By Pat Culverhouse

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the murder trial of JonConner Joiner who stands accused of the 2016 beating death of his father.

JonConner Joiner, who was 22-years-old at the time of his arrest, was charged with beating to death his 57-year-old father, Billy Jack Joiner, Jr. at the father’s Sibley residence.

Joiner was arrested by Webster Parish detectives in Bossier City on a second-degree murder charge only hours after the murder was reported. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to the detectives he had killed his father.

Billy Jack Joiner, Jr.’s body reportedly was discovered by a Sibley police officer who had stopped by the residence to notify him that one of his animals was loose.

Joiner’s trial will be held in 26th Judicial District Court in Minden with Judge Parker Self presiding. Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland will be prosecuting the case. Joiner is represented by attorney Mary Ellen Halterman.

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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Mason Holland is wanted for an offense that occurred on March 28 of this year.

Minden Detectives were able to secure an arrest for Mason Holland as a result of the incident and public assistance with his identity. The following is the charge and bond amount associated with Mason Holland:
 
• One count LRS 14:67 (Misd) theft with a surety bond amount of $750.
 
Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) of the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Mason Holland.

All information will be strictly confidential.

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

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The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is investigating a residential fire that claimed the life of a juvenile in Minden.

The Minden Fire Department responded to a house fire around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the 200 block of Cadillac Street. A juvenile victim was rescued from the home and transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Preliminary findings from SFM investigators indicate the fire originated in the living room/dining room area. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials have confirmed the home did not have a working smoke alarm at the time of the incident.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder that fires can turn deadly in a matter of minutes, especially when there is no early warning,” said DPS Principal Assistant, Chief Bryan J Adams. “Working smoke alarms give families the critical time they need to escape safely. We strongly urge every household to install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside sleeping areas.”

Officials emphasize that properly installed and maintained smoke alarms significantly increase the chances of surviving a home fire. Many fire-related deaths can be prevented with this simple, life-saving device.

Through the SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program, residents can receive free smoke alarms and professional installation to help ensure they are protected.

For more information about fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm installation, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire department or visit lasfm.org.

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Awards were handed to a number of Webster Parish students and staff during Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Recipients include students, teachers, principals and support staff in each of the parish’s 14 schools, plus winners of parish-wide honors in each category.

Parish Principals of the Year were John Lyons, North Webster High School, Gwenzetta Bradford, North Webster Jr. High and  Tina Benjamin, J.A. Phillips Elementary.

Parish Students of the Year were Owen Waggoner (Central Elementary), 5th grade; Taylor Slaton (Webster Jr. High), 8th grade; Topher Wilson (Minden High) 12th grade.

Parish Teachers of the Year are Anna Gray (Lakeside Jr/Sr   High), high school; Tamika Harrion (Webster Jr. High), junior high); Stephanie Joslin (J.A. Phillips), elementary.

Parish winner in Support Person of the Year is Earnest Jones (Lakeside Jr/Sr High).

Each school in the parish system also named winners. Those were:

• Brown Upper Elementary: Teacher, Nakeya Markray;  Student, Jude Cox; Support, Tia Davis.
• Browning Elementary: Teacher, Jennifer Brooks; Support, Shontralica Hawkins.
• Central Elementary: Teacher, Stephanie Pitman; Student, Owen Waggoner; Support, Molly Griffith.
• Doyline (K-12): Teachers Faith McIver, Sterling Bailey and Don Watson. Students Drake Sparish, Carlie Rogers and Shandavion Martin. Support, Bobby Anderson.
• J.L. Jones: Teacher, Leontyne Jones; Support, Heather Basinger.
• Lakeside Jr/Sr High: Teachers, Emily Maness and Anna Gray. Students, MacKenzie Snider and Brock Case. Support, Earnest Jones.
• Minden High: Teacher, Jarmen Hill. Student, Topher Wilson. Support Dontavious Shyne.
• Phillips Elementary: Teacher, Stephanie Joslin. Support, Tammy Guice.
• Richardson Elementary: Teacher, Kelcey Elmendorf. Student, Caylee Harris. Support, Melanie Barnett.
• North Webster Lower Elementary: Teacher, Elizabeth Holloway. Support, Victoria Hanson.
• North Webster Upper Elementary: Teacher, Raven Berry. Student, Kyler Gilbert. Support, Robin Wynne.
• North Webster Jr. High: Teacher, Samantha Lewis. Student, Annabeth Thomas. Support, April Ingle.
• North Webster High: Teacher, William McGee. Student, Hudson Smith. Support, Antonious Jenkins.
• Webster Jr. High: Teacher, Tamikia Harrison. Student, Taylor Slaton. Support, Mary Cornelious.

