Edith Mae Sandifer
May 9, 1944 — March 16, 2026
Minden.
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home.
Burial: Old Sparta Cemetery, Jamestown, La.

Duretha Disotell Hust
June 26, 1939  –  March 15, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Funeral service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Spring Branch Cemetery, Taylor Ark.

Jonathan Layne Guthrie
Sept. 30, 1969 – March 14, 2026
Minden
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Wednesday March 18, City on a Hill.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Colby Hunt
June 30, 1994 – March 13, 2026
Saline
Visitation: 5 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 20206, Springhill Baptist Church, Ringgold.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery, Ringgold.

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

Local residents apparently are being targeted by another scam and this one claims to be an automated notice from the state Dept. of Motor Vehicles concerning alleged “unresolved traffic violation payment.”

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said his department has already received multiple complaints.

“This scam, claiming to be from the DMV, is going around Minden right now,” McIver said early Monday. “The notice claims the recipient has failed to pay some sort of traffic violation, and it cites actions that can be taken if payment is not received by March 18.”

McIver said the notice appears valid, giving steps that can be taken, including suspension of the recipient’s drivers license for up to 30 days, suspension of the vehicle registration, and additional late penalties and “administrative processing fees” for overdue payment.

“It even claims that any unresolved balance may be referred to a collection agency and result in further legal proceedings,” he said.

McIver said he had no knowledge of the Dept. of Motor Vehicles sending any such automated notices.

In the “notice” is what is referred to as “the official Louisiana website: https://expresslane.org-knne.top/pay.”

“We would strongly advise against clicking on that website. It might look official, but by doing so there’s a strong possibility that some sort of virus may be released into your system,” the chief said.

Unfortunately, the Minden PD has no way of tracing the source of the notices, McIver said.

“If anyone should receive this, I would not recommend anyone try to make contact with DMV through any website or phone number contained in the notice,” he said. “We suggest they go to the official DMV website to obtain the phone number or email information.”

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By Shannon Wright 

“He was a man who loved his job, his family and his community.”

Those words, spoken by Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker at the funeral of Sgt. William “Billy” Earl Collins Jr., still carry weight nearly five years after the officer’s tragic death.

Parker also had to deliver the heartbreaking news to the public when Collins was killed in the line of duty. Anyone who heard that interview could hear the emotion in his voice. This was Doyline. A small town where something like this simply wasn’t supposed to happen.

But it did.

And it is something Parker says he will never forget.

“We continue to pray for the family and send our love, especially to his mom, Paula,” Parker said.

In hopes of honoring Collins’ ultimate sacrifice and showing continued respect to his family, Parker began working about a year ago to have a portion of the highway through Doyline named in the fallen officer’s memory.

“Hopefully this will bring some peace and comfort knowing that he is still missed and will never be forgotten.” 

Parker initiated a conversation with State Rep. Wayne McMahen about what it would take to make the memorial a reality. McMahen explained the process, and the effort has been moving forward ever since.

On Monday, March 16, McMahen (R-District 10) introduced House Bill 965, which would designate a portion of Highway 163 running through Doyline as the Sergeant William “Billy” Earl Collins Jr. Memorial Highway.

Collins, who served both as a Doyline police officer and a Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Friday, July 9, 2021.

While Parker acknowledges that no memorial can truly make up for the loss, he hopes the road designation will serve as a lasting reminder of Collins’ sacrifice and the impact he had on his community.

Nothing can bring back a mother’s son, a daughter’s father, a wife’s husband, or a friend’s friend. But the memorial highway, Parker hopes, will stand as a symbol that Collins’ service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

If the Bill passes, Parker hopes the highway signs will be installed around the anniversary of Collins’ death this summer. 

A community ceremony is planned to mark the occasion, with more details to be announced as the date approaches.

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By Tiffany Flournoy

tiffanyflournoy1@gmail.com

MINDEN, La. — For the first time, the Webster Parish Council on Aging opened its doors Friday specifically to bring veterans together, hosting a Veterans Meet and Greet that gave service members from across Webster Parish a chance to connect, share experiences and build community. The council provided meals for attendees during the event.

