By Pat Culverhouse

A suspect is in custody in connection to a Friday night shooting which put a Minden man in the hospital with a non-life threatening wound.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said the suspect, whose name is being withheld pending further investigation, was arrested in the early morning hours Saturday at a residence in the 200 block of Virginia Ave. He reportedly was taken into custody without incident.

McIver said the shooting occurred around 8 p.m. Friday and apparently was the result of an earlier altercation at a local

store. A vehicle, reportedly occupied by several individuals, followed the victim to an area near the intersection of Talton and Murdock streets.

According to investigators, as many as five shots were fired into the victim’s vehicle, with one striking him in the shoulder. The victim reportedly exited his vehicle and ran to the front porch of a residence and collapsed into a chair.

Investigators said the suspected shooter followed and apparently was about to fire more shots when the homeowner intervened, causing the suspect to flee in a gray Honda Civic.

McIver said the victim was taken to the Minden Medical Center emergency room where he reportedly is in stable condition.

Around midnight, through the use of traffic cam license readers and information from an earlier incident gathered by Minden PD Patrol Commander Shane Griffith, the suspect vehicle was spotted headed westbound on Interstate 20 near Traffic St. in Bossier City. 

After entering the plate into the system, investigators learned the vehicle was headed back toward Minden around 4 a.m.

A Webster Parish deputy sheriff reportedly spotted the vehicle heading south on U.S. Hwy. 371 and conducted a traffic stop near Lakeside Jr/Sr High School. The occupants were brought to police headquarters for questioning. During interviews, the suspected shooter’s location was revealed.

McIver said a firearm consistent with one from which the shots were fired has been recovered from the vehicle. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews, the chief said. A charge of attempted second degree murder could be filed, he added.

“Our guys worked around the clock,” McIver said. “They just kept working and putting the puzzle pieces together. We’re thankful for the Sheriff’s Office helping us locate the vehicle and helping us get the suspect into custody.”

In another incident related to the shooting investigation, a Minden man reportedly was arrested after he drove through the crime scene and nearly struck two officers. 

“He drove through the crime scene, around police cars, and nearly hit me and Chief McIver,” Griffith said. “He is being charged with DWI second offense.”

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By Pat Culverhouse

A profanity-laced outburst in Minden City Court Wednesday, which included threatening the life of the judge, could mean a serious change of address for a local man.

Ira Lee Miller, 51, was being processed in city court on a criminal trespass charge when he reportedly suddenly erupted in a string of vulgarities directed toward Judge Sherb Sentell III.

As he was being led from the courtroom in handcuffs by city marshals following the outburst, Miller reportedly shouted at Judge Sentell, “I’ll kill you, b****.”

When he was later returned to court, Sentell reportedly sentenced Miller to six months in jail for contempt of court, the maximum allowed by law. The sentence was ordered served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence and without benefit of good time.

But that’s not all the prison time Miller could be facing.

Minden City Attorney Jimbo Yocom, who also serves as a 26th Judicial District Assistant District Attorney, said the incident will be reviewed by the DA’s office for potential felony charges.

In Louisiana, threatening a judge is primarily governed by two statutes: R.S. 14:122 (Public Intimidation and Retaliation) and R.S. 14:122.2 (Threatening a Public Official.) Both are felonies.

If tried and convicted under R.S. 14:122, penalties include a fine of up to $1,000 and up to five years in prison with or without hard labor, or both. R.S.14:122.2 includes a penalty of up to a $500 fine and up to six months in prison, or both.

Miller reportedly has a lengthy criminal history dating back to the 1990s.

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 Tiffany Flournoy

MINDEN, La. — A Sibley man convicted in April of beating his father to death with a baseball bat nearly a decade ago was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison at hard labor without benefits of parole, probation or suspension of sentence.

Jonconnor Joiner, 32, was convicted last month after a Webster Parish jury deliberated less than 10 minutes before unanimously finding him guilty of second-degree murder in the May 2016 killing of his father, 57-year-old Billy Jack Joiner Jr.

The case was delayed for several years after a court-appointed sanity commission determined Joiner was not competent to stand trial or assist in his defense. He was committed to the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System in Jackson until he was later found competent to proceed.

