The Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce celebrated the ribbon cutting for Springhill Climate Control Storage on Tuesday, October 20, recognizing a new local service that is already meeting a significant need in the community.

Located at 200 North Main Street, Springhill Climate Control Storage is owned by Heath and Kimberly Stephens, who transformed an existing building into a climate-controlled storage facility featuring 35 storage units. The facility is designed to provide an energy-efficient, dry, and secure environment for customers’ belongings, with security cameras in place for added peace of mind.

The demand for the service is already evident: Springhill Climate Control Storage is currently at 100% occupancy, with all 35 units rented. This immediate full capacity underscores the need for accessible, reliable storage options in Springhill and the surrounding area, demonstrating how local investment can help address practical needs within the community.

The property also carries a special connection to its owner. Before its transformation into a storage facility, the building operated as a Fred’s retail store, where Heath Stephens landed his very first job at just 15 years old. Returning to the same location years later as a business owner creates a meaningful full-circle moment and adds a personal story to the property’s continued use.

The Chamber’s ribbon cutting celebrates more than a new business. It recognizes the Stephens family’s investment in repurposing an existing property, putting a familiar building back to work in a way that serves residents and businesses alike. The facility’s full occupancy highlights the importance of identifying unmet needs and creating local solutions that keep resources and investment within the community.

The Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce congratulates Heath and Kimberly Stephens on their investment and welcomes Springhill Climate Control Storage to the Chamber family.

About the Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce

The Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) membership organization dedicated to business advocacy through community and economic development. The Chamber works to support local businesses, encourage investment, and promote Springhill and the surrounding North Webster Parish area as a great place to live, work, and do business.

For more information, visit SpringhillLA.com.

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Ranger is a 1 year old neutered male, weighing 45 pounds.

He is available for adoption through LaMa Animal Rescue & Support Services in Sarepta.

Ranger was dumped on a deer lease in the middle of nowhere with several other dogs. He has been at LaMa since January.
Our volunteers just love him! Here is some personality information from them:
From Hillary:
“He is a nice boy and we sat in my backseat for like 15 minutes and he just wanted me to pet his little face.”
From Ashley:
“I just love him so much. He will sniff you out for a few then play bows and lets you know he’s ready to go/play!”

Ranger is heartworm negative, neutered,  and up-to-date on all vaccines & flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Adoption Fee: $175

Interested? Please fill out the application at the link below:
https://forms.gle/id1eJGf1VnA7ftoW8
Or the PDF version on our website:
https://lamaanimalrescue.org/adopt

To schedule a meet-and-greet, you must fill out an application first.

We do not cat test at our shelter. All dogs are dog-friendly unless otherwise noted. Please only commit to adoption if you are willing to give the dog time to adjust to a home life – some dogs have been in our shelter for over a year.

To find a previously featured pet, simply go to the “Search” box at the top right corner of websterparishjournal.com, type in “Pet Project,” and click on “Search.”

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I visited with a customer this week about webworms in her pecan tree.  After telling her to wait until the spring to spray, I decided to further my knowledge.  Spinosad made by Fertilome seems to be a good answer.  Spinosad can be used right now and also the spring.  It is to control borers, thrips, caterpillers, armyworms, bagworms, and many other insects.  Spinosad is listed as an organic insecticide.

The dilution rate is 4 tablespoons per gallon of water.  You apply when pests are present.  Thoroughly spray all plant parts to wetting, including undersides of leaves.  Fertilome makes Spinosad in concentrate and ready-to-use formulations.  I love the RTU products because they are so easy to use.  Just hook up a water hose and go to spraying.

Back to the 4-H article earlier this week.  My grands and the rest of the 4-Hers had a great show Wednesday night.  Hopefully next year and the years to come, we can build up our numbers of participants.

Something else that I would like to know.  Would our readers suggest some products they are looking for and send to me? We are always looking for different ways to expand our lines and become the go-to place for supplies in Minden.

As always please read the label.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of October 16 through 22. Civil suits are public record.

October 16
Richard Dawson Perry, succession over $125K.
Lamonica Moore vs. Donovan Youngblood, divorce.
Brittany Coile vs. Peyton Randall, custody.
Larry Richardson vs. Dusty Montgomery, protective order.

October 17
Portfolio Recovery vs. Chandra Parish, monies due.

