By Pat Culverhouse

Minden City Council members have been asked to study a pair of new ordinances proposed by Mayor Nick Cox, including one which would deal with construction on utility projects inside the city.

Cox presented the proposed ordinances for council members to study during a workshop prior to Monday’s regular meeting. A vote on the ordinances could come as early as the council’s February meeting.

Under the mayor’s utility project proposal, contractors would be required to obtain permits before beginning work. Cox said the purpose of the permit would be to reveal not only the scope of work but to identify who was doing the project.

“I’ve gone to some of these projects and asked people on the crews who they were working for, and what the project was. Time after time, they would reply, ‘I don’t know.’ I’m tired of contractors named I Don’t Know working in our city.”

Cox said not only the contractor would be identified under the permit process, but all subcontractors as well.

“We would require a complete list of those who would be involved, subcontractors and all,” he explained. “We would identify everyone involved and everything the project includes.”

Cox’s proposed ordinance would limit any contractor to five active permits, and makes provision that all projects show documentation of the before and after of the construction.

“This provision will ensure that when the contractor or its subs finish, the area is free of debris and meets our standards,” he said.

Ordinance provisions also give contractors the obligation to work only during approved hours, with consideration of changes approved only by Minden officials. The ordinance also allows city officials to shut down a project for violations, and Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver has agreed to provide officers to assist in shutdowns if necessary.

“Our public works department has put a lot of research, time and effort into this ordinance and it is very well written,” Cox said. “It is written so well that I think other cities will want to copy it.”

Cox told council members a part-time code enforcement official might be necessary to document the progress of contracted utility projects.

His second recommended ordinance targets condemned property issues at an administrative level. Cox said nothing would change in the city’s ordinance concerning items such as litter, junk, high grass abandoned vehicles or houses or any other property nuisance.

“What we’re suggesting is to establish an administrative court judge and a docket clerk to handle cases before it would have to go to a civil court,” the mayor said. “We already have a judge and clerk who have agreed to assume the duties.”

Cox said the administrative court would meet on the third Thursday of each month, and Ward Marshal Danny Weaver has agreed to provide security for the sessions.

Cox also asked council members to consider forming a seven-member Property Standards Review Committee in conjunction with the administrative actions. Each council member would nominate one member of the committee; the mayor would make two nominations. All would be subject to council approval.

“This proposed ordinance is just an effort to increase pride in our city,” Cox said.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Who doesn’t want to be known as a champion? And what better way to prove it to the world than with a tee shirt that not only tells a champion story but also makes money for Minden St. Jude Auction.

Annual Auction apparel brings in close to $50,000, said Lisa Balkom who has been involved with auction apparel since 2012.

Right now, the website is showing regular adult and youth sized tees. But Balkom said it’s only a matter of time before all the other styles arrive at Minden Civic Center.

“It’ll be the long-sleeved tee shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies in four colors.” Balkom said.

And, it’s OK to start ordering on the link immediately.

“Everybody wants a tee shirt, so they sell really well,” Balkom said. “A lot of times people buy a tee shirt and sweatshirt because they want to support the auction.”

Balkom pointed out that even people who come to the Minden Civic Center during the auction may not want to bid, but almost everyone buys a tee shirt.

“Buying a tee shirt may not seem like a lot to most people, but it all adds up,” she said.

Balkom isn’t on her own in the apparel department. There is quite a hard-working committee.

“They are behind the scenes,” she said, explaining the shirts are delivered by an 18-wheeler, “in tons of boxes.”

“Nothing is folded. They are just in the boxes,” she said. “I have a fold crew of probably 20 people. It’s the same people that fold every year. They sort, fold and pull pre-orders.”

Sometimes the shirts don’t arrive until two days before the auction begins.

Some of the fold crew join others to work the “store” on auction days.

“It’s a good team,” Balkom stressed. “I am NOT by myself.”

Champions for a Cure will run February 5-8, 2026.

To order your shirt, please visit https://mindenstjude.com/ .

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My name is Tim Morris, and I am announcing my candidacy for Minden Police Chief.

Minden has been my home for more than 30 years. I have dedicated over 35 years to public service, beginning at the age of 16 as a volunteer firefighter in DeSoto Parish. After serving my country in the United States Army, I joined the Mansfield Police Department in 1993.

