By Paige Gurgainers

Vintage fashion, community spirit and a mission to change lives will come together later this month during the upcoming Redeemed & Restyled Vintage Fashion Show, a fundraiser benefiting two local organizations dedicated to helping women and families find hope and healing.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at The Venue on Pearl in downtown Minden, where guests will enjoy vintage shopping, a fashion show featuring local models, tea, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and an evening centered around restoration and redemption. All proceeds from the event will benefit Amadea and Phillip’s Cottage, two nonprofits working to support women as they rebuild their lives.

Among the featured models will be Sara McDaniel, founder of Simply Southern Cottage, whose passion for restoration extends far beyond historic homes. McDaniel has become well known throughout the region for her preservation work, including projects featured on the Magnolia Network, and has dedicated much of her recent efforts to creating opportunities for women seeking a fresh start.

Phillip’s Cottage was established in honor of McDaniel’s late father, Phillip Carroll, a longtime educator, veteran and minister known for his lifelong commitment to serving others. The transitional home was created to provide safe housing and support for women and children graduating from recovery programs as they prepare for independent living. The cottage can accommodate multiple women and their children, offering stability during a critical season of transition.

Amadea shares a similar mission of helping women and families overcome difficult circumstances and move toward a brighter future. Together, the organizations provide resources, encouragement and practical support designed to break cycles of hardship and create lasting change.

The event’s “Redeemed & Restyled” theme reflects not only vintage fashion and repurposed treasures but also the transformative journeys of the women and families served by these ministries.

Guests are encouraged to dress up, enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and support a cause that is making a tangible difference in the lives of local families.

For many, the event serves as a reminder that just as vintage pieces can be restored and given new life, people can too!

The Redeemed & Restyled Fashion Show will take place Saturday, June 27, at The Venue on Pearl in Minden. Tickets are available now, with proceeds benefiting Amadea and Phillip’s Cottage.

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LeLe, available for adoption through LaMa Animal Rescue & Support Services, is one year and two months old. She is a spayed female and weighs 45 pounds.

LeLe is up to date on all age-appropriate vaccines & on flea/tick prevention. She is heartworm negative and on prevention. Perfectly healthy and ready to join your family.

LeLe is cute as a button! She is friendly and social. 

From volunteer dog walker Hillary:

LeLe is the perfect size to take on car rides. She is affectionate and sweet! Polite when taking treats and loves being pet. She’d make someone a great companion! 

Adoption Fee: $200

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

https://forms.gle/id1eJGf1VnA7ftoW8

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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By Paige Gurgainers

Women from across Webster Parish and beyond are invited to spend a day growing deeper in their faith during the upcoming Rooted Women’s Conference at North Acres Baptist Church.

The conference will take place on Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Acres Baptist Church, located at 1852 Lewisville Road in Minden. This event is designed for women who desire to become more firmly rooted in God’s Word while building meaningful connections with other believers.

Open to women and girls ages 12 and older, the one-day conference will feature worship, Bible-centered teaching, fellowship and encouragement. Special guest speaker Stephanie Smithson will focus on spiritual understanding and biblical literacy, helping attendees deepen their knowledge of Scripture and strengthen their walk with Christ. Worship throughout the day will be led by Katie Ashcraft.

In addition to the keynote presentation, guests will hear from a multi-generational panel of women sharing personal testimonies about what it means to remain rooted in Christ through life’s various seasons and challenges. Organizers hope the event will encourage women of all ages to grow spiritually while fostering authentic community and mentorship among generations.

Registration is $30 and includes admission to the conference, a commemorative t-shirt and a light lunch catered by Hugh Wood Catering. Childcare will also be available for participants. Registration is currently open and organizers encourage interested attendees to reserve their spot early.

For more information or to register, visit North Acres Baptist Church’s website or social media pages. Registration remains open through July 5.

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Nearly 450,000 people may be affected

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the possibility of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy and tickborne disease that affects certain foods.