October 19
Allison Boykin vs. James Randall Morgan, custody.
Republic Finance vs. Chris E. Batiste, monies due.
Leann Michelle Deaton vs. Jack Preston Deaton, divorce w/children.
Barksdale Federal Credit Union vs. David P. Biles, monies due.
Goldwater Bank vs. Michael C. Williams, Jamie Frances Thompson Williams, executory process.

October 20
Kelly Williams vs. Brent Williams, divorce w/children.
Tiara Jones, minors settlement.

October 21
Mariner Finance vs. Justin Webster, monies due.
Mariner Finance vs. Cody Cox, monies due.
Matthew Daniel Moyer, interdiction.

October 22
Alexandra Tellis vs. Tobias Tellis, protective order.
Citibank vs. Eyvette R. Watters, monies due.
Jerry Duane Stovall, succession over $125K.
Gregory Lee Schildroth, succession under $125K.

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Dear Tide Family,

My name is Alayla Scott, and I am truly honored and thankful to be named the 2026 Minden High School Homecoming Queen. I am the daughter of Micheal and Ashley Penton, and being chosen for this title means so much to me. I am proud to represent Minden High School and the people who make it such a special place.

Throughout my time at MHS, I have been involved in the MHS Tiderline, where I have the privilege of serving as Captain. I am also a member of the Mental Health Club. These experiences have helped me become a stronger leader, work well with others, and encourage the people around me. Being a captain has taught me the value of responsibility, teamwork, and showing pride in my school.

Homecoming is one of the most exciting times of the year because it allows our students, teachers, staff, alumni, and community to come together. From our themed dress-up days and school activities to the football game and homecoming court presentation, it is a time to create lasting memories and celebrate our school traditions. Most importantly, it reminds us that we are all part of one Tide family.

I want to thank the MHS administration, teachers, staff, students, and everyone who has supported me and helped make this moment possible. I am especially thankful for my parents and family for their love and encouragement. I appreciate this opportunity more than words can express, and I will do my best to represent Minden High School with pride, respect, and kindness.

I wish everyone safe travels to and from Minden and hope you all have a wonderful and memorable homecoming. Let’s come together, show our school spirit, and cheer on our Mighty Crimson Tide as they take the field and beat the Cowboys.

As always, ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Sincerely,

Alayla Scott

2026 Minden High School Homecoming Queen

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Legal staffer sentenced for $173k theft from law firm

A former employee of a Shreveport law firm was sentenced Monday, October 19, 2026, after pleading guilty to stealing $173,000 from the firm. Sarah Steiner, 43, pleaded guilty as charged to one count of felony theft involving $25,000 or more before Caddo District Court Judge John D. Mosely Jr. Judge Mosely sentenced Steiner to 10 years at hard labor, with all but two years suspended, followed by five years of active supervised probation. Steiner was also ordered to pay $147,000 in restitution to the Trey Morris Law Firm.

Former Southwood High School band director indicted on federal child pornography charges

A former Southwood High School band director has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Lennard Holden, 50, of Shreveport, was indicted Oct. 8, according to an announcement Tuesday from U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. Federal prosecutors allege Holden asked a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and produce a video. The FBI is seeking information from additional potential victims, particularly former Southwood band students between 2011 and 2026. Holden faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted of all charges. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Holden is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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By Josh Beavers

Near the end of No Country for Old Men, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell drives out to visit his Uncle Ellis. Ed Tom is worn down. He’s been chasing a killer he can’t understand, and he’s convinced the world has gotten meaner than the one his daddy policed.

Ellis doesn’t offer much sympathy. He tells Ed Tom about their Uncle Mac, shot down on his own porch long before Ed Tom was born. Then he says, “What you got ain’t nothin’ new. This country’s hard on people.” He tells his nephew you can’t stop what’s coming, and that thinking it all waits on you is just vanity.

I think about that scene every time somebody tells me the world is going to hell. Maybe it is, but it’s been headed that way for a long time.

Shakespeare wrote Hamlet around 1600. In the play’s most famous speech, the young prince stands alone and asks whether it’s better to keep living or to end it. That’s what the speech is really about, and there’s no use dancing around it. Hamlet lays out exactly why he’s tired of living, and most of his complaints could have been posted on Facebook this morning.