In 1995, I joined the Minden Police Department as a patrolman under Chief T.C. Bloxom. Over the next 27 years, I rose through the ranks to Captain under Chief Steve Cropper. Throughout my career, I focused on practical leadership—solving problems, supporting officers, and protecting taxpayers.

During a critical period following the COVID-19 outbreak, when the Minden Police Department faced a severe shortage of patrol vehicles, I was able—through lifelong professional relationships—to secure the donation of eight surplus police vehicles from DeSoto Parish. These vehicles ensured officers could continue responding to calls and that public safety was not compromised while replacement units were obtained.

Those same professional contacts later helped Minden acquire newer patrol units through a piggyback purchasing program approved by the Louisiana Legislature, created specifically to address post-COVID shortages of police equipment. These efforts strengthened the department while minimizing costs to taxpayers and demonstrated the value of experience, relationships, and responsible leadership.

Why I’m Running

I retired in 2023 after witnessing what I believe to be a pattern of toxic behavior and serious leadership concerns involving Minden Police Chief Jared McIver.

Over the past two years, I have watched the Minden Police Department struggle under Chief McIver’s leadership in ways that have damaged morale and undermined the professionalism of our officers. These concerns are not mine alone. Leadership issues involving Chief McIver have been publicly raised by law enforcement leaders and city officials.

The Louisiana Law Enforcement Association’s Executive Director has publicly characterized Chief Jared McIver’s behavior as egregious, and Mayor Nicholas Cox has openly questioned Chief McIver’s ability to lead, stating that McIver’s actions have decayed morale and fostered an unstable work environment within the department.

I have personally become aware of recorded interactions involving officers shouting at one another in a manner that can only be described as toxic. When experienced, well-trained officers resign or leave without cause, it is a direct reflection of leadership failure—not a lack of commitment by those officers.

Each time an officer leaves, the City of Minden loses valuable experience and thousands of taxpayer dollars invested in recruiting, training, and certification. This revolving loss of personnel weakens public safety and places additional strain on the officers who remain.

My Vision for Minden

As Police Chief, I will restore professionalism, accountability, and trust—both within the department and throughout the community. My priorities include:

• Clear and consistent communication with the Mayor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, and city leadership
• Fair and lawful policing that treats all citizens with dignity and respect
• Community engagement through an open-door leadership approach
• Responsible use of resources by securing grants, equipment, and partnerships to strengthen the department—not to compensate for past administrative failures or poor decision-making
• A diligent, long-term commitment to recruiting and retaining quality officers, creating a stable work environment that values experience, supports professional growth, and puts an end to the revolving door of turnover within the Minden Police Department

Community Safety

Effective policing is rooted in service, prevention, and presence. My approach includes:

• Increased police visibility and targeted patrols in high-need areas
• Strong partnerships with neighborhood watches, schools, faith leaders, and community organizations
• Reducing burglary, theft, drug trafficking, DUIs, and domestic violence
• Presenting data-driven solutions to city leaders to lower crime and improve response times

Minden was once recognized as the Friendliest City in Louisiana. I am committed to keeping it safe, welcoming, and strong.

Commitment to Minden

Leadership matters. Experience matters. Integrity matters.

With your support, we can restore pride in the Minden Police Department, rebuild morale among our officers, and renew confidence in our city’s leadership.

Vote Tim Morris for Minden Police Chief
Together, we can build a safer, stronger Minden.

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Peggy was found in Doyline frightened, starving, and painfully thin, little more than skin and bones. Very pregnant and simply trying to survive, she had learned to fear the world around her, especially human hands. Life had been unkind, and Peggy carried that fear with her when she was rescued.

She was brought to LaMa Animal Rescue, where safety finally replaced uncertainty. Not long after arriving, Peggy gave birth to ten puppies. Still wary of people, she watched quietly from a distance as shelter workers lovingly cared for her babies, making sure they were warm, fed, and protected. Though she didn’t yet trust human touch, she trusted enough to let her puppies be helped.

When the puppies were old enough, they were transported north, where each one found a loving home. Peggy had done her job as a mother, but her own journey wasn’t over. She was diagnosed with heartworms and must complete treatment before she can have the same chance her puppies received.

Since her puppies left, Peggy has become a house dog at the shelter, where she has slowly begun to heal—inside and out. She’s made two special friends, Harriett and Peanut Brittle, who have helped her find courage and comfort. With their support and the gentle patience of shelter staff, Peggy now allows the occasional loving pet, learning what kindness feels like for the first time.

