By Pat Culverhouse

Screaming profanities while seated in the middle of a public street has landed a Minden woman in a less comfortable seat at the parish jail.

Minden police officers reportedly were called Wednesday to a Lee St. address to investigate claims of a woman being on an apartment complex premises after being forbidden. On arrival, the officers studied a video of the incident and determined the woman had not trespassed.

But while officers were talking with witnesses, 34-year-old Scarlet Monnionshanick Brown reportedly was sitting in a chair in the middle of the street “…screaming profane language at the top of her lungs…” toward the complex manager.

After repeated warnings, Brown reportedly rose from her chair, walked toward the officers and continued to scream profanities.

Brown was taken into custody and charged with addressing any offensive, derisive, annoying words to another person and obstructing public passages.

She is being held at the parish jail where her bond has been set at $1,250.

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 Bonnie Culverhouse

A solar farm on city-owned property could help residents save even more money on their electric bills by allowing Minden to produce a portion of its own power.

John Coleman of Little Rock, Ark.-based Entegrity made a presentation to Minden City Council members during a recent workshop of a potential plan that could be located at an old wastewater lagoon area near Minden Animal Control and Ewell Park.

“It’s a new world for Minden,” Mayor Nick Cox said. “We are getting our power through LEPA, but that doesn’t limit the amount of generation we could do on our side of the meter. With our old contract, we were limited.”

Power demand over the environment is also changing with AI data centers pulling larger loads of power.

According to Coleman, Entegrity works with “a lot of municipalities around the midwest and southeast. They are all in very similar situations where most of the time they are buying power through contracts like LEPA that are making up 100 percent of the consumption.

“More recently,” he continued, “a lot of local power companies have been trying to figure out how to take at least a percentage of that and have control over that percentage.”

Solar and battery storage are reportedly two of the top investments being made by LEPA.

“Y’all have a system peak of about 37 megawatts, which is pretty sizable,” Coleman said. “The solar project we are looking at would range anywhere from two to four megawatts.

“We are not looking at trying to produce solar to offset a huge percentage of your total load,” he continued. “It’s about responsibly trying to carve out a percentage of that and be able to lock that price in and reduce the dependence on the LEPA contract overall.”

Currently, Minden is paying around seven cents per kilowatt hour with a demand charge of about seven dollars per kilowatt.

“Solar projects are generally worth about 3.5 cents to five cents per kilowatt hour,” Coleman said. “That gives you an idea of the savings level that we are talking about. It’s just a cheaper form of energy, as long as it’s applied correctly.”

The property owned by Minden and being considered is around 32 acres … more than enough to build a solar farm.

“It’s a big tract of land with a good tree line,” Cox said.

Cost to build it is around $6 million, however, if the city is interested in moving quickly, a 50 percent federal tax incentive is available. There will also be a cost to maintain the project.

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The Minden Police Department is actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating Kentrevion Rogers.
 
Rogers is currently wanted for two active bench warrants for failure to appear in court on March 25, with a bond of $20,000 surety or $900 cash. He is also wanted on one state warrant for simple battery with a bond of $5,000 surety or $500 cash.
 
Anyone with information on the location of Kentrevion Rogers, please contact Detective Matthew Hicks at (318) 639-7776 or Detective Brandon Curry at (318) 268-7044.

All information will be 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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Doyline
Panthers 17, Bossier 0 (Tuesday)
Lady Panthers 12, Ringgold 2 (Tuesday)
Minden Lady Tiders 18, Lady Panthers 13 (Wednesday)

Glenbrook
Natchitoches 7, Lady Apaches 3 (Tuesday)

Lakeside
Warriors 2, Winnfield 1 (Tuesday)
Lady Warriors 5, Choudrant 2 (Tuesday)

Minden
Lady Tiders 18, Doyline 13 (Wednesday)

North Webster
Knights 11, Providence Classical 2 (Wednesday)

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Minden Lions Club members are making big plans and chickens are nervous.

One of the club’s largest fundraisers, the chicken charbroil, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at the Walmart parking lot.

Ready-to-serve half a chicken, cooked on charcoal grills, will be available from 9 a.m. until all are sold. Dinners are $10 each, payable at pickup.

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The weather is beautiful and warm.  The perfect thing for all of our gardens.  In my personal opinion, it is time to plant your garden and the flower beds.  All of the greenhouses around are full and blooming, in fact the vegetable plants are getting picked over.  Having a garden, big or small, is a great teaching tool for the kids.  They learn so much about the things that grow and where they come from.  Shelling peas and shucking corn teach you a lot more than where it comes from.  The work involved is a big deal.  That goes right along with the chickens and the eggs we gather.