Alpha-gal is a molecule (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) that is naturally produced in the bodies of most mammals but not in people. It is also found in the saliva (spit) of some ticks.

When a tick bites, it can transfer alpha-gal from its saliva into a person’s blood. The body’s natural defenses, or immune system, can identify alpha-gal as a threat and trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products made from mammals. Because of this, AGS is also known as red meat allergy or tick bite meat allergy.

More than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS were identified between 2010 and 2022. However, cases of AGS are not nationally notifiable to CDC. The actual number of AGS cases in the United States is not known, but as many as 450,000 people may be affected. More data and research are needed to understand how many people are affected by this condition.

Meat

Alpha-gal may be found in:

• Beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, or other meat from mammals
• Mammal organ meat, such as liver, kidneys, intestines, or sweetbreads
• Rocky mountain or prairie oysters

A person with alpha-gal syndrome is more likely to have an allergic reaction after exposure to meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, or lamb, compared to other products that contain alpha-gal, like dairy.

Milk and milk products

Food products that contain milk and milk products may also contain alpha-gal. However, many patients with AGS can tolerate milk products.

Cow’s milk is the only alpha-gal containing ingredient classified as a major food allergen. Under the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,

Animal products

Some people with AGS may also be sensitive to alpha-gal found in:

• Gelatin made from beef or pork
• Products made or cooked with mammal fat, like lard, tallow, or suet
• Meat broth, bouillon, stock, and gravy

Foods that don’t contain alpha-gal

• Poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck, or quail
• Fish and seafood, such as shrimp
• Eggs
• Fruits and vegetables

Non-food products containing alpha-gal

Some medications and vaccines may contain alpha-gal-containing additives, stabilizers, or coatings. However, not all patients with AGS react to these ingredients.

Ingredients that may contain alpha-gal include, but are not limited to:

• Gelatin
• Glycerin
• Magnesium stearate
• Bovine extract

Lists of additives to specific vaccines (called vaccine excipients) are available through CDC’s Pink Book [PDF – 4 pages] and the Institute for Vaccine Safety

Animal-derived medical products, such as heart valves from pigs or cows, monoclonal antibodies, heparin, and certain antivenoms may contain alpha-gal.

Currently, there is no data on the Louisiana Department of Health’s website suggesting any cases have been reported in the state.

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Fire Ants are here to stay and will always be a nuisance to us all. My opinion is that the Fire Ant business is a billion dollar industry, so why introduce a for-sure killer.  But that is only my opinion. In the meantime we have a lot of insect killers to offer.

Amdro is probably one of the first Fire Ant killers to be on the market.  It first came out as a liquid but that was 40 years ago.  I remember because I got it splashed in my eyes here at the store.  A customer brought a jug that was not sealed properly to the counter and I just happened to be in the way.  One trip to the ER and everything was fine.  So much for that.  Amdro is now packaged as a granule.  It advertises that it kills the queen and destroys the mound.  Amdro is classified as a bait.  Sprinkle 2 – 5 tablespoons per mound.  Do not disturb the mound.  It is best done in the morning.  A product called Extinguish Plus has the same chemical but is a lot stronger.  It is also labeled for pastures.  

Fertilome has an all natural product called Come and Get It.  The chemical is Spinosad that is said to also kill the mound and the queen in 24 hours.  Come and Get It is labeled for the garden.  Just sprinkle on the individual mound.  You can just scatter also.  Spinosad has not been with us as long as the Amdro chemical.  Just 4 tablespoons on the mound. 

Good contact killers include the Surrender and Bifen.  They can give you an instant satisfaction of knowing that you did some good.  Personally, I like to see them suffer.  I guess that is a mean streak I’ve got.  

As always, please 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.)

June 27 from 4 until 8 p.m. there will be an evening of shopping, strolling, and supporting local businesses and vendors throughout Historic Main Street District with Minden’s first-ever Sip and Stroll.