The inaugural gathering marked the start of what council officials hope will become a regular series of events, offering veterans and clients of the center opportunities for fellowship and support throughout the year.

Members of the Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net coalition were also present, providing information on suicide-prevention resources, connections to housing, health care, and mental health support. The coalition also hosts “Coffee with Vets,” a monthly social gathering for veterans held Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. at Huffman Manor. Veterans in crisis can reach the coalition through the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1), text 838255, or chat at

VeteransCrisisLine.net 

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By Shannon Wright

What began as a way to honor a beloved father has grown into a community effort to help women and children start over.

“My dad loved others more well and deeply than anyone I ever knew,” said Sara McDaniel. “He lived his life in a way that pointed people to Jesus.”

Phillip Carroll, a longtime runner, passed away unexpectedly in the summer of 2023. In his memory, McDaniel helped create a race that not only celebrates his legacy but also supports a cause close to her heart, helping women rebuild their lives.

Now in its second year, the Phillip’s Cottage 5K and Fun Run will be held on Saturday, April 25.

McDaniel said she hopes the event will continue to grow as the community rallies around the mission.

“We want to help these girls alter the course of their lives and break generational curses,” she said.

All proceeds from the race will benefit Phillip’s Cottage, the nonprofit home that provides transitional housing for women with children who have graduated from Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge.

Funds raised help support the families living there, maintain the house and property, and cover operational expenses throughout the year.

The race will begin and end at Phillip’s Cottage located at 217 W. Union Street in Minden.

The Fun Run will start at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:15 a.m.

Last year’s event drew about 100 runners, and organizers hope to double that number this year as awareness of the mission grows.

Registration for the race is $25 through April 7 and includes a race t-shirt. After April 7, the registration fee increases to $30, though shirts cannot be guaranteed for late registrants.

Those who wish to support the cause without participating can register as a “Sleep-In Supporter.” For a $30 donation by April 7, supporters will receive a race t-shirt mailed to the address they provide.

Race packets and t-shirts can be picked up at Phillip’s Cottage on Thursday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 24 from 4 to 6 p.m., or on race day beginning at 7 a.m.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-place overall male and female finishers in the 5K race, and trophies will be presented to first- and second-place finishers in each age division.

Event organizers note that strollers, wagons, baby joggers and other hand-pushed or pulled vehicles will be allowed on the course but must remain at a walking pace. Inline skates, roller skates and running with baby strollers are not permitted on the course in accordance with RRCA regulations.

Community members are encouraged to participate, volunteer or donate as a way to support families in transition while keeping Carroll’s legacy of loving others well alive in Minden.

For more information or to register visit the website at https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/PhillipSCottageK

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On September 30, 1969, Jonathan Layne Guthrie was born to Shirley Berry Guthrie and John William Guthrie Jr. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, landscaping for his church and helping his grandpa stock his bait stand. He excelled in academics, graduating Valedictorian of Minden High School in 1987 and Magna Cum Laude at Louisiana Tech University in 1991. His propensity for writing and interests in law led to his career as a federal probation officer, where he served his clients and the public for 25 years.

After retirement, he advocated for raising teacher salaries and improving student safety during his term as a member of the Webster Parish School Board. A firearm safety instructor and avid gamesman, he enjoyed spending his free time hunting in Bellevue or fishing on Lake Bistineau.

Many people knew him as “Goose” from playing softball in church and city leagues, which he loved and played for many years. Jonathan was a dedicated public servant, a loving father, a devoted husband, a faithful church board member, and a cherished friend. He lives on in the memory of every person who loves him and every life he touched. Though he lost his fight against cancer in this life, he was healed in his heavenly home on March 14, 2026.

He is survived by his parents, his wife of thirty-three years, Robyn Reid Guthrie, his daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Guthrie, his younger sister Kristi Parker, his brother-in-laws, Christopher Whittington, Garland Parker, Ritchie Reid, and Jeromy Reid, his nieces Kylie Reid and Ashley Parker Thompson-Gardner and husband Conner, his nephew Corbin Reid and his great-nephew on the way, Harvey James Thompson-Gardner.