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Students from North Webster and Lakeside high schools will be heading to Portland, Oregon in June to compete in the 2026 Educators Rising national conference and competition after placing highly in state competition.

Educators Rising is a national organization that supports high school and college students interested in education careers.

According to the organization’s website, the program “…provides hands-on teaching experience, curriculum, and mentorship to help students develop skills for success, aimed at cultivating a new generation of skilled, diverse educators.” 

Winners were presented their certificates during Tuesday’s Webster Parish School Board meeting.

Winning Lakeside students, and their categories, are:

• Madelyn Hannah- 1st-Interactive Bulletin Board-Elementary.

• Addi Wiggins-1st- Interactive Bulletin Board-Elementary.

• Falon McGlothren-1st- Educators Rising Moment -Junior Varsity.

• Baylee Irby-3rd-Project Visualize-Varsity

• Allie Swayze-3rd-Prohect Visualize-Varsity

• Dolly Roberts-4th-Educators Rising Moment-Varsity

 

North Webster High student winners were:

• Ivion Harris – 6th- Creative Lecture.

• Ivion Harris- named at the state conference as the 2025-2026 Historian-Louisiana Educators Rising.

• Mahailey Nail-9th- Children’s Literature K-3.

• Madalynn Craighead-Children’s Literature K-3.

Also receiving recognition Tuesday were winners of the North Webster High School Science Fair. Winners and categories are:

Biology:

1st Place: A’Riyah Mallory & Sydney Johnston.

2nd Place: Kinlee Hayden & DeZira Givens.

Chemistry:

1st Place: JahMazin Evans.

2nd Place: Baleigh Wallace.

Physics:

1st Place: Lanee Demmon.

Engineering:

1st Place: Jordan Thomas.

2nd Place: Israel Allen-McDaniel.

3rd Place: Bryxtin Raspberry.

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By Marilyn Miller

The Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen has been awarded a gift of $25,000 from State Rep. Wayne McMahen, a sum that will be added to a $16,000 monetary award from the Webster Parish Police Jury for the purchase of a new tractor.

The motion carried unanimously during Tuesday’s monthly meeting. The board also agreed to declare the town’s old tractor as surplus, which could possibly net an additional $6,000 to $7,000.

In other business, the aldermen discussed the status of a newly-installed metal framework portico at the town hall, which almost “failed” during the winter ice storm. “I don’t know if it was the snow or the construction,” alderman Lance Milligan stated, suggesting that the gauge of the metal was not thick enough.

The Board agreed to discuss the matter with the construction company, Hercules, instead of pursuing any kind of legal action. FEMA has already looked at the portico and denied any funds for repair or replacement.

“I think the company will replace or repair it,” Milligan said. “It may cost us something, but with the right design, the work can be done.”

The Board of Aldermen also:

• Received the latest stats from the Safety Traffic Enforcement Program, which saw a total of $388 worth of tickets written in March. Two non-injury wrecks were reported. As of April 4, 2026, a total of 2,202 tickets were written (since 8-21-25), The total in fines equals $550,500 in that period.
• Learned from Mayor Hoffoss that the annual “Highway 80 Sale” will be Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19. Almost all slots are sold out. The mayor reminded all spot-holders that there is a “No Money Back” policy, rain or shine.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, April 20:

ANDREWS, II, JAMES ROBERT
99948 CT 1 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
99948 CT 2 Attempted Attempted Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

BOYD, JR, SHANNON KEITH
97709 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
97709 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
97709 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

BOYD, JR, SHANNON KEITH
T109924 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
T109924A Improper Equipment (License Plate)

BURNS, AZENDE JEREZZ
99435 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

HOSS, JAMES WADE
99392 Cruelty To The Infirmed

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

LAWRENCE, CHARLES AUSTIN
98628 Theft of a Motor Vehicle – $5,000 or more, but less than $25,000
Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $947, plus $142.05 = $1,089.05 total

MILLER, WILLIE IRA
100051 Simple Burglary

MONTGOMERY, TINA
100006 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

PEARSON, RONALD RAY
99428A Simple Burglary
Total Restitution owed per the report- $7,800 plus $1,170 fee = $8,970 total

