Kenneth Michael Stewart is wanted for an offense that occurred on March 27.

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

• One count simple criminal damage to property with a surety bond amount of $15,000.

Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) or Detective Curry (318-268-7044) of the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Kenneth Michael Stewart.

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.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

The long-running debate on whether the state or City of Minden owns and is responsible for pot-hole and bump-ridden Sheppard Street is about to end.

“At this point, I feel like the people of Minden sincerely don’t care who pays for it, they just want it done,” Mayor Nick Cox said last week. “So, we’re going to get it done.”

Sheppard Street was built by the state in 1953.

“The state came up with the highway system in 1954, and they declared that anything that wasn’t in the highway system should revert to the municipality or the parish,” Cox explained.

Since he has been mayor, Cox said there have been at least three DOTD secretaries. He has met with all of them and “they would determine it was the city’s road,” he said, adding that when the administration changes, all the rules change.

The city is looking at approximately $500,000 to pave Sheppard from Hwy. 80 intersection to Shreveport Road (through the Sibley Road and Lee Street intersections).

“It was a good try on our part to try and make the state pay for it all,” the mayor continued. “We have asked them for $300,000, but so far they haven’t obligated to that.”

City of Minden has around 100 miles of roads to maintain.

“We only have so much money,” Cox said of the city budget.

The strategy of Terry Combs, head of Minden Streets and Drainage Department, is to pave the high-volume roads and do more with the same amount of money.

“I feel like I have taken care of the main roads,” Combs said. “Then, we go through the city and do the lower-traffic neighborhoods.”

“It’s the plan we picked,” Cox said. “It was in place when I started – to do your Talton streets, Clerk streets that are high-volume streets, and then start working on your lower traffic streets.”

As state-owned there are many thoroughfares in Minden that are not the city’s responsibility, specifically Homer and Shreveport roads, although Homer Road is scheduled for future work when grant funding is made available.

Every year at budget time, the Minden City Council is asked to present streets in their districts that need work. Inside streets, such as those are the responsibility of the street department, while the others are not.

Cox said he hopes to have Sheppard Street on the council agenda for the April 6 meeting.

Next week Webster Parish Journal will publish the third story in a series about Minden Medical Center and the President and CEO of Allegiance Health Management – Rock Bordelon.

Allegiance Health Management is a Bossier City-based company, which has owned Minden Medical Center since 2018.

Allegiance owns 11 hospitals in Louisiana, mostly in smaller market areas like Minden. Some reportedly have problems with vendors, liens and Uncle Sam.

Fiona is available for rescue through 501c3 group or approved adoption (MUST fill out application for adoption) at Minden Animal Control.

Fiona is a 1 year old spayed female Wolfhound mix.  She is 60 lbs.,  heartworm negative and started on prevention. Also started on flea and tick prevention.   

Fiona loves people and will sit for treats. She loves being on the couch or in a dog bed. She is mostly dog friendly,  but  there have been some she doesn’t like.  She DOES NOT  like cats.

Adoption application-forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6

Adoption fee-$50 (covers spay,  all age appropriate vaccines, microchip)

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.”

Photos and Information provided by Jerry Strahan

A person who drove his car into the old train depot on Hwy. 371 and Coyle Avenue in Cullen last night reportedly fled the scene.

Cullen police were advised at 7:10 p.m. about the accident. Witnesses stated the driver ran from the scene. 

Debra Lyn Shirey Pevy, age 61, passed away on March 29, 2026 at Minden Medical Center in Minden, Louisiana after a lengthy illness. She was born on March 22, 1965, to Ralph and Vergie Shirey in Minden, Louisiana.

She attended Minden High School, then went on to Pat Goin’s Beauty School where she earned her license in Cosmetology.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Vergie Shirey; her brother, Ralph T. Shirey Jr; her sister, Sherry Ann Nelson; and her daughter, Krystal Hope McLemore.

She is survived by her pride and joy, daughter Sherry McLemore; granddaughters Cherish Mason and Trinity Mason. Debra is also survived by a brother, Gary “Tom” Shirey (Sheilla); sister, Priscilla Matlock (Charles Sandifer); several nieces and nephews, and her special friend, Kerry McBride.

A memorial service to honor Debra’s life will be held at a later date.

