Somebody once told me that the best reason to be home at a decent hour is because the only people out after midnight are cops and drunks.  Me and my best buddy, Terry “T-bone” Presley, and I were up past the witching hour one night having a late-night breakfast at the Ruston’s Huddle House when I glanced over at the stool next to me and sitting there having a cup of coffee was Eddie Robinson.

That’s right, Glum Eddie, the legendary Grambling coach.  I felt like I was sitting next to Shoeless Joe Jackson or some other ghost.  I didn’t know for sure if he was real or that I should speak to him.

I last time I saw Coach Rob was when I was working my way through Tech as a jailer for the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Coach Robinson and George Steinbrenner, the owner of the New York Yankees, were close friends and Coach Rob invited the team up during spring training to play the Grambling Tigers.

Some of us were asked to work game security.  I self-assigned myself to the Yankee dugout and got to meet Micky Rivers, Reggie Jackson, “Louisiana Lightning” Ron Guidry, Bucky Dent, Willie Randolph, and Cliff Johnson.

Reggie Jackson did something that day that I thought was kinda cool.  He went to bat against this kid pitcher from Grambling.  The kid was staring at Reggie like pitchers do before they throw their first pitch.  I guess it finally dawned on him who he was about to pitch to and he just backed off the mound with a “Whoa!” look on his face.  Even Reggie stepped out the batter’s box and laughed.

Later in the game Reggie smacked a ball out to deep center field.  The Grambling Tiger centerfielder went back as far as he could and caught the ball right at the fence.  When Reggie came back and sat down in the dugout, somebody said the fans REALLY wanted to see him knock one out of the ballpark.  Reggie said, “Nah, that’s exactly what they came here to see – one of their own catching the ball BEFORE it went over  the fence.”  

Anyway, back to my legendary sighting.   I finally got up enough nerve to introduce myself to the coach with the most football wins in history.  The ghost shook my hand and said, “Nice to meet you.”  It was 2 o’clock in the morning and although he’d forgotten more than I ever knew about football, I thought I’d ask the coach some questions:

Me:  Coach, when you recruit black players nowadays, do you ever suggest to them that they really belong in an all-black college?

Coach:  No, I don’t feel I have a right to do that.  We fought hard to get into those white schools.  Now I’m supposed to tell them that now that they can get in, they should come to Grambling because they’re black?  No, that never made much sense to me.

Me:  Do you value size or speed more in a football player?

Coach: Definitely speed.  You know a rabbit can’t hurt you, but you got to catch him to kill him!  Speed, definitely speed.

I could have talked to Eddie Robinson all night but I could tell that buddy Presley was starting to feel a lot like a potted plant, so I shook hands with the coach, asked T-Bone to get the check, and we were on our way.

But it was good that night to find out there are some good sober people out after midnight and that occasionally, one of them is a living legend. 

Randy lives in Minden.  He can be reached at planorand@yahoo.com.

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Tuesday, October 20
Fair Parade Downtown Minden At 5 p.m.
Livestock Weigh-In 6 p.m.
Poultry And Rabbit Show 4:30 p.m.
No Rides Until Wednesday

Wednesday, October 21
Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m.
Rides Start At 6 p.m.. ‘Armband Nite”
Gate Entrance Fee: $3.00/Rest Week
4-H Swine Showmanship At 6 p.m.. Then Swine Weight Classes (Livestock Arena)
Pet Show At 5 p.m.

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

October 19

5 until 7 p.m., LaMa Animal Rescue Hamburger Fundraiser. Minden Civic Center Parking Lot. $10 buys burger, chips, homemade dessert.

October 20-24

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

October 21

5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Pumpkin Shine, First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway Minden. Costume contest, food, games, pumpkin decorating contest, face painting cake walk.

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.

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 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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Word of the Day: Exculpate

Phonetic: /ex· cul· pate/
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition
to clear from alleged fault or guilt

to prove that someone is not guilty of doing something wrong

The court exculpated him after a thorough investigation.