Peggy has claimed a favorite spot on the back of the sofa, where she can safely watch the world through the window, quietly taking it all in. In her own time, she is learning to trust, and there is no doubt that one day Peggy will be a deeply loving dog when she finds the family she deserves.

If you would like to learn more about Peggy or other dogs at LaMa Animal Rescue, please visit lamaanimalrescue.org or find us on Facebook. We are always in need of fosters, volunteers, and donations of supplies or funds. Every act of kindness helps write a new ending for dogs like Peggy. 

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By Shannon Wright

The Village of Doyline held its regular monthly Town Council meeting, the first of the new year, on Monday, January 5. While meetings are typically held at the Town Hall, this month’s meeting took place at the Community Center in uptown due to remodeling at the Town Hall.

The updates to Town Hall are long overdue, and with the brand-new Webster Parish Library opening just last week, village officials felt it was time for the municipal building to receive a facelift as well. The minor renovations are expected to be completed within the next few days.

In the primary discussion of the meeting, Travis Morehart, the village’s CPA, presented the annual review with attestation procedure, which is similar to an audit report. Once again, the Village of Doyline was reported to be in good financial standing.

Morehart explained that he had previously talked with Town Clerk, Myra Kilburn, to address one minor ongoing issue that often affects small municipalities, noting that it will now be resolved after making an adjustment in the books. 

Speaking about the sewer department, he stated, “It’s paying some of its own bills where it hasn’t in the past; the general fund had to pay them.”

Regarding the general fund, Morehart said, “This is the best it’s looked since I’ve been doing it,” adding that “the village is in the best financial condition it’s been in for many, many years.”

As he did last year, Morehart praised Town Clerk Myra Kilburn for her work, telling officials, “Keep your clerk.” He went on to say, “A good clerk makes all the difference; otherwise it can be tough.” He noted that the mayor and council are fortunate to have a strong clerk serving the village.

In a phone interview following the meeting, Mayor Christie Carter Gates echoed that appreciation for the town’s staff.

“Myra has 32 years of clerk experience, and we are blessed to have her on our team here in Doyline,” Gates said. “It’s nice not to have to worry about the daily operations of the town, but it’s especially nice to work with someone who has so much knowledge when it comes to the town’s finances.”

Gates also credited the town’s leadership team, adding, “You pair that with our team of aldermen who have the town’s best interest at heart, and you have a team that’s hard to beat.”

In addition to the annual financial report, the council discussed culvert installations and the use of Webster Parish Police Jury funds. Resolutions were passed addressing both matters.

As a reminder, the Doyline Town Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Doyline Town Hall. All residents are encouraged to attend and stay informed on local issues affecting the community.

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This feature highlights Miss Minden Teen Contestant #4, Aubrey Champion, whose passion for music shapes both her artistry and her heart for service.

Aubrey is a dedicated vocalist who believes music holds the unique power to heal, connect and uplift. Her developing Community Service Initiative, “Anchored in Tune,” is centered on using music as a tool to build confidence, emotional resilience, and meaningful self-expression, especially among youth who may be struggling to find their voice.

Through this initiative, Aubrey hopes to encourage others to see music not only as performance, but as connection – a way to navigate emotions, strengthen community bonds and remind people that they are not alone.

Her commitment to purpose-driven creativity guides her both on and off the stage.

Aubrey shared that she is honored to bring her voice, her message and her mission to the Miss Minden Teen stage this year, viewing the program as an opportunity to serve as well as to grow.

The Miss Minden and Miss Minden Teen Pageant provides contestants with opportunities in community engagement, leadership development and service-based ambassadorship throughout the year.

More contestant features in this spotlight series will be published as the pageant approaches on January 17 at the Minden High School Auditorium.

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By Jessica Gorman

Colonel Clinton Henry Ardis was born 3 February 1828 in Edgefield, South Carolina. About 1846, his parents moved the family to Louisiana, settling at Mt. Lebanon. He first worked as a clerk before opening his own store in Minden around 1849.

In 1850, Col. Ardis was married to Harriet Hamilton in Madison County, Mississippi. They had six children, William Matthias, Mary Lou, Clinton Henry II, Jackson Bryan, Penelope E., and Annie Banks. Of the six, only three lived to adulthood. Their first child, William Matthias was born 5 October 1851 and lived only four months. Clinton Henry II was born 4 April 1855 and was a year and a half old when he died. The couple’s youngest child, Annie Banks, was born 29 September 1861 only a year old at her death.