FOR SALE: Shongaloo
2655 Rodney Martin Road
Shongaloo, LA 71072
$350,000
Extremely well-maintained and spacious country home on over 5 acres with the potential to buy the adjoining 48 acres! This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home boasts tall cathedral ceilings, large utility room, kitchen and pantry, new HVAC, plus more! Call your local agent to schedule a showing today!

Listing Agent:
Laura Blackwell
GreenStar Realty, LLC
318-355-5573
410 Olive Street
Monroe, LA 71201

Doyline

Panthers 20, Homer 8 (Monday)
Lady Panthers 8, Saline 2 (Monday)
Quitman 16, Panthers 0 (Tuesday)
Lady Panthers 15, Gibsland-Coleman 5 (Tuesday)

Glenbrook

Apaches 8, Neville 3 (Monday)
Lady Apaches 14, Loyola 0 (Monday)
Lady Apaches 7, Cedar Creek 6 (Tuesday)
Cedar Creek 11, Apaches 1 (Wednesday)

Lakeside

Warriors 8, Oak Grove 7 (Monday)
Haughton 11, Lady Warriors 6 (Monday)
Lady Warriors 15, Mansfield 2 (Tuesday)

Minden

Loyola 16, Lady Tiders 13 (Tuesday)
North DeSoto 14, Crimson Tide 6 (Tuesday)

North Webster
Knights 9, D’Arbonne Woods 8 (Tuesday)
Benton 8, Knights 0 (Wednesday)

The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, April 6:

ARMSTRONG, JOHN ISSAC
99883 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

BATTON, JAQUAVA MALIK
99289 CT 1 Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer
99289 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BAUGH, JEREMY SHANE
100222 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm – Domestic Violence

BRIDGES, DECOREY
100010 CT 1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
100010 CT 2 Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence
100010 CT 3 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
100010 CT 4 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

BURT, TERRY D.
99877 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BUSSEY, BENJAMIN
99429 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

CARTER, CANTICE SHAVON
96258 Second Degree Battery

CLARKSON, ISSAC DESHAWON
99259 Attempted Illegal Use/ Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance

COX, KURTIS LAMONT
100130 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

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

DOUGLAS, DEXRECH FAFON
100177 CT 1 Simple Burglary
100177 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

DUDLEY, KEUNDRICK
INCOMING Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

EASON, MICHAEL SHANE
100131 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

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

FERRELL, JR., TERRY LEE
100190 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

FISHER, CHRISTOPHER JOSE
99246 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99246 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

FLOURNOY, JR, DAVID
99614 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms

FRAZIER, WILLIAM MATTHEW
99583 Insurance Fraud

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

HARRIS, JAIVEON
99557 Attempt First Degree Murder

HARTWELL, TYLER JOSEPH
98237 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Fourth or Subsequent

HARTWELL, TYLER JOSEPH
95457 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense

HODGE, BRANDON MICHAEL
100244 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HOSS, JAMES WADE
99392 Cruelty To The Infirmed

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

JONES, BRUCE BERNARD
99073 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

JONES, DEVON
99554 Terrorizing

JONES, DEVON
98093 Simple Arson
Restitution owed to the victim for damages- $1,000, plus $150, = $1,150 total

MALOS, ROBERT WAYNE
100175 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator

MARTIN, EDUARDO LEVAN
99772 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

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

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

MCGLOTHERN, SHONDREKA
100220A Resisting An Officer

MILES, QYLAN QUINCYISIAH
100266-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100266-CT.2 Possession of Schedule II CDS

MILLER, JAYSHUN DAMARCUS
99912 CT 1 Attempted Second Degree Murder
99912 CT 2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
99912 CT 3 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
99912 CT 4 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime
Restitution- $10,685.71, plus $1,602.86 fee = $12,288.57 total

MONTGOMERY, TINA
100006 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

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

NORMENT, WHITNEY LEE
100264 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

PARISH, JAQUESHA
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS

PARKER, JASON DONALD
99630 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

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

POWELL, KAREN
INCOMING Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

POWELL, MICHAEL SHANNON
100269 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

QUAID, JUSTIN SHANE
95898 Theft of $5,000 or More but Less than $25,000
Restitution owed to the victim per report $15,000, plus $2,250 fee= $17,250 total