SHINE, JAYLEN
100049 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense

SHINE, JAYLEN
100049 Theft Of A Firearm – 1St Offense
Defendants pro se Motion for Bond Reduction Hearing Total Bond: $100,000

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

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

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

WALKER, TREVEONTAE DESHAWN YTEZ
99912 CT 1 Attempted Second Degree Murder
99912 CT 2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
99912 CT 3 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
99912 CT 4 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform CDS Law
Restitution- $10,685.71, plus $1,602.86 fee = $12,288.57 total

BIRDEN, III, JAMES
99414B Obstruction Of Justice
Please make sure forfeiture of 1,877 in US Currency is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

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

OVIEDO-AGUILAR, LUIS
99628 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Restitution owed- $2000, plus $300 fee = $2,300 total

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

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

REEDER, RALTERRIAN
99103A Racketeering

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)

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Petit Jury Court Monday, April 20:

JOINER, JONCONNOR
91713 Second Degree Murder

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE
98993 Aggravated Cruelty to Animals

RUFFIN, DUSTIN JAMAR BLACKMON
99875 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

WILLIS, DEMARCUS DEANDRE
99937 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

BOYD, JR, SHANNON KEITH
99852 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99852 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS
99852 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule I CDS

DAVIS, LAWEZLEON M.
99577 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
99577 CT 2 Simple Burglary 99577 CT 3 Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)
99577 CT 4 Felony Illegal Possession of Stolen Things ($1,000 – $5,000)
99577 CT 5 Felony Illegal Possession Stolen Things ($5,000 – $25,000)
Restitution per impact statement- $969 plus $145.35 fee = $1,114.35 total

HALEY, JESSICA RENEA
98628 Theft of a Motor Vehicle – $5,000 or more, but less than $25,000
Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $947.00, plus $142.05 = $1,089.05 total

TAYLOR, JAMIE M.
98604 CT 1 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
98604 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PATTERSON, JEREMY SHANE
97339 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

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

ARMSTEAD, KEDRICK KENTWON
99992 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

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By Jessica Gorman

The man credited with founding Minden, Carel Hansen Veeder, more commonly known as Charles Veeder, was born 1 October 1795 in Schenectady, New York to John C. Veeder and Eva Toll. His ancestors, Dutch immigrants, were among the early settlers of Schenectady in the 1660s. 

Veeder served in the War of 1812 and then enrolled at Union College in Schenectady from which he graduated in 1817. He married Ann Boyd and they had at least two children, Catherine and James Boyd, by the time they moved to Indiana.

The Veeders were there when the town of Rushville, Indiana was founded in 1821. Charles Veeder was appointed the first postmaster of Rushville, served as the second county recorder, and established the first library. He is also said to have drafted the plans for the Rush County courthouse. 

In 1822, he was admitted to the bar and began to practice law. This did not mean that he did not also find himself on the receiving end of legal action. In fact, he was involved in the first case from Rush County to be appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court. In 1825, Veeder got into a physical altercation with William Klumm. It was reported “they were in close combat, rolling on the ground.” They were indicted and found guilty by the county court. The case went to the Supreme Court where they were successful in having the verdict overturned. 

In Rush County, evidence of recurring money problems is found. Veeder was sued by Neff & Brothers to collect a debt of $566.92. His mother and brother had to step in after the death of his father and take legal action to regain property owned by John Veeder’s estate that had been lost to debt. In John Veeder’s will, he leaves only one dollar to Charles, an amount disproportionate to his siblings. I can’t help but wonder if this was confirmation that Charles wasn’t good with money and his father knew it.

From the late 1820s until he shows up in North Louisiana, evidence of Charles Veeder’s whereabouts gets a little murky. Some sources give his wife Ann’s date of death as 1830 and indicate that she died in Louisiana either in New Orleans or in Ouachita Parish. I have yet to find a primary source to confirm this. Whatever the case, Veeder married a second time to Lavinia Watkins in Livingston County, Kentucky on 15 July 1834.

A year later, the Veeders were in Claiborne Parish where their daughter, Cornelia was born. The site that was to become Minden was purchased on 8 July 1835. It had previously been the home of Adam Stewart and his family. It is said that the town was laid out the following year. In 1837, he sold over half the property to Reuben and W.A. Drake, Benjamin Frazier, and Thomas Gibbs. That same year, he also purchased property with John Cordes and John LaPlace in what is now Bienville Parish.