Special thanks to the staff at the Methodist Hospital in Dallas Dr. Meija, Dr. Manhas, registered nurses Christina, Ally, Kennedy, Brandi, and his nurses at Bristol Hospice Sarah, Whitney, and Caisey and Director April Freeman. Special thanks to the Webster Parish School Board members whom he called mentors and friends.

Pallbearers will be Tony Hall, Jimmy Hall, Brad Peevy, Tony Fuller, Ritchie Reid, and Chris Whittington and honorary pallbearers Kermit Welch, Bennie Gray, Dale Kirkland, Randy Gary, and Garland Parker.

The visitation will be held at City on a Hill Tuesday, March 17 at 4:00pm, his funeral service Wednesday, March 18 at 10:00am with burial to follow at Garden of Memories under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral home.

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Doyline

Calvin 10, Doyline 6 (Friday)

Glenbrook

Lady Apaches 11, Choudrant 1 (Thursday)
Weston 3, Apaches 2 (Friday)

Lakeside

Loyola 12, Warriors 3 (Friday)
Lady Warriors 16, Byrd 0 (Friday)
Lady Warriors 15, Downsville 0 (Saturday)
Cedar Creek 8, Lady Warriors 6 (Saturday)

Minden

Zwolle 13, Lady Tiders 1 (Thursday)
Captain Shreve 8, Lady Tiders 5 (Friday)
Crimson Tide 2, Anacoco 0 (Friday)
Crimson Tide 17, Aggies 14 (Saturday)
Crimson Tide 6, Lacassine 3 (Saturday)

North Webster

Knights 14, Taylor (AR) 6 (Friday)

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By Jerry Strahan

At 5:40 p.m. Sunday, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the north end of Webster Parish. By 6 p.m., the news upgraded the warning to cover all of Webster Parish. 
See the radar images above.

Springhill saw a wind gust of 63 mph.  Finally, the severe thunderstorms rolled into Minden by 6:55 p.m.

Damage was limited to down trees – one on power lines in North Acres, Springhill, resulting in spotty power outages. 

Several trees were reported down across Cullen fire district – six with them promptly removed from the roads.  
One tree near Tripp Road and Walnut Road in Cullen needed both the fire department and police jury to remove the tree. 

Springhill police reported dime size hail. 

Also Several trees were down across the south end of Webster.  

As of this writing, I have not heard of any major damage. If you have pictures of any damage, please send them to me at jerrystrahan5@gmail.com 

If they are used for publication, you will get full credit.

A look back at this past week’s weather. 

March 9: Springhill low was 64F Minden was 65F

No report March 10

March 11: Springhill low was 61F Minden low was also 61F

March 12: Springhill low was 36F Minden low was 38F

March 13: Springhill low was 37F Minden low was 38 F

March 14: Springhill low was 44F   Minden low was 48F

March 15: Springhill low was 63F and Minden was 65F
 
Rainfall: Springhill had 1.84 inches; Minden 2.62 inches. This was enough rainfall to so that the burn ban was canceled. 

The forecast for the upcoming week. Tuesday should be in the upper 30s. 
Each day the there will be a slow warming trend. Midweek lows will be in the 50s and highs in the 70s and reaching close to 80.

 

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By Shannon Wright 

Five players from Doyline High School have earned recognition on the 2025/26 Class B-1 All-District basketball team this season, a significant accomplishment for the young squad.

Sophomore Isaiah Key was named a first-team selection after an impressive season on the court. Key delivered one of the most memorable performances of the year when he scored 50 points in a single game against Dodson, including going 8-for-8 from the three-point line in the third quarter of that same game.

Key was not the only Panther to earn district recognition for his efforts this season. Freshman Rod Clark was selected to the second-team, while three Panthers received honorable mention. Those were eighth grader Gab Burns, junior Tiago Lara and sophomore DJ Webb. 

For a program that features no seniors on the roster, having five players recognized at the district level highlights the determination and work ethic of these players.