He talks about “the proud man’s contumely,” which is an old way of describing arrogant people who look down on you, and “the insolence of office,” along with the way good, patient people get pushed aside by the unworthy. Yall, I heard a story Thursday afternoon from a friend that would curl your toes about the proud man and his contumely. It did not die with the Bard.

Digression. Again. Sorry.

A long time ago, during a disagreement, a boss asked me if I knew who his father was. Years later, a different boss asked me the same question, nearly word for word. Yeah, I knew who their fathers were, and so did everybody else in the building. Neither one of them would’ve been sitting behind that desk otherwise.

I also once knew a man who took over an office and told the people in it that, as far as they were concerned, he was god. I’ve met plenty of small people who treat their tiny bit of power like it’s the hand of the Almighty, and I’d bet Shakespeare met his share, too.

Hamlet complains about “th’oppressor’s wrong” and “the law’s delay.” More than four centuries later, we still watch people with money and the right last name walk away from things that would put an ordinary man in prison for years. If there were real justice, some politicians might be in those cells instead of the poor and desperate people who fill them now.

A friend asked me something recently that I haven’t been able to shake. You work forty years or more, and everything goes up except your pay. You might never be able to retire, and if you do, you might spend those years in poverty. Then you die. What’s the point? How do you respond to that? I am asking yall because this person is right. I had no idea how to respond because wisdom does not always come with age. When a 20-30 something asks the old man a question like that, it is embarrassing not knowing the answer. But again….digression.

Shakespeare had his prince ask nearly the same thing. He wonders who would “fardels bear, to grunt and sweat under a weary life.” A fardel is a bundle, the kind of load you carry on your back, and my friend was describing the same weight. Throw in “the whips and scorns of time,” the way the years wear down your body and your savings, and you’ve described most people I know over fifty.

Then there’s “the pangs of dispriz’d love.” Almost everyone has loved somebody who didn’t love them back, or who quit loving them somewhere along the way.

So when people say the world has never been this bad, I’ve felt that way myself. But Shakespeare was writing these grievances down before the Pilgrims ever landed at Plymouth, and Ellis was telling Ed Tom the same thing from a wheelchair in a dusty Texas farmhouse.

Hamlet figures we put up with it because we’re scared of what comes after, and the devil we know beats the one we don’t. Ellis is closer to acceptance. It’s always been hard, and it’s not going to quit being hard just because you finally noticed.

There’s another tired old cop in another dark movie who lands somewhere else. At the end of Se7en, after everything has gone about as wrong as it can, Morgan Freeman’s Detective Somerset quotes Hemingway: “The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.” Then he says he agrees with the second part.

I’ve always loved that line. Somerset has just watched the worst thing he could imagine happen in an empty field, and he’s honest about what the world is. He decides to stay and fight for it anyway.

Hamlet set it up as a choice between suffering the slings and arrows or taking up arms against them. I don’t think it has to be one or the other. You can agree with Ellis that none of this is new and still side with Somerset about what to do with it.

The arrogant bosses and crooked oligarchs and demagogues were here long before us, and they’ll outlast us, too. I’ve made my peace with that. I just know which old man I’d rather end up being.

Josh Beavers is an award-winning columnist who earned four Best Columnist awards from the Louisiana Press Association. He traded the newsroom for the classroom in 2013, convinced that teaching young people to write, to think, and to become productive members of their community was the more important work.

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

Every Friday in October

7 p.m. American Legion Post #182 BINGO, Ringgold.

October 20-24

Webster Parish Fair, Minden. (See special event schedule.)

October 24

6 p.m. Fire in the Field, at 870 Highway 516 in Heflin. The evening will feature worship led by Enrique Magana, worship leader at First Methodist Church in Monroe.

October 30

7 p.m. “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” movie in courtyard of First Methodist Minden, 903 Broadway.

October 31

BOO with the Blue: Trick or Treating at Dixie Inn Park.

November 7

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Mission Adoption Bazaar, Craft, Makers Fair, Bake and Casserole Sale, Silent Auction and Lunch

First Baptist Church, Family and Community Life Center, Minden.

All proceeds go to participating families adopting and/or fostering.

4 until 6 p.m., Fall Festival, 814 Constable St. (back parking lot), hosted by The Christian Church at Minden and Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry. Outdoor movie playing immediately afterward.

