A look back from the previous week starting on February 23:

Springhill low was 25 degrees F and Minden was 27 F 

February 24: Springhill low was 26 F Minden was 29 F

February 25: Springhill low was 30 F and Minden was 37 F

February 26: Springhill low was 53 F and Minden low was 58 F

February 27: Springhill low was 43 F Minden low was 45 F

February 28: Springhill low was 41 F Minden low was 44 F

March 1: Springhill low was 46 F and Minden low was 4 4F

During the previous week neither city received any precipitation, which led to critical fire weather conditions with several grass and woods fires across Webster parish. 

Looking ahead, toward the middle of the week, we might see some significant rainfall totals to hopefully end the drought and woodland fires.

Severe weather is very possible this coming week. 

Lows in the 50s and highs near 80.

(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 Tiffany Flournoy

Louisiana authorities are on pace to receive more than 100,000 tips this year involving online child exploitation — more than triple last year’s total — a state investigator warned Thursday.

Chris Masters, a supervisory special agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, said predators are increasingly targeting children through social media, gaming platforms, and smartphones, often while sitting in their living rooms.

“This problem is expanding every year — not just in Louisiana, but nationally and internationally,” Masters told the Minden Lions Club.

“I don’t think we are a unique state with a high number of offenders,” he said. “I think we’re a state that’s taking action. If you’re going to exploit somebody, we’re going to put you in jail — and everybody’s holding them accountable now.”

The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office is among more than 60 sheriff’s offices statewide participating in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Effective Thursday, the Minden Police Department joined as one of about 14 municipal departments.

Masters, a 21-year law enforcement veteran, supervises 10 investigators. In 2025, the task force made over 500 arrests, rescued more than 80 children from ongoing sexual abuse, and identified nearly 100 previously unknown victims.

“I will tell you, we are in the best position we have ever been in the state of Louisiana,” he said. “Attorney General Murrill supports us. Our law enforcement is on the same page with this issue, and we are getting stronger, and we are getting better.”

Masters said combating child exploitation has drawn bipartisan support.

“This is a bipartisan issue,” he said. “It’s not a Democrat issue. It’s not a Republican issue. It’s everybody’s issue, because they don’t ask your political affiliation before they exploit your kid.”

Lawmakers are working on legislation modeled after a South Carolina law that would make all child sexual abuse material illegal in Louisiana — including AI-generated content.

Many investigations start with tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Masters described a recent referral that led to a suspect’s arrest within five hours for sexually abusing a 1-year-old.

Investigators are seeing victims grow younger as predators pose as peers online. Sextortion — coercing minors to send explicit images and demanding payment — is rising, sometimes involving overseas perpetrators.

The consequences can be immediate and tragic. Masters cited a case in which a juvenile died by suicide within 45 minutes of being targeted.

“These kids are fearful,” he said. “They don’t want to tell law enforcement. They don’t want to tell their parents.”

Masters urged parents and grandparents to monitor online activity and keep open dialogue, emphasizing that children reporting exploitation will not face charges.

“We want to arrest the bad guy,” he said.

The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is a specialized unit housed within the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

Chris Masters, a supervisory special agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, speaks to the Minden Lions Club Thursday.  Masters, was the special guests of Minden Police Jared McIver.  

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A woods fire at 369 Bobby Davis Road, Shongaloo, Saturday was reported to be on a high line the fire department couldn’t access. They relied on the forest service plow. 

This was allegedly a burn ban violation, and the assistant chief asked for a deputy for the violation.  Unknown acreage was burned. Photos courtesy of Jerry Strahan. 

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Spots are still available for Southern A’Chord Chorus’s free women’s vocal workshop on Saturday, March 7, and the community is invited to attend a 2:30 p.m. closing presentation showcasing what participants have learned.

The workshop, “Find Your Voice: Empowering Women Through Song,” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner. It is open to women ages 16 and older.

Participants will spend the day focusing on healthy vocal technique, ensemble skills and musical expression in an encouraging setting. Nationally recognized vocal clinician Robin Curtis will lead the workshop.

The afternoon program will feature all workshop participants singing together, followed by two selections from Southern A’Chord’s repertoire. Family, friends and community members are welcome to attend the brief performance.