It looks like the Cherokee Purple Tomato has taken the lead of Better Boys and the Big Boy tomatoes.  They have been the favorites for many years.  I am told that the Cherokee Purple Tomato has a more acid taste.  I like to eat new potatoes and green beans that are coming on pretty soon.  Lasoda red potatoes are still the best and blue lake beans have taken the lead over the Contenders.  There is a lot to be said from listening to your parents and grands about gardening and cooking.  They sure did a good job of it.  If they did not make a good crop they would go hungry in the winter.  

I learned something this week.  Reading the La. Market Bulletin today it had an article of the ways to use an empty milk jug in the garden.  The one that caught my attention was making a duster out of it.  Punch holes in the bottom of the jug and a hole in the top of the jug but leaving the handle.  Put fertilizer or insecticide in the jug and walk slowly around the garden to evenly dust your plants.  Dusters are expensive so that makes a good  purchase. Something also to remember when purchasing a sprayer, don’t buy a really big sprayer that you can’t lift when it is full.  

Enjoy the weather.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, April 13:

ALI, QASEM
99845 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

ALI, QASEM
99231 CT. 1Underage Driving Under the Influence

BABLES, TERESA
99414A-CT.1 Simple Escape
99414A-CT.2Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)
99414A-CT.3 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)

BABLES, TERESA
99414A-CT.1 Simple Escape
99414A-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)
99414A-CT.3 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)
Defense Motion for Speedy Trial A Motion For Speedy Trial

BOYD, MAX DEAN
100098 Telephone Harassment

BRUMELS, ANTHONY D
100108-CT.1 Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation – 1st Offense
100108-CT.2 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

BUMGARDNER, TERRI LYNN
100194 Simple Battery

BURDITT, DAVID TROY
100039 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

BURT, TRAY ALLEN
100180-CT.1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian
100180-CT.2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

CARROLL, TONYA MARIE
100193 Forgery

CASTILLO, ERNESTO
99121 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

CAULEY, JAMI LYNN
99004A Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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

FARNHAM, MIKEL
100182 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator

FETZER, JR, JESSIE CLAYTON
100017-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100017-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

FRANCE, JR., KENNY WAYNE
100220 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

FRANCE, JR., KENNY WAYNE
T012026 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
T012026A Leaving Scene Of Accident

GARNER, DERRAVIAN S.
100218 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

GILBERT, DAMEIONIA F.
100209 Simple Burglary

HOWARD, AMBER MICHELLE
99861 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HUBBARD, KEVIN BRIAN
99977 Second Degree Kidnapping

JACKSON, ARDARYOUS T
100202 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

JACKSON, BRENDA
100123 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100123 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

KEYES, CHESTER MUHAMMAD
100186 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

LOFTON, JATORIA MONIQUE
100124 Second Degree Battery

MCCUEN, BROOKSY JAKE
100039 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

MCKINNEY, DRAKE EDWARD
100115 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

MENDENHALL, TYTRAVION
INCOMING Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

MILLER, SR, TREMINDEUS JASHUN
99872 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MORRIS, CHRISTOPHER DEON
99578 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

MURPHY, MARSHAD FITZGERALD
99558 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
99558A Second Degree Rape

POTTER, TALEN RYAN
100090-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100090-CT.2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

SAYERS, JAMIE NICOLE
100283 Attempted Theft Under $1,000

SHROCK, WARD
100079-CT.1 Battery of a Dating Partner
100079-CT.2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000
Restitution owed- $1,843.70, plus $276.55 fee = $2,120.25 total

SIMPSON, LINDSAY A.
99427 Ct. 1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian
99427 Ct. 2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

SMITH, ANTONIO DEWAYNE
99223 Simple Battery
99223A Simple Battery

SMITH, DEMICHAEL DAMONTREAL
100217 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

SPENCER, RICHARD SHAQUR
100192-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100192-CT.2 Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
100192-CT.3 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

SPENCER, RICHARD SHAQUR
99911 CT 1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
99911 CT 2 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

THOMAS, YAMON D
T105124 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
T105124A Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

THOMAS, YAMON D
100285 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

VAN, ANGEL MARIE
98685 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WALKER, DEXTER D.
100211 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

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By Jessica Gorman

When I first started this column, it was for the purpose of sharing snippets of our history. Over the past few years, I’ve written over 150 articles and this column has become a mix of history, advocacy, and my personal thoughts. So much of the time, it seems there is a general expectation, almost requirement, to “never let ‘em see you sweat.” If you’re loud enough, smile enough, draw enough attention, and are convincing enough, everything will be great. I have been made to feel as though I’ve fallen short because I’m not those things. I’ve never been one for appearances. I’m much more concerned with authenticity and transparency, with presenting things are they are and not just what sounds good.