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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Tommy L. Carter
March 30, 1944 — October 16, 2026
Doyline
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Doyline.
Burial: Pilgrim Rest Cemetery.

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

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By Tiffany Flournoy

WEBSTER PARISH, La. — A man was shot multiple times and died Sunday after breaking into a residence on Syrup Mill Road near U.S. Highway 80, following a car crash stemming from a domestic issue inside a vehicle driven by a woman, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said.

The man was identified as Billy McFarland, 44, of Marrero, Louisiana.

According to Parker, McFarland and the female driver were involved in a domestic issue while traveling in a vehicle on Highway 80, which led to a crash. McFarland then fled the crash scene and went to a nearby residence.

A dispatch record documenting the crash at approximately 5:23 a.m. Sunday states that a caller reported McFarland jumped on top of the woman while she was driving, causing the vehicle to crash.

Parker said McFarland reportedly knocked on the door of the residence, but no one answered. He then went around to the back of the home, cut through a window screen and entered through a window.

The homeowner shot McFarland multiple times, and he died at the scene, Parker said.

“Citizens have a right to protect themselves in their homes,” the sheriff added.

The investigation remains in its early stages.

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Story and photo by Jerry Strahan –

At approximately 11:05 a.m. Thursday, Cullen Fire Department responded to a report of a grass fire in the 200 block of East Street caused by a down power line.

1st unit on scene reported there was a grass fire and they needed the electric company to get there soon because the fire was headed towards a home.

At approximately 11:15 the Cullen Fire Department chief requested to send Springhill and Shongaloo fire departments for mutual aid.

Soon after, the power company arrived and cut the power so that the fire departments could fight the fire. By 11:30 a.m., the fire was reported to be under control.

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By Pat Culverhouse –

Lt. Shawn Griffith calls the Minden Police Dept.’s K9 unit “the tip of the spear” that helps keep citizens safe, and the unit continues to put a bite on crime.

In just the past couple of days, Reef successfully sniffed out illegal narcotics which led to the arrest of a Baton Rouge man and Brams assisted the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office in an open air search which resulted in the arrest of a Castor couple on multiple charges.

Griffith said the unit is the beneficiary of hours of training with nearby agencies, plus specialized training at elite training centers. Most recently, the teams attended the ATK9 Conference at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Butlerville, Indiana along with trainers Griffith and Off. Kendale Booker.

At the training session conducted Oct. 5-9, Minden’s unit joined 362 others from across the U.S.,  plus teams from Switzerland and Germany. Not only police K9s, but military special operations K9s were involved.

“This was amazing training we never would have received without the support of Chief (Jared) McIver. Both Booker and I not only learned a lot about our partners but about our abilities as handlers who work with these amazing dogs,” Griffith said.

Training included street and tactical deployments, obedience and deployment with muzzles and water deployments. Griffith said he wasn’t aware Brams could swim until the team performed  water deployment in a boat.

“This special training, along with weekly training with the  Caddo Sheriff Office and Shreveport PD, ensures our K9 division remains sharp as the ‘tip of the spear’ to keep the citizens of Minden safe,” Griffith said. “Thanks to the Chief for having the attitude that our citizens deserve to have a well-trained and maintained set of K9s.”

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Quevonne Kemp is wanted for missing court on June 6, 2024.

The Minden City Court secured a bench warrant following her failure to appear.

The following is the charge and bond amount associated with Quevonne Kemp:

• One count of Failure to Appear with a surety bond amount of $25,000 or cash bond of $1,800.

Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) of the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Quevonne Kemp.

All information will be 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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A symbolic ribbon cutting was held Wednesday at the annex office of Webster Parish Police Jury to announce some of Webster Parish’s broadband connectivity. Dixie Inn Mayor Donna Hoffoss told other officials that having fiber optic internet has helped her village.

“It’s so nice to have something in place that’s reliable,” Hoffoss said.

The GUMBO program, administered by ConnectLA is helping underserved areas of Webster and the state, using AT&T as the internet service provider.

