Word of the Day: Ephemeral
Phonetic: /ephem· er· al/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
• lasting a very short time
ephemeral pleasures
Their fame turned out to be ephemeral.
• lasting one day only
an ephemeral fever
• devoted to what is of temporary interest
the ephemeral nature of journalism – Evelyn Toynton
Jarel Kion Richardson, 26, 100 block OakTree Lane, Minden: arrested April 30 by WPSO for passing on shoulder, aggravated flight from officer, speeding, driving under suspension, no insurance, switched license plates, no inspection sticker, driving under suspension. Bond set $25,507.
Bryant Alfonso Champion II, 25, 2100 block Hwy. 531, Minden: arrested April 30 by Minden PD on warrant for possession of firearm by convicted felon. Bond set $50,000.
Cassie Michelle Guillory, 39, 500 block Myers St., Minden: arrested April 30 by Minden PD on warrants. Bond set $1,200. No bond set.
Telvin D’Ibro West, 33, 800 block Madison Ave., Minden: arrested May 1 by Probation and Parole for parole violation. Original charges: possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute. No bond set.
Austin David Griffith, 31, 100 block Nelson Lane, Minden: arrested May 2 by WPSO on fugitive warrant from Bossier Parish SO. No bond set.
Jervae Lestoriya Winans Jr., 26, 900 block Carolina St., Minden: arrested May 2 by WPSO for pedestrian on highway, disturbing the peace, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), resisting arrest, introduction of contraband into penal facility. Bond set $2,003.
Breuna Love, 35, 1100 block Burchett St., Bossier City: arrested May 1 by WPSO on multiple warrants for simple criminal damage to property (two counts), home invasion, aggravated second degree battery, fugitive from Ringgold PD, fugitive from Bossier Parish SO. Bond set $205,000.
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.
Randy Taylor
November 23, 1955 – May 4, 2026
Springhill, La.
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Beech Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, Spearsville, La.
Jackie Ben West Sr.
April 18, 1951 – May 2, 2026
Springhill, La.
Memorial service at a later date.
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
Wednesday proved to be an “all hands on deck” day for multiple law enforcement agencies when separate, simultaneous incidents resulted in the capture of a wanted fugitive and recovery of a missing juvenile.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said Wednesday was one of those days when things happened at once.
“We had received a report that an autistic juvenile had left a local residence and we were in the process of searching for him when we were contacted by City Marshal Dan Weaver,” McIver said.
“He had received notification from Houston police that they were looking for an armed robbery suspect who could be in the Minden area where he had family. Marshal Weaver had been able to trace a possible location for the suspect.”
According to the notification, Houston police were looking for 25-year-old Dontaveyun Z. Crockett, a Dayton, Texas resident.
“We were able to mobilize and redeploy officers to look for the suspect within 10 minutes after Marshal Weaver contacted us,” McIver said.
Shortly after 8 p.m., MPD Lt. Mitch Hackett reportedly spotted Crockett walking on Midland St. When Hackett stopped his unit, Crockett fled along Long St. where he reportedly tossed a handgun with an extended clip into a ditch.
As the foot pursuit continued onto Chestnut St., the suspect reportedly ran behind a trailer home and managed to elude officers. An intense search continued and Crockett was reportedly found hiding inside a Chestnut St. residence reportedly owned by a family member.
Crockett was taken to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where he was booked on a fugitive warrant from Harris County, Texas.
While the hunt was underway for the wanted fugitive, Minden police and Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies continued to look for the juvenile who had been reported missing earlier Wednesday.
“We did a good job of reallocating resources without jeopardizing either of these situations,” McIver said. “Our combined search for the young person never stopped.”
After roughly three hours, the search ended when the youth was found at a residence in the Roosevelt St. neighborhood. After an investigation into the incident, the youth reportedly was placed in the custody of the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS).
“I cannot say enough about the teamwork involved,” McIver said. “We had two critical situations and all three enforcement agencies (MPD, Sheriff’s Office, Marshal’s Office) answered the call. We have a harmonious relationship the people of our city and parish deserve.”