So far, 2026 has been less than great. Last year’s expansion created a financial strain that got pretty tight by mid-February when we were able to access invested funds, funds I didn’t intend to use. In March, we took two big hits. The insurance cost for our building increased significantly and we were informed we would not be receiving the $5,000 operational grant we’ve received the past three years. Together, that created a nearly $8,000 hole in my budget, a budget that only covers expenses and only if every goal is met. There is the very real question of whether our income will meet our expenses for the year.

I’ve written before about the misconception that the museum is somehow owned or operated by the city or parish. This misconception continues. The police jury does provide us with $2500 annually, for which we are grateful. The City of Minden provides no funding within its budget for the museum. I do not include this information to be critical but for clarity.

We are a nonprofit organization. We operate almost entirely on private donations and serve the public at no charge. You can visit the museum, tour our exhibits, attend our events, ask questions, and get help with research at absolutely no cost to you. You can watch videos of our events on our YouTube channel, read about our history in this column, and view photographs and documents on our Flickr page. We are able to provide these things because of the generosity of people who believe that our history is worth preserving.

Conversations about funding lead to common questions. One is grants. No one wishes we could fund the museum through grants more than me. I’ve explained before that operational grants for museums are almost nonexistent. That’s just not how things work. You can get grants for programming, but you can’t use that money to pay the bills. Here’s the other thing about grants and the thought that they are the answer to funding the museum. It’s passing the buck. It’s looking to someone else to take care of what is ours. Why should we expect the State of Louisiana or the federal government to take care of our history? We shouldn’t. And why would they if we don’t? It’s not logical. It’s not their responsibility. It’s ours.

Not every place has a museum, or a historical society, or anyone working to preserve their history for the sake of the community. That’s because no one else is going to do it for them and they haven’t made the decision to do it for themselves in spite of the often-heard remarks about how it’s such a shame.

Another common topic is fundraising, more specifically fundraisers. You may think that means the same thing. It doesn’t. It is often suggested that we don’t have enough fundraisers, but here’s the thing. Fundraisers are expensive and time-consuming and do not result in long-term impact and sustainability that organizations like ours require. Organizations with real bills to pay don’t survive off fundraisers and events. Sure, there are others who have wonderful events that raise a lot of money, but have you ever looked closer? Have you paid attention to the fact more was spent on the event than what was raised? It’s true that you have to spend money to raise money, but at what cost? Wouldn’t you rather the money go toward the cause? At the museum it does.

Not only do fundraisers direct funds away from the cause, they also take away time. I use the term “we” when referring to the museum because I represent an organization, but let’s be real, my staff is just me. Every minute spent on fundraising is a minute taken away from the work of preserving our history. I could not, in good faith, ask someone to make a contribution to preserve our history if I’m not spending my time in pursuit of that mission. I didn’t take this job to fundraise to get a paycheck and not do the actual work. I’m here to spend my time serving you.

So, what is fundraising if it’s not fundraisers? It’s building belief in and support for the work itself. That’s how you create real, long-term impact. It’s how you create sustainability. It’s how you ensure the most efficient use of funds and the most effective use of time, especially when both of those things are in short supply. When someone believes in our work and chooses to make a donation to support it, that money goes directly to funding the preservation of our history.

Preserving our history is a choice that we, as a community, make. It’s up to us to take care of what is ours. I invite you to join me in that mission, to ensure our history continues to be preserved and publicly accessible. If you would like to make a contribution to support the museum, you can visit our website https://www.dorcheatmuseum.com/donate  or mail to P.O. Box 1094, Minden, LA  71058. I personally promise you that money will be used to take care of what we have, do the work that needs to be done, and build something even better for the future.

(Jessica Gorman is Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, President of the Minden Cemetery Association, and an avid genealogist.)

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BB is 7 years old – a medium-sized spayed female at LaMa Animal Rescue

BB is up to date on all age-appropriate vaccines, spayed and on flea/tick prevention.

She is HEARTWORM POSITIVE but is currently undergoing treatment at our veterinarian. We can discuss our treatment plan and other options if you are interested in adoption. She will make a complete recovery at no extra cost to you, so do not let the HW+ status deter you! 

Meet this sweet Beagle girl, a gentle soul who’s already spayed and ready for her forever home. She’s a social butterfly at the dog park—happy to trot around, greet new friends, and enjoy the sunshine. Once the fun is over, she transforms into the ultimate lap dog, happiest curled up beside you on the couch for movie nights and quiet evenings. She has a calm, affectionate nature and would thrive in a home looking for a loyal companion who loves both playtime and snuggles!