On 10 March 1853, the town of Minden was incorporated by act of the Louisiana legislature. Town officials were to be elected in May. Col. Ardis was one of the five original alderman of the town and, while a lack of primary sources makes the specific timeline and circumstances unclear, he temporarily served as mayor until an elected mayor was installed. That election was held in May 1854.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, C.H. Ardis sold his business in Minden to serve on the staff of Governor Thomas Overton Moore and General Henry Watkins Allen as Chief of the Clothing Bureau and Military Store-keeper. After the war, he resided in Minden before relocating to Shreveport in 1873.

In 1880, he opened Ardis & Co. and quickly became one of Shreveport’s leading merchants. Ten years later, Ardis & Co. was doing over half a million dollars in business annually. Not only was Col. Ardis known for his business acumen, he was also a philanthropist.

In 1896, Shreveport was in need of new public school buildings and the funds to build them. Col. Ardis presented a proposal. He said he would either be one of ten men to donate $1000 to build a $10,000 building or one of thirty to build a $30,000 building. He was so sure that there were at least 30 men who could easily afford to contribute that he made a list. As the donations came in, the names and amounts were published in the newspaper but those donations were well below the $1000 mark. In the end, a voluntary tax was levied to provide the funding for the new school buildings.

In 1902, Col. Ardis again stepped up to inspire the generosity of his fellow businessmen by pledging $1000 to the construction of the Business Woman’s Home. This would provide a boarding house for the women who worked in the city. That same year, he gave $3000 to build Ardis Memorial Baptist Church in Bossier City. That $3000 donation grew into what is today First Bossier.

Colonel Clinton Henry Ardis died at his home on Milam Street in Shreveport on 16 February 1906. His funeral was held at his home and conducted by Dr. Penick of the First Baptist Church of Shreveport who described Col. Ardis was follows:

“He was a very humble man in his estimate of himself. There was nothing vain-glorious in his life. He tried to do his duty as it was disclosed to him day by day. His religion was a program of living.

He planned to use his talents for God’s glory and the good of his fellow man.

He carried into his religion the same thoughtfulness he put into his business.

He was a man of intense convictions, but these were not the result of the visitings of untrained impulse, nor of blind untutored predjudices. They were the conclusions of careful and thoughtful investigation, supported by a strong and courageous determination to do his duty irrespective of the opinions of others.”

“He was broad and all embracing in his charities. He needed not that someone should go to him and tell him his duty. His pastor always found him ready to respond to every call of his church for enlarged benevolence, and in many instances found that he had planned to do things out of his own private means which he thought would be good and hasten the conquest of the kingdom and glory of Christ. He was a generous helper of the needy. His tender sympathy went out in gushing streams to the widow and the orphan.”

The parts that stand out to me are his “strong and courageous determination to do his duty irrespective of the opinions of others” and that “he needed not that someone should go to him and tell him his duty.” Those words speak volumes. Our modern society seems to have lost a sense of duty.

I don’t like to theorize about people, but I can’t help but feel that the evidence shows that Col. Ardis was a man who understood what it means to give of himself for no other reason than because it was his duty. We could use a lot more of that.

I am a firm believer in duty. I believe that we collectively have a duty to care for our community, for its history, for its burial grounds, for the agencies and organizations that serve it. We should care for these things for no other reason than for their own sake.

Following the funeral, a special train transported the remains of Col. Ardis to Minden for burial. He was interred in the Ardis family plot located in the oldest section of the Minden Cemetery. May we do our duty to care for his final resting place and of all those buried there and in all our cemeteries.

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

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Louisiana’s Hands-Free Law, fully enforced as of January 2026 (House Bill 519), makes it illegal to hold a phone while driving, prohibiting handheld calls, texting, scrolling social media, or watching videos, but permitting hands-free use via Bluetooth or mounts for calls and navigation; violations incur fines, increasing in school/construction zones, and aim to reduce distracted driving crashes. 

What the Law Prohibits 
Holding or physically supporting a cell phone or wireless device.
Making/receiving calls while holding the device.
Reading, writing, or sending texts/emails.
Accessing social media, browsing apps, or watching/recording videos. 
What’s Allowed (Hands-Free Only) 
Using Bluetooth, voice commands, or dashboard mounts for calls and navigation.
Using wrist-worn devices (like Apple Watch) for hands-free functions.
Using the phone to call 911 or report emergencies.
Using the phone when the vehicle is “lawfully stationary” (e.g., at a red light or in park). 