Judge Parker Self imposed the mandatory sentence following a trial marked by graphic testimony, forensic evidence and an audio confession.

Family members of Billy Joiner Jr. said Joiner continually smirked and smiled during Wednesday’s sentencing proceedings.

In a victim impact statement, Teresa Joiner Hicks told the court, “This statement is not really about me. It is about my father… Our family has carried this loss every day.”

Amie Joiner Sittner recalled first fearing for Joiner’s safety before learning what had happened. “I considered you my brother in every way,” she said, later adding she forgave him but said the pain remains. 

“JonConner, I hope you live every day with the memory of what you did to our father. I hope it haunts you, that it follows you, that it reminds you of the rage and hatred that led to his death. That is your life sentence- — the burden of knowing the full weight of your actions.

She said forgiveness does not erase the pain, the trauma, or the loss.

“Billy and I should be sitting on the porch in rocking chairs talking about our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said Connie Francis Rummage, sister of Billy Joiner Jr. She said Jonconnor Joiner repeatedly claimed he had no family despite relatives present in the courtroom. Francis added that after visiting him early on, he told her not to return if she could not forgive him, and said she now believes he shows no remorse.

Billy Joiner III also addressed the court directly, speaking through faith and the Lord’s Prayer. “Jonconnor… I stand here today as your brother and as the son of the man you took from us,” he said, telling him that by taking their father’s life he also lost the life he could have had. He said forgiveness was a decision rooted in faith, not an excuse for the crime.

He closed by reciting the Lord’s Prayer, with some in the courtroom gallery heard quietly whispering along.

Officials involved in the case described it as among the most gruesome they had encountered.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland told jurors that Billy Joiner Jr. was “beaten viciously” inside the family’s Frazier Road home in Sibley.

According to testimony, former Sibley police officer Cody James discovered the scene after noticing the victim’s donkey, JoJo, loose while patrolling the area. He checked the residence, found the front door kicked in, and called for backup. Deputies later discovered the victim’s body inside.

Jurors heard an audio confession in which Joiner admitted arguing with his father after being told he would have to move out of the home.

“We argued… he was trying to kick me out,” Joiner said in the recording.

He told investigators he initially struck his father with his fists before retrieving a baseball bat and continuing the attack, later taking his wallet believing it contained money.

Jurors were shown crime scene photographs and physical evidence, including a blood-stained baseball bat, clothing, shoes, a cap and a gaming controller prosecutors said was used during the attack.

Investigators testified the controller contained visible blood after the assault began.

Both Tucker and forensic pathologist Dr. Frank Perretti testified there were no signs of a struggle. Perretti said the victim suffered more than 10 blunt-force injuries to the head and extensive skull fractures.

“The entire skull was fractured… there was massive hemorrhaging of the brain,” Perretti testified. “I think he died pretty rapidly — a few minutes at most.”

Investigators later found the victim’s white GMC SUV outside Room 131 of a Bossier City motel where Joiner had been staying. Inside, they recovered the victim’s wallet, identification and cellphone.

Defense attorney Mary Ellen Halterman argued the case should be manslaughter, citing escalating conflict after Billy Joiner Jr. told his son he would need to move out. She noted Joiner had lived with his father since childhood and told authorities he had nowhere else to go.

Jonconnor Joiner did not testify at trial. He also did not speak during the sentencing phase.

The Joiner family also thanked those involved throughout the 10-year process.

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Ashley Burns is wanted for offenses that occurred on July 30, 2024. Patrol officers secured an arrest warrant following the incident. 

Following are the charge(s) and bond amount(s) associated with Ashley Burns:

1. One count simple criminal damage to property (felony) with a bond amount of $10,000 surety.
2. One count entry of an inhabited dwelling (felony) with bond amount of $10,000 surety.
3. One count failure to appear with cash bond amount of $625.

Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) of the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Ashley Burns.

All information will remain 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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By Paige Gurgainers

The Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry is continuing to expand its outreach efforts as demand for food assistance programs continues to grow across the community. Recently, the pantry celebrated the expansion of its facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that highlighted its ongoing mission to serve families in need and strengthen local hunger relief efforts.