Adoption Fee: $200

Interested? Please fill out the application at the link below:

https://forms.gle/id1eJGf1VnA7ftoW8

Or the PDF version on our website:

https://lamaanimalrescue.org/adopt

To schedule a meet-and-greet, you must fill out an application first.

We do not cat or kid test at our shelter. All dogs are dog-friendly unless otherwise noted. Please only commit to adoption if you are willing to give the dog time to adjust to a home life – some dogs have been in our shelter for over a year.

To find a previously featured dog, simply go to the “Search” box at the top right corner of websterparishjournal.com, type in “Pet Project,” and click on “Search.”

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Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

April 9

5 until 7 p.m., Bites & Beats, Miller Quarters Park, Minden, live music with Cynthia Sandidge, food trucks, family friendly fun.

6 p.m. UCAP Hungerfest, Dessert Auction Fundraiser, soup and crackers for meal. Minden First Methodist, 903 Broadway. All proceeds benefit United Christian Assistance Program. Buy tickets at door or from UCAP.

6 p.m. Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, Springhill Civic Center.

April 11

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree at the CAC building in Springhill  Special Guest will be Brady Rhodes and Lacey Dodson.

April 14

5:30 p.m. Initial meeting of the 4-H Rabbit Club, Webster Parish Extension Office, 1202 Homer Rd., Minden.

April 16

10:30 a.m. 2026 Light of Hope, Volunteers for Youth Justice CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program. Minden Civic Center.

April 18

9 a.m. until noon, Arms Around Autism, Autism Acceptance Walk, Miller Quarters Park, Minden. Vendors, bounce house, resources, sensory-friendly kid zone.

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. (rain or shine) Trails and Trellises garden tour. Tickets purchased in advance for $10, $15 at any garden. Visit www.phlmg.com or facebook.com/PHLMG for gardens on tour and ticket purchase.

April 23

2 p.m., Alzheimer’s Support Group, Minden Medical Center cafeteria, first floor.

April 25

Phillip’s Cottage 5K Run, 217 W. Union St., Minden. Get race details and register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/PhillipSCottageK .

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Word of the Day: Intransigent

Phonetic: /in·tran·si·gent/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
unwilling or refusing to change one’s views or to agree about something.
“her father had tried persuasion, but she was intransigent”
Similar: uncompromising, inflexible

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Play Sudoku online!

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BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office is alerting residents about a fraudulent text message scam that aims to steal personal information and potentially charge unnecessary fees.

Residents may have received a message claiming to originate from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office. It uses language similar to other scam texts claiming to originate with the Office of Motor Vehicles. The Secretary of State’s Office did not send this text and Secretary of State Nancy Landry encourages anyone who receives the text to delete it. These messages are fraudulent; do not click the links, respond, or send payment.

The Secretary of State’s Office does not send unsolicited text messages or emails threatening prosecution or asking for payment. Residents are encouraged to check the Secretary of State’s website (sos.la.gov) and social media for accurate and up-to-date information.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of April 3 through 9. Civil suits are public record.

April 3
Rolonda Stanley Allen vs. Taras Allen, divorce w/children.

April 6
Jessica Gayl Roberts Dooly, name change.
Lamar Edwards vs. Anilysa Jolyn Mizell, Progressive Security Insurance, damages.
United Wholesale Mortgage LLC vs. Brittany Browning, executory process.

April 7
Merlin Arthur Hanson, Sandra Alline Hearn Hanson, succession over $125K.
Dorothy Lee Butcher, succession over $125K

April 8
Bobby Gaylord Shaw, succession under $125K.
William Holcomb vs. Lane Memorial Cemetery Association, contract.
Carrington Mortgage Services LLC vs. Travis Lange, Katie Anne Pennington Lange, executory process.

April 9
Sarah Beth Culbertson vs. John Allen Culbertson, divorce.

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Betty Lou Moore Hathaway
January 8, 1933 — April 7, 2026
Shreveport/Minden
Visitation: 10 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, Noel Methodist Church, Shreveport.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.

Barbara Ann Moore
June 19, 1943  –  April 7, 2026
Springhill
Private graveside: Springhill Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Dorothy Lee
March 15, 1933 — April 3, 2026
Minden/Haughton
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, Hill Crest Cemetery, Haughton.