MPD Patrol Commander Lt. Shane Griffith said he was especially pleased with the efficiency and determination of the officers.
“I can’t say enough about how we performed in these two circumstances,” Griffith said. “When the time came that we needed to handle two critical incidents, there was no hesitation. Their focus never wavered and they got the job done.”
McIver said the Wednesday performance of the law enforcement agencies will hopefully send a message to criminals.
“I hope this tells them that if they do a crime somewhere, Minden might not be the best place for them to come and try to hide,” he said.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Early voting begins Saturday for all other races
BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry Thursday said that voting for the May 16 elections will proceed, with early voting beginning on Saturday, May 2.
However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Louisiana’s current U.S. House District maps are an unconstitutional gerrymander and their use in the upcoming Congressional elections would violate law.
“Pursuant to 18:401.1(B), I have certified the emergency in light of the Supreme Court ruling. This is a mandatory step prior to the Governor issuing an executive order suspending the upcoming Louisiana U.S. House races. All other races on the ballot, besides the U.S. House races, will continue as scheduled, with early voting beginning on Saturday,” Landry said.
“Our office will post notices at each of the early voting sites to alert the public of this change. While the U.S. House races will remain on voters’ ballots, any votes cast in those races will not be counted.”
Webster Parish Clerk of Court Holli Vining said she wants it to be clear that all other races will still be on the ballot for May 16, as well as early voting.
By Marilyn Miller
April was nationally recognized as “Child Abuse Awareness Prevention” month.
“As part of our prevention education efforts, the Gingerbread House premiered a new event recently – the Ladies Who L.U.N.C.H. – Learning United to Nurture Community & Hope,” said Jessica Milan Miller, CEO of the organization that serves Northwest Louisiana.
Tickets to the event featured an inspirational message from Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage, lunch, a small bouquet of flowers, a special gift, and access to local boutique pop-up shops. And the 214 guests were treated to a Lemonade Bar, because “When life gives you lemons, choose to make lemonade.”
The boutique pop-up shops were “Art by Sarah-Katherine Semon,” “Give Me 3,” “Purvey Minden,” and “Simply Chic Boutique Bossier.”
The Gingerbread House Board of Directors president, Michael Angelo and Jessica introduced guest speaker Sara McDaniel, who captured the attention of the audience with a slide-enhanced telling of the “Really, God?” moments leading up to her current life.
After taking the stage, Sara asked if anyone had ever said the words, “I’ll never do that.” Getting the obvious response, she admitted that the first time she said them was after high school graduation, when she enrolled at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR. “I said, I’m never going back to Louisiana again,” she admitted. Yeah?
After marrying her college sweetheart and getting a degree in Education, she ended up teaching in Plain Dealing, ah, Louisiana. “Everything was wonderful. We graduated from OBU, moved back down to Louisiana…we were traveling, we were teaching Sunday School together, we were doing mission trips together…We tried desperately to start a family, and it didn’t happen. That was absolutely devastating to me!”
Sara and her husband eventually moved to Salt Lake City. “We doubled our salary, we were on our way, and everything was really, really good. Until it actually wasn’t.” But it wasn’t Sara’s “first inclination to run.” So, despite the downturn in their marriage, the couple relocated to Corpus Christi. THAT is where the divorce happened. “Really, God?”
After getting divorced, Sara found herself at a crossroads. Was she going to stay in Corpus Christi, or take some steps to get out of the state she was in. “I read and prayed so much. I read so many books…how to heal from an affair, how to heal from a divorce. I got to know the new me.” In fact, Sara did not date for three years after her divorce.
“I poured myself into playing tennis, poured myself into work, I got highly involved in service work in Corpus Christi. We did a mission called ‘Feed the Need’ where we went out into our community two Saturdays a month and fed our homeless population.”
Sara traveled to Guatemala “about five times” and worked with the families at the city dump. She sought support from counseling. She got involved in a ladies-only Bible Study. This was important to Sara because it involved ladies who were single, married, widowed, retired, working. “And all these ladies poured into me,” she said.