For years, the pantry has worked to provide groceries, emergency food assistance and seasonal support programs for residents throughout the area. Volunteers and supporters have played a major role in helping the organization grow into an important resource for families experiencing hardship. The newly expanded facility is expected to improve storage, organization and distribution capabilities as the pantry works to meet increasing needs.

One of the pantry’s largest outreach efforts this summer has been its Summer Feeding Program, which provides food assistance for children while school is out of session. Executive Director Jessica Walker Lewis says response to the program has been overwhelming, with requests continuing to pour in following the first food distribution.

Due to the high volume of applications and messages, pantry leaders announced they are temporarily pausing enrollment for new households in the Summer Feeding Program while they regroup and evaluate what the organization can realistically manage. Families who have already contacted the pantry have been placed on a waiting list and will be contacted as staff and volunteers work through requests.

Organizers also said changes to authorized pickup information or the number of children enrolled cannot currently be processed because participant information has already been submitted to the food bank. Pantry volunteers ask for patience and understanding as they work through adjustments following the program’s first distribution.

Despite the challenges that come with rapid growth, community support continues to fuel the pantry’s efforts. Leaders say the continued response shows how important food assistance programs have become for local families and reflects the strong spirit of neighbors helping neighbors throughout the region.

The pantry is also encouraging local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and community groups to get involved through donations or volunteer efforts. Support from the community helps keep programs operating and allows the pantry to continue serving families in need. Anyone interested in donating food, supplies, funding, or volunteer time is encouraged to contact the Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry for more information on how to help support its mission.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

The north Louisiana chapter of the National Football Foundation makes difficult choices each winter to narrow a field of roughly two dozen high school senior scholar-athlete nominees to a select group of nine $1,000 scholarship winners.

Then it really gets tough. The Shreveport-based S.M. McNaughton Chapter’s board of directors reconsiders the nine chosen from schools covering the north half of the state, and splits hairs to pick just one as its Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Tuesday, this year’s winner, Hudson Smith of North Webster High School in Springhill, received national recognition.

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame included Smith as it unveiled 63 members of the 2026 NFF Team of Distinction, honoring the nation’s top high school scholar-athletes who have excelled at the very highest levels in the classroom, on the field and by making an impact in their communities. They represent 29 states.
 
“These remarkable young men have pushed themselves to succeed in every arena imaginable: in the classroom, on the field, and in service to their communities,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Together, they have compiled an extraordinary record that includes valedictorians, all-state selections, Eagle Scouts, team captains and community leaders.”

Selected from a nationwide pool of 3,500 outstanding candidates identified through the NFF Chapter Network, the members of the team all played their final high school football season last fall. Each NFF chapter is permitted to nominate only one player annually, making inclusion on the Team of Distinction one of the highest honors awarded at the grassroots level of amateur football. Criteria to make the team include  (but are not limited to) academic achievement, athletic accolades and community involvement.

Smith, a two-time all-district center for the Knights, was nominated by his coach, Christopher Wilson.

Nicknamed “the Governor,” Smith was in fact elected as governor of 2025 Louisiana Boys State. He was North Webster’s student council vice president, and earned salutatorian honors with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Smith was named Springhill’s Mr. Main Street for 2026. He was National Honor Society president and vice president of the student council at North Webster, and was a state tournament qualifier in tennis. Smith was in BETA and the Christian Youth Club.

He credited his teaches, coaches, and most of all, his parents for his success.

“They’ve been a huge motivation for me. I’ve wanted to strive to be like them, because they’ve pushed me forward so much,” Smith said in a KTBS TV interview last fall.

He was among 43 National Honor Society members recognized by the NFF, and 42 multi-sport athletes.

NFF officials said this year marks the ninth year of the NFF Team of Distinction, continuing a 73-year tradition of the NFF Chapter Network honoring the nation’s top scholar-athletes at the grassroots level. Since 1954, NFF chapters have served as the driving force behind the Foundation’s mission to build leaders through football, recognizing excellence while strengthening communities across the country.