Penalties 
First Offense: Up to a $100 fine.
School/Construction Zones: Up to $250 fine.
Repeat offenses and involvement in crashes can lead to higher penalties and potential license issues. 

Why the Law? 
Louisiana has a high rate of distracted driving fatalities, with hundreds killed annually in such crashes.
The law aims to improve road safety for all users by reducing distractions, says the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. 

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By Paige Gurgainers

The Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) of Minden will soon host the annual Miss Minden and Miss Minden Teen Pageant, an event that celebrates leadership, scholarship and service among young women throughout the region. The pageant, a long-standing community tradition, will take place on January 17 at the Minden High School Auditorium, bringing together contestants who exemplify character, commitment and a heart for service.

Among this year’s Miss Minden Teen contestants is Abigail Basham, a high school sophomore from Haughton whose quiet determination and community-minded spirit have shaped both her goals and her approach to leadership.

Abigail believes that strong communities are built not only through visible achievements, but through the unseen work that supports and strengthens others. Her Community Service Initiative is rooted in that philosophy, as she works behind the scenes to assist her local fire department, helping enhance outreach and education so first responders can remain focused on protecting and caring for their community.

Guided deeply by her faith, Abigail strives to serve in a way that helps people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Whether through leadership roles, storytelling, or volunteer efforts, she approaches service with empathy and purpose, believing that true impact comes from connection and compassion.

Her goal, she says, is not recognition, but responsibility – using her gifts to lift others up and strengthen the community around her.

As she prepares to step onto the Miss Minden Teen stage, Abigail carries that same quiet resolve and sense of mission with her; representing not only herself, but the values of service, humility, and wholehearted dedication to others.

The Miss Minden and Miss Minden Teen Pageant are hosted each year by the YWSC whose mission centers on service, leadership development and community investment. Winners serve throughout the year as ambassadors at civic events, outreach initiatives, local programs and will move on to compete in Miss Louisiana later in the year.

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January is a great time to get some fruit trees planted.  Normally it is not this dry, so you better be planning to water regularly.  Just dig a hole about as deep as the root system of the tree.  Add some compost and a little bit of Osmocote to the mix.  I like to recommend dipping the roots with root stimulator.  Root stimulator makes the process not so rough on the plant.

Something that you need to do, and that is to trust your vender.  They know what to recommend as far as how to plant and what varieties of trees to plant for our area.

Peach-  Ruston Red – Elberta
Plums- Bruce – Methley – Santa Rosa
Blueberry – Tifblue- Climax – Powder Blue – Premier
Apple – Anna – Dorsett – Inn Chinier
Figs- Celeste – Brown turkey
Pear – Orient- Moonglow
Muscadine – Cowart – Carlos
Japanese Persimmons
Fruiting Mulbury
Blackberries –  Navajo – Arapao – Natchez

That was a list of the North Louisiana trees to plant.  There is no need to plant a variety that is not on the list because they most likely will not succeed.  I got this list from James Culpepper at Culpepper Nursery.  James is local and does a great job with his plants.  He can also tell you just the right way to plant them.  So, if you are wanting to plant an orchard or just a backyard of trees, it’s time to go with it.

(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 persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, January 12:

ALEXANDER, JEWAN DANTE
99886 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99886 CT. 2 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles
99886 CT. 3 Improper Lane Usage

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

BIRDEN, III, JAMES
99414B Obstruction Of Justice

BOWERS, MATTHEW N
100016 Home Invasion

CASEY, DONTAY DEWAYNE
98547 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms

CAULEY, JAMI LYNN
99004A Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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 CDS
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

COKER, ELIZABETH DIANNE
98888A Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

COOPER, LABYRON L
78,453 Second Degree Battery

CORNELIUS, NAPOLEON
97124-Ct.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
97124-Ct.2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
97124A-Ct.1 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
97124A-Ct.2 Failure To Dim Lights – Oncoming
97124A-Ct.3 Improper Lane Usage

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

DANIELS, DEVONIE
99996 Cruelty To The Infirmed

DAVIS, JAYCEE COREY
100056 Criminal Trespassing

DAVIS, JAYCEE COREY
T064125 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
T064125A Operating A Vehicle With Improper Tail Lights