Then she hired a life coach, Dr. Laurel Emory, because she had to have help planning out “the best part of my life.” She was being given a do-over and she needed help, and because maybe “my plan A was really God’s Plan B.” So, Sara thought her divorce was the worst thing that could happen to her. But things went from bad to worse. By 2011, her divorce final, she was an educational sales rep for McGraw-Hill. The best salesman in Texas by statistics. And when wind of layoffs began, “because I was very prideful, I said they are not going to cut me.” Right? Wrong! “Really, God? How could you let this happen to me?”
“So, absolute devastation. I’m in Corpus Christi, calling my parents and they’re telling me to just come home. And I tell them ‘NO’ twice. I am not coming home to Louisiana.” As fate would have it (because Sara believes our steps are ordered by God), she got a phone call at 4 p.m. the same afternoon that she got laid off, she got a job offer from “Teacher Created Materials,” where she landed. With that job she was ultimately able to get the finances to buy “that house in Minden.”
While she was at Teacher Created Materials, God told her that it was time to move home to Louisiana. She moved to Minden and she got the cottage. She’s been divorced. She’s lost her job. Is there anything else, Lord?
“You know I tried for six years to get pregnant, and it did not happen.” The doctors had told her that she had a “touch” of endometriosis. Not bad enough for a procedure. Well, it had probably been eight years since trying to get pregnant “and I tell you, endometriosis had taken over my life.” Her doctor wanted to put her on a medication with a very long list of side effects. She refused. Instead, she went to Google and sought out the best doctor for endometriosis in the U.S. She found him in Atlanta. So, she went. She was told she’d be in the hospital maybe a week. She went into surgery, with the specialist telling her it was one of the worst cases he had ever seen. And it was. After surgery, she did not get better, if fact, she almost died. “We should have been in Atlanta for five days…we were in Atlanta for 22 days.” She is now endometriosis-free.
Sara ended with a verse, Ephesians 3:20. “All glory to God, who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you can ask or imagine.” God opened up door after door after door for me. What might be the absolute worst thing in your life, God can turn around and He can use it for his greatest glory.”
The event took place at The Simple Church Event Space at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City. The afternoon ended with drawings for three door prizes.
Below: Sara McDaniel (center) was happy to have her mother, Diane Carroll, and a cousin, Angela Sedberry (right) present at her talk for the Gingerbread House last Wednesday. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)
Ravi Flournoy is wanted for failing to appear in Minden City Court on April 23 for several offenses. The following are the charges and bond amounts associated with Ravi Flournoy:
• Six counts of failure to appear (bench warrants) with a cash bond amount of $1,000 or $20,000 surety.
Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) of the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Ravi Flournoy.
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.
By Jessica Gorman
On 1 May 1933, around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, Minden was struck by what is estimated to have been an EF4 tornado. Areas affected included Crichton Hill, Bayou Avenue, Minden Cemetery, from Shreveport Road up Broadway, City Park, Harrell Heights, and Warsaw.
Reports of the number of dead and injured vary from one publication to the next. Some have suggested a much greater number than reported, even into the hundreds, but for the most part, that would be speculation and conjecture. It is important to note that by 1933, death certificates were mandated. That considered, we have some pretty solid records available.
The stories of the white deaths have been well-told over the years. They were reported in the newspapers and their stories shared by family members.
On that fateful afternoon, Julia Tinnell was celebrating her 11th birthday. It was a party that would end in tragedy. She and her seven-year-old sister, Kathryn, were both killed. The sisters were, at the time, the only children of Conde and Orilla Tinnell. The couple had a son, Conde, three years later. The girls are buried in unmarked graves in the Minden Cemetery.
Gwendolyn Haynes was a guest at the party. She was the eleven-year-old daughter of William Auby and Saleta Ora Haynes. She was buried in the Old Shongaloo Cemetery.
At the McCollum home at 506 Bayou Avenue, six people were killed. Mrs. Edna McCollum and two of her children, Elsie Rae, 11, and Lee Earl, 6, were killed. Her sister, Bertha Reeves, and two brothers, Cecil, 7, and Sechem, 11, were killed as well. The only survivor in the home was Elvis McCollum. All six family members were buried at Bistineau Baptist Cemetery.