Also attending the ribbon cutting were AT&T representatives, including David Aubrey, Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of Broadband Development and Connectivity, Katie Tippen of the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce, Bubba Sessions of the governor’s office, Chip Layton with Congressman Mike Johnson’s office, Jayda Spillers, chancellor of Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and WPPJ president Jim Bonsall.

At this time, 139 households and 28 businesses in Webster Parish receive the service.

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Pick’em players: Week 7 of the WPJ’s contest ends today (Friday, October 16).

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 Marilyn Miller

An ordinance regulating and permitting of temporary vendors during special events in the Village of Dixie Inn was passed unanimously Tuesday night by the Board of Aldermen. The ordinance will be on view to the public at the Town Hall beginning seven days before its final adoption on Nov. 10, 2026.

Mayor Donna Hoffoss introduced Amendment 74-A, the amendment of Ordinance #74, “regarding temporary vendors and special sales events.”

“This amended ordinance will provide for the regulation and permitting of temporary vendors operating within the corporate limits of the Village of Dixie Inn during ‘Main to Main,’ the ‘Highway 80 Sale,’ and other designated community sales, festivals, markets, or special events,” Mayor Hoffoss said.

The amendment will provide for the establishment of permit requirements, fees, exemptions, location and safety requirements, enforcement and penalties, and related matters.

A representative of Risk Services of Louisiana, Michael Chatelain, introduced himself to the board and briefly told them how RSL could save money through both bundling and discounts. RSL also has a liability package that is very inexpensive.

“I’d like to come and talk to ya’ll before Jan. 23, 2027, when you adopt your property policies,” Michael said. The Board agreed to call a workshop session to hear his proposals. Risk Services of Louisiana insures over a dozen municipalities in the north Louisiana area.

In other action, the Board unanimously:

Approved a quote of $4,000 from the Tree Guys to remove two trees that have fallen in the water department yard and to have them grinded and filled;

Approved a quote of $1,050.00 yearly from Bayou Generator Services (David Lewis and James Harrington) to service the village’s generators;

Approved a quote of $10,139.41 from Teeco to outfit the new police truck (lights, siren, radio, etc. including installation);

Approved a quote for the repair of leaks at the village’s three water wells for a total of $15,122.00. Water Dept. manager Scott Day reminded the Board that the job cannot be put off because of probable upcoming freezing weather, which would triple the damage;

Also, the Board approved a quote of $3,250.40 for eight water meters & antennas from Southern Pipe;

The Board “grudgingly” accepted the resignation of Assistant Police Chief Shane Huffsteller, who is retiring;

They also approved the hiring of three part-time police officers, John Griffith, Louie Foy, and Jeremy Gross. They will each work approximately 20 hours a month;

In other business, the Board approved a request for 50 percent of assistant administrator Claire Brewster’s salary to come from the Water Dept. and 50 percent from the General Fund, while 100 percent of Office Administrator Alicia Wrenn’s salary is to come from the General Fund.

In her report, Mayor Hoffoss stressed that “We need to work on getting grants for several projects, including painting the water towers (which could exceed $20,000), work on the lift stations, and reparations to the parking shed on the Town Hall.”

Alderman Lance Milligan said that he would do a “ride along” with an Entergy representative on Wednesday “to get an idea of what the village is spending on street lights.”

“I could get happy with lights,” Milligan said, “but I want to be prudent with our money.”

The “Highway 80 Sale” runs this coming Thursday through Sunday (Oct. 16-19) with a large part of the sale taking place in Dixie Inn. This will be the second year for the village to require payment for vendor slots.

“But I’d like to remind everyone that we are not making any money on this event,” Mayor Hoffoss exclaimed.

Mayor Hoffoss also invited the community to “Boo With the Blue,” safe Trick or Treating at the Police Station on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Dixie Inn Park (the big park).

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Photos and information by Jerry Strahan

The Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce hosted its North Webster Political Forum Tuesday evening at the Springhill Civic Center. Candidates answered questions ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

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Adopt, don’t shop

Is your heart on fire for Elvira?!  She’s a 2 year old terrier mix,  27 lbs.