7 p.m. Movie Night, sponsored by Men and Women of Courage, 314 Dixie Street (behind Seafood Empire), Minden.

November 10

8:15 a.m. Breakfast with the Experts: The Power of Business Storytelling, Greater Minden Chamber Office.

November 14

8 until 10 a.m., American Legion Hall in Minden, Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Minden Evening Lions Club, with support from Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net and American Legion. Veterans and their families are invited to come out, share a meal, and spend the morning together.

November 16-28

Community voting for Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry’s “We CAN make a difference: canned food competition. Vote on the organization’s Facebook page. Each vote is $1. The participants that are open to the public will also have in person ballot boxes. There will also be a passport  for voters to get stamped at each location. Voters can turn their completed passports in to be entered into a drawing for a prize. Winners announced Nov. 30.

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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Michael Dylon Miller, 35, 1800 block Holly Hock Dr., Shreveport: arrested Oct. 19 by Louisiana State Police for driving under suspension, speeding, fugitive warrant Caddo Parish SO, expired registration. Bond set $500.

Tori Michelle Kemp, 26, 300 block Morgan St., Springhill: arrested Oct. 20 by WPSO on warrants for possession of CDS Sch. I, entry or remaining after forbidden. Bond set $4,000.

Douglas Cloud, 41, 300 block Myrick Loop, Jamestown: tested Oct. 21 by WPSO on warrants. No bond set.

Elroy Anderson, 42, 400 block Oad Dr., Springhill: arrested Oct. 21 by WPSO for no registration, DWI first offense, no drivers license, open container. No bond set.

Shane Lee Neal, 49, 1000 block Mack Dr., Haughton: arrested Oct. 22 by WPSO for misdemeanor theft. 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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John E. “Chuck” Byrd
July 5, 1952 — October 22, 2026
Shreveport/Minden
Visitation: 10 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, North Acres Baptist Church, Minden.
Celebration of life: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.

Tommy A. McDaniel
September 30, 1953 — October 21, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 1 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026, Eastside Missionary Baptist Church, Minden.
Memorial service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.

Christopher Wade Maness
December 28, 1960 — September 21, 2026
Athens/Minden
Luncheon: 11 a.m., First Presbyterian Church of Athens, Highway 9.
Memorial service: 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., Craighead Cemetery, Highway 518, Athens.

David Harold Rigsby
January 13, 1950 — October 19, 2026
Haughton
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, October 24, First Baptist Church, Haughton.
Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately after visitation.
Burial: Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Judy Jeraline Willis
June 10, 1938 — October 9, 2026
Lisbon
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, Lisbon United Methodist Church.

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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The Boil Advisory issued on 10/19/26 for the following areas has been lifted:

700 – 900 Blocks of Warren Street
200 – 216 & 714 Edna Street
100 Block of James Place

Please visit the City of Minden website at Mindenusa.com for further information.

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By Shannon Wright

The Sibley Town Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday, October 12, approving a resolution authorizing the purchase of a new Exmark mower.

Resolution No. 14-2026 provides for the purchase to be funded through the Webster Parish Police Jury’s annual allotment to the town. Any cost exceeding that allotment, if any, will be paid from the town’s own funds.

Mayor Robert Smart expressed appreciation for the Police Jury’s continued financial support, noting that the funding helps the town maintain its roadsides and public areas.

“I’m very appreciative of the funding that the Police Jury helps us with,” Smart said. “This goes a long way in helping us keep the road ditches mowed throughout the town as well as other areas.”

Smart said the town’s current mowers have served the community for years, but getting a new one has become increasingly important.

“These mowers last many years, but we are currently operating on borrowed time with the two that we currently have,” Smart said.

Residents are also reminded that Sibley remains under a burn ban until further notice, according to the fire department. Although the area has received some rainfall, the restriction remains in effect.

Smart and aldermen recently attended the Small-Town Mayors Alliance meeting in Many and brought back some valuable information that they hope to implement in Sibley.

During the meeting, residents also spoke positively about the women serving on the town’s maintenance crew, recognizing the pride they take in their work and the difference it makes in keeping Sibley beautiful.