The NFF Chapter Network includes more than 12,000 members and positively impacts more than 500,000 student-athletes at 5,000 high schools annually. At the center of that mission are the chapters’ annual scholar-athlete awards banquets, which collectively honor more than 3,500 outstanding high school football players each year while providing more than $1 million in scholarships to support their academic futures.

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By Paige Gurgainers

Community members gathered at Mercy’s Closet in Minden Saturday, May 23, to celebrate the dedication of the new Free Library for Kids supported by the North Shreveport Lions Club. 

Plans are underway for a Cub Club in Minden. This initiative would be sponsored locally by the Minden Evening Lions Club as a way to encourage children ages 0–12 to get involved in community service, leadership and helping others.

Organizers expressed appreciation to Diana, owner of Mercy’s Closet, for allowing the library to be placed at the location, helping make books more accessible to children in the community.

Parents interested in registering their child for the Cub Club can contact Lion Mike Trainor at 318-268-6772 for more information.

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Intake # 26084 ” Coconut “ is approximately  3 years old – 46-pound female Staffordshire bull terrier mix at Minden Animal Control. Coconut is very friendly and will sit well for treats.  She is light heart worm positive and will need treatment.  She does not like cats.  She’s done very well with other dogs at the shelter.   She’s very playful and active.

Available for rescue through 501c3 group or approved adoption (MUST fill out application for adoption)

Adoption fee- $150 (covers spay, age appropriate vaccines,  worming, and microchip)

Adoption application —  forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6

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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As school ends, Vacation Bible Schools all over the parish begin. If your church is hosting one of these events this summer, please email your information to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will publish it in a special calendar. Thank you!

May 31 – June 4

6 until 8 p.m., Bistineau Baptist, 195 Bistineau Church Road, Heflin. Register online at https://myvbs.org/vbs-2026-1776109928830 .

June 1 – 3

5:30 – 8 p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church, 713 Homer Rd., Minden. Pre-K to 6th grade. http://qrto.org/vmq13C .

June 1 – 5

9 a.m. until noon, First Baptist Church, Minden. Call 318-377-4434 or register at https//kideventpro.lifeway.com/myEvent/?id=72903 .

June 8 – 12

6 until 8:30 p.m., Unity Baptist Church, Cotton Valley, K through 5th grade.

June 8 – 13

6 until 8:45 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 1919 S. Main Springhill, Kindergarten through 5th grade. For more information, call 870-949-3680.

June 8 – 11

5:30 until 8 p.m., preschool through 5th grade, Lakeview Methodist Church 301 Lakeshore Drive, Minden. A light meal will be served at 5:30.  We invite families to join us Thursday the 11^th at 7:30 for a VBS program followed by an ice cream social.  We welcome all to “Magnified” VBS, discovering the brightness of God in the smallest of things. 

Register online at www.lakeviewminden.com or print and email the completed form to lakeviewunite365@bellsouth.net

June 14 – 18

5:30 until 8 p.m., Central Baptist Church, Springhill, ages three through 6th grade.

June 22 – 26

6 until 8:30 p.m., North Acres Baptist Church. Register at https://onrealm.org/NorthAcresBapti31149/Registrations/Registrants/e37ca670-d1e0-4d26-8e23-b409010037cd?congregantView=true&connect=true&viewIndividualId=cd5677d8-e681-479f-af07-b3fc012389f5 .

July 13 – 17

5:30 until 8:30 p.m., First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden, ages pre-K through 6th grade. Supper provided. Call 318-377-1483 or visit https://www.facebook.com/100064614286593/posts/1321421020021695/?fs=e&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=wKEx4hN4p2w03lR0# for more information.

July 26 – 31

6 until 8:10 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 1400 Homer Road, Minden. For more information: calvaryminden.com/vbs

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There’s something both hilarious and mildly humbling about becoming the parent who says, “Back in my day…” And yet here I am.

Because apparently we’ve entered an era where tiny foam blobs named NeeDohs, squishy dumplings with faces, and mystery-packed Squishies have become the equivalent of gold bars in elementary school economics.