Pre-registration has been extended through Thursday, March 5. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. To pre-register, visit bit.ly/women-sing.

The workshop is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Office of Cultural Development, and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and community sponsors.

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Scores from parish baseball and softball teams over the weekend.

Minden High baseball

Airline 1, Minden 0 (Thursday)
Minden 12, Pine Tree (Texas) 7 (Saturday)

Minden High softball

Airline 7, Lady Tiders 9 (Thursday)
Lady Tiders 20, Saline 3 (Friday)
Lady Tiders 10, Simsboro 7 (Saturday)
Lady Tigers 9, Lady Tiders 6 (Saturday)

Lakeside baseball

Cedar Creek 11, Lakeside 1 (Thursday)
Lakeside 13, Northwood 3 (Thursday)
Byrd 11, Lakeside 0 (Friday)

Lakeside softball

Lady Warriors 13, Northwood 3 (Thursday)
Lady Warriors 7, Ouachita Christian 1 (Friday)
Sterlington 9, Lady Warriors 6 (Saturday
Lady Warriors 10, Choudrant 0 (Saturday)

Glenbrook baseball

Loyola 10, Glenbrook 4 (Thursday)
Glenbrook 7, St. Mary’s 6 (Friday)
Glenbrook 18, Red River 2 (Friday)
Glenbrook 10, North Caddo 0 (Saturday)

Glenbrook softball

Lady Apaches 4, Parkway 2 (Friday)
Lady Apaches 11, Evangel 4 (Saturday)
Lady Apaches 17, Red River 1 (Saturday)

Doyline High baseball

Doyline 10, Huntington 9 (Friday)
Doyline 13, Huntington 12 (Friday)

North Webster baseball

North Webster 22, Pleasant Hill 2 (Friday)

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: cereal, rice, biscuit mix, cornbread mix

Clothing: men’s shoes and boots

Household Goods: twin & queen sheets, towels

Thanks to all for supporting UCAP!!

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 wanted to address the topic of tariffs once more given that the U.S. Supreme Court has now ruled in the tariff case that was before it.

Long and short, while President Trump may not proceed under the economic emergency statute that was at issue in the case, there are several other tariff options still open to him.  The issue before the Supreme Court was whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authorizes the President to impose tariffs.  The case ended up before the Court because different entities had sued to challenge the broad and unilateral tariff schedule that Trump had imposed under IEEPA’s grant of power to “regulate … importation.”

The 6-3 majority ruled on essentially two bases. One, that the power to tax—which the Court viewed tariffs as being—belongs exclusively to Congress under our Constitution; and two, under the Court’s “major questions” doctrine, because IEEPA, a 50 year old statute, had never been used in the way President Trump was using it, he had gone too far;  In other words, if Congress had intended to grant the broad, never-before-used tariff power Trump was claiming under IEEPA, it needed to have clearly said so in the statute itself.

I must say that I felt the dissents in the case, although not prevailing, had the better arguments.  

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote the main dissent in the case, and he made a couple of legal arguments that I think cannot really be rebutted.  I will address those in a moment.  Justice Clarence Thomas also dissented, and his legal argument was that the tariffs were legal and constitutional.  In his own dissent, Justice Thomas, as he often does, cut right to the issue.  He stated that the Court’s position “cannot not be justified as a matter of statutory interpretation. Throughout American history, the authority to ‘regulate importation’ has been understood to include the authority to impose duties on imports.” 

Justice Thomas observed that the tariff statute was enacted shortly after President Nixon’s “highly publicized duties on imports were upheld based on identical language,” so the statute also authorizes President Trump to impose these duties on imports.

Justice Kavanaugh, in a lengthy dissent that was joined by Justices Alito and Thomas, arrived at the same conclusion.  Kavanaugh framed the issue this way: “The sole legal question here is whether, under IEEPA, tariffs are a means to ‘regulate … importation.’  Statutory text, history, and precedent demonstrate that the answer is clearly yes.  Like quotas and embargoes, tariffs are a traditional and common tool to regulate importation.” 

Kavanaugh then made the argument that because a President is authorized to completely block some or all imports, it only makes sense that he could also take the less extreme step of imposing tariffs on those same imports.  If a president can entirely block imports from China, it must follow that those same imports could have a tariff put on them. 