RICHARDSON, CORWIN K.
99721 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99721 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

ROGERS, JATRAVION
INCOMING Aggravated Battery

SHEHEE, CHANDRICKA
100060 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

SHEPPARD, KOBE
99557 Attempted First Degree Murder

SHEPPARD, KOBE
99239 Misdemeanor Access Device Fraud
Restitution owed to the victim per the report- $771.23, plus $115.68 fee = $886.91 total

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

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

STEVENS, MARCUS DARE
99524 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

STEVENS, MARCUS DARE
T031026 Improper Passing
T031026A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

STEVENS, MARCUS DARE
100282 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000

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

TAYLOR, MICHAEL WAYNE
98870 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

TAYLOR, MICHAEL WAYNE
98870 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

TAYLOR, MICHAEL WAYNE
99710 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

THOMPSON, JR., ARTHUR
100149 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense

THORNTON, RODNEY W.
99319 CT 1 Aggravated Battery
99319 CT 2 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

WALKER, MICHAEL D
T060122 Failure to Use Safety Belt
T060122A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

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

WOODARD, BRETT G.
99859 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Friday

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday Night

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 70.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Monday

Partly sunny, with a high near 70.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

April 3

8 a.m. until 3 p.m., Drive Through Prayer, First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

7 p.m. Pine Grove Methodist Church, “A Picture of Calvary” play.

April 4

10 a.m. until 5 p.m. M.O.V.E. Easter Egg Hunt, 1102/1103 Henrietta White Blvd., Springhill.

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 14

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

April 16

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

April 18

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

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

April 23

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

April 25

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

Destany K. Mitchell, 31, 900 block Devereaux St., Minden: arrested March 29 by Minden PD for hit and run, resisting an officer.

Bradley W. Mauldin, 42, 100 block Bowman, Doyline: arrested March 31 by WPSO on fugitive warrant from Bossier Parish SO. No bond set.

Shontesia W. Moore, 31, 800 block E.4th St., Homer: arrested March31 by Minden Marshal’s Office on bench warrants for careless operation, driving under suspension. No bond set.

Antaeus Stewart, 43, 200 block Bistineau Crossing, Heflin: arrested March 30 by WPSO on warrant for indecent behavior with juvenile. Bond set $75,000.

David DeWayne Hawk, 58, 17000 block Hwy. 80, Minden: arrested April 1 by WPSO on warrant for cruelty to animals. Bond set $50,000.

Maranda Richardson, 55, 1700 block Highland St., Shreveport: arrested April 1 by WPSO on outstanding warrants including possession of drug paraphernalia, introduction of contraband to penal facility through Minden PD. No bond set.

Tori Michelle Kemp, 26, 2000 block Crabapple Dr., Shreveport: arrested April 2 b y WPSO on 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.

Word of the Day: Cromulent

Phonetic: /cro·mu·lent/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
acceptable or adequate.
“the continental breakfast was perfectly cromulent”
Origin: 1990s: first used in the US animated television series The Simpsons

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of March 27 through April 2. Civil suits are public record.

March 27
Frances Farrell Davant, succession over $125K.
Bank of America vs. Myron Masingill Jr., monies due.
Carter Federal Credit Union vs. Reginald Ferguson Jr., executory process.
David William Law, succession under $125K.
Jerry Edward Gosa Jr. vs. Beth Margaret Gosa, divorce.

March 30
Richard Leon Norrell, succession over $125K.
Steve Duane Hale, succession over $125K.
Capital One vs. Nikki McCoy, monies due.
Capital One vs. Jeff K. Merritt, monies due.
Frank Leroy Pummer, succession under $125K.
Balden Bobby Loring Yates, succession ovr $125K.
Citibank Na Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2018 2 vs. Tommy James Wess, executory process.

March 31
Charlotte Brewer vs. Bealls 1987 Inc., Boardwalk Routh LLC, damages.
Kayla Hawthorne vs. JaCarlin Frazier, protective order.
Jackie Dale Blagg Jr., vs. Mary Lucinda Blagg, divorce.

April 1
Joyce Louise Gaudin Fox, succession over $125K.
Capital One vs. Habacu Morales, monies due.
Michell Denise Rasberry vs. Jeffery Brian Rasberry, divorce.
Capital One vs. Mike Manshack, monies due.