If you don’t know what a NeeDoh is, congratulations on either having grown children or being blissfully disconnected from the toy aisle at Target. They’re basically stress balls… but somehow not? They come in different textures, colors, sizes and apparently emotional significance. Kids trade them like stockbrokers. They have favorites. They have rare ones. Some are “too nice to play with.” Which, as a mother spending actual money on them, feels offensive.

And the dumplings? Why are we emotionally attached to squishy dumplings with tiny smiles? I don’t know. But if one goes missing in this house, it triggers a full-scale FBI investigation.

The funniest part is realizing every generation has their version of this.

Because if we’re being honest, the kids of the ’90s weren’t exactly making sound financial or emotional decisions either (or at least our parents weren’t.)

We begged our parents for Beanie Babies like they were retirement investments. I am still waiting on these things to be worth something by the way! We nearly broke our ankles bouncing on Pogo Sticks. We carried Tamagotchis around with the stress level of young single mothers trying to keep a digital blob alive during math class. We had Furby fever. We collected slap bracelets despite schools practically treating them like contraband. We thought mood rings held scientific truth.

And don’t even get me started on Lisa Frank everything.

The girls had inflatable furniture and butterfly hair clips. The boys had Tech Decks and Yo-Yos that somehow came back into style every six months. If your parents bought you Skip-It, congratulations on surviving childhood shin injuries.

Every generation has “the thing.” The must-have item that somehow dominates playground conversations and drains parents’ wallets one $6 squishy at a time.

And honestly? I kind of love it.

Because while I may not fully understand the emotional attachment to a smiling dumpling keychain, I do understand what it feels like to be little and obsessed with something magical and ridiculous. I remember the excitement of finally getting the toy everyone else had. 

But somewhere along the way, we became the adults confused by the toys instead of the kids obsessed with them.

And honestly?

That might be the weirdest trend of all.

(Paige Gurgainers is a mom of three girls, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)

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Today (Friday) is election day … for City of Minden Pet Mayor.

It’s the deadline to vote for someone’s pet to serve as the next Mayor and City Council of Minden.

The 2026 Pet Mayor Election is LIVE. Voting is open from today through May 29 and will be done through the following link: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/9089

Each vote costs $5 with proceeds going to Minden Animal Control’s new center. May the best pet win!

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There is a new product available for gardeners.  It is called Coco Coir.  It’s a growing medium and premium starting mix.  You can use Coco Coir with flowers, shrubs, trees, berries, fruit, vegetables, root crops and hydropoics.

The benefits include a slow breakdown with excellent nutrient and water holding capacity.  It produces stronger plants with a vigorous root system.  Coco Coir is easy to wet without dry spots and provides excellent structure and aeration in root zone.  It has a high water holding capacity with a neutral PH for optimal plant growth.  

Coco Coir is weed free and attracts earth worms, also promotes rapid dense root growth with yielding gardens.  Coco Coir can be re-used after to improve soil structure.

To use, lay block down flat somewhere with good drainage.  Slowly pour warm water over block allowing water to absorb without runoff.  Break apart with hands until light and spongy.  The warmer the water, the faster and easier the expansion is.  

Coco Coir looks to be a good product.  I’m certainly going to try it.

(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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By Paige Gurgainers

Lakeside High School Baseball is stepping up to the plate this summer with a new initiative aimed at bringing the community together and building excitement around Warrior baseball through the month of June.

The program, titled “Summer Games at Warrior Field,” will feature a series of themed home game nights throughout the month designed to celebrate students, teachers, alumni, youth athletes and community members while creating a family-friendly atmosphere at the ballpark.

The summer lineup includes special events like student night, youth baseball recognition night, teacher appreciation night, alumni night and even a luau-themed senior celebration to close out the month.

The new high school baseball coach Chase Spatafora says the goal is bigger than baseball. “This is as much for the community as it is for the players,” he said. “Of course our players love seeing the stands filled with support from family, friends and community members, but we also want to recognize all the people in the community who make what we do possible. We hope to see you at the ballpark cheering on the Warriors all season long.”

The themed nights will include raffles, recognition ceremonies, fan activities, autograph opportunities with players and special admission promotions for different groups throughout the month.