Minden Main Street/Economic Development Director Sarah Overall said the idea came from volunteers.

“Some volunteers came to us asking to have a night market,” she said. “We are trying to think of other ways to keep traffic moving in the slow, summer months in the district.”

$20 wristbands will be sold at the white tent in front of Hers Bridal, 728 Main Street, Minden.

“If you have a wristband, you can partake in the ‘pours,’ Overall said. “All merchants participating will be offering up a pour or appetizer of their liking. Proceeds go to offset musician costs and events in the district.”

Golf carts are welcome for this event.

They are currently accepting vendors, but spots are limited.

“If you’re interested in showcasing your products and being part of this exciting community event, send us a message to learn more,” Overall said. Email Mainstreet@mindenusa.com .

“Grab your friends and make plans to spend a fun summer evening shopping and supporting local in Downtown Minden.”

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By Jessica Gorman

Yesterday afternoon, as I finished my work day, I couldn’t help but think to myself that the best part of my job is all of you. 

There are several of you who come by to visit. You always apologize for taking too much of my time. Yes, there is a lot to do but the deadlines are never missed. The stuff will get done and there will always be more to do, but it will get done. I appreciate those of you who sometimes stop in just to check on me. I love to hear your stories, or answer your questions, and especially enjoy discussing whatever topic you are interested in.

Some of you I hear from more frequently by text or email or Messenger. I love to hear about your research projects and greatly appreciate when you say, “Hey, I ran across this,” or, “I just remembered that.” It’s good to have people to bounce thoughts and questions off of because you also have experience digging for information. 

I enjoy reading your comments on our Facebook posts, especially when you share your memories of days gone by and we get that little glimpse into a moment in the past.

Nothing is more satisfying than when I can help connect you to a photo, a record, a piece of information. Nothing is more disappointing than when I can’t, but I really do keep a running log in my head with the hopes that I will run across something I can send to you. 

Last year really took it out of me. As exciting as our expansion was, it was also stressful. There were other things that I was trying to tackle behind the scenes, not to mention taking on the cemetery. By the end of the year, I was in the throes of a second round of burnout. If you’ve ever experienced it, you are all too familiar with the exhaustion, both mental and emotion. You’ve felt the inability to focus, the loss of motivation, and feeling as though you are just going through the motions. Early in the year, there was a period of intense financial strain followed by increased insurance cost and loss of a grant. In spite of everything, I knew that challenges aren’t always bad, setbacks can lead to reassessment, and, if nothing else, it serves as a good reminder that all we can do is walk by faith and listen to wherever it is we’re supposed to go next.

When I made it public that we had taken that pretty significant financial hit, several of you immediately stepped up to help meet that need. When I was asked, “What are we going to do?” my honest answer was, “I don’t know right now, but it’s going to be okay.” Even as the full weight of that burden was being felt, your concern and your help renewed my faith that was true. It also reinforced what I already knew. You are what steers our museum forward. 

In the midst of everything, fulfilling requests for photos, helping with projects, visiting with you at events, hearing about your own research and what matters to you are the things that have kept me going. I care about what you care about. That has led me to finally set some boundaries that I had not set before because it felt selfish even when I knew it wasn’t. I have to spend my time more deliberately, for you. I cannot continue to chase after support where it continues to be withheld and then not have the capacity for the things that matter to you. Not everyone will understand and that’s okay.

Previous museum director, Schelley Francis, said earlier this week that, in a way, it feels like the museum is starting over. In a sense, I realize that is the same feeling I’ve had for the past several months. So many of those original hardcore museum supporters, the people who made this museum possible, have passed on. What once drew a crowd, doesn’t necessarily do that anymore, but worrying about drawing a crowd, popularity, acceptance are mostly distraction from what matters. I know that I have to focus on the things that accomplish our mission and the things that sustain it. The way forward is to prioritize what builds real value, to focus on who does show up and not worry about who doesn’t. 