April 2
Nellie Sapp Burge, succession over $125K.
City of Springhill vs. Elite Pools and Spas, Derrick Vice, petition.
Hancock Whitley Bank vs. Debra T. Waters, John C. Waters, executory process.

Olivia Rae Greene Thornton
September 29, 1943 — March 29, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, Rose-Neath
Burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Minden.

Marty Wayne Loschen
May 14, 1971  –  March 31, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, First Baptist Church, Springhill.
Funeral service: 3 p.m. Saturday, immediately following visitation.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Mickey Love
September 23, 1936 — April 1, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, First Methodist Church Minden Sanctuary.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Reception following service in the church’s Wesley Room.

Billy Mack Troquille
October 2, 1934  –  March 29, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, Walnut Road Baptist Church, Springhill.
Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery.

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

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

By Pat Culverhouse

Driving erratically in plain sight of a pair of Webster Parish deputies has landed a West Monroe man in the parish prison on something more serious than simple traffic charges.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said Michael Kenneth Dickerson, 38, is being held for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), possession of CDS Sch. IV (Clonazepam), possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless operation and resisting an officer.

He reportedly is booked at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $5,502 bond.

Major Bobby Igo III and Sgt. Josh McCormick reportedly were driving south on Hwy. 371 shortly after noon Tuesday when the vehicle ahead of them repeatedly crossed the center line, nearly striking oncoming vehicles.

After activating their emergency lights and siren, Dickerson’s vehicle reportedly continued without coming to a stop. Other patrol units helped bring the vehicle to a halt at the Dixie Inn city limits.

Once stopped, Dickerson, the driver, reportedly ignored commands to exit the vehicle and had to be forcibly removed.

Deputies received permission to search the vehicle and inside the center console found a pill container with crushed pink pills. A further search revealed a bag with a pill bottle containing a clear bag with white crystal substance and seven Clonazepam pills with no prescription.

Also, deputies found a suspected pipe used for smoking methamphetamines and a torch lighter beneath the driver’s seat.

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.

Second in a series

By WP Journal Staff

Financial difficulties surrounding one of its hospital properties apparently isn’t unique to Allegiance Health Management, the Bossier City-based company headed by Rock Bordelon which has owned Minden Medical Center since 2018.

Allegiance owns 11 hospitals in Louisiana, mostly in smaller market areas like Minden. Some reportedly have problems with vendors, and even Uncle Sam.

According to past media accounts, tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service against Allegiance properties through 2025 totaled almost $50 million. Those liens involve alleged failure to remit quarterly payroll taxes.

An October, 2025 article in the Ruston Daily Leader identified Ruston’s Northern Louisiana Medical Center (NLMC), Acadian Medical Center (Eunice) and Mercy Regional Medical Center in Ville Platt as Allegiance-owned properties that had been targets of IRS liens.

Also, Allegiance-owned properties in Leesville, Oakdale and Marksville reportedly have been subjects of IRS liens.

To date, some liens, which records show were filed as early as 2019, reportedly have been satisfied. A records search at the Webster Parish Courthouse showed no IRS liens have been filed against Minden Medical Center.

Allegiance Health Management reportedly has also been hit with  several major lawsuits over the years, including a $1.7 million False Claims Act settlement in 2018 for improper Medicare billing for therapy services. The Dept. of Justice alleged Allegiance billed Medicare for unnecessary or unreasonable intensive outpatient psychotherapy services from 2005 through 2013.

That lawsuit and eventual settlement involved four hospitals: two in Texas, one in Arkansas and one in Louisiana (Many).

In 2010, a state appellate court upheld a lower court decision which forced Allegiance to pay $575,696.68 (plus interest, attorney fees and court costs) to settle a lawsuit filed by Louisiana Health Care Group (LHC). That suit involved Bienville Medical Center in Arcadia.

According to the suit, the 2008 sale of Bienville Medical to Allegiance included a provision for LHC to retain certain account-receivable assets. Those assets were allegedly collected but never paid to JHC.

Allegiance is also the subject of a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

According to a January, 2025 EEOC news release, Allegiance “… violated federal law by requiring applicants and employees to provide personal disability-related information and by maintaining an inflexible leave policy that did not allow for reasonable accommodation.”