S. A. Owens was a neighbor to the McCollum and Reeves families at 407 Bayou Avenue. He was a salesman for an oil company. He left behind a wife and two daughters. A week after the storm, his commission card appointing him Special Deputy Sheriff was found by J.W. Hudson five miles north of Farmerville. He is buried at Mt. Lebanon.
Another victim was Dave W. Cook. His wife had died just a few months before. He was misidentified as a Mr. Hicks in the immediate aftermath of the storm. When Mr. Hicks, his brother-in-law, turned out to be alive, the deceased was determined to be Dave Cook. He is buried in Macedonia Cemetery in Claiborne Parish.
Loren C. Allen lived at 408 South Broadway. He was 65 years old and had worked as a foreman in the L&A Railway shops for over 20 years. He received injuries to his head and back and remained hospitalized until his death on May 22nd. He was buried in Pittsburgh, Kansas.
Much of the destruction that day occurred in the black neighborhoods of Minden. It is recorded that around eighty homes were destroyed in the original Miller Quarters alone. The newspapers didn’t record their stories. Sometimes, they didn’t even list their names and when they did, it tended to be inaccurate.
Two-year-old Willie A. Anderson was killed. At this point, no other information is known about him. The 1930 Minden city directory lists William Anderson at 218 East Street. I would think it likely this could be Willie’s father. Newspapers also listed an Anderson Woody who I have not been able to identify and wonder if this name incorrectly refers to Willie Anderson.
Another child that I have not yet matched to a family is twelve-year-old Henry Jones. This is one of those times that I wish I had more time to work on a story. I would have sent for death certificates to hopefully answer some of these questions. So, for now, I’ll add death certificates to the to-do list. My hunch is that he may have been Harold Jones, found in the household of Willie Jones on Bayou Avenue in the 1930 U.S. Census.
“Aunt Jo” Josephine T. Jefferson was 68 and lived at 201 East Street. She is buried in the Sheppard Street Cemetery. Newspapers identified a Joe Jefferson as a victim of the tornado, but may have referred to Josephine, as no death certificate is listed for that name.
Laura Moore, 77, lived at 204 East Street and was a neighbor to Josephine Jefferson. She died the next day. Newspapers also list a Laura Moreland, but I find no death certificate listed for that name. I suspect this could also refer to Laura Moore.
John Houston was a farmer on the Dixie Overland Highway (East Union). He was taken to Shreveport for treatment but died the next day. He was 40 years old and left behind a wife and six daughters.
Ray Manley, 32, was misidentified by the press. Newspapers reported his name as Roy Manning. He lived at 317 Morrow Street and worked at a saw mill. His four-year-old daughter, Velma, was killed as well. He left behind a wife, Birdie, and at least one son, Nathaniel, who was eight years old. His neighbor, Nora Williams, at 318 Morrow, was taken to Shreveport for treatment where she died the next day.
Frances Moody Brown was identified in the paper as simply Frances Moody. She was 26 years old and worked as a cook in a private home. She left behind two young sons, Leroy & Elroy. Mabel Moody was listed as well. So far, I have found no record of her.
Josephine Allen, 62, was a resident of Miller Quarters. She was taken to Shreveport for treatment and died the next day.
Robert Smith & child were listed among the deceased but have not yet been identified. No death certificate is listed for either.
If you have any information that would help fill the gaps of who these people were, I would love to be able to better tell their story.
(Jessica Gorman is Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, President of the Minden Cemetery Association, Webster Parish Historian, and an avid genealogist.)
The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, May 4:
BROWN, KATHLEEN NICOLE
99599 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian
Courtroom A For Further Disposition
HARVEY, ANDREW JAMES
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Courtroom A Status Hearing
Co def G. Pruett
LARD, DJIMON HETONIUS
97082A Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Courtroom A Status Hearing
LARD, DJIMON HETONIUS
97082A Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Courtroom A Motion In Limine
MOORE, DEANDRE LEE
98330-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98330-CT.2 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
98330-CT.3 Aggravated Battery
Courtroom A Status Hearing
MOORE, KALION
99803 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99803A Battery Of A Correctional Facility Employee
Courtroom A Status Hearing
PENNYWELL, JR., CALVIN W.