Thank you for your stories, your care, your questions, your help, your curiosity, your generosity, your concern, your attendance, and even just for taking the time to read this column. Please never hesitate to let me know how I can help because that really is the best part of my job.

(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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Juneteenth

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 102. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Monday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

June 19

5 until 9 p.m., Juneteenth celebration, MLK Drive, Minden. Food, live music, games and activities for all ages, fellowship, community unity, local vendors. For more information, call Michael Walker at 318-210-1799.

June 20 – 21

Minden St. Jude Diamond Open in memory of Stanton Haynes. Minden Recreation Complex. Call 318-465-1938 or visit http://www.mindendiamondmemorial.com .

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.

6 until 8:30 p.m., Vacation Bible School, 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 .

June 25

10 a.m. Elder Fraud Awareness Session, presented by Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Sibley Town Hall, Sibley, La. Call 318-377-0345 to RSVP.

June 27

Annual Ride for WHO Poker Run. Pre-register to ride at http://bit.ly/3PG71ZH .

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.

4 until 8 p.m. Minden Historic District Sip and Stroll, an evening of local shopping, support and community. Vendor market spots are limited.

July 3

7 until 9:30 p.m. Springhill Freedom Fest, Frank Anthony Park, Springhill.

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.

July 13 – 17

5:30 until 8:30 p.m., Vacation Bible School, 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. Vacation Bible School, Calvary Baptist Church, 1400 Homer Road, Minden. For more information: calvaryminden.com/vbs .

August 15

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Rooted Women’s Conference, North Acres Baptist Church, 1852 Lewisville Road, Minden. This is a day for women who strive to be rooted in The Word. Hear from our keynote speaker, Stephanie Smithson, as she focuses on spiritual understanding and biblical literacy along with our multi-generational panel of ladies, who will describe what being rooted in Christ means to them. Come for a day of acoustic worship, fellowship, teaching and food! Your $30 ticket includes the conference, t-shirt, and a light lunch provided by Hugh Wood Catering. Childcare is provided. Registration is open through July 5. Register at https://onrealm.org/NorthAcresBapti31149/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTc4OTQ2Y2EtZmM3Ny00MWM2LWE2NmUtYjQzMzAwZmUyZDgx .

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Word of the day: Opprobrium

Phonetic: /op· pro· bri· um/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition

something that brings disgrace

public disgrace or ill fame that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong or vicious
Collaborators with the enemy did not escape the opprobrium of the townspeople.

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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 June 12 through June 18. Civil suits are public record.

June 12
JK Dhimar LLC vs. M&D Sewell LLC, petition
Thomas Neely vs. Newton Sheila Harrison, petition

June 15
Citibank vs. Janet C. Cole, monies due

June 16
Glenda Shows Morris, succession over $125K
Virginia R. Coffey Holcomb, succession over $125K
Ken Wayne Tripp, succession over $125K
Accelerated Inventory Management LLC vs. Natasha Scott, monies due

June 17
Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Angela Newsom, monies due
Jefferson Capital Systems LLC vs. Grace Brinkman, monies due
NCB Management Services, Inc., vs. Kimberly Baez, monies due
NCB Management Services, Inc., vs. Sierra Franklin, monies due

June 18
Carolyn Lilley vs. Jessie Cummings, partition by limitation
Rocket Mortgage LLC vs. Phillicia Douglas, executory process

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Donna Johnson
September 7, 1958 — June 16, 2026
Coushatta/Minden
Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, Airline Drive Church of Christ, Bossier City.

Dale Matthews
September 12, 1948  –  January 11, 2026
Sarepta
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Frances Ann Lester Posey
October 10, 1937 — May 23, 2026
Minden/Mansfield
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, Mansfield Cemetery.

Patsy Ann Greene Cahoon
August 2, 1943  –  May 26, 2026
Springhill/Shreveport
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, Old Sarepta Cemetery, Sarepta, 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.)