The town is also looking for help preserving its local history. Town Clerk Sherry McCann is asking residents to donate or share photographs, yearbooks and other items related to Sibley’s past as the town works to build a collection that can be enjoyed by future generations.

McCann emphasized that residents do not have to part with their original photographs to contribute. She will make copies of submitted photos so the originals can be returned to their owners.

“I really want one of the hotel that was back there on Natchitoches if anyone has one,” McCann said, referring to a historic hotel that once stood in the area.

Residents who have old photographs, yearbooks or other items documenting Sibley’s history are encouraged to contact McCann at Town Hall.

Sibley Town Council meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Town Hall. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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Pick’em players: Week 8 of Webster Parish Journal’s Pick’em Contest is under way.

You can click below for this week’s games, pick the winning teams and get in the running to win $100. The game closes out at 6 p.m. Friday, and a new game starts Monday.

Our four parish high school teams will be featured in the contest, as well as some college and pro teams and two tie breakers.

Each week, the contest closes at 6 p.m. before Friday’s high school games, unless there is a Thursday game, then it closes at 6 p.m. that day.

Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal. If you win, your photo will be taken with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. Remember, you must 18 or older to play.

Thank you to all our sponsors this year. In addition to Title Sponsor Under Dawgs, Broken Bean will be our anchor sponsor. Others include Holcomb’s Body Shop, A.J. Price Tire, Brown Chrysler, Shelter Insurance, KASO/KBEF, Express Tax and Title and Mike’s Hometown Spirits with Hugh Woods Specialty Meats and Catering. Please patronize these local businesses.

So, fire up your phones, tablets or computers to pick ‘em, click the button below and get started.

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By Paige Gurgainers

The Webster Parish Fair Parade brought a mix of participants together representing civic groups, youth organizations, the local pageant community, political candidates and more through downtown Minden on Tuesday, Oct. 20, kicking off the annual fair.

A last-minute route change accommodated the parade’s political entries while keeping campaign displays away from the downtown early voting location. Tuesday also marked the opening of early voting for the Nov. 3 election.

Louisiana polling places have a 600-foot campaign-free zone, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. The restriction applies to displays advocating for or against candidates, political parties or propositions on the ballot.

Despite the route adjustment, the parade continued its role as the traditional opening celebration for the Webster Parish Fair.

Fair activities continue through Saturday, Oct. 24. Thursday will feature Senior Citizens Day from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Civic Center.

Friday’s schedule includes a livestock auction at 1 p.m., followed by gates opening at 5 p.m. and rides at 6 p.m. Saturday’s gates open at noon, with Kids Day from 1 to 5 p.m., free admission for children 12 and younger, and a pizza-eating contest at 3 p.m. in the Forestry Building.

General admission is $3.

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If the traffic gods aren’t moody and you avoid getting behind a chicken truck or a Cell Phone Fanatic with poor lane discipline, it takes 40 minutes or less to get from Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston to FMOL Health/St. Francis Stadium in Monroe.

Candy from a baby. And easy 40 minutes from one football stadium to the other.

Unless … unless you are a football player at either Louisiana Tech or Louisiana-Monroe.

Then it takes 26 years.

Until Saturday’s 24-0 Tech victory over ULM on a comfy early-fall night in Monroe, the two teams hadn’t played since 2000, a well-documented but still mind-numbing fact, considering they are rivals and neighbors.

Think about it: The last time these two played, a boy with a new PlayStation and a girl with frosted hair tips picked out tapes at Blockbuster before the game and listened to Britney Spears after. Maybe talked about President Clinton. Maybe went to see “Gladiator,” speaking of blockbusters, at the picture show Sunday.

It’s been a minute.

So, since Tech joined ULM in the Sun Belt Conference this past July 1, October 17 had been circled in Warhawk Maroon and Bulldog Blue. Which is why we offer the briefest of recaps, just to applaud to football gods for MAKING these two finally play.

At least the wait seemed worth it, maybe even for sides, although you knew there had to be a winner and a loser. Lots of pregame tomfoolery in shady Pecan Grove. Good weather. Tech coming off a tight, emotional win over its south Louisiana rival, ULL, and ULM, 0-5, looking for an upset to get the wheels back on the bus and start the season’s backside strong.

At halftime, things were far from decided.