EEOC filed suit based on a charge of discrimination filed by an environmental technician employed at Byrd Regional Hospital, located in Leesville, Louisiana, and operated by Allegiance. The EEOC said Byrd Hospital subjected the employee to the medical inquiries and fired her while she recovered from a heart attack because she did not qualify for further leave. 

In addition to Minden, Allegiance manages hospitals located in Arcadia, Ruston, Winnfield, Leesville, Many, Marksville, Oakdale, Ville Platte, Eunice and Dequincy.

According to the company’s web site, other properties include Allegiance Health Center of Monroe, Allegiance Specialty Hospital in Greenville, MS and Allegiance Behavioral Center of Plainview, TX.

By Marilyn Miller

“It’s crazy…there’s a part of me that feels like I have a bigger responsibility now…that I should do even more to represent my city,” said Jodie Waller Martin, recipient of Minden’s “Woman of the Year” Award for 2026, which is sponsored by the Young Women’s Service Club.

Like Graham Walker, Jodie was almost a no-show (Walker was flying through the night to be home for his son’s birthday the next day). The owner of Geaux Fresh Bistro was catering the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce Gala VIP Reception. She was actually at the Minden Civic Center that morning setting up for the event when she got a call from her mom. Her stepdad had collapsed and was on his way to the emergency room in Tyler, TX.

“So I said, okay mom, I’ve just got to get this job ready and I’ll come over. And so I went back (to the restaurant). And they all knew. EVERYONE KNEW BUT ME. So I said, ‘Hey ya’ll, I may have to get you set up and then high-tail it to Texas, depending on what’s going on with my stepdad.’ And everybody was just flippin’ out.”

Jodie still didn’t know anything about winning the award, but as it turned out, her stepdad was fine, so she was present when they called her name later that evening and she was “really glad I washed my hair.”

“I had no idea what was happening, and they tell me I have go give a speech. So, I was up there looking around and I said, “God, do you want to help me here?”  He obviously did.

About 30 years ago, while she was walking downtown (she worked for the late David Specht, Sr. and the newspaper was located nearby,) She often left work and walked, and this time she got to thinking about Fibrebond Corporation and Claud Walker and how the family owners “poured into their employees.”

Jodie was truly happy that Claud Walker accepted the award of Minden’s “Man of the Year” 2026 on behalf of his son, Graham, right after she received her award.

“Isn’t it amazing how the Lord weaves threads…and back then I had said, man, if I could do something in any capacity like they set up (at Fibrebond) to impact and pour into their employees. I considered it a huge honor and interesting that the Lord would give me an opportunity beside the very people that don’t even know that part of what they did 30 years ago was a foundation for me.”

The only negative part of the night was the absence of Jodie’s father, Mike Waller, who passed away in July of 2025. Jodie’s late father, sisters and brother are the reason Jodie elected to go into business in the Minden area. “They are all entrepreneurs in this area,” she said. Jodie wasn’t born in Minden, but she considers that she’s lived here all of her life.

Nearly 12 years ago, she became an entrepreneur herself, establishing Geaux Fresh, operating out of her own house, catering and making meals to go, using labor from her church. In 2015, she purchased the location of Geaux Fresh Bistro, which formally opened in Nov. 2016. Aside from Fibrebond, 1^stKings 17 and 2^ndKings 4 inspired her idea for Geaux Fresh. The Lord had already told her that Minden would be her community. A few years later, her restaurant became the “Business” earmarked for a remodel on an episode of HGTV’S “Hometown Kickstart,” which brought a lot of attention to Minden.

In 2018, when one of Jodie’s dear friends, Jordan Gray, came out of Teen Challenge, she wanted to pioneer a transition home for the girls coming out of Teen Challenge. That would become the Generation House, founded by Jordan’s parents, Paul & Ginger Gray, pastors of the Christian Church at Minden.

“As soon as Jordan said that, something went off in me,” Jodie said. The House was walking distance from Geaux Fresh, so she offered any young lady finishing Teen Challenge a job. It was their choice, and most of them took her up on it. It remains staffed like that today. Twenty-four have worked there since 2018. Jordan served as the first director of Generation House, which is directed by Angela Wallace today.