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By Pat Culverhouse

A one-vehicle accident Tuesday evening knocked out power for nearly seven hours in a Minden neighborhood and put a local man in the hospital with undetermined injuries.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said the accident in the 800 block of Durwood and Talton streets around 8:15 p.m. damaged a utility pole, leaving a large area powerless. 

City crews reportedly restored power around 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Minden Fire and Rescue responded to calls which reported an entrapment, but according to Fire Chief Brian Williams, bystanders had managed to remove the occupant and take him to the emergency room at Minden Medical Center.

Reports Wednesday indicated the lone occupant of the vehicle did not suffer serious injuries.

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By WPJ staff

More than 500 hospitals in the U.S. have been warned they are failing to provide the public with basic pricing information, and Minden Medical Center is on that list.

Those hospitals have received notice under a 2019 executive order signed by President Donald Trump which tightened enforcement of price transparency standards.

Since April, hospitals reportedly received either letters of warning or, more severely, requests to submit plans to provide transparency in pricing.

Failure to comply reportedly carries penalties as high as $2 million annually.

According to the list obtained by the Associated Press, Minden Medical Center reportedly received a warning notice. The local healthcare facility is one of 27 Louisiana hospitals on the list.

Minden Medical Center is owned by Allegiance Health Management, Inc., a Bossier City-based firm which owns 10 other hospitals in cities similar to Minden. Rock Bordelon is the company’s CEO.

Including MMC, nine Allegiance hospitals are on the list. Hospitals and their status include:

• Northern Louisiana Medical Center (Ruston): Warning Notice.

• Acadian Medical Center (Eunice) CAP Request.

• Avoyelles Hospital (Marksville): Warning Notice.

• Bienville Medical Center (Arcadia): Warning Notice.

• Byrd Regional Hospital (Leesville): Warning Notice.

• Dequincy Memorial Hospital (Dequincy): Warning Notice.

• Sabine Medical Center (Many): Warning Notice.

• Mercy Regional Medical Center (Ville Platte): Warning Notice.

Goal of the 2019 executive order reportedly is to force hospitals to disclose negotiated prices of tests and procedures, which would allow potential patients to compare costs prior to receiving care. 

Transparency reportedly would “…fix a fundamental problem that patients, employers and insurers might not know ahead of time the cost of blood work, an imaging test or another form of treatment, and as a result pay more than they should have.”

By Bonnie Culverhouse

It’s the end of an era, but the rebirth of one in memory of the person who started it all.

Cathy Corley and her sister, Gwen DeLoach inherited Toms Service Center on Shreveport Road in Minden after the death of owner Carroll Toms in 2021.

“We practically grew up down here,” DeLoach said, “with our brother, our parents. We were here all the time or going on vacations with Carroll and Glenda.”

Toms Service Center may have been most frequented over the years for vehicle inspections.

Now with recent changes in the inspection sticker law – private and non-commercial vehicles will no longer be required to have stickers – business at Toms has also changed.

“Carroll opened the business in 1959 and started inspecting cars in 1990, but they were being done since the 1930s and 40s when they (mechanics) worked on cars,” Corley said. “But mostly car dealerships did them.

“This (inspections) is our livelihood,” she continued. “You inspect a lot of cars, you can pay your electricity, gas and all. This (new law) is going to affect a lot of businesses just like us.”

But commercial vehicles, student transportation and some specific types of vehicles still require inspection, and Corley said they can and will still handle those.

DeLoach said they are awaiting information concerning the law, which will come from the state.

“We will know more about it when we get that,” she said.

In the meantime, the sisters have brought back Toms Wrecker Service, a business Toms sold to another service in 2014.

DeLoach’s son Edward Pittman came to his mother and aunt recently to announce his interest in the business and desire to bring back the wrecker service side, saying it was something that had always interested him.

“I just wanted to do something to help the business, but more because of Carroll,” Pittman said. “I wanted to do something special in his memory and keep doing something he did.”