Adoption fee- $75

Adoption application –  forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6

🎃 spayed

🎃 heartworm negative

🎃 loves people

🎃 great with other dogs

🎃 likes cats

🎃 playful

Elvira is a super social happy girl.  She loves to be the center of attention!  She’s up to date on all vaccines,  worming, flea and heart worm prevention

MUST  fill out application for adoption.

All animals at the shelter are always available to 501c3 rescue group.

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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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, October 19:

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

BAKER, JUSTIN ALLEN
100673 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

BAMBURG, JUSTIN
100156 Aggravated Battery

BILES, DAVID PAUL
99119 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

BOLTON, BAILEY MORGAN
INCOMING Attempted Simple Escape
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
INCOMING Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate
INCOMING Improper Turn
INCOMING Failure to Use Safety Belt

BRAZZEL, JODIE LYNN
100459 CT 1 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
100459 CT 2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000

BUCKNER, BROCK JOHN
100591 Possession of a Schedule II CDS Fentanyl (Less than Two Grams)

CRAVENS, ALLTON B.
98115B Second Degree Murder

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

DAVIS, TRISTAN
100608 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

DEAN, JESSY LEE
100300 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile

DUDLEY, KEUNDRICK
100513 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
100513 Possession of Schedule II CDS
100513 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

DUDLEY, KEUNDRICK
98816 Simple Burglary Of An Inhabited Dwelling

DUPREE, CAROLYN SUMPTER
100519 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

EVANS, JASMINE
100653 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

FISH, AMANDA MORSE
100560-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule IV CDS
100560-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule IV CDS

FISH, JODIE MICHELLE
100344-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
100344-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
100344-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

FLOURNOY, RAVI ANDRELAVERE
100101 Possession of Schedule II CDS

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

FUMICELLO, DEBORAH DEE ANN
100241 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

GASTON, LATARUS CAMILLE
100674 Exploitation of the Infirmed

GEORGE, ANDY
100455-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
100455-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

GUISE, ZONQUES
100165-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
100165-CT.2 Possession of Schedule II CDS
100165-CT.3 Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance
Please make sure forfeiture of $8,201 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

HARGUS, SAVANNA
100271 Unauthorized use of a Movable more than $1,000
Restitution- $1,737.46 + $260.62 = $1,998.08 total

HARRIS, KENTRELL VASHAUN
100165A-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
100165A-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

HICKINGBOTTOM, JR., WILLIE JOE
100447-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)
100447-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance

HICKINGBOTTOM, JR., WILLIE JOE
98575 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

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

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

LAWSON, THOMAS AARON
100476 Cruelty To Juveniles

LUCIANI, WENDY LYNETTE
100447A-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)
100447A-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

MANNING, JAMAREA JAYVEON
100117 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

MARTIN, AMANDA
100456 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

MARTIN, ANDREW JAMES
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)

MASON, KEYSHAWN
100203-CT.1 Manufacture/Transfer/Possess Machine Guns
100203-CT.2 Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault

MCLAIN, ASHLEY S
100616 Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian

MCLAIN, ASHLEY S
100332 Accessory After The Fact

MITCHELL, JEROME RODRIKUS
100405 Obstruction Of Justice

MOORE, DANA MICHELLE
100509 Forgery

OUTLAW, JOHN DAVID
100510 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

PERKINS, JOHNNY R
98668A Residential Contractor Fraud $1,000 – $5,000
Restitution owed to the victim – $3,100 plus $465 = $3,565

PERKINS, JOHNNY R
100579-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule IV CDS
100579-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100579-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
100579-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule IV CDS

PINK, ELLIS ALVIN
99513-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
99513-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

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

RANKIN, JACOBE
100205 Manufacture/Transfer/Possess Machine Guns

RICE, DEREK RODRIQUEZ
99453-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99453-CT.2 Attempted Attempted Armed Robbery
99453-CT.3 Aggravated Battery
99453-CT.4 Aggravated Battery