More to the point, for a score in this rivalry, we had to wait 26 years plus a half of football. Egg-Egg after 30 minutes. Tech couldn’t kick a field goal and ULM couldn’t get past the enemy 43, a piece of real estate the Warhawks didn’t invade until the game was decided.

Tech got an interception on the first play from scrimmage in the second half — that’s nine straight games with a takeaway — quickly turned its possession into a touchdown drive, ran the ball and threw short passes to minimize Warhawk pressure, created bonus points, and let its defense post its first shutout since the 2025 season opener.

The Bulldogs, 4-2, moved to 2-0 in the Sun Belt and, with wins over ULL and ULM, captured the inaugural Governor’s Cup, a three-team football competition decided as quickly as possible with Tech’s back-to-back wins. The Dogs also got an early lead in the Radiance Technologies I-20 Showdown Rivalry Series, another inaugural competition, this one between interstate rivals ULM and Tech. Tech’s Soccer Bulldogs beat ULM earlier this fall, and Tech’s win in football gives the school a 2-0 edge in a competition that continues until the final shot put is thrown, until the final softball and baseball out is made.

Love it.

The most immediate bottom line is this: at 2-0, Tech is undefeated against ULM in football this millennium. We won’t have to wait another 26 years for the rematch.

Tech plays its Homecoming game Saturday at 4 against Old Dominion (2-5, 1-3) and its stingy defense; ULM is at even-steven Troy (3-3, 1-1) at 3.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By Paige Gurgainers –

Approximately 2,000 children took part in Webster Parish Libraries’ “Scene It!” Trunk-or-Treat Tuesday evening, with lines stretching outside the Minden Branch as families gathered for a night of movie magic.

The Oct. 20 celebration brought cinematic scenes to life through decorated trunks and a movie-inspired Attraction House, continuing a community tradition that grows each year.

Behind the evening’s attractions were weeks of hands-on preparation. Library staff gathered at the Minden Branch to paint, craft and create props, transforming their work into an immersive experience for children and families.

This year’s “Scene It!” theme drew inspiration from movie classics, family favorites and adventures. Local businesses and organizations were invited to recreate movie scenes at their trunks, combining treats with creative displays.

Held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the event followed the Webster Parish Fair Parade, giving families another opportunity to enjoy community festivities in Minden.

Webster Parish Libraries launched its annual Trunk-or-Treat events in 2021 to offer a safe, family-friendly Halloween activity and strengthen connections between residents, businesses and community organizations. The celebrations have continued to grow in popularity in both the northern and southern parts of the parish.

The movie magic continues at the Springhill Branch on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30.

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Deer season is underway across Louisiana, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds hunters to check season dates and limits for the deer area they plan to hunt. Season dates for each of the state’s 10 deer areas can be found on the hunting and regulations page on the LDWF website.

New this season: Deer Area 1 bag limits

The main regulation change this season is the limit for Deer Area 1. Hunters in Deer Area 1 may now take no more than two antlered deer and no more than five antlerless deer.

The season limit of six deer is unchanged. Hunters should note that some deer areas have lower bag limits. The 2026-27 Louisiana Hunting and WMA Regulations will have more information on bag limits for each deer area.

Deer tags issued with licenses

Limits differ from one deer area to another, so hunters will receive the following tags with their licenses:

One antlered tag

Two either-sex tags

Three antlerless tags

This mix of tags lets hunters stay within the limits of any of the state’s 10 deer areas. An either-sex tag may be used on an antlered or an antlerless deer, as long as the harvest stays within the limit for that deer area.

Visit the LDWF hunting and regulations page for information on dates, deer area maps and full regulations.

Please contact LDWF Deer Program Manager Brad Kennon at rkennon@wlf.la.gov        for more information.

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The Mt. Lebanon Historical Society invites you to join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026 for the Old Mt. Lebanon Days Festival at the Stagecoach Trail Museum, three miles south of Gibsland. Activities are from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, and include bingo, a cakewalk with DJ John Cole, and a silent auction. Our lunch menu will be: gourmet hot dogs, chips, desserts, and a drink (tea, soft drink, or water).