Feedback was good, so in February Toms Wrecker Service was reborn with the purchase of two trucks.

“We are hoping it will make up for revenue loss from the inspection stickers,” Corley said. 

Toms Wrecker Service is on the non-preference rotation with emergency responders but can also be directly contacted. They will answer the call anywhere in Webster Parish and Minden.

“You have to be in business for a year before you can answer state police calls,” Pittman pointed out.

When Toms was still alive, the service center was a hub of political discussions and a place to gather, tell and listen to stories. The memorabilia is still there – political and otherwise. 

“It’s the end of an era. People think we are closing, but we are still here,” Corley said. “You can still come down here and visit … remember what Carroll was all about. We aren’t planning on going anywhere.”

The physical address remains 1542 Shreveport Rd. Minden, LA 71055. To contact them, you can still call 318-377-9960 or 318-299-5599 (the wrecker service).

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Monday, June 22:

COURTROOM A

BAMBURG, JUSTIN
100156 Aggravated Battery
A Status Hearing WPSD

BILES, DAVID PAUL
99119 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
A Review MPD

BILES, DAVID PAUL
INCOMING Violation Of Protective Order
INCOMING False Imprisonment
A Review MPD

CAHILL, JAQUARIUS JAMAL
99684 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
A Status Hearing MPD

DEAVER, ROBERT CHARLES
99968 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles
A Status Hearing MPD

FUMICELLO, DEBORAH DEE ANN
100241 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
A Status Hearing WPSD

GILL, D’MARCUS A.
99479-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99479-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99479-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99479-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
A Status Hearing MPD
Please make sure forfeiture of $520 IN US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

GILL, D’MARCUS A.
99507 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99507 CT. 2 Speeding 11-15 MPH
99507 CT. 3 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
A For Further Disposition LSP

GUISE, ZONQUES
100165-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
100165-CT.2 Possession of Schedule II CDS
100165-CT.3 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance
A Status Hearing LSP
Please make sure forfeiture of $8,201 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

HOWARD, JEDRICK K.
100225 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
A Status Hearing MPD

HUMPHREYS, STEVEN MICHAEL
100422 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution
A Arraignment WPSD

INGRAM, ALLYSSA FAITH
100201-CT.1 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
100201-CT.2 Aggravated Obstruction Of A Highway Of Commerce
A Status Hearing WPSD

JOHNSON, ALEX JAKAR
100082-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100082-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100082-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100082A-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100082A-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance
A Status Hearing SPRING

MASON, KEYSHAWN
100203-CT.1 Manufacture/Transfer/Possess Machine Guns
100203-CT.2 Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault
A Status Hearing MPD

PINK, ELLIS ALVIN
99513-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
99513-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
A Status Hearing LSP

POTTS, TIFFANY
100306-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100306-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule IV CDS
A Status Hearing SPRING

ROWE, CHRISTOPHER L.
100179 Aggravated Second Degree Battery
A Status Hearing MPD
Restitution owed- $7,240.65, + $1,086.10 fee = $8,326.75 total

COURTROOM B

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

FERGUSON JR, REGINALD D
99848 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities
B Status Hearing WPSD

GERMANY, DEOTIS K.
99171-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99171-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99171-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
Incoming felony charges
B Status Hearing MPD

GRISBY, CHARCAZA DIJON
91492 Distribution Of A Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance
B Probation Violation Hearing SPRING

KIMBLE, XZAVIER D
100104 Obstruction Of Justice
B Status Hearing WPSD

MOORE, NEIL ANTHONY
100068 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
B Status Hearing MPD

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

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

STAGE, DUSTIN
99962 Simple Burglary
B Status Hearing SPRING

STAGE, DUSTIN
99822 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
B For Further Disposition SPRING

WILLIAMS, MEIYAKO KAQUAN
100347-CT.1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform Cds Law
100347-CT.2 Simple Escape
B Preliminary Hearing SPRING

WILLIAMS, MEIYAKO KAQUAN
100347-CT.1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform Cds Law
100347-CT.2 Simple Escape
B Status Hearing SPRING

WILLIAMS, MEIYAKO KAQUAN
94684 Racketeering
B Probation Violation Hearing SPRING

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Together we honor. Together we celebrate. Together we rise!