97519-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
97519-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
Courtroom A Sentencing Hearing
POWELL, JERMAIN RASHUN
100034 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
Courtroom A Status Hearing MPD
SEAMSTER, LATAVION K
99480 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
99480A Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
Courtroom A Status Hearing
TAYLOR IV, ALBERT W
97082 Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Courtroom A Status Hearing
TAYLOR, ALDARAVION
97082 Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Courtroom A Status Hearing
WARREN, DEONTE DEROKO
99777A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams or More)
99777A-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
Courtroom A Status Hearing
WARREN, DEONTE DEROKO
99777A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams or More)
99777A-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
Courtroom A Arraignment on Amended Bill
GILES, JOSEPH ERIC
99847 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
Courtroom B Status Hearing
PATTERSON, LASONDRA TRINETTE
99915 Simple Burglary
Courtroom B Status Hearing
PATTERSON, LASONDRA TRINETTE
98640 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Courtroom B Probation Violation Hearing
ROBINSON, JR., EDDIE D
99838 Home Invasion
Courtroom B Status Hearing
SANDERS, MARLON DAMON
100170 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
Courtroom B Status Hearing
THOMPSON, SHANNON
100236 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Courtroom B Status Hearing
WASHINGTON, ANGELA
97148 Second Degree Murder
97148A Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence
Courtroom B Status Hearing
Following one of the largest jail escapes in the history of the country last spring at the Orleans Justice Center, and at the request of Attorney General Liz Murrill, Orleans Parish convened a special grand jury tasked with investigating the escape. Louisiana Department of Justice prosecutors presented evidence and examined witnesses over the course of the grand jury’s extensive investigation. Today, the special grand jury indicted Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson on 30 felony counts and Chief Financial Officer Bianka Brown on 20 felony counts.
“Nearly a year ago, I made a commitment to the people of New Orleans and the people of our state that those responsible for the Orleans Parish Prison break would be held accountable. Since that day, through the hard work of my office, along with the Louisiana State Police and our many federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, every escapee is behind bars, and others who facilitated and enabled the escape are currently being prosecuted. While Sheriff Hutson did not personally open the doors of the jail for the escapees, her refusal to comply with basic legal requirements and to take even minimal precautions in the discharge of her duties directly contributed to and enabled the escape. As my prosecutors move forward with this case, I continue to have productive conversations with Sheriff-elect Michelle Woodfork on how to improve operations, secure the facility, and build in basic financial oversight that complies with state law. I am confident in her commitment to implement the difficult changes needed to reform the jail,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on:
COUNTS 1-14: MALFEASANCE IN OFFICE
COUNTS 15-18: CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MALFEASANCE IN OFFICE
COUNTS 19-21: FILING OR MAINTING FALSE PUBLIC RECORDS
COUNTS 22-24: CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FILING OR MAINTAINING FALSE PUBLIC RECORDS
COUNTS 25-27: OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
COUNTS 28-30: CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Financial Officer Bianka Brown was indicted on:
COUNTS 31-34: MALFEASANCE IN OFFICE
COUNTS 35-38: CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MALFEASANCE IN OFFICE
COUNTS 39-41: FILING OR MAINTAINING FALSE PUBLIC RECORDS
COUNTS 42-44: CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FILING OR MAINTAINING FALSE PUBLIC RECORDS
COUNTS 45-47: OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
COUNTS 48-50: CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
Both Hutson and Brown have to surrender their passports and cannot leave the State of Louisiana.