Head Coach Michael Normand said the season came with its share of challenges but also plenty of growth.

“After 31 years the best I can ever ask for is players to work hard and keep good attitudes and I think they did that,” Normand said. “We basically lost all of our scoring from last year so there was a huge learning curve. We dropped a few games this year because of injuries and a few simply learning how to close out games.”

Despite those obstacles, the team continued to improve throughout the season.

“With us being so young, hopefully this year was the launching pad for us returning to the championship picture in the near future,” Normand added.

Having five selections to the All-District team is a testament to the grit and determination of these athletes. 

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Do you enjoy meeting new people and greeting old friends? Are you familiar with north Webster Parish?

If you said yes, then you may be perfect for an account executive’s position with the Webster Parish Journal in the Springhill to Cotton Valley areas. You don’t have to fit a particular profile, you just need to be as passionate about spreading the news as those with whom you will be working.

WPJ subscriptions are – and always will be – free. We depend on businesses and advertising to help us meet our goals and keep the public informed. That’s where you may be able to help. We need an outgoing individual to sell advertising for WPJ – the fastest growing publication in Webster Parish.

Contact us at wpjnewsla@gmail.com, if this describes you.

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: cereal, powdered milk, biscuit mix, pasta sauce, , chicken & dumplings and beef stew

Clothing: men’s shoes and boots

Household Goods: towels

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.

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I return to this topic because of the recent U.S. 5th Circuit of Appeal decision in the Louisiana case involving the Ten Commandments. In short, the ruling lifts a lower court injunction and allows Louisiana to mandate that all public schools display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

Without any specific understanding of what such displays might look like, these appellate judges stated they were not willing to rule based on speculation. “It would oblige us to hypothesize an open-ended range of possible classroom displays (of the Commandments) and then assess each under a context-sensitive standard that depends on facts not yet developed and, indeed, not yet knowable. That exercise exceeds the judicial function. Guessing.”

And, while the ruling stops short of declaring Louisiana’s law constitutional, it is nevertheless encouraging and hopeful.  Louisiana Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has stated that “don’t kill or steal shouldn’t be controversial.”

The Ten Commandments provide the general foundation for American civil and criminal law and possess value and merit completely aside from any religious connotation.  Our young people are trying to survive the cultural cesspool that modern American society has become and can only benefit from being reminded of America’s history and founding principles of public morality, faith, civic virtue, respect for lawful and moral authority, and the guidance and leadership of parents.

Further, all that our Framers intended by the Establishment Clause was that there be no official federal, national religion of the kind the Pilgrims fled when they settled in America.  That is all.  The Framers never intended for there to exist this outright hostility to all notions of religion and faith in public life.  However, that’s what we have.  

Thomas Jefferson absolutely favored free exercise of religion and cited as one of his proudest accomplishments the religious freedom law he wrote for his native state of Virginia.  Jefferson opposed a mandated state religion.  Beyond that, he supported the broadest definition of religious liberty possible.

In fact, Jefferson’s own belief in the vital principle of religion and morality was much further developed and advocated for by George Washington and John Adams, who were both true believers.  Washington stated that: “reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” He believed that religion and morality are “indispensable supports” for political prosperity and the duties of citizens.  Adams believed that “our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Back to the Louisiana law. 

It should be unnecessary but perhaps the best way to avoid having the law struck down is by including along with the Commandments, other historical displays such as the Declaration of Independence, the Mayflower Compact, and the Northwest Ordinance.  By surrounding the Ten Commandments display with other historical displays, it would be imbued with academic, educational, and historical value outside of any religious context.   

I note that the current U.S. Supreme Court has been more accommodating of free exercise of religion, including the case of Kennedy v. Bremerton, the “praying football coach” who was fired from his job at a public high school after he briefly knelt after games to offer a prayer of thanks.  The Court ruled in his favor, finding that the coach had never attempted to force his players to join him, or based playing time upon player participation in the prayer.  Rather, in firing the coach the school district had unconstitutionally punished him “for engaging in a brief, quiet, personal religious observance.”  