Annual 2026 Juneteenth Celebration organizer Michael Walker wants the Minden area community to know those words mean “everyone.”

“Every time we have this celebration, we want any and everyone in our local community to know they are welcome,” Walker said. “It’s a day to honor our past, celebrate our present and build our future.”

The weather forecast is for inclement weather.

“In case of rain, we will move this to another date but same location,” Walker said. “Updates will be forthcoming.”

All information is on the above flyer, including date, times and contact information.

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Initiative includes more frequent revalidations, enhanced monitoring, and greater collaboration with the Office of Inspector General

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is implementing a series of enhanced provider oversight measures designed to strengthen Medicaid program integrity, protect beneficiaries, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately.

The initiative includes more frequent reviews of high-risk providers, expanded provider verification requirements, enhanced monitoring and data analytics, and closer coordination with state and federal program integrity partners. The measures align with federal requirements and reflect LDH’s ongoing commitment to accountability and responsible stewardship of public resources.

As part of the initiative, LDH will conduct off-cycle reviews of all designated high-risk providers that have not undergone a recent revalidation. Certain provider categories identified as presenting elevated program integrity risks will now be revalidated every three years instead of every five years. High-risk providers include categories such as durable medical equipment suppliers, home health agencies, hospice providers, personal care services providers, and others identified through state and federal risk assessments.

The department will also expand verification activities that help ensure providers participating in Louisiana Medicaid are properly licensed, actively operating, and meeting enrollment requirements. Existing safeguards include site visits, ownership disclosure reviews, exclusion screenings, and fingerprint-based criminal background checks for designated high-risk providers.

“Every taxpayer dollar entrusted to Medicaid should be spent on delivering care to Louisianans who need it,” said LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein. “The best way to protect taxpayer dollars is to put strong safeguards in place before problems occur. These help ensure Medicaid resources are being used as intended.”

LDH will work more closely with the Louisiana Office of Inspector General and other program integrity partners to analyze claims data, identify unusual billing patterns, and improve the state’s ability to detect potential concerns earlier. These efforts will help focus oversight resources where they can have the greatest impact while supporting providers who are delivering care appropriately.

“Strong oversight is a team effort — and independence is what makes it credible,” said Angele Davis, Louisiana State Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer. “By partnering with LDH — pairing tougher verification and high-risk provider revalidation with sharper data analytics — we can root out waste, fraud, and abuse and hold bad actors accountable. My office will follow the data wherever it leads, protecting the honest providers who do right by patients every day. And that’s accountability Louisiana taxpayers can see.”

The department is also aligning with current federal provider enrollment moratoriums for certain high-risk provider categories, including durable medical equipment and home health providers.

Louisiana Medicaid Executive Director Seth Gold said the strategy reflects a common-sense approach to program integrity.

“This is a straightforward step that helps ensure providers participating in Medicaid are meeting the standards expected of them,” said Gold. “The overwhelming majority of providers are doing the right thing every day. These safeguards help protect beneficiaries, support honest providers, and strengthen confidence in the Medicaid program.”

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Recipe of the Month: Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers 

Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

By Shakera Williams

Are you looking for a way to add more seafood to your diet? Try this Louisiana twist on stuffed bell peppers by using shrimp instead of ground beef. Add riced cauliflower and finely diced mushrooms to the stuffing to pack even more vitamins and nutrients into this flavorful, low-calorie dish. For more information about healthy eating and active living, contact your local LSU AgCenter nutrition & community health agent.