What I also found interesting was that in his dissent, Kavanaugh essentially laid out a roadmap for the Trump administration to follow to go forward with tariffs. “Although I firmly disagree with the Court’s holding today, the decision might not substantially constrain a President’s ability to order tariffs going forward.  That is because numerous other federal statutes authorize the President to impose tariffs and might justify most (if not all) of the tariffs at issue in this case …” 

Such alternate tariff authority includes the Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 201, and 301), the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232), the Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 338), and the Trading with the Enemy Act. 

I see the manner in which President Trump has used tariffs—as a tool of foreign policy and an instrument of diplomacy—including to stop several wars, such as India and Pakistan, as much closer to foreign affairs and national security which are clearly the province of the President under our Constitution. 

Presidential adviser Stephen Miller best sums up the tariff situation: “President Trump got elected to bring back our supply chains, reshore our manufacturing base, and bring back our jobs from overseas.  His historic program of tariffs has done exactly that.”

As always, it is absolutely not the role of the Supreme Court, or any federal court, to legislate policy.  So, it’s not the Court’s role to decide if tariffs are a “good idea,” only whether President Trump’s policy choice is legal.  In my view, it is.

(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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On Saturday, the US and Israel launched Operation Fury, a coordinated strike on several Iranian sites. This strike was justified to us citizens as a “defensive” strike, since Iran is only days away from having a nuclear weapon, even though this exact statement has been said by congress for over twenty years.

In fact, the US claimed the same thing about Iraq in 2003 and used the public fear of nuclear weapons (coined to the media then as WMDs) to gain public support of an invasion there. I was a part of the generation that grew up during this war, and when the Senate report on it was finally released that showed that Iraq never had any WMDs, it was hard not to feel like we were all conned into supporting something that wasn’t justified.

I will admit that growing up in that generation has affected my ability to justify war. I understand that war is an economy that pays a lot of bills for a lot of people, but I also understand that there are a lot of young men and women serving our country who pay a far greater price for the decision of war, and I don’t trust many of the people in power to truly understand the sacrifices that they are asking their people to make. Not to mention the greater threat of danger to civilians in our country and elsewhere during wartime.

To sum up that last paragraph, I am not anti-war, but I believe we need to have an extremely good reason to justify endangering the lives of our people. Do I think we have that in this case? No.

North Korea has nuclear weapons and absolutely hates our country, yet we don’t bat an eye at them. This is because we know that just having nuclear weapons alone is not a threat to us. Why? Because the technology to make nuclear weapons isn’t nearly as hard as the logistics of launching one thousands of miles across the ocean. The only countries who have ICBMs (the long range missiles that are capable of reaching us, in theory) are Russia, China, and interestingly enough, North Korea as of 2017. And we have not taken any action against them, despite them specifically developing their technology with us in mind as their target.

This is because, strategically, America is in a wonderful location, surrounded on both sides by large oceans and armed to the teeth with the fanciest defence radars and missiles that money can buy. Our tech is so advanced that the chance of anything another country throws at us harming us is incredibly slim.

So why Iran? Why was it worth it to risk and end so many lives to stop their nuclear program?

We claimed that we were acting in defense of Israel, since they would actually be within striking range of a theoretical Iranian nuclear weapon, but this would be assuming that Iran had already built a functioning, tested warhead, then produced enough of them to use as backups if one were to fail, then used tech that they have not been shown to possess to make themselves invisible to the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system, and then after ALL of that was done, they would make the heavy decision to use nuclear warheads for the first time since 1945.

That’s a lot of assuming to justify the killing of over 200 people in Iran during these missile strikes, over 100 of which were girls between the ages of 7 and 12, when three of the missiles hit their elementary school.

Since the attacks, Iran has retaliated with more missiles and bloodshed and we are already beginning to feel the economic effects of war. The Strait of Hormuz is next to Iran and is responsible for transporting 20-30% of the entire world’s oil and gas. As of Saturday, Iran has closed it entirely, which is likely to cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket, causing Americans to pay more than we already are for things.

In addition to all of this, it is still illegal for the president to start a war without Congressional approval, as I’ve mentioned before in my Venezuela article. Declaring a war is too much power for one person to have, and it is why the Founding Fathers intentionally separated power between our three branches of government.