This year’s raffle item is a 4-gallon two basket fish cooker from R&V Works.  Raffle tickets are $5.00 each, and the drawing will be at 3:00 p.m. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased from Gibsland Grill, or by calling 318-843-6175 or texting 318-243-2343. Tickets may also be purchase on-site the day of the festival. Make plans to attend! This is a fun day, and an important fundraiser for our museum.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Friday, October 23:

ARCENEAUX, JENAYA LEEANN
99520-CT.1 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
99520-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

ARCENEAUX, JENAYA LEEANN
100315 Attempted Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

BAMBURG, JUSTIN
100156 Aggravated Battery

BELL, KHALIL DAVON
99824 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)

BELL, SHATORA CHAMPAYNE
99979 Simple Battery

COKER, ELIZABETH DIANNE
100566 Theft Under $1,000

COMEAUX, CASSIDY J
100351-CT.1 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian
100351-CT.2 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

CRITTON, XAVIER DESHUN
100602-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
100602-CT.1 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

CURRY, CHARNEIDRA L
100386 Aggravated Battery

DUCK, STEPHANIE RENA
100533 Simple Battery

DUPREE, CAROLYN SUMPTER
100519 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

DUPREE, KAMERON KEESHAWAN
100462 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100462 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

FERGUSON, LOLA SUNSHINE
100686 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)

FLOURNOY, RAVI ANDRELAVERE
100101 Possession of Schedule II CDS

FLOURNOY, RAVI ANDRELAVERE
T031726 Failure to Use Safety Belt
T031726A Failure To Secure Registration

FREDERICK, CLINT JAMES
100692-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100692-CT.2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle

FRY, MATTHEW D.
100286 Violation Of Leash Law
OC 9/4 Restitution – $749.98 plus $112.50 fee = $862.48 total

FRY, MATTHEW D.
T229326 Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

GRAVES, ANTHONY
100569 Gross Littering

GREEN, QUINCEY T.
100681-CT.1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
100681-CT.2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

GREENARD, TEVIN JMAR
100419 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100419 CT. 2 Failure to Stop and/or Yield

HARRIS, VONTAVIOUS DEWAYNE
100538-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100538-CT.2 Failure to Yield Right of Way

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

JACKSON, TADAZION DAISHUN
100397-CT.1 Simple Battery
100397-CT.2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

JOHNSON, KAYLEIGH
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Possession of a Schedule I CDS
INCOMING Possession of a Schedule IV CDS
INCOMING Illegal Use, Consumption, Possession, Or Distribution Of Cds In Presence Of Persons Under 17

JONES, ASHTIN RENARD
100498 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

KEMP, TORI MICHELLE
99869-CT.1 Possession of CDS I Marijuana (More Than Fourteen Grams)
99869-CT.2 Entry On Or Remaining In Places Or On Land After Being Forbidden

LABORDE, MITCHEAL STEVEN
100556 Violation Of Protective Order

LANE, SARAH JANE
99543 Simple Burglary

LAWSON, THOMAS AARON
100476 Cruelty To Juveniles

LOWE, DANNA
89526 Theft Of $1500 Or More
Restitution $100,000 to Hilton Baxter + $15,000 fee = $115,000

MILES, SHUNTA
100439 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

MILLER, VINCENT J.
100693-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense
100693-CT.2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
100693-CT.3 No Insurance
100693-CT.4 Failure to Use Safety Belt

MIXON, CAITLIN B.
100516 Entry On Or Remaining In Places Or On Land After Being Forbidden

MOORE, DANA MICHELLE
100509 Forgery

MOORE, TIMOTHY
INCOMING Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle Without Current Number Plates
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle Without Proof Of Insurance
INCOMING No Motorcycle Endorsement

NEAL, KANE MADISON
100677 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

NEWSOM, TREY
100471-CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense
100471-CT. 2 Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
100471-CT. 3 Failure to Use Safety Belt

NEWSOM, TREY
100023 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

POOL, TRACE TUGGER
99241 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99241 CT. 2 Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test
Restitution owed to the victim- $2,081.73, plus $312.26 fee = $2,393.99 total

POTTS, TIFFANY
T127824 Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License
T127824A Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate
T127824B Operating A Vehicle Without A Left Mirror

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

ROBERTSON, IV, MURPHY LEE
100676 Simple Burglary Of An Inhabited Dwelling

RUSHING, JR., CLYDE E.
100685 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

STEWART, KENNETH MICHAEL
100466 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000