School supporters hope the initiative helps strengthen community pride while also building momentum and support for the baseball program entering a new era under its new leadership.

All recognition participants are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to game time.

The first themed night, “Pack the Park,” is scheduled for June 3 at 5 p.m. at Warrior Field. Lakeside students wearing school gear and presenting a school ID can attend for just $1.

The full schedule of events can be found on the Lakeside Warrior Baseball social media pages.

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Friday

A slight chance of showers before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Calm wind.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Sunday

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Current through June 27

Roar & Explore: Discovery Camp 2026, Webster Parish Libraries Discovery Camp 2026.  STEM-themed weeks that explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through fun, educational, and engaging activities with a lineup of special performers who combine entertainment and education in the most fun ways.

May 30

Deadline to sponsor events at Celebrate America 250 & Minden 190. Click here: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/8625 .

3:30 p.m. doors open; 4:30 p.m. games start, LaMa Animal Rescue Game Night, Springhill Civic Center, $20 for games, BINGO, purse raffle, dessert auction, concessions Split the Pot and door prizes.

4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Victory Park, Minden, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden celebrates 125 years.

June 4

10 a.m., Turners Pond, the second and final GOF catfish stocking of the spring by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

June 11-13

Celebrate America 250 & Minden 190

Bites & Beats kicks off weekend celebration.

Kids Patriotic Parade

5K Run on Main

Cornhole Tournament

Grilling on Main

Little Grillers

Kids Play area

Duck Derby

Fireworks Finale

June 15-19

Building Bridges of Opportunity Summer Day Camp, males entering grades 6-9 in Minden and surrounding areas. Webster Jr. High School, 700 E. Union St., Minden. For more information, call 318-470-2031.

June 20

8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Men’s Wellness Fair, presented by Healing from the Heart LLC. Minden Recreation Center. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at eventbrite or at the door.

June 21

8 a.m. until a p.m., service at 10:45 a.m., Men’s Wellness Fair weekend continues, New Light Baptist Church, Minden.

June 22 – 26

9 a.m. until noon, Earth Camp 2026 at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads, Minden, ages 6 through 9.

1 p.m. until 3 p.m., ages 10 through 16.

June 27

9 until 10 a.m. Check in at Cash Magic Springhill for W.H.O. Poker Run. Pre-register at http://bit.ly/3PG71ZH . Benefits Women Helping Others.

2 until 6 p.m., Miller Quarters Park, Minden, Daddies With Angels Cookout. Hearts & Halos event to support grieving fathers.

July 9

5:30 p.m. Gather and Grow – Gardening for Pollinators, Webster Parish Extension Office, 1202 Homer Road, Minden. For more information, call 318-371-1371 or 318-927-3110.

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Word of the day: Sacrosanct

Phonetic: /SAK-roh-sankt/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
Sacrosanct is a formal word that describes something too important and respected to be changed or criticized. It can also mean “most sacred or holy.”

While the family’s new matriarch aimed to maintain the familiar traditions of the holidays, she did not consider the details of their celebration to be sacrosanct.

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of May 22 through May 28. Civil suits are public record.

May 22
Nancy Carolyn Barnette, succession over $125K.
JM Dump Services LLC vs. Scott McCall, monies due.
PennyMac Loan Services vs. Kerry Christy Page, Dustin L. Page, executory process.
Credit Acceptance Corp. vs. Jessie Dixon, judgment executory & garnishment.

May 26
Andrea L. Lary, succession over $125K.
Chelsea Mays vs. Osmar Morales, divorce.
Toni Cox vs. Jeffery Cox, divorce.
Toni Cox vs. Jeffery Cox, protective order.
Republic Finance LLC vs. Patricia A. Allen, judgment executory & garnishment.

May 27
Mattie Mae Youngblood Turner, succession over $125K.
Brandon S. Griffith, Nancy J. Griffith vs. Noah Slocum, Meredith P. Dunn, custody.
Makenlee Carole McCall vs. Dustin Clay McCall, protective order.

May 28
Spring Oaks SPV LLC vs. Patricia Shelton, monies due.
Connexus Credit Union vs. Anthony Vasquez (no description given).