Yet, Congress did nothing to reprimand Trump about the Venezuela incident and I have little faith they will do anything about this one. However, when 80% of Americans are against a war, maybe our President should honor our wishes and not start one.

Again, as I said about Maduro, Iran’s government is awful and they deserve to be toppled, but is that really our problem to fix, when doing nothing has no negative impacts on our country, but getting involved could put the lives of our servicemembers stationed overseas at risk? With our economy in shambles, shouldn’t we be spending more effort on helping our own citizens instead of protecting a foreign country that continuously causes problems and has only ever really been a drain on our resources?

In short, I pray that this conflict is over quickly and does not escalate into an Iraq War 2.0. I pray for the servicemembers who are probably terrified right now. I pray for the civilians in the areas that are caught in the crossfire. I also pray for not only the US government, but also the Iranian government officials to make good choices that minimize casualties. All life is sacred, and the decision to begin a conflict that will result in the loss of any lives is something that should be taken extremely seriously, and I pray that we understand that.

Taryn Ogletree is a local small business owner and author with previous experience of several years in finance.

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

March 9

6 .m. Night at the Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden. Brian Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation will be guest speaker. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; seating is limited.

March 10

Deadline to sponsor 2026 Springhill, North Webster Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Email chamber@springhillla.com . Tickets go on sale April 1.

March 12

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

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.

April 1-April 9

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

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. Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, Springhill 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.

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Word of the Day: Replete

Phonetic: /re·plete/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Filled or well-supplied with something.
“sensational popular fiction, replete with adultery and sudden death”
 
Similar: filled, full, well stocked
 
very full of or sated by food
“I went out into the sun-drenched streets again, replete and relaxed”
 
Similar: well fed, sated

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Play Sudoku online!

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Victor Batton, 33, no address (homeless): arrested Feb. 26 by Minden PD for remaining after being forbidden. Bond set $750.

Kami Dodge, 35, 2800 block Lyons St., Arcadia: arrested Feb. 28 by WPSO on warrant for possession of CDS Sch. II. Bond set $7,000.

Christopher J. Eddings, 47, 1700 block Walnut Rd., Cullen: arrested March 2 by WPSO on fugitive warrant from Claiborne Parish SO. No bond set.

Demetrius Miller, 20, 100 block Abney Miller, Minden: arrested Feb. 26 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana). Bond set $1,500.

Cantice S. Carter, no address (homeless): arrested Feb. 27 by Probation and Parole for probation violation. 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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Dan M. Ray
November 10, 1951 — March 2, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Julie Anne Akes Hamblin
July 4, 1964 — February 21, 2026
Mooringsport, La.
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, Tower Baptist Church, Mooringsport.

Roland Donovan Pollard
July 27, 1964 — February 25, 2026
Shreveport
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Forest Park West 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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Minden Police Chief Jared McIver (center) signs the department’s participation in the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Thursday. Seated with him are Chris Masters, supervisory special agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and Deputy Chief Tokia Whiting-Harrison. Standing, from left, are Deputy Chief Chris Cheatham, Lt. Shane Griffith and Captain Keith King. The task force, a statewide network of law enforcement agencies partnered with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, investigates child pornography and online enticement and provides forensic, training and victim support services.

Photo: Tiffany Flournoy

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Charneidra Curry is wanted for an offense that occurred on February 9 of this year. Following are the charges and bond amounts associated with Charneidra Curry:

• One count of hit and run (FELONY) with a surety bond of $25,000.
• One count of aggravated 2^nd degree battery (FELONY) with a surety bond of $85,000.

Anyone with information on Charneidra Curry is asked to please contact Det. Matthew Hicks or Detective Brandon Curry at the Minden PD (318-371-4226.

All information will be strictly confidential. 

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

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BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry today highlighted the impact of the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session, noting that folks across the state are now saving more money as they file their 2025 tax returns.

“When people file taxes this year, they are getting a bigger refund,” Landry said. “The typical middle-class working family will save nearly $500, and the average working individual will save around $261—cutting their state income tax liability by nearly a third. Turns out the biggest jackpot in Louisiana this year was in your paycheck!”