RICHARDSON, JAREL K
100358 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

RUCKS, ISAIAH L.
100598 Theft of $25,000 or More

RUCKS, ISAIAH L.
100598 Theft of $25,000 or More

STEPHENS, JALIK
100355 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or
Controlled Dangerous Substance

SULLIVAN, VOLTAIRE
90904 Habitual Offender

TATOM, DILLON B
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS
INCOMING Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance
INCOMING Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

TAYLOR, CEDRIC DEWAYNE
99740-CT.1 Forgery
99740-CT.2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000

THOMAS, PEYTON LEON
99334 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

THORNTON, LASHONDA
98913 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

TROTTER, JAMES ROLAND
100660 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

WALDROP, OLIVIA
99748A-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
99748A-CT.2 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

WARE, BENJAMIN LEE
INCOMING Domestic Abuse Battery – Serious Bodily Injury
ARR 11/23

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

WASHINGTON, CHARNETRIA
INCOMING Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

WEATHERS, TYKENDRICK
99894 Simple Robbery

WEEKS, KIMBERLY R.
100598A Accessory After The Fact

WRIGHT, NICHOLAS JAMES
100479 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

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There is a kind of exhaustion that sleep doesn’t always fix.

It comes from trying to be present with your children while your mind keeps pulling you toward everything that could go wrong. From wanting to enjoy an ordinary afternoon while feeling responsible for anticipating every possible danger. From loving your children deeply and struggling to live with the uncertainty that comes with raising them.

Parenting with obsessive-compulsive disorder can make that uncertainty feel especially heavy.

Motherhood already asks us to make decisions without knowing exactly how they will turn out. We choose schools, set boundaries, allow more independence and hope we are giving our children what they need. There is no way to check our work at the end of each day and receive a guarantee that we got everything right.

But how I wish there were.

I want to know that they are safe. I want to know that I made the right decision. I want to know that something I overlooked won’t become something I regret.

The difficulty is that wanting an answer can become an exhausting search for certainty.

OCD can involve recurring, unwanted thoughts and compulsions, including things a person does mentally. That means some of the struggle may be invisible to the people around us. A mother can be having a conversation, helping with homework or sitting beside her children while fighting a battle no one else can see.

And when children depend on you, it can be hard to admit how much you are struggling.

There is guilt in feeling distracted when you want to be engaged. Guilt in being impatient when you are overwhelmed. Guilt in realizing that a moment you wanted to enjoy has passed while you were caught up in your own thoughts.

Then comes another question: What kind of mother does that make me?

I am trying to give myself room to answer that question with compassion.

A mother who is struggling still deserves support. She deserves to be able to say that something is difficult without having that admission become a judgment of how much she loves her children.

I think many of us have become skilled at appearing capable. We keep appointments, answer messages and make sure everyone has what they need. From the outside, the day looks handled.

Inside, we may be worn out.

That is why I want to talk about this honestly. Someone can be functioning and still need help. Someone can be devoted to her family and still find parts of parenting incredibly difficult.

For me, one of the hardest parts is recognizing where reasonable responsibility ends.

My children need guidance and protection. They also need opportunities to grow, try things and experience a world I cannot completely control. As they get older, I have to keep learning how to give them that space while working through my own discomfort.

I don’t expect that to become easy simply because I understand it.

Some days, understanding something and being able to do it feel very far apart.

Still, I want my children to see that asking for help is allowed. I want them to know that taking care of your mental health belongs alongside taking care of your physical health. I want to model the willingness to apologize, learn and try again.

That includes acknowledging when my own stress affects the way I respond to them. An explanation can help me understand what happened, but I still have a responsibility to repair the moment.

Motherhood gives me plenty of opportunities to practice that.

I am learning that I can care deeply without having every answer. That I can make a thoughtful decision and still feel uncertain afterward. That I can seek support before I reach the point of having nothing left to give.