Meriwether Wealth & Planning is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Meriwether Scholarships. Forty-six scholarship applications were received from high school seniors across North Louisiana. A selection committee consisting of Meriwether clients reviewed the applications, essays, and accompanying recommendation letters to determine the top applicants. These students will each receive $1,000 scholarships made payable to their college or university of choice:
*Indya Carper, Captain Shreve High School, who plans to major in political science/pre-law at Loyola University
*Ella Dison, Saline High School, who plans to major in biomedical engineering at Louisiana Tech University
*Amberlynn Kennedy, West Ouachita High School, who plans to major in biology at the University of Louisiana Monroe
*Addison Lee, Glenbrook School, who plans to major in biology at Louisiana Tech University
*Camryn Nail, North Webster High School, who plans to major in kinesiology/pre-athletic training at McNeese State University
*Hudson Smith, North Webster High School, who plans to major in business at Louisiana Tech University
*Elaini Ware, Claiborne Academy, who plans to major in speech language pathology at Louisiana Tech University
*Topher Wilson, Minden High School, who plans to major in biology/pre-dentistry at Louisiana Tech University
“We were able to offer eight scholarships this year thanks to the generosity of several clients who desired to make a positive impact in the lives of students,” said Tracy L. Campbell, Meriwether partner and financial advisor. “It’s evident by the applications we received that the future is bright for so many young people in our area.”
Meriwether is proud to give back to our local communities. Over the past five years, the independently owned financial advisory firm has infused more than $250,000 into local communities in the form of sponsorships, donations, and scholarships to schools and non-profit organizations.
Riverside’s Jayce Ruiz struck out the first nine Glenbrook Apaches he faced on his way to a one-hit performance in the Rebels’ 5-0 shutout win Wednesday.
Ruiz, who reportedly has committed to Pearl River Community College, finished the day with 13 strikeouts.
Riverside, the number 6 seed in the LHSAA Division IV Select baseball playoffs, advances to a quarterfinal matchup with number 3 seed Cedar Creek.
Glenbrook managed to keep it close, trailing only 2-0 through the top of the sixth, but a two-run double by Brody Vicknair helped the Rebels plate three in the bottom of the inning for the final tally.
Designated hitter Noah Martin had the only hit for the Apaches.
This has been an interesting week. At my house we have received a little more than 2 inches of rain. The grass is greener and the air is fresh.
I went to a ladies’ plant swap party at the North Acres Church with my daughter-n-law, Sara, and had a great time. I made some new friends, ate some delicious treats, and I plan to attend the next event. Thank you North Acres Ladies.
With all of this rain, which was a blessing, there should be a new season of fire ants. To me, the easier treatment the better. I like to just sprinkle the chemicals on the mound and worry them to death. I like the surrender product and the Bayer Fire Ant Killer. I usually just sprinkle on the top of the mound, which is what the directions say. But making them miserable is a lot more fun. My Grands and I found a few mounds last week while we were walking around the pond and sure made them mad.
Another product that is good is Bifen. Mix 1 ounce to a gallon of water and drench the mound. If you can, put the nozzle of the sprayer down in the mound and drown the ants maybe even the queen. Bifen even comes to us in a granular form. Just sprinkle on the mounds and the yard. I know that there is nothing that is going to eradicate the ants, but there is a lot that we can do to help the situation.
Fertilome offers a product called Come and Get it. The ingredient in this is Spinosad. Spinosad contains a bait that attracts fire ants and is taken back into the nest as food for the colony, killing the queen and the ants. Dead ants will frequently be seen near the mounds with 24 hours.
Whatever you do or use always read the label.
(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)
Intake # 26072 ” Onyx” approx. 10 week old black Torti female. Onyx has been started on vaccines, worming and flea prevention. She is social, sweet and litter box trained. She also has three litter mates that are up for adoption.
Onyx is available for rescue at Minden Animal Control, through 501c3 group or approved adoption (MUST fill out application for adoption)
Adoption fee-$30
Adoption application- forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6
The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court in front of a Petit Jury Monday, May 4:
WARREN, DEONTE DEROKO
99777-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99777-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99777-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99777-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
CANTU, STEVEN
98814 Home Improvement Fraud
Restitution per report- $4,125.00, plus $618.75 fee = $4,743.75 total
MOORE, DEANDRE LEE
98330-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
98330-CT.2 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
98330-CT.3 Aggravated Battery
POWELL, JERMAIN RASHUN
100034 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
GRAHAM, DERRICK D
99166 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)
HOUSTON, TREYLON
99901-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
99901-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
The Louisiana spring squirrel hunting season begins Saturday (May 2) and runs through May 24, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. Squirrel hunting is the perfect gateway for hunting and a great introduction for youth into the sport.