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 12/22/25 is $4,193.36

EVERETT, DAMARCUS R.
99864A Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

FARRELL, CRYSTAL
99451 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

GORE, TYEECE LENEE
97598 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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

HARRIS, JR, RODERICK TYRONE
99315 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

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)

HUBBARD, KEVIN BRIAN
99977 Second Degree Kidnapping

JACKSON, TERRANCE JARRELL
99575 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

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)

JONES, SR., TERRY WYATT
T044123 Operating a Vehicle Without Properly Lit Lamps for Condition
T044123B Switched License Plates

JONES, TORRENCE DONNELL
98773 Unauthorized use of a Movable less than $1,000

LEWIS, BRANDON LYNN
99986 CT 1 Sale/Distribution/Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription
99986 CT 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
99986 CT 3 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate
99986 CT 4 Speeding 1-10 MPH

LI, MIN
99361 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

MENDENHALL, TYTRAVION
INCOMING Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

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

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

MURRAY, KIMBERLY
99949 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

NOLAN, TOMMY RAY
100074 Second Degree Battery

OAD, SUDHAAT
99383 Vehicular Negligent Injuring

ODOM, ALEX TARENZO
99425 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

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

99103-CT.1 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
99103-CT.2 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense
99103-CT.3 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
99103-CT.4 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense
99103-CT.5 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
99103-CT.6 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle

REEDER, RALTERRIAN
99103-CT.1 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
99103-CT.2 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense
99103-CT.3 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
99103-CT.4 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense
99103-CT.5 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle
99103-CT.6 Simple Burglary of a Vehicle

ROGERS, JATRAVION
99873-CT.1 Simple Battery
99873-CT.2 Simple Battery

SHINGLETON, GREGORY LEE
99000 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

SPENCER, RICHARD SHAQUR
99911 CT 1 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
99911 CT 2 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

STAPLES, REBECCA MASON
99799A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99799A-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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)

WILSON, GLENN HENRY
99815 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99815 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

YOUNG, LEVERT L
99410 Ct. 1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
99410 Ct. 2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
99410 Ct. 3 Failure to Use Safety Belt

YOUNG, LEVERT L
100041 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

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The boil advisory issued on January 6 for 129 – 330 East Union Street has been lifted.  You can visit the City of Minden website at mindenusa.com for more information.

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A total of 16 Louisiana black bears, consisting of 10 males and six females, were harvested during the second bear hunting season that ran from Dec. 6-21, 2025, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The first bear hunt in Louisiana in more than 35 years was conducted in December of 2024 with 10 harvested.

Eight bears were harvested in Bear Area 4, including the largest at 565 pounds. Three bears were taken in Bear Area 2 and five in Bear Area 1. Twenty-six tags were issued for the lottery hunt.

“Our second bear hunting season proved to be successful and a tribute to the conservation effort of our department, private landowners, hunters and other partners who helped bring back the Louisiana black bear,’’ LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said. “We’re pleased to give our state hunters a chance to enjoy this special season. And the lottery revenue which comes from the hunt helps to make sure the Louisiana black bear thrives.’’

Bear Area specific population estimates and vital rate data were used to determine the number of bear harvest permits issued. There were eight permits issued in Bear Management Area 1, three permits in Bear Management Area 2, and 15 permits, including a Secretary’s permit, in Bear Management Area 4. Cubs and females with cubs are not legal to harvest. A cub is defined as any bear less than or equal to 75 pounds.

Hunts were restricted to properly licensed Louisiana residents by lottery.

All black bear lottery fees and license revenue will be reinvested directly into the Louisiana Black Bear Program. These funds will assist LDWF biologists in continuing to conduct bear management operations such as annual live trapping and radio-collaring of bears, winter den checks to monitor reproductive rates and non-invasive hair sampling to monitor range expansion.

The Louisiana black bear is one of the state’s most recent conservation success stories. The animal was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1992. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of many stakeholders to monitor black bear population numbers, restore habitat and protect the bear for the long term, it was removed from the list in 2016.

For more information on the Louisiana black bear, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/louisiana-black-bear. And for more information on the black bear hunting lottery, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/black-bear-hunting-lottery.

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Friday

A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Low around 49. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

Jan. 10

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building in Springhill. Special guests will be Brady Rhodes, Ava Burford.

Jan. 13 & Jan. 15

7 p.m., Community Choir rehearsals for 2026 MLK Celebration. Mt. Zion CME Church, 414 E. Union St., Minden.