I want more room in my days for the ordinary things: listening to a story all the way through, laughing at something silly, enjoying time together without mentally racing ahead.

I know there will still be difficult days. I also know I deserve help navigating them.

So does any mother reading this who recognizes something of herself in these words.

Our struggles deserve attention. Our children deserve our care. Making room for both is part of the work of being a mother, too.

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

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Have you ever seen a bunch of slimy snails in your garden or flower bed?  They are usually most active during the evening hours.  If you are like me, you don’t enjoy picking up these nasty things.  A very effective way to control the snails is to use the Improved Slug and Snail Bait, a Hi-Yield product.  This bait contains Metaldehyde and Bitrex.  It is a very easy to use chemical.  This slug and snail bait is formulated to attract them, then paralyze them until the sun dehydrates them and they die.  Slug and snail bait is even labeled for gardens.  Sprinkle a ring of pellets around affected plants.  1 lb covers 4400 square feet, lasting longer than 3 to 4 weeks.

Another Fertilome product that is an all natural chemical is Bug, Slug & Snail Bait.  It contains iron phosphate and spinosad.  It is safe to use around flowers, gardens, turf, and ornamentals.  This product lasts up to 4 weeks.  1 pound treats 2000 square feet.

Either of these will do a good job, but the Bug, Slug and Snail bait is much safer to use around your pets.  Another thing that the iron phosphate does is help with moles.  I’m sure you would use a lot more per foot to do this but if it helps at all that would help.

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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Tuesday, October 20
Fair Parade Downtown Minden At 5 p.m.
Livestock Weigh-In 6 p.m.
Poultry And Rabbit Show 4:30 p.m.
No Rides Until Wednesday

Wednesday, October 21
Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m.
Rides Start At 6 p.m.. ‘Armband Nite”
Gate Entrance Fee: $3.00/Rest Week
4-H Swine Showmanship At 6 p.m.. Then Swine Weight Classes (Livestock Arena)
Pet Show At 5 p.m.

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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Next week, the Webster Parish Fairgrounds will welcome youth exhibitors, families, volunteers, and supporters for the 2026 Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Show. Scheduled for October 20-23, the annual event showcases the hard work, dedication, and responsibility of local 4-H members who have spent months raising and caring for their livestock projects.

The Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Program provides youth with hands-on opportunities to develop valuable life skills, including leadership, record keeping, public speaking, decision-making, teamwork, and proper animal care. The annual livestock show serves as the culmination of a year of learning and preparation, allowing exhibitors to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained through their projects.

Preparations for the livestock show will begin on October 17 with setup and cleanup activities at the Webster Parish Fairgrounds starting at 9:00 a.m. Exhibitors, volunteers, and supporters will work together to prepare the facilities for a week filled with competition and achievement.

Official livestock show activities will begin on October 20 with animal check-in. The Poultry and Rabbit Show will start at 4:30 p.m., followed by the weighing of market animals at 6:00 p.m. These events mark the beginning of several days of competition as exhibitors present the animals they have spent months feeding, managing, and preparing for the show ring.

Activities will continue on October 21 with the Pet Show at 5:00 p.m. The evening will also feature the Swine Show and the popular Pee Wee Pig Pusher event beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Pee Wee Pig Pusher event provides younger children with a fun opportunity to participate in the livestock show experience while encouraging future involvement in the 4-H livestock program.

On October 22, exhibitors will compete in the Lamb, Goat, and Beef Cattle shows beginning at 6:00 p.m. These competitions highlight the dedication and commitment youth have invested in their projects throughout the year. Community members are encouraged to attend and support the participants as they showcase their animals and skills.

The week will conclude on October 23 with the Buyers’ Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and the Livestock Sale at 1:00 p.m. The sale provides local businesses, organizations, and individuals an opportunity to invest in the success of Webster Parish youth while recognizing the hard work exhibitors have put into their projects. Proceeds from the sale help support the educational growth and future agricultural endeavors of participating 4-H members.

The Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Show remains one of the parish’s premier youth agricultural events, bringing together young people, families, agricultural leaders, and community supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of local youth. The event not only highlights excellence in livestock production but also reinforces the values of leadership, responsibility, and community involvement that are at the heart of the 4-H program.

Community members are invited to attend the various shows and sale activities throughout the week and help celebrate the achievements of Webster Parish 4-H exhibitors.

For additional information about the Webster Parish 4-H Livestock Show, contact 4-H Livestock Agent John Monzingo at 318-371-1371 or 318-927-3110.

Written by:
Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH
Associate Extension NCH Agent
Webster Parish Chair, LSU AgCenter Extension Service

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By Jessica Gorman

Monday night’s Night at the Museum program featured Shed Road. That road was once literally covered by a shed constructed through the efforts of Judge John D. Watkins of Minden. The question was asked about whether Judge Watkins house was still in existence and as others answered, I became aware that there was some confusion about just which Watkins had lived in the house that stands at the corner of College and Richardson Streets, next to Minden High School.

Born in 1828, John Dyer Watkins came to Minden around 1850 taking the position of president of the Minden Male Academy. Of his five known children, only two lived to adulthood. These two sons were Lynn Kyle and John Thomas and both followed in their father’s footsteps becoming attorneys and judges.

So, who lived in the house on College Street?  The elder Judge Watkins died in 1895, eight years before the house was built by his son, Lynn Kyle, in 1903. In April of that year, L.K. Watkins was in New Orleans arguing a case before the Louisiana Supreme Court when he received a telegram conveying the news that his home in Minden had burned. The New Orleans States praised his ability to continue in his duties despite the distressing situation.

Watkins had two cases that had been appeal to the Court. He left for New Orleans on the night of April 13th, a Monday. His wife, Gussie, had given birth to their fourth child, a daughter named Lynella, just two weeks before. Gussie and the couple’s seven-year-old daughter, Flora Glenn, were both ill at the time of Mr. Watkins departure.

On Tuesday morning, L.K. Watkins received a telegram from Gussie with the good news that Flora Glenn’s fever had broken, but his relief was to be short-lived. Unbeknownst to him, at about 10:30am, fire broke out in the Watkins home. It was suspected that the fire was started by a chimney and went unnoticed until it was too late. The home was a total loss.

Mr. Watkins was arguing a case when the news reached him by telegram. Reportedly, it only said that his home had burned with no word on his wife and children. He maintained his composure as he continued arguments and as he finished, word came that Gussie and their children were safe. L.K. took the first train back to Minden.

No time was wasted in building a new home for the Watkins family. Several months later, “the elegant home of Mr. and Mrs. L.K. Watkins was thrown open on New Year’s night when Miss Carrie Hightower entertained at a leap year party. This commodious and beautifully furnished house is especially adapted for entertaining, the entire lower floor being thrown into one.” This house is the Watkins House we are familiar with today on College Street next to Minden High School.

Another Watkins house once stood just down the street. The home of Judge, and U.S. Congressman, John T. Watkins was on the site now occupied by the Minden Church of Christ. That house was said to have been built in the 1880’s. When the L.K. Watkins home burned, Gussie Watkins and the children were brought to John T.’s house. Congressman Watkins died in 1925. His daughter, Melle Hays, inherited the house. By January 1942, it had been converted into apartments and housed four families. On the afternoon of January 8th, a water heater on the back porch exploded, setting fire to the house. It was a total loss.

Hopefully, that helps to clear up some of the confusion about the Watkins House, one of Minden’s landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

October 16

2 p.m. Minden Medical Center Cafeteria, Dr. Carl Hines’ retirement. The public is invited to attend.

October 19

5 until 7 p.m., LaMa Animal Rescue Hamburger Fundraiser. Minden Civic Center Parking Lot. $10 buys burger, chips, homemade dessert.

October 20-24

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

October 21

5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Pumpkin Shine, First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway Minden. Costume contest, food, games, pumpkin decorating contest, face painting cake walk.

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.

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 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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