A basic hunting license is all that is needed to hunt squirrels and those 17 and under are not required to have a youth license to hunt squirrels. Squirrel hunting is relatively inexpensive and there are many LDWF public lands on which hunting opportunity is available. Louisiana has two species of squirrels; gray and fox squirrels.
The bag limit is three per day during the spring with a possession limit of nine.
Spring squirrel season is closed on the Kisatchie National Forest, some national wildlife refuges, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property and some state WMAs.
For a complete list of WMAs and public lands open to squirrel hunting and more information on WMA squirrel hunting, see the 2025-26 LDWF Hunting regulations.
To purchase a hunting license, see the LDWF license webpage.
All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. See the LDWF WMA Access Permit webpage for more information.
For more information on squirrel hunting in Louisiana, see the LDWF Small Game webpage or contact LDWF Small Game/Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal at ccedotal@wlf.la.gov.
The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of April 24 through 30:
April 24
Huyen Bui vs. Phuoc Bui, divorce w/children.
April 27
Katelyn Lackey, name change.
Judge Larry Jr. vs. Blenda Sue White Larry, divorce/no children.
Tatega Lewis Jones vs. Jeremiah Cox, protective order.
LVNV Funding LLC vs. Robert Davidson, contract.
Regions Bank vs. Charles Fish, executory process.
April 28
Kylie Hampshire vs. Justin McKinney, protective order.
Rontavious Eason vs. Desiree White, custody.
HSBC Bank USA vs. Kamitha Deshay Penton, executory Process.
April 29
Georgia Averitt vs. Odis M. Averitt, divorce/no children.
Michael Jason Andrews vs. Paula Michelle Andrews, divorce w/children.
Kenneth Wallace II vs. Donyetta Strange, protective order.
April 30
Russell Marlin Bearden vs. Andrea Faye Nichols Bearden, divorce.
B1 Bank vs William Pope, Rhonda Pope, Habacu Morales, executory process.
B1 Bank vs. Habacu Morales, Kaley Nicole Pope Morales, executory process.
Colby Boykin vs. Emily Yates, divorce w/children.
CitiBank vs. Kimberly M. Haley, monies due.
Friday
Showers, mainly after 1 p.m. High near 60. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday Night
Showers likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind around 10 mph.
Saturday Night
Clear, with a low around 46.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 76.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 79.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
*Information provided by National Weather Service.
Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .
May 2
Scottish Tartan Festival, Miller Quarters Park, Minden.
W.H.O. Golf Fiesta 2026, Springhill golf course, presented by Springhill Medical Center. Register: whoofnorthwebster.org/golf .
9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Lakeview Methodist Church, annual, “Come Grow With Us,” plant/art sale benefiting Lakeview Preschool at Turner’s Pond.
W.H.O. Golf Fiesta 2026, Springhill Golf Course. Register here: whoofnorthwebster.org/golf .
May 7
7:30 a.m., City-Wide National Day of Prayer, Jacqueline Park, 396 Main Street, Minden. Also time capsule burial ceremony as part of the City of Minden’s 190th anniversary celebration.
6:30 p.m. National Day of Prayer Gathering, Pine Grove Methodist Church.
May 9
2:30 p.m., “Meet and Greet” and special music. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden.
7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree in the CAC building, Springhill. Special guests will be Caleb Williams, Thomas Wooley and Tamera Mathers.
May 30
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.
June 20
8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Men’s Wellness Fair, presented by Healing from the Heart LLC. Minden Recreation Center.
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. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at eventbrite or at the door.
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.
Word of the Day: Insalubrious
Phonetic: /in· sa· lu· bri· ous/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
not conducive to health : unwholesome
an insalubrious climate
Huey Calvin Ratliff
October 29, 1934 – April 24, 2026
Sarepta, La.
Visitation: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, Central Baptist Church, Springhill, La.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
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.)