Background:

The legislation delivered the largest income tax cut in state history. By nearly tripling the standard deduction to $12,500, families now pay no income tax on their first $25,000 of income. 

Louisiana moved to a flat 3 percent personal income tax rate, the second lowest in the nation and the lowest in the South, providing immediate relief.

The reform doubled the retirement income exemption to $12,000, allowing a married couple over 65 to earn nearly $49,000 tax-free. We also eliminated the corporate franchise tax and reduced the corporate income tax rate to a flat 5.5 percent, strengthening Louisiana’s business climate.

The changes are permanent and include automatic increases to the standard deduction to protect families from inflation.

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LaMa Animal Rescue will soon be hosting a new fundraiser and need your help. Purses 4 Paws will be an online auction for the organization, but first, purses are required.

Drop off your new or gently loved designer handbags at Lucky Pup in Springhill or contact LaMa for pickup.

Contact Michelle at 318-272-6093 or Sheri at 318-423-0639 for information. Auction plans will be released after purses are obtained.

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Family Day Care Homes provide reimbursement for meals and snacks served to small groups of children receiving nonresidential daycare in private homes (providers) that are licensed registered, or approved to provide family child care.

The meals must meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) minimum meal pattern requirements, as well as standards for safety, sanitation, and food quality.

The provider must care for no more than six children including the provider’s own children and any other children living at the provider’s residence who are under age 13, or age 13 through 17 if special needs. The provider must be 18 years of age or older, not living at the same residence as the child(ren) of whom care is being provided or use the case head of household’s residence or P.O. Box as the mailing address, obtain a statement of good health form a physician, agree to use only safe children’s products and to remove from the premises and products which are declared unsafe and recalled, meet registration requirements outlined in Act 868 of the Louisiana 2014 Legislature, and meet all registration requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education.

The provider must be the sole caregiver for the child(ren) during the hours the provider is registered to provide care. A provider may not hire anyone to care for the child(ren). The provider must ensure that a working telephone that can receive incoming calls and can send outgoing calls is accessible at all times in the home in which care is being provided.

How does a provider receive reimbursement?

Home child care providers receive reimbursement for up to three meals services (two main meals and a snack or one main meal and two snacks) per child, per day.

Claims for reimbursement are submitted by sponsors on a monthly basis and the reimbursements are direct deposited in each family day care home providers by the sponsor. Reimbursement rates are set by the federal government and issued by the Louisiana Department of Education.

There are USDA guidelines a provider needs to follow in order to qualify for these monies. Requirements and guidelines will be explained in detail upon initial contact of Sponsors.

Training Opportunities

The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides training to sponsors. The sponsoring institution has the responsibility to train all personnel involved in CACFP.

Contact Ms. Sonja Hamilton, Program Director for more information: 318-377-7022 ext. 235

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(BATON ROUGE, LA) – The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has approved Louisiana’s application for the federal Education Flexibility Program (Ed-Flex). This allows the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to grant certain federal waivers directly to local school systems, increasing state-level decision-making while maintaining all federal requirements and safeguards.

“Louisiana is showing what’s possible when states are trusted to lead,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Ed-Flex allows us to move faster, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure decisions about federal resources are made closer to students.”

What Ed-Flex Means for Louisiana

Ed-Flex streamlines how school systems request flexibility in the use of certain federal education funds.

School systems previously submitted waiver requests to the LDOE, and the LDOE then had to seek approval from ED. Under Ed-Flex, the LDOE may approve eligible waivers at the state level without waiting for separate federal approval.

Through the 2029–2030 school year, the LDOE may:

Allow school systems to carry over more than 15 percent of Title I funds from one year to the next without seeking federal approval, supporting more strategic long-term planning.

Approve waivers that increase flexibility in the use of Title IV funds, including flexibility related to technology spending limits, allowing school systems to better align funding with local needs.

Ed-Flex is designed to encourage innovation in the implementation of federal education programs while continuing to hold schools accountable for student performance. The authority supports school systems in making strategic investments aligned to effective instructional practices and improved student outcomes.

Accountability and Safeguards Remain in Place

Ed-Flex does not eliminate federal oversight. Louisiana will continue to uphold all federal standards, accountability measures, funding protections, and student safeguards. The LDOE must also submit annual reports to ED detailing how the state oversees Ed-Flex and how approved waivers affect school and student performance.