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John Randall Bennett, 51, 700 block Henry Williams Rd., Shongaloo: arrested May 27 by WPSO on warrant. Bond set $1,000. 

Matthew Dean Lewis, 30, 800 block Hill St., Springhill: arrested May 28 by WPSO for domestic abuse with strangulation. No bond set. 

J’uan Damyia Stephens, 19, 900 block 2nd St., Springhill: arrested May 27 by Springhill PD for illegal use of a firearm during a crime of violence, failure to appear on charge of accessory to aggravated criminal damage to property. Total bond set $100,000. 

Broadus Darnell Davis, 46, 600 block E. 2nd St., Homer: arrested May 27 by Louisiana State Police as fugitive from Claiborne Parish SO. No bond set. 

Alex D. Lawson, 37, 400 block Timothy Church Rd., Springhill: arrested May 28 by WPSO for criminal trespass. Bond set $1,500.

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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Joshua Kyle Woods
August 25, 1982 — May 25, 2026
Minden, La.
For funeral arrangements, contact Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, 318-377-3412.

Mike Whitlow
May 9, 1946  –  May 26, 2026
Springhill, La.
Visitation: Noon until 2 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, Springhill Methodist Church, Springhill, La.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Harmony Cemetery, Magnolia, Ark., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Mary Alice Goode
March 5, 1952 — May 22, 2026
Cotton Valley
For funeral arrangements, contact Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden, 318-377-3412.

James Marshal Moorehead
May 5, 1938 — May 10, 2026
Minden, La.
Visitation: 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Burial: Minden Cemetery.

Elmer Fayette Tompkins
July 14, 1937 — May 6, 2026
Baton Rouge/Homer, La.
Graveside service: 11 a.m. until noon, Saturday, May 30, 2026, Arlington Cemetery, Homer.

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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A series of what were described as “abusive” calls to 911 led Minden police officers to a Miller St. apartment where deplorable living conditions proved to be the basis for a local couple’s trip to the parish jail.

Officers responded to an apartment in the 200 block of Miller St. shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday after a 911 caller claimed individuals were attempting to steal an air conditioner. After the caller further claimed someone was present near his building, police conducted a walkthrough of the apartment.

Inside, officers observed living conditions that were described as “…horrible, with unsanitary conditions through the home…” including dirty dishes along with piles of clothing throughout the living quarters. Officers also observed roaches throughout the quarters.

Also, officers found an axe laying on the bed in the bedroom, and pornography playing on a television. “Shake,” a marijuana residue, reportedly was found in the bedroom area.

A juvenile reportedly was found living in the apartment. The juvenile reportedly was released to the custody of a family member.

Officers arrested Harvey Dwayne Bates, 50, on charges of misuse of 911 and cruelty to juveniles. Bates reportedly had made a total of four calls to 911; two just after 1:15 a..m. Wednesday and two on Tuesday.

Police also arrested Artavis S. Willis, 37, on a charge of cruelty to juveniles. Willis reportedly is Bates’ live-in girlfriend.

Bates is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Facility while Willis is housed in the parish jail. Bond has not been set for either.

Due to their observations during the incident, police reportedly contacted the state Dept. of Child and Family Services (DCFS) with a report of child negligence.

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 Pat Culverhouse

A Texas man is currently in custody after a stolen firearm reportedly was found in the vehicle in which he was a passenger.

Ashton Terell Lyons, 35, a resident of Aubrey, Texas is charged with illegal possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. 

Lyons was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by a Louisiana State Police trooper for a traffic violation just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. While interviewing the driver, the trooper reportedly was told the passenger had a firearm in the vehicle.

When, during questioning, the passenger denied having a weapon, the trooper reportedly received written permission from the driver to search the vehicle.

During a search, a Glock 19 handgun reportedly was found inside a suitcase in the trunk of the vehicle. The serial number on the handgun reportedly was difficult to read due to heavy scratching.

A data base search reportedly revealed the handgun was stolen. After his Miranda rights were administered, Lyons reportedly admitted possessing the firearm. 

He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond has reportedly been 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.

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