experience the reason for the season — the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ — in a way you’ll never forget. 

 This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Everyone is welcome to come and share in this joyful celebration of the true meaning of Christmas!

Please Note: This is a walking tour that takes approximately 30–45 minutes to complete. Churches along the route will be open for viewing and breaks.

 Golf carts will be available for guests with mobility challenges or handicaps.

The application period deadline for the next Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Academy is fast approaching.

The LDWF Enforcement Division is seeking qualified candidates for the 38th Enforcement Academy class, scheduled to start at the end of March 2026. The closing date for applications to be accepted for the “Wildlife Enforcement Cadet” position is this Monday, Dec. 22.

This Enforcement Academy will be a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) hybrid academy class, meaning that both qualified POST-certified and non-POST-certified candidates can apply.

Applicants can apply for the job title “Wildlife Enforcement Cadet” on the Louisiana Civil Service website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/5149281/wildlife-enforcement-cadet?keywords=wildlife&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs.

The hybrid Enforcement Academy will conduct the conservation law portion of the training at the beginning of the academy for all cadets, followed by the POST training at the end of the academy for non-POST-certified cadets.

The Louisiana POST-certified cadets will finish their cadet academy training in approximately 14 weeks, and non-Louisiana POST-certified cadets will finish their cadet academy training in approximately 22-24 weeks.

For applicants who are not exempt from the Protective Services Exam (PSE) Series 2100 Exam, a PSE 2100 score of 77 or higher is required to be eligible for the next academy. A PSE 2100 score of 77 or higher is valid for two years. In order to schedule the PSE 2100 civil service exam, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/3147666/2100-protective-services-exam-pse.

Minimum qualifications for this LDWF Enforcement Academy include:

Two years of law enforcement experience as a POST-certified peace officer commissioned with the power of arrest; or

An associate’s degree from a technical college or completion of a two-year program at a vocational or technical school; or

Three years of continuous active military service (all Military Occupational Specialties apply).

Experience Substitution:
Every 30-semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Once the academy begins, the cadets will train at the department’s training facility located at the Waddill Training and Emergency Response Complex in Baton Rouge, La. Successful completion of intensive physical and academic training is required to graduate.

At the academy, cadets train to enforce the state’s recreational boating laws, the state and federal wildlife and fisheries laws, and general law enforcement work on the state’s many wildlife management areas.

For more information on becoming an LDWF enforcement agent, please visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/become-an-agent.