Paul Leroy Scott
November 17, 1936 — March 25, 2026
Minden
Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, Living Word 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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By Pat Culverhouse

Doyline’s branch of the Webster Parish Library has proven popular, and the system’s director told members of the Webster Parish Police Jury Tuesday that additional staff may be needed on certain occasions.

“We’ve been extremely pleased with our new facility and how many people are enjoying it,” Savannah Jones said. “We’ve been busy. We’re looking at how we can staff on days of special programs.”

Jones also told jury members the Springhill branch would be seeing a seed library soon, with a variety of garden seeds made available.

During agency reports, Johnnye Kennon of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission said plans are moving forward for the annual archery competition at Camp Minden.

“The competition is scheduled for April 23 through 25 and we’re expecting a large number of visitors during that time,” Kennon told jury members. “Many of those coming in will be from several states, so they will be staying here for the entire tournament.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, members also:

• Ratified adoption of resolution authorizing Webster Parish to join the state and other governmental units as a participant in execution of documents relating to the national opioid settlement agreement.
• Approved appointments of J.T. Rudisill and Jim Brown, Jr. to two-year terms and to reappoint Gary Loftin to a one-year term on the Webster Parish Fire Dist. 3 board of commissioners.
• Reappointed Mark Griffith and Benjamin Gorman to two-year terms on the Webster Parish Fire Dist. 10 board of commissioners, and named Marty Chapman to fill the vacant seat held by Scott Sharp.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Baseball and softball games are in full swing at Minden’s Rec Center, and the local city council is working to ensure that by the time “tournament season” arrives, Minden is ready to welcome visitors.

At Mayor Nick Cox’s request, the council voted unanimously Monday to enter into a sports tourism service agreement between city administration and Airstream Ventures, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based company with more than 40 years of experience in sports and events of all sizes.

District E councilman Andy Pendergrass said there are already several tournament entities asking about dates.

“It’s going to be a real thing,” he said.

For a flat service fee of $5,000, Airstream Ventures will bring a range of related services and expertise to the following:

• Client Hospitality
• Consulting
• Event Management
• Marketing
• Philanthropy
• Sales & Sponsorship
• Sports Tourism

Cox said representatives from the business visited Minden recently.
“They are ambitious and we had a good meeting,” Cox said. “They seem like they share the vision of what we are trying to accomplish.”

“This group really has me fired up,” Pendergrass added. “While they were touring our recreation complex, they were in the car calling tournaments about coming here.”

Pendergrass also pointed out that Airstream toured the city, including hotels and restaurants.
“They are even talking about bringing other types of events to Minden,” he said. “Biking events, water sports events …competitions at Caney Lake and the airport. It’s things that would bring traffic here. It will be a win for retail, lodging and restaurants.”

Minden is already scheduled to host the Dixie Youth World Series event in 2027. Airstream Ventures has also agreed to handle that event for a one-time fee of $12,000 paid one month prior to the event.

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By Shannon Wright

The Village of Doyline’s most recent town council meeting was brief but still provided updates on several ongoing projects and community needs.

Progress continues on the town’s new maintenance barn, though work is temporarily paused pending an inspection by the fire marshal. Town officials noted this is a new process for them, prompting outreach to Ark-La-Tex Shop Builders for guidance to help move things along more efficiently with the fire marshal’s office.

In new business, Representative McMahen has secured discretionary funding that will be divided among each district. Doyline plans to use its portion of the funds to purchase a new lawn mower and install a security system. Specific details on the amount and equipment have not yet been finalized, but updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Meanwhile, the town’s maintenance efforts are shifting into high gear with the arrival of mowing season. Officials reported that routine mowing will be the primary focus for the maintenance team in the coming months.

The council also announced again that the village is actively seeking to fill a part-time maintenance position. Though part-time, the role is considered essential, especially during the busy summer season. Officials said they are ideally looking for a retired individual with experience operating a tractor.

Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to contact Myra Kilburn at Doyline Town Hall at 318-745-2625.

Residents are reminded that the Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. Community members are encouraged to attend and stay informed on local matters affecting the village. 

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana airports will receive $2,550,111.00 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding will support weather equipment, pavement markings, perimeter fencing, apron construction, runway lighting, and airport planning updates across the state.

Two of these airports are in Webster Parish.
 
“When you fly into a town, the airport is the first impression,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These improvements help Louisiana airports stay safe, updated, and ready to serve the people who depend on them.”
 
$427,500 –  City of Minden
This grant provides federal funding to construct 10,460 feet of perimeter fencing to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

$350,000 – City of Springhill
This grant provides federal funding to update the existing airport master plan study at Springhill Airport.