Jan. 17

11 a.m. until 2 p.m. MLK Youth Rally & Vendor Expo, Webster Jr. High School, Minden.

Miss Minden and Miss Minden Teen Pageant, Minden High School Auditorium.

Jan. 18

3 p.m. MLK Commemorative Service Mt. Zion CME Church, 414 E. Union St., Minden. MLK Leadership & Contest Awards Presentation.

Jan. 19

8 a.m. MLK Prayer Call
10 a.m. Ecumenical March, MLK Dr., Minden
All Day: MLK Day of Service & Giving
6 p.m. MLK Community Reflections via Zoom

Jan. 24

5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. LaMa Animal Rescue’s Mardi Paws Game Night. Springhill Civic Center, 101 Machen Dr., Springhill. Special Pre-game performance by Mike Spillers as Elvis, BINGO, games, Mardi Gras, Costume Contest, door prizes and raffles.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of January 5 through Jan. 8. Civil suits are public record.

Jan. 5
Crown Asset Management LLC vs. Michelle Jones, suit on note.
Department of Corrections and Credit Union vs. Delacy Monique Lucas, judgment executory & garnishment.
Capital One vs. Stephanie A. Garrett, monies due.
Custom Healthcare Solutions LLC vs. Minden Medical Center, monies due.
Barbara Goston vs. Angella R. Willis, protective order.
William Holcomb Jr. vs. George Tharpe, Rebecca T. Swain, petition.

Jan. 6
Niklous Tyler Meshell, petition.
Elizabeth Delmer Self, name change.
First Tower Loan LLC vs.Nicole Hedrick, monies due.
Betty Null, personal representative of the estate of William Null vs. Summit Health and Rehab LLC, other.
William Bill Hinze vs. Judy Lavon Richardson Hinze, divorce.
First Tower Loan LLC vs. Brandon Baldwin, judgment executory & garnishment.

Jan. 7
Logan Grant Wafer vs. Autumn Brianne Wafer, divorce.

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Inasio Moya Quintana, 19, 100 block Holomon Loop, Dubberly: arrested Dec. 31 by Minden PD for underage operating while intoxicated. Bond set $1,500.

Jaroshalyn Tyshwan Loud-Johnson, 31, 400 block Pershing St., Minden: arrested Jan. 4 by Minden PD for domestic abuse battery. No bond set.

Taylor M. Williams, 37, 200 block Ragan St., Ruston: arrested Jan. 6 by Probation and Parole for probation violation. Original charged with possession of CDS Sch. II. Bond set $25,000.

Kaleb Joseph Janeczko, 29, 600 block Columbia Rd., Waldo, Arkansas: arrested Jan. 6 by Minden PD on fugitive warrant from Miller County (AR) Sheriff’s Office. No bond set.

Mikel Farnham, 49, 700 block 5th St. NE, Springhill: arrested Jan.7 by Springhill PD on warrant for failure to register or notify as sex offender. Bond set $20,000.

Weldon Twayne Turner, 76, 700 block 5th St. NE, Springhill: arrested Jan. 7 by Springhill PD on warrant for failure to register or notify as sex offender. Bond set $20,000.

Robert Wayne Malos, 67, 100 block Angela Dr., Springhill: arrested Jan. 7 by Springhill on warrant for failure to register or notify as sex offender. Bond set $20,000.

Vince Leon Alexander, 54, 400 block Art Camp Rd., Heflin: arrested Jan. 7 in Huntsville, Texas by Probation and Parole on parole 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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Dr. Melani Wheeler Moore
August 14, 1968 — January 5, 2026
Dubberly
Memorial service at later date.

Patrick Edgar Lasseigne
March 14, 1953 — January 3, 2026
Pleasant Valley
Celebration of Life: Noon January 24, 2026, Pleasant Valley Methodist Church.

Charles Deck “Charlie” Odom
January 16, 1951 – January 3, 2026
Visitation: 1 until 3 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, St. John’’s Episcopal Church Minden.
Funeral service immediately following at 3 p.m.

Mattie Youngblood Turner
July 26, 1928 — January 2, 2026
Visitation: 8:30 until 10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: 11:15 a.m. Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Lance R. LeMay
March 18, 1972 — December 31, 2025
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday January 9, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 1 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Burial: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, Springhill Cemetery, Springhill.

Samuel Dewayne Slayter
July 17, 1961 — January 1, 2026
Memorial service at a later date.