The Supreme Court has adopted a new legal standard and held that the Establishment Clause “must be interpreted by ‘reference to historical practices and understandings.’  I much prefer the new standard because America has many historical practices involving faith and religion in the public square as well as the understanding that such practices are based not only on faith and religion but on our nation’s culture, history, and tradition.

Even if this Louisiana law is ultimately struck down by the Supreme Court—and I don’t think it will be—it nonetheless has great symbolic value in having existed in the first place.  Essentially, the law—however long it may last—sends an unmistakable message about the values of Louisiana and what we think is important to emphasize in public education.

America’s Founders knew that freedom of religion is essential to self-government.  This ruling is merely a reflection of that.

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races. He can be reached at RoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com .)

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

March 17

6 p.m. Women of Courage Ladies Night, Minden Civic Center, Angel Lee, special guest.

March 19

6 p.m. Men of Courage, Minden Civic Center, Codie Smith, special guest.

March 20

7 p.m., Malpass Brothers Show, CAC building, Springhill. Tickets are $ 25.00 for general admission and $ 30.00 for reserved seats. You can purchase tickets at Express Tax Title & License at 101 N Main Street or call (318) 539-2750.

March 24

7 p.m. 84th Annual Greater Minden Chamber Awards Gala. Minden Civic Center, Minden, La. Tickets: greatermindenchamber.com/awardsgala.

March 26

2 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group, Minden Medical Center cafeteria, first floor. Call 318-371-5646 to register.

March 27

6 p.m. Easter Fam Fest, Frank Anthony Park, Springhill. Presented by North Webster Community Church.

March 28

11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Easter EGGstravaganza, North Acres Baptist Church, 1852 Lewisville Rd., Minden.

3 p.m. (doors open); 4 p.m. (games begin) LaMa Animal Rescue Spring Fling Game Night, Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill.

March 27

Deadline to accept Phillip’s 5K Run sponsorships, Minden. Get race details and register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/PhillipSCottageK .

5 until 8 p.m. registration for the Sibley Volunteer Fire Department’s 47th Annual Bass Tournament on Lake Bistineau.

March 28

Sibley Volunteer Fire Department’s 47th Annual Bass Tournament on Lake Bistineau. Weigh in is 3 p.m.

March 29

2 p.m. Community Egg Hunt, MHS Football Stadium, sponsored by Young Women’s Service Club Minden.

April 1-April 9

2026 Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Springhill, North Webster. Tickets: chamber@springhillla.com .

April 4

Minden Farmers Market, downtown Minden. Vendors needed.  https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/8448 .

3 until 5 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt at Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 HWY. 80, Minden. There will be food, fun and fellowship. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, call 318-344-4919.

April 9

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

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

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

April 16

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

April 18

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

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

April 25

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

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Word of the Day: Turpitude

Phonetic: /tur·pi·tude/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition
depravity; wickedness.
“acts of moral turpitude“
 
Similar: wickedness, immorality, depravity, corruption

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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Clint Godwin, 46, 700 block Gorton Rd., Doyline: arrested March 13 by WPSO on warrant for battery of a dating partner. Bond set $25,000.

Tyler Powell, 21, 8500 block N. Park Trail, Shreveport: arrested March 12 on warrant for carnal knowledge of a juvenile. No bond set.

Jason Scott Watson, 53, 700 block Dennis, Springhill: arrested March 16 by WPSO on warrants. Bond set $1,500.

Latresha Lynette Dennison, 43, 2000 block Evergreen Dr., Shreveport: arrested March 14 by WPSO for DWI, flight from officer, reckless operation. No bond set.

Josh Jojuan Golman, 43, 700 block Dickerson St., Bossier City: arrested March 13 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana). Bond set, $5,000.

Miracle Malshalyn Robinson, 23, 300 block Yarbrough St., Bossier City: arrested March 16 by Minden PD for pedestrian on highway, disturbing the peace. Bond set $1,250.

Cedric Neal Adams, 30, 4800 block Shed Rd., Bossier City: arrested March 14 by Minden PD on multiple bench warrants. No bond set.