“This authority allows educators to focus more on advancing student achievement and less on navigating administrative requirements,” Brumley said. “It gives school systems greater discretion to direct federal resources where they can have the greatest impact on Louisiana students and teachers.”

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Intake # 26038 “Sasha” is an approximately 1 year old Amstaff mix at Minden Animal Control.

Sasha weighs 49 pounds and is heart worm negative. She has started on heart worm and flea prevention. Sasha is a little timid and has to warm up to people.  She is dog friendly and is curious but afraid of cats. She likes people and loves treats. She is afraid of walking on a leash, but we are working on that.  She is gentle and has shown no aggression at all.   She did great with her vetting and is starting to open up.  She needs an adopter that is experienced and will have patience with her.

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

Adoption fee- $50 (covers spay. Microchip,  and all age appropriate vaccines).

Adoption application-forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, March 2:

ALI, QASEM
99845 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

ALI, QASEM
99231 CT. 1 Underage Driving Under the Influence

ARMSTEAD, KEDRICK KENTWON
99992 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

BAGGETT, MARCUS LAMON
98860-CT.1 Vehicular Homicide
98860-CT.2 First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring

BROWN, KATHLEEN NICOLE
100036A Interfering With a Law Enforcement Investigation

BURDITT, DAVID TROY
100039 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

CARROLL, TONYA MARIE
INCOMING Forgery

CHARLES, BRANDON MICHAEL
100000-CT.1 Aggravated Battery on a Police Officer
100000-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
100000-CT.3 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance
100000-CT.4 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100000-CT.5 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
100000-CT.6 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

CROW, CHANCELER
99896 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

CROW, JAVONTE D.
100036 Cruelty To The Infirmed

DANIELS, DEVONIE
99996 Cruelty To The Infirmed

EDGETT, BRITTANY L.
100014-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100014-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

EVANS, DAVENGELO LAJUAN
97438-CT.1 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
97438-CT.2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
Restitution owed to the victims- $7,554.23 + $1,133.13 fee = $8,687.36 Balance as of 2/26/26 is $4,043.36

EVERETT, DAMARCUS R.
99864A Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Restitution owed $1744.02 + $261.60 fee = $2005.62

FARNHAM, MIKEL
100182 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator

FETZER, JR, JESSIE CLAYTON
100017-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100017-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

HANEY, SHAYVON D
99864 Theft of $25,000 or More
Restitution owed $27,886.40 + $4,182.96 fee = $32,069.36

HENDERSON, QUINTON MAURICE
99952 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender 2nd Offense

HOWARD, AMBER MICHELLE
99861 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

IVERSON, MAURCIONIO LAFANE
100067 Sex Offender – Fail to Register
100067A-CT.1 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
100067A-CT.2 Operating A Vehicle Without A Driver’s License On Person

JEFFERSON, LEE ROY
99971 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

JONES, JACOB D
99406 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

JONES, SR., TERRY WYATT
97270 Illegal Discharge And/Or Disposal Of Non-Hazardous Substance

JONES, SR., TERRY WYATT
99179-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
99179-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

KEYES, CHESTER MUHAMMAD
100186 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense

LEE, JAQUAN LEKEL
99093-CT.1 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
99093-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
99093-CT.3 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

MANESS, MIKELLE
100184 Criminal Trespassing

MARTIN, TREMAINE
INCOMING Conspiracy of Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

MCCUEN, BROOKSY JAKE
100039 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

MENDENHALL, TYTRAVION
INCOMING Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

MILLER, DAWN MICHELLE
100037 Unauthorized use of a Movable more than $1,000

MILLER, SR, TREMINDEUS JASHUN
99872 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MILLER, ZIGARRI
99794-CT.1 Illegal Use of a Weapon- Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law
99794-CT.2 Obstruction Of Justice

MORRIS, CHRISTOPHER DEON
99578 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

MURPHY, MARSHAD FITZGERALD
99558 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
99558A Second Degree Rape

OVIEDO-AGUILAR, LUIS
99628 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

PERRYMAN, JUSTIN W.
98315 Hit & Run Driving Resulting In Death Or Serious Bodily Injury

PRINCE, LACY
99996 Cruelty To The Infirmed

SHINE, SHANNON
99110-CT.1 Attempted Second Degree Murder
99110-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

STERLING, LAVANCIA
99678 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

TRIPLETT, JR., ROBERT VERNON
99974 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

TURNER, TEVIN LOVAR
99980 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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By Jessica Gorman

What is a legacy? Some may think that it’s about making a name for ourselves, a name that will be remembered. In reality, it’s crazy just how quickly we’re forgotten when we’re gone. These days, it seems to happen even faster.