Jodie thought in 2026, she’d be able to step back from some stuff, to put more focus on her family. Her husband, Devin Martin, has a thriving business, Security Pro and 318 High Speed. They’ve been married 26 years, having met when they were both attending Rhema Bible Training College in Oklahoma in the early 2000’s. Jodie is a 1989 graduate of Minden High School.

The couple’s son, Alex, is a Junior at Mississippi State University, double majoring in Political Science & Religious Philosophy. He and his fiancé, Anna Grace Harris, will marry soon. Ava, a Senior at Minden High School, is the youngest. She is captain of the Louisi-Annes, 2025 Homecoming queen, 2025 MHS “Darling,” a Student Council member, and is getting ready to compete in the 2026 Miss Louisiana Teen Pageant in two weeks.

“Work will always be there…boards will always be there, but I only have this small window left for this season,” Jodie said of getting her son married and her daughter graduated and moved into college. “I’ll take a nap in September,” she joked.

Jodie and her family are members of the Christian Church at Minden. She and Devin are both elders. She leads the Sunday morning corporate prayer and helps with hospitality. She works with the Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry project and is on the Board of the Generation House.

Her husband’s interest in cycling soon got Jodie involved, and today one of her favorite things is cycling Caney Lake. Obviously, her family is a major favorite thing. In fact, they spent last weekend replanting all of the flowers from her dad’s funeral service.

Another favorite? She still enjoys walking in downtown Minden.

“I get my inspiration from the Lord on my walks,” she smiles. “He’s the restorer. Love God. Help others. Do our part.” That could absolutely be the motto of the Martin family.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Jean McGlothlin Doerge will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at First Methodist Church in Minden.  Visitation will be held at the church from 11 AM until 1 PM with the service immediately following with Rev. Steve Berger and Rev. Rodney Wood officiating.  Burial will be at Gardens of Memory in Minden, Louisiana under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral home and a reception will be held at the church following the burial. 

Jean was born June 4, 1937, in Galbraith, Louisiana and left this earthly life on March 30, 2026, in Minden, Louisiana.  She was a retired educator with the Webster Parish School Board and a retired legislator for the state of Louisiana. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Cora McGlothlin, sisters Neva Nida, Avena Rachal, Jannie Rachal, Gen McGlothlin-Bienvenu, husband Everett Doerge and son-in-law Kevin Lester.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherie Lester, grandsons, Justin Lester (Allison), Jacob Lester (Lainie), two great granddaughters, Avery Lester and Callie Jean Lester and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jean graduated from Northwestern State University in 1958 and began her career in education. She and her husband taught in several different school before finally returning to Minden and Minden High School where she taught for 28 years becoming the head of the business department and was the advisor for FBLA.  During that time, she and her students earned many awards on both the state and national level.

She retired in 1992 after 34 years of teaching to support her husband as the state representative of District 10.  After his death, she was elected in 1998 to fulfill his unexpired term.  She continued to hold this position until 2012.  During her term as a legislator she worked tirelessly for Webster parish creating a fire and emergency training facility and secured state support to fund the relocation of the Northwest Louisiana Technical College to its current site.  She also secured foundation for the operation of the Germantown Colony Museum and authored a bill to create the museum’s governing board and secured funding for a visitor’s center at the colony.  After her legislative career ended, she became the director of the Gemantown Colony Museum.

Although she had a wonderfully accomplished career and life, her greatest joy was her family.  She was close with her sisters and her daughter, grandsons, and great granddaughters. They were truly the light of her life and as she said many times, her greatest accomplishment.

Donations can be made in her name to First Methodist Church, Minden; The Webster Parish Council on Aging; or St. Jude.

By Jessica Gorman

A couple weeks ago, Yocom Law Firm held its annual 318 Day Treasure Hunt. Clue #7 read, “The Angels cried “red rover red rover let Joshua come over!” Then right near the horseshoe, down went the flue.” I knew when I gave the information for the clue, it would be a tough one. I only knew of one other person who was familiar with the story. It’s not a story that, to my knowledge, has been published other than genealogical and primary sources.

Joshua Alden was the nephew of Isaac Alden, the first permanent settler of Webster Parish. Isaac is believed to have settled in the area as early as 1811. He is said to have first lived east of Minden and as navigation opened on Lake Bistineau and Bayou Dorcheat, he moved nearer to the lake. Several members of the Alden family joined Isaac in Louisiana including his brother Enoch.