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

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Jonathan Layne Guthrie
Sept. 30, 1969 – March 14, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, City on a Hill, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Wednesday March 18, City on a Hill.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Ernest Cortez III
June 29, 1955 — March 13, 2026
Minden
10 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.

Gloria Jane Salter 
September 10, 1936 – March 14, 2026
Ringgold
Funeral service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Rockett Funeral Home Chapel, Ringgold.
Burial: Williamson Cemetery.

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

Local residents apparently are being targeted by another scam and this one claims to be an automated notice from the state Dept. of Motor Vehicles concerning alleged “unresolved traffic violation payment.”

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said his department has already received multiple complaints.

“This scam, claiming to be from the DMV, is going around Minden right now,” McIver said early Monday. “The notice claims the recipient has failed to pay some sort of traffic violation, and it cites actions that can be taken if payment is not received by March 18.”

McIver said the notice appears valid, giving steps that can be taken, including suspension of the recipient’s drivers license for up to 30 days, suspension of the vehicle registration, and additional late penalties and “administrative processing fees” for overdue payment.

“It even claims that any unresolved balance may be referred to a collection agency and result in further legal proceedings,” he said.

McIver said he had no knowledge of the Dept. of Motor Vehicles sending any such automated notices.

In the “notice” is what is referred to as “the official Louisiana website: https://expresslane.org-knne.top/pay.”

“We would strongly advise against clicking on that website. It might look official, but by doing so there’s a strong possibility that some sort of virus may be released into your system,” the chief said.

Unfortunately, the Minden PD has no way of tracing the source of the notices, McIver said.

“If anyone should receive this, I would not recommend anyone try to make contact with DMV through any website or phone number contained in the notice,” he said. “We suggest they go to the official DMV website to obtain the phone number or email information.”

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There is an enhanced risk of severe weather Sunday afternoon into Tuesday for northwest Louisiana. This may include severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes. Chance of precipitation Sunday is 60 percent with showers likely after 4 p.m.

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

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By Pat Culverhouse

An arrest of a West Monroe man following a traffic stop in Ohio earlier this week has put the cap on a Webster Parish investigation which began in October of last year, according to Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker.

Jessy Lee Dean, 25, is now being held in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on two counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. His bond has been set at $110,000.

Dean, a reported registered sex offender, is accused of using the social media site SnapChat to make contact with a 14-year-old Webster Parish female, claiming he was 19 years old.

Major Bobby Igo III, head of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, said detectives were informed of the alleged incident in October and immediately began gathering evidence.

Detectives Lt. Chase Wimberly and Sgt. Josh McCormick learned Dean made Internet contact with the juvenile and made arrangements to meet. He reportedly transported the juvenile and her 13-year-old brother to a secluded area where he allegedly made sexual advances toward the female.

Dean reportedly was identified as the aggressor through a cell phone video of the incident. Detectives reportedly contacted Dean and made arrangements for him to be interviewed, but he fled to Ohio.

Amherst, Ohio police reportedly stopped Dean for a traffic violation last week and after running his name through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), discovered he was wanted on a Webster Parish warrant.

“We were notified by the police in Ohio that they had Dean in custody, and to go and pick him up was a trip we were happy to make,” Igo said.

During questioning Wednesday, Dean reportedly admitted he was in the vehicle with the two juveniles. He was taken to the parish prison and booked on the charges.

“Detectives Wimberly and McCormick did a very good job of staying with this case from the beginning,” Igo said. “To solve a case, we’re always going to do whatever it takes, no matter how long it takes…especially when it involves our children.”

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

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By Bonnie Culverhosue

It takes one to know one, which is why C. Chanel Jackson is executive director of Region 7 of Families Helping Families.

“It’s because of my son,” Jackson told members of Minden City Council during a recent workshop. After she was told her child could no longer attend daycare because “he’s not like the other kids,” Jackson removed her parental glasses and began to look at him developmentally.

And after her child tested positive for a form of autism, Jackson began to dig into finding tools for her child to be successful and how to find help for both of them, which led her to Families Helping Families.