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

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By Pat Culverhouse

Lacey Mann has been found. The 33-year-old Shongaloo woman  was located shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker.

“She appears to be a little dehydrated but there are no apparent serious injuries,” Parker said. “EMT will be checking her and she will be transported if needed.”

Mann was first reported missing from her residence on LA Alt. Hwy 2 residence around 9 a.m. Tuesday. Efforts to locate her in heavily wooded areas continued into the night and early morning hours.

Searchers employed drones, K-9 trackers, four-wheelers and side-by-sides in their efforts to locate Ms. Mann.

“This was a great team effort with no quit,” said Maj. Bobby Igo III, coordinator of the search effort.

Parker said multiple agencies and individuals were involved in the successful search. In addition to the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, agencies include the Louisiana State Police, Wade Correctional, Drone Management (Arkansas), Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shongaloo and Cotton fire departments.

“We also want to thank all the private citizens who assisted with their time and equipment,” Parker said.

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By Pat Culverhouse

Statistics for the past five years show the Minden Police Department’s efforts to combat crime are trending in the right direction, according to Chief of Police Jared McIver.

“There is really good news based on what we compiled from 2021 until this past year,” McIver told city council members during a workshop session. “This can be attributed to the officers of your police department.”

One major accomplishment during that period was what the chief called the elimination of gangs that were located in the city.

“We had two gangs here and both have been dismantled. We arrested 26 gang members and about half of them have been convicted and sentenced to at least eight years,” he said. “The others are awaiting sentencing.”

McIver said the men and women of the police department deserved to be applauded for their accomplishments.

A statistical breakdown presented to council members showed calls for service in the city had risen from 8,689 in 2021 to 15,282 through 2025, reaching a peak of  just under 16,800 in 2024.

“Not all calls for service are crime related…there are many circumstances where an officer responds,” the chief said.

Arrests over that same period rose from 840 in 2021 to 1,045 in 2025. A high of 1,225 arrests were recoded in 2024. Another critical category shows reports of shots fired in the city significantly dropped from 145 in 2021 to 57 in 2025.

No homicides were reported in the city during 2025.

MPD’s STEP ((Selective Traffic Enforcement Program), which puts Minden officers on traffic enforcement on Interstate 20 has seen significant grown over the period. In 2021, 645 STEP citations were issued, while the number increased to 5,977 in 2025.

Other statistics gathered over the five-year period show:

• Disturbances/Assault and Batteries dropped from 1,052 in 2021 to 652 in 2025.
• Thefts/Burglaries decreased from 381 in 2021 to 376 in 2025, but the year-to-date numbers reflect a signifiant drop from 416 reports in 2022.
• Animal-related calls dropped from 133 to 93 from 2021 through 2025.
• Two fatal crashes were reported in 2021 while one occurred in 2025. A total of 393 crashes were reported in 2021 compared to 399 in 2025. MVA/Hit and Run showed 617 in 2021; 575 reports in 2025.

“We’re proud of the accomplishments of our officers during this period,” McIver said. “We are fortunate to be fully staffed, unlike many departments across the state and the country. Our visibility is a contributing factor to the success of the department.”

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By Pat Culverhouse

An early Wednesday morning traffic stop on I-20 has put a Tennessee man in the Webster Parish prison on drug and weapon charges.

Knoxville resident David Jerome Bentley, 60, was reportedly stopped for a traffic violation by a Louisiana State Police trooper as he travelled east on the interstate just after 7 a.m.

According to an incident report, Trooper James Bailey suspected criminal activity and received permission to conduct a search of Bentley’s vehicle.

During the search, the trooper reportedly located a loaded Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun on the front passenger seat. Bentley reportedly had informed the officer of the firearm, and claimed to have a permit.

A further search uncovered a locked camouflage-colored cloth container inside a plastic bag behind the front passenger seat. The officer reportedly noticed the odor of marijuana emitting from the container. After obtaining a code to open the container, multiple sealed plastic bags containing suspected marijuana reportedly were found.

Bentley was taken to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where he was booked for improper lane use, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) and possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS.  Bond has not been 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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By Jerry Strahan

This would have been a significant severe weather event Thursday if it weren’t for instability being so low, but the kinetics are there for it. Thankfully cooling aloft will stop most destabilization and prevent anymore instability, just looks to be a marginal event. We could get upgraded to a slight risk if instability uptrends. Keep an eye on the weather for Webster Parish.

(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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