Enoch and his wife, Mary, came to Louisiana from New York sometime after their marriage in 1819. Here, their lives were cut short. The deaths of Enoch and Mary are recorded in the family bible as having occurred only days apart in June 1833. Their children were left in the care of Isaac.

Joshua Alden is said to have been born about 1822. Whether his birth occurred in New York or Louisiana is uncertain. He grew up near Lake Bistineau and married Laurella Stevenson. The couple had two known sons, Enoch, born about 1844, and Richard, born 20 March 1848.

Not much is known about Joshua’s life. Records of the Alden family mention his death as caused by a steamboat accident. Newspaper reports from June 1848 confirm this and provide only the most basic details.

On 7 June 1848, Joshua Alden was working aboard the steamboat Rover as the engineer. As engineer, he was responsible for keeping the boat running. He kept the machinery in good condition and oversaw operation of the engine and boiler. While on Bayou Dorcheat, near Howard’s Landing, a flue collapsed. A collapsed flue would cause the boiler to explode and release high-pressure steam and scalding water. Three crew members were known to have been onboard and received scalding injuries. They were G. B. Sligh, owner, a Mr. Borin, fireman, and Joshua Alden, engineer.

G. B. Sligh survived his injuries. He was a resident of Bossier Parish and is identified by census records as a master mechanic. While I feel certain I have seen the name Borin/Boren before, Mr. Borin’s fate is undetermined at the time of publication. Joshua Alden’s injuries resulted in his death. He was only around 26 years old. He left behind a wife and two small children. His youngest son, Richard, was only about two and a half months old. His wife, Laurella, remarried. First to William Fuller and, after his death, to Jeremiah Culverhouse.

The burial places of so many early residents of our area are unknown, lost to time, as is the case with the Aldens. It is suspected and likely that they were buried on the Alden property, but no markers are known to exist.

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

What is your role with the LSU AgCenter, and how long have you been in Extension?

I am the Program Assistant for Webster Parish, where I help support and coordinate programs and events across the parish. I’ve been with Extension for one year, and it has already been an incredibly rewarding experience.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Extension?

I’ve always loved working with the community and making a positive impact in people’s lives. Helping others learn, grow, and feel supported is what motivates me every day, and Extension gives me the perfect opportunity to do that.

What programs or areas do you specialize in?

My primary focus is nutrition, but I assist with all programs as needed. I enjoy being involved in a variety of activities and supporting our team wherever I can.

What do you enjoy most about serving your community?

I enjoy the opportunity to educate others about nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Helping people build the knowledge and confidence they need to reach their goals is incredibly fulfilling.

The part that truly lights me up is getting kids involved. Watching them try new skills, discover what they’re capable of, and make new friends through different programs is such a joy. Seeing their growth reminds me why this work matters.

What is one goal you’re excited to work on this year?

This year, I’m excited to continue working alongside everyone in our office and helping our programs grow to their full potential. I look forward to supporting new ideas, strengthening community connections, and contributing to the success of Webster Parish.

By Paige Gurgainers

The Minden Farmers Market is set to return to downtown this weekend, bringing fresh, local flavor and handmade goods to the heart of the city.

The market will take place Saturday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to noon in the alley next to Brick Street Coffee, marking the start of the 2026 season in Minden’s historic downtown district.

Event organizer Emma Rafenello says 13 vendors are scheduled to participate in this weekend’s market, all representing local businesses with a focus on handmade and farm-grown products.

“Shoppers can expect a variety of offerings, including fresh produce, sourdough breads, homemade sodas and lemonades, artisan soaps, and even a floral pop-up shop,” she said.

The market is designed to support local farmers, bakers and makers while creating a welcoming community gathering space. 

In addition to vendors, the City of Minden and the LSU Ag Office will also have informational tables set up, giving visitors a chance to connect with local resources and learn more about agriculture and community initiatives.

Organizers say they are hopeful for clear skies this weekend, as weather plays a key role in turnout for the open-air event.

The Minden Farmers Market will continue throughout the season on Saturdays in downtown, offering residents and visitors a chance to shop local and support small businesses in Webster Parish.