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New office will strengthen rural health care access, workforce, and outcomes across Louisiana

BATON ROUGE – Governor Jeff Landry today signed an executive order establishing the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), marking a major step forward in strengthening health care access and outcomes for rural communities across the state. The executive order also establishes the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council. 

The new office will lead the implementation of Louisiana’s Rural Health Transformation Program, supported by more than $208 million in federal funding. Louisiana’s award is among the highest in the nation and positions the state to draw down more than $1 billion in total funding over the next five years. 

The Governor also announced the formation of the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council. The Council will guide implementation and ensure rural health transformation efforts align with statewide priorities, address local community needs, and promote sustainable, data-driven improvements in care delivery.

“This executive order reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes for Louisiana families, no matter where they live,” said Governor Landry. “For too long, rural communities have faced barriers to accessing care. Today, we are taking decisive action to strengthen those systems so that every Louisianan has access to high-quality, reliable care close to home. Thank you to President Trump and CMS Administrator Dr. Oz for the funding.”

“This is a historic opportunity to transform how health care is delivered in rural Louisiana,” said LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein. “With this investment, we are not only expanding access, but we are building a more coordinated and sustainable health system for rural communities. This work is about delivering better outcomes, closing longstanding gaps in care, and ensuring that rural providers and patients have the support they need to thrive.”

“The Office of Rural Health Transformation marks a turning point for the Louisianans who call our rural parishes home. We are ensuring that a resident in Tensas or Cameron Parish receives the same caliber of preventive and emergency care as someone in the heart of New Orleans, making high-quality health care a local reality, not a long-distance journey,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin.

Nearly 1.1 million Louisianans live in rural parishes. Residents in these areas face higher rates of chronic disease, limited access to care, and significant health care workforce shortages. The new office will coordinate statewide efforts to expand access to care, strengthen rural health infrastructure, and tackle chronic health conditions.

The Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability will focus on key priorities, including rural health care workforce expansion, technology modernization, innovative care delivery models, and improved coordination across health care services. These initiatives are designed to reduce the burden of chronic disease, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, expand access to behavioral health services, and support earlier detection and treatment of serious conditions such as cancer.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Friday, April 10:

ALEXANDER, RAKIYAH D.
100114Home Invasion

BAILEY, BARRON SEMAJ
94980 CT 1 Simple Burglary
94980 CT 2 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
94980 CT 3 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms
94980 CT 4 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
94980 CT 5 Second Degree Murder
94980 CT 6 First Degree Feticide
94980 CT 7 Racketeering
$1797.33 restitution, $270 Fee = $2,067.33
Status Hearing

BAILEY, BARRON SEMAJ
94980 CT 1 Simple Burglary
94980 CT 2 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
94980 CT 3 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms
94980 CT 4 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
94980 CT 5 Second Degree Murder
94980 CT 6 First Degree Feticide
94980 CT 7 Racketeering
$1797.33 restitution, $270 Fee = $2,067.33
Rule to show cause

BAILEY, BARRON SEMAJ
94980 CT 1 Simple Burglary
94980 CT 2 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
94980 CT 3 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms
94980 CT 4 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
94980 CT 5 Second Degree Murder
94980 CT 6 First Degree Feticide
94980 CT 7 Racketeering
$1797.33 restitution, $270 Fee = $2,067.33
A Preliminary Hearing MPD

BAILEY, BARRON SEMAJ
94784 CT 1 Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance, to wit: Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
94784 CT 2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance
Status Hearing MPD

BAILEY, BARRON SEMAJ
94236 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms
Status Hearing MPD

BOOTH, JESSE ALLEN
100265-CT.1 Unauthorized use of a Movable less than $1,000
100265-CT.2 Theft Under $1,000

CARTER, CANTICE SHAVON
96258 Second Degree Battery

CHAMPION, DERRICK ALONZO
99751 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

CHISM, GERRY DEWAYNE
99516 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99516 CT 2 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Fourth or Subsequent

COLLINS, JAMES DAVID
99659 Attempted Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

CORNELIUS, ASHIA GWENETTA
100061 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

CORNELIUS, ASHIA GWENETTA
96007 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

CORNELIUS, ASHIA GWENETTA
96007 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

CROCKETT, TYKEYUNA
100013 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

DODGE, KAMI
99860 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

DRAKE, ROYTAVIOUS KESHUN
99760 Unauthorized Entry Of A Place Of Business

EASTER, SAMANTHA ANN
100261 Theft Under $1,000

EBANKS, JR., JAMES E
100171 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100171 CT. 2 Operating A Vehicle While Under Suspension For Certain Prior

ECKROAT, KEVIN LEDOIT
100003 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender 2nd Offense