Ingredients:

• 5 medium to large green bell peppers 
• 1 onion, chopped 
• 1/3 cup celery, chopped 
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced 
• 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil 
• 1/2 pound Louisiana shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut in half 
• 1 1/2 cups brown rice, cooked 
• 2 teaspoons no-salt Creole seasoning 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 
• 2/3 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded 
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried parsley 
• Nonstick cooking spray 

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. 
2. Chop 1 bell pepper and set aside for later. Cut the tops off the remaining 4 bell peppers, remove the seeds and cut each pepper in half lengthwise. Cook bell pepper halves in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remove them from the water and drain. 
3. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside for later. 
4. Using a 10-inch skillet, sauté the chopped bell pepper, onion, celery and garlic in oil until they are soft. Add shrimp and continue cooking until the shrimp start to turn pink. 
5. In a large bowl, mix the sauteed shrimp and vegetables, rice, no-salt Creole seasoning and salt. 
6. Place the pepper halves in the baking dish. Spoon the shrimp and rice mixture evenly into each half. Sprinkle tops of each with seasoned breadcrumbs. 
7. Bake the stuffed peppers for 20 minutes. 
8. Top with cheese and parsley. Bake for another 2-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. 
   (Shakera Williams, M.P.H. is Assistant Nutrition Extension Agent- FCS for Webster/Claiborne parishes. Contact her at (318) 371-1371.)

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Thursday

A chance of showers before 10 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Thursday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Juneteenth

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

June 18

6 p.m., Concern Citizens of Webster Parish, Main Meeting Room, Webster Parish Library, 521 East and West St., Minden.

June 19

5 until 9 p.m., Juneteenth celebration, MLK Drive, Minden. Food, live music, games and activities for all ages, fellowship, community unity, local vendors. For more information, call Michael Walker at 318-210-1799.

June 20 – 21

Minden St. Jude Diamond Open in memory of Stanton Haynes. Minden Recreation Complex. Call 318-465-1938 or visit http://www.mindendiamondmemorial.com .

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.

6 until 8:30 p.m., Vacation Bible School, 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 .

June 25

10 a.m. Elder Fraud Awareness Session, presented by Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Sibley Town Hall, Sibley, La. Call 318-377-0345 to RSVP.

June 27

Annual Ride for WHO Poker Run. Pre-register to ride at http://bit.ly/3PG71ZH .

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.

4 until 8 p.m. Minden Historic District Sip and Stroll, an evening of local shopping, support and community. Vendor market spots are limited.

July 3

7 until 9:30 p.m. Springhill Freedom Fest, Frank Anthony Park, Springhill.

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.

July 13 – 17

5:30 until 8:30 p.m., Vacation Bible School, 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. Vacation Bible School, Calvary Baptist Church, 1400 Homer Road, Minden. For more information: calvaryminden.com/vbs .

August 15

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Rooted Women’s Conference, North Acres Baptist Church, 1852 Lewisville Road, Minden. This is a day for women who strive to be rooted in The Word. Hear from our keynote speaker, Stephanie Smithson, as she focuses on spiritual understanding and biblical literacy along with our multi-generational panel of ladies, who will describe what being rooted in Christ means to them. Come for a day of acoustic worship, fellowship, teaching and food! Your $30 ticket includes the conference, t-shirt, and a light lunch provided by Hugh Wood Catering. Childcare is provided. Registration is open through July 5. Register at https://onrealm.org/NorthAcresBapti31149/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTc4OTQ2Y2EtZmM3Ny00MWM2LWE2NmUtYjQzMzAwZmUyZDgx .

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Word of the day: Erudite

Phonetic: /er· u· dite/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition

having or showing knowledge that is gained by studying : possessing or displaying
an erudite scholar

There was the erudite-but-humble professor next door and upstairs.
—Maria Shine Stewart

In the telling of a life lived through books, and in her own sometimes floridly erudite sentences, the deep magic of writing is revealed.
—Nina Renata Aron

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