She’s worn her director’s hat for 17 years now, helping families keep their children – and other family members – at home with financial aid, as well as training and support.

Families Helping Families is headquartered in Shreveport/Bossier but serves Webster and eight other parishes in north Louisiana.

“We work with individuals with disabilities and families that have kids and loved ones with disabilities,” Jackson said. “All our services that we provide are free.”

Jackson pointed out that “disabilities” does not mean only physical issues.

“Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes,” she said. “One of the major disabilities we are seeing at this time is autism, which is something you can’t always see.”

Autism is diagnosed more frequently today than in previous decades. Recent CDC data shows the prevalence of autism among 8-year-old children in the U.S. is now 1 in 31, a significant increase from 1 in 36 in 2020 and 1 in 110 in 2006. Experts largely attribute this rise to improved screening, broader diagnostic criteria, and better recognition of symptoms, rather than a true epidemic.

Families Helping Families is hosting “Arms Around Autism” Acceptance Walk, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Miller Quarters Park in Minden. The event aims to bring awareness and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum while offering an uplifting morning of unity and positivity.

It is the first autism walk to take place in the area and will provide resources to families.

“This is going to be a free event for families and vendors,” she said. “We don’t want any barriers where people can’t come and participate.”

The Acceptance Walk, organized as part of April’s national observance of Autism Awareness and Acceptance, encourages participants of all ages to come together and show their support for families and individuals impacted by autism. 

To learn about state and local resources to help with disabilities, contact Families Helping Families at 318-226-4541, 877-226-4541, www.fhfregion7.com or info@fhfregion7.com .

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Damien Thompson is wanted for an offense that occurred on December 31, 2025.

The Patrol Division was able to secure an arrest warrant for his as a result of the incident. The following is the charge and bond amount associated with Damien Thompson:

• One count of filing or maintaining false public records with a surety bond amount of $1,500.

Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) or Detective Brandon Curry (318-268-7044) of the Minden Police Department with information regarding the whereabouts of Damien Thompson.

Any 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.

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NATCHITOCHES — Twenty years to the day after Heflin native and current Lakeside basketball coach Jermaine Wallace crafted one of March Madness’ signature moments, the “Demons of Destiny” will be in the spotlight Tuesday night.

A free reception and program will feature former Northwestern State head coach Mike McConathy and members of the 2005-06 Demon basketball team during the “Cinderella Wears Purple” 20th anniversary celebration at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum from 6-7:30 p.m. on March 17. The museum is located at 800 Front Street in downtown Natchitoches.

The 20-year celebration occurs on the anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day 2006 Demons’ 64-63 NCAA Tournament victory against third-seeded Iowa on Wallace’s last-second 3-pointer. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a reception followed by the program, which will be moderated by longtime Northwestern sports information director and current special assistant to the president Doug Ireland.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the panelists and ask questions during the panel.

Wallace’s corner jumper over the outstretched arm of Iowa’s Adam Haluska with 0.05 left and capped a remarkable Northwestern rally from 17 points down with 8:29 remaining in the game.

Clifton Lee tallied 16 points in a 20-6 Demon run to cut the Hawkeyes’ lead to 60-57 with less than two minutes to play, helping set up what many analysts still consider one of the most memorable moments in NCAA Tournament history.

Fittingly for a team who embodied its coach’s mantra of “the MVP of our team is our team,” Northwestern’s final sequence came off of an offensive rebound as Wallace grabbed the carom off a missed Kerwin Forges jumper, retreated to the left corner and buried the biggest shot in program history.

Tagged by then-Demon Sports Network radio announcer and current ESPN+ play-by-play voice Patrick Netherton as the “Demons of Destiny,” Northwestern’s improbable victory ignited a storm of national media attention for the program and the university that maintains today. Wallace’s shot is a staple of NCAA Tournament highlight reels and was voted the 2006 Pontiac Game Changing Performance award for the tournament. Fan voting resulted in a $105,000 general scholarship donation by General Motors/Pontiac to the university.

The ending was included in a Buffalo Wild Wings commercial and even referenced on a CBS soap opera.

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