FRANKLIN, DEREK
100267-CT.1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
100267-CT.2 Resisting An Officer
100267-CT.3 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
100267-CT.4 Pedestrian On Highway

FRY, MATTHEW D.
100286 Violation Of Leash Law
Restitution Pending

GIFFORD, DAVID W
98789 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
98789A Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

GREEN, DEWAYNE DEMONT
100163 Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence
100163A Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator

GREENARD, MARLON S.
99890 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000
Restitution paid in full 11/24/25

HARPER, KELVONTAE
100268 Simple Robbery

HATFIELD, MANUEL JAMALL
100233 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
10023 CT. 2 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

HUNTER, ASHLEY RENEE
99664 Simple Escape

HUTCHINSON, BRANDI N.
98539 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

INNOCENT, WENDERSON
99934A CT 1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
99934 CT 2 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

IRBY, NICKY AARON
100281 CT 1 Violation Of Leash Law
100281 CT 2 Violation Of Leash Law
Restitution- $300 + $45 = $345 total

ISLAND, LISH ANTONIO
99359 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

JOHNSON, SARAH RUBY
99592 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less
than Two Grams)
99592 CT 2 First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring
99592 CT 3 First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring

JONES, TRISTAN LEE
99927 Possession of CDS I Marijuana (More Than Fourteen Grams)

KEMP, DERRICK DWAYNE
99424 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

LIMOSNERO, JAMES D
98907 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MACON, JASON LLOYD
100188 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

MALONE, ANTHONY L.
98935 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

MARKRAY, JADARIUS TERRENCE
100113 Unauthorized use of a Movable more than $1,000

MAYFIELD, JR., KEVIN DALE
99352 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99352 CT 2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

MAYFIELD, JR., KEVIN DALE
98560 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

MCDONALD, CHRISTOPHER J.
99353 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

MCKINLEY, KYLE MICHAEL
100290 Manslaughter

MEACHAM, BYRON S.
99932 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

MILLER, JERRY
99909 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)

MONTGOMERY, TINA
100006 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

MOORE, DARIEN DANTRELL
98255A Accessory After The Fact

MOORE, VICTOR A.
100146 CT 1 Aggravated Assault
100146 CT 2 Aggravated Assault
100146 CT 3 Aggravated Assault

NOLEN, JR., FREDDIE
98650 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

OSIRIS, STANLEY
99934 CT 1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
99934 CT 2 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

PARDON, HUNTER ALLEN
100262 CT 1 Unlawful Purchase and/or Public Possession of Alcoholic Beverages
100262 CT 2 Failure To Report An Accident And/Or Provide Proper Identification (Damages Over $500)
100262 CT 3 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

PARKER, SCOTT DOUGLAS
99630 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

REEVE, CHRISTINA COYE
97486 CT 1 Resisting An Officer
97486 CT 2 Resisting An Officer
97486 CT 3 Disturbing the Peace by Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition
97486 CT 4 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

SANBORN, BRENDA LYNN
100279 Criminal Trespassing

SIMS, KIARA
100276 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100276 CT. 2 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

SIMS, KIARA
97935 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

SMITH, RUSSELL GARETH
99428 Simple Burglary
Restitution owed per the report- $7,800 plus $1,170 fee = $8,970 total

SMITH, RUSSELL GARETH
99858 CT 1 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
99858 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule III CDS

SMOCK, KRISTIE J.
93746A Simple Battery

STEPHENS, CEDRIC BERNARD
98255 Second Degree Murder
Trial 07/27

STRIPLIN, CHARLES BRUCE
100278 Attempted Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

TURNER, KIMBERLY A.
100284 Violation Of Leash Law

WARREN, JOHN RICHARD
99747 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99747 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

WEEMS, TANYA MCLAIN
100178 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100178 CT. 2 Speeding 16-24 MPH

WHITE, DEJUAN S.
99685 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

WILLIAMS, BRETT DEMARCUS
98643 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98643 CT 2 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

WILLIAMSON, CHRISTOPHER B.
100280 Violation Of Leash Law

WILLIS, DEMARCUS JERMAINE
98255A Accessory After The Fact

WILLIS, DEMARCUS JERMAINE
99271 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99271 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99271 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

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There’s a part of me that wants to keep this column to myself. Toss it in the trash. Avoid anyone thinking I’ve completely lost my mind. But I set out to help people find the courage to face themselves and that means I have to be willing to do the same. Out loud. So here it is.

The goal of trauma therapy is simple to say but not easy to live. It’s to push through the negative emotional set point trauma keeps us in. The addictions, anger, bitterness, resentment and constant complaining. So that we can move toward a baseline of joy, faith, and love.