THOMAS, PEYTON LEON
99334 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

WARE, BRANDON A
98666 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

WARE, BRANDON A
100687 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

WASHINGTON, LAKEISHA
100588-CT.1 Criminal Trespassing
100588-CT.2 Resisting An Officer
100588-CT.3 Disturbing the Peace by Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition

WEATHERS, TYKENDRICK
99894 Simple Robbery

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Converse woman killed in two-vehicle crash on Highway 171 in DeSoto Parish

A 30-year-old Converse woman was killed Tuesday morning, October 20, in a two-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler on U.S. Highway 171 near Phillips Road in DeSoto Parish.
According to Louisiana State Police Troop G, troopers responded to the crash at approximately 7:30 a.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling north in the right lane of U.S. Highway 171. A 2015 Peterbilt 18-wheeler was also traveling north in the same lane ahead of the Jeep.
For reasons that remain under investigation, the Jeep collided with the rear of the Peterbilt.

Mansfield Police apprehend suspect in Old Jefferson Highway carjacking and assault

The Mansfield Police Department has confirmed that a suspect involved in an alleged carjacking and assault on Old Jefferson Highway is in custody following an incident Thursday evening, October 15, 2026.
According to police, officers were notified at approximately 5:25 p.m. Thursday by a third party reporting that a man had been injured during a carjacking.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers learned that a woman had reportedly approached the victim and asked him for a ride. After entering the vehicle, the woman allegedly assaulted the driver, forced him out of the vehicle and drove away.
Authorities subsequently identified the suspect as Niquesha Robertson.
In an update issued Friday, October 16, the Mansfield Police Department confirmed that Robertson had been apprehended and was in custody.

Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests former Bossier High School employee

Detectives with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Bossier City man Oct. 19 on two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles following an investigation into multiple encounters with a juvenile student.
Jarory Morris, 30, of the 3000 block of Black Lake Circle in Bossier City, was employed at Bossier High School at the time of the alleged incidents, which occurred on multiple occasions while the victim was a juvenile student.
The investigation began immediately after detectives were made aware of the allegations, when the victim, now an adult, came forward to report the encounters. During the investigation, Morris was advised of his Miranda rights and admitted to two encounters, corroborating the victim’s account. Morris was subsequently taken into custody.

Three arrested following Shreveport home invasion that injured teenager

Shreveport police arrested three suspects following an Oct. 18 home invasion that left a 16-year-old girl injured. Officers responded to the 4700 block of Arnsdale Circle around noon, where four people were inside the residence during the incident. The teenager was transported to Ochsner LSU Health with a head injury and broken wrist. Investigators identified the suspects as Maciah Wilson, 17; Christian Henderson, 18; and Jaydin Terry, 19. Police located a black Nissan Sentra connected to the incident with all three suspects inside. Wilson fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. All three were booked into Shreveport City Jail on one count each of home invasion. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.

Traffic alert: Road resealing scheduled for Lyons Hill road in Claiborne Parish

The Claiborne Parish Police Jury has announced that road resealing work is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, along a portion of Lyons Hill Road near Homer.
According to the Police Jury, the Claiborne Parish Highway Department will conduct resealing operations from the Town of Homer city limits to the intersection of Lyons Hill Road and Hill Farm Road.
Motorists traveling through the area are urged to use caution while crews perform the roadway maintenance.

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Thursday, October 22
Doors Open At 8 a.m. (Coffee & Donuts Served)
Senior Citizens Day 9 a.m. Until 1:30 p.m. (Civic Center)
Rides Start At 6 p.m. “Armband Nite”
4-H Goat, L.a.m.b., Beef Showmanship At 6 p.m.
4-H Dairy And Doug Sale Showmanship At 7 p.m.

Friday, October 23
Buyers’ Luncheon At 11:30 a.m.
Livestock Auction At 1 p.m. (4-H Show Barn)
Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m.
Rides Start At 6 p.m.

Saturday. October 24
Fair Gates Open At 12 p.m.
Kids Day! 1 p.m. To 5 p.m. (Kid’s Special Ends 5 p.m.)
Free Admission For Kids 12& Under
Pizza Eating Contest At 3 p.m. Forestry Bld) Sponsored By Johnnys Pizza

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Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 52. Calm wind.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 53.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 81.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

*Information provided by National Weather Service

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