Some people live their lives in pursuit of legacy, to be remembered for the things they did. The irony is that oftentimes, those same people can’t tell you about those who came before them or the contributions they made in their lifetime. That, in and of itself, illustrates just how quickly we forget.

True legacy, a legacy that lasts and lives on is often unintentional. It is not found in accomplishment or creating for self but in influence, the influence on others that can be seen in the way they live their lives. In this way, legacy has nothing to do with whether your name is remembered. Instead, it is reflected in the way someone else values what you value and steps up to take care of the things that are important to you and even more so when they pass it along to someone else.

There are so many who quietly go about making significant contributions within our community without any desire for acknowledgement. I admire those people deeply. Those who have been involved with the museum and cemetery, I think about often. They shape my work and the decisions that affect the future of both. I see the same in others who have that desire to carry on the unfinished work of someone we’ve lost and truly admire their unwillingness to just let it fall to the wayside.

My work is rooted in honoring the legacies of others – the legacy of those who created this place we call home, those who have worked to preserve our history, those who rest in our burial grounds. I am acutely aware of the quiet legacies of those who have so generously and steadily supported the work of the museum and the care of the Minden Cemetery. This work is important to me because it was important to them. I commit everyday to honoring them through caring for something that they cared for.

A few weeks ago, I was working to get the annual appeal letter sent out for the cemetery. Part of that process is reviewing the mailing list, making note of those who have passed, making the necessary corrections. It brings to the forefront those who are no longer with us, some now rest in that very cemetery that they so faithfully supported. Their absence is felt. This isn’t just clerical work, it’s not just about getting a letter in the mail, or raising funds. It’s emotional work. It’s about making sure that something that was important to them is cared for.

Those quiet legacies seem to be the ones that truly endure. They continue to shape our community in the long term through what they inspire in others. For me, they are my greatest motivation to keep pushing forward even through the greatest challenges. We owe a debt of gratitude to so many and I hope that you will join me in honoring those who came before us.

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

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Before you have kids, you think you know what the hardest part will be.

You imagine the sleepless nights… pacing the floor at 2 a.m. with a baby who refuses to be comforted. You brace yourself for the dirty diapers, the tantrums in Target, the first day you let go of their hand and watch them walk into school without you.

Those moments are hard. Don’t get me wrong. But it gets worse…

The first really hard parenting moment comes later (at least it did for me), when you realize your child is old enough to make mistakes. Real ones… the kind that don’t just end in a timeout or a lesson learned before bedtime, but the kind that can alter the direction of their life.

That realization hits like a freight train.

Suddenly, you understand that your job has changed. You can’t hover the same way. You can’t fix everything with a kiss and a snack. You can’t always step in before the fall. They have agency now. Choice. The ability to decide things for themselves and unfortunately the potential to choose wrong.

That is terrifying.

Because loving someone this deeply means you can see ten steps ahead while they’re focused on the next one. You can imagine consequences they don’t yet understand. You can spot danger wrapped in freedom. And all you want to do is protect them from every possible misstep.

But You can’t.

This is where faith comes in… and trust… and letting go in the smallest, most painful increments.

We guide, warn, pray and try to model. We set boundaries and remind them who they are and whose they are. And then, at some point, we have to trust that the foundation we laid is strong enough to hold them.

And WHEN they stumble (because they will) we pray they learn and that the lesson sticks. That the mistake becomes wisdom instead of regret. Parenting isn’t about raising kids who never mess up. It’s about raising kids who know how to recover, take responsibility and grow from it.

That’s the part no one prepares you for… loving them enough to let them choose, even when it scares you to death. The first really hard parenting moment isn’t when they need you every second. It’s when they don’t and you have to believe they’ll be okay anyway.

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

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