Have you ever had a season where everything irritated you? Even the people you love? Where nothing really makes you happy, and you catch yourself complaining about things you should be grateful for? Maybe it’s more than a season. Maybe it’s been decades or even your entire life if you’re completely honest with yourself.

You’re not alone. A lot of people are living in that state. I was one of them.

For me, it showed up in my body too. Pain. Exhaustion. A heaviness I couldn’t shake. What started as headaches in my teenage years morphed into something much bigger as the years went on. Labels like fibromyalgia and autoimmune issues came into the picture. But through trauma therapy, I began to realize that my body was trying to tell me something!

And since then, I’ve read many things on how trauma shows up in our bodies. There are entire books dedicated to this subject alone. It’s astonishing.

And then came the realization that maybe I sucked at relationships because of what I was AVOIDING, not because of what I had been through.

I was avoiding the fact that I was scared of true intimacy and real love.

That didn’t make sense at first. I even disagreed with that. Like really disagreed with it! Argued with my therapist, even. I thought I WANTED love. I wanted that more than anything, didn’t I?!? It’s all I had ever wanted. So I though. I thought I wanted a real, committed relationship. I wanted to feel chosen. But deep down, I was terrified of TRUE intimacy. Terrified of being FULLY seen. (and there was so much more to unpack in this area that we don’t have room for in a short newspaper article!)

The truth is, we can SAY we want something with our words, but our patterns tell a different story.

Looking back, there were warning signs all along. Even before my first marriage. There were things I brushed off, minimized, or buried. Even worse, there were many things I made excuses for. But what we don’t face doesn’t disappear. It builds. And eventually, it DEMANDS to be seen. A new relationship won’t fix it. Time won’t fix it. You have to FACE IT to fix it!

It’s like your body starts whispering… and if you don’t listen, it gets louder. And louder. And louder. Until you can’t ignore it anymore.

At some point, you realize you have a choice. You can suffer unconsciously, or intentionally. Because either way, there’s pain. But it’s only through INTENTION that your life gets better.

When you choose to face yourself, your fears, your patterns, your past, it hurts at first. Especially when you start to realize that YOU have been the majority of your problem all along! But on the other side of that pain is something completely different. There’s forgiveness, peace, growth, freedom and even joy!

And your body starts to respond too. The tension eases. The pain begins to subside. Your overall health gets better. Your energy comes back. You begin to feel alive again. Like REALLY alive!

Maybe that won’t be your exact experience. Maybe this all sounds like a bunch of woo-woo nonsense. But ask yourself this, what would it hurt to try?

For years, I organized my life around my trauma without even realizing it. I didn’t even know I HAD trauma. Had never heard of such a thing! But now I see that I chased love in the wrong ways. I tried to control everything to feel safe. I built habits and beliefs that didn’t serve me. The list goes on.

But one of the most freeing things I’ve learned is that those were things I DID. They weren’t who I AM (or even who I was).

We CAN change.

But we have to be honest with ourselves first. 

Those small, unspoken resentments? They don’t stay small. They build. Quietly. And they can take you down if you let them! They WILL take you down if you let them!

So, ask yourself these four questions: 

Do you want to live?

If you do, why? (Like really… WHY?)

What do you want to do?

What would make your life worth living?

Don’t answer quickly. Sit with these questions. Be real with yourself.

Pray. Journal. Sit in the quiet. Get outside. Think deeply about your life.

For me, there was a feeling like there was something inside me that I wasn’t expressing. Like there was a difference between what I had to give and what I was actually giving. And I felt like I was wasting my life. 

Maybe that’s what people call a “mid-life crisis.” But I don’t think it’s a crisis at all. I think it’s an awakening.

An invitation to take a hard look at your life and ask yourself if you’re living with intention, or just running those same old worn-out patterns over and over again? 

Even after a lot of effort, I still get it wrong. A lot. Way more than I care to admit! I don’t think this is something you ever “finish.” It’s a journey. But if sharing my messy, imperfect, chaotic story helps even one person feel less alone or gives one person the courage to take a step toward change, then it’s worth it. 

And if you’re in the middle of your own life transformation, there’s a song that’s been sitting with me lately. It’s called “I Went Back to Ibiza” by Mike Posner. His journey from where he started to where he is now is a reminder that people really CAN change. 

If something in you is stirring as you read this, don’t ignore it. Follow it. Face it. And trust that it will lead you somewhere better. 

Here’s to YOU! Here’s to a better life!

(Shannon Wright is a real estate agent who is also a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal. She lives in Sibley.)

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