Minden attracted people of means and while many became very successful, Charles Veeder continued to struggle. By 1839, he and his new son-in-law, Miers Fisher, had accumulated a significant debt owed to Paul Tulane, for whom Tulane University is named. Property was sold at sheriff’s sale to satisfy the judgement against them.

It has been said that Charles Veeder simply left Minden for the Gold Rush, but the continued loss of property to satisfy debts seems to indicate that his options here had run out. Oldest daughter Catherine and her family moved to New Orleans while the rest of the family set out for California.

In California, they first settled in Vallejo where Veeder thought he was making a solid investment in a hotel to provide lodging for state officials. He wasn’t counting on the state capital moving almost immediately. In a letter to the Petaluma Argus-Courier, Veeder said this decision left him penniless.

Next, Veeder moved his hotel to Petaluma but didn’t stay long. He moved north again and founded the town of Calpella. In 1857, rumors circulated that Veeder and his family had been massacred in the Ukiah Valley, but those rumors turned out to be false. In Calpella, he worked as an attorney and notary public while also being active in politics. He ran for public office and, in 1862, was named a delegate to represent Mendocino County at the Democratic State Convention. He also made news for growing a squash that reportedly weighed in at 107 pounds.

Veeder didn’t stay in his new town but moved yet again, heading south to Bakersfield where he continued work as an attorney. Charles Veeder died the next year. On 14 September 1875, the Sacramento Bee reported his death. “Col. Veeder, a ’49 pioneer, died in Kern county last week, at the age of 79.”

(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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By Paige Gurgainers

Spring is in full bloom in Webster Parish, and this weekend, the community is invited to step inside some of Minden’s most beautiful gardens… rain or shine!

The Trails & Trellises Garden Tour, hosted by the Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners, is set for Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. To 3 p.m., offering a self-guided experience through a selection of private gardens throughout the city. 

Stops will include Jeanne Wiggins Garden, famously known as Whispering Creek Farm, where visitors will have an opportunity to purchase their own piece of inspiration from the tour at their plant sale. Other stops will include the Renee McCollum White Garden, Syble McCleskey Garden and the Toni Hooper Garden. 

The annual event gives visitors a rare glimpse at a variety of outdoor spaces, each showcasing different gardening styles, plant selections and landscaping designs. From colorful flower beds and shaded retreats to creative garden features and peaceful pathways, the tour highlights the creativity and care local gardeners put into their spaces.

Organizers say the goal of the tour is not only to showcase beautiful landscapes, but also to inspire others in the community, whether they are experienced gardeners or just getting started.

In addition to touring the gardens, attendees can expect opportunities to learn more about plants that thrive in the region, along with tips and ideas they can bring back to their own yards.

The event also supports the work of the Master Gardener program, which focuses on horticulture education, environmental stewardship and community outreach across the area.

Participants can visit each location at their own pace throughout the day, making it a flexible and family-friendly way to enjoy the (hopefully good) spring weather.

Organizers encourage residents and visitors alike to take part, explore the beauty of local gardens, and connect with others who share a love for growing and creating outdoor spaces.

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit phlmg.com or the Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners Facebook page. 

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If you had not noticed, flies have already arrived. Even without any rain they are already taken over the place. 
One of the best products for killing and making them run is permethrin.  Permethrin is a great product that has many labels. You can use around the house, on cattle and pets. It’s great using around the premises with a fogger. 
Multi-use products are worth the money. Permethrin has been around a long time. Truth be known, my mother sprayed us all every day to keep the ticks off of us when we were playing in the woods all day. We lived on a dairy and that is possibly the worst place for flies to congregate.
Another good thing for flies is the fly tags for cattle. It really helps keep their face and body clean. We even sell fly tags to put around your air conditioners and boat  motors. There is another multi-use product.
There are lots of fly traps you can purchase that are not really expensive.  They are preloaded with bait and do a good job. Restaurants usually use some different baits that attract and kill the flies.
As usual, always read the label. I really don’t think my momma did though.

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

Continue your article here…

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

Intake # 26054 “Iris”  approx 2 year old spayed female Amstaff mix.  Iris is 42 lbs and heartworm positive.  She will need a treatment plan in place for adoption.  Iris loves people, is good with other dogs, and likes cats.  She loves treats and will sit on command.  She is a very sweet girl who would love to be a lap dog.   She is gentle and loves lounging on the couch. She is up to date on vaccines and worming.   Also on flea and tick prevention.Adoption fee- $50 (covers spay,  age appropriate vaccines,  microchip)

Adoption application- forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6

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

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1 Samuel 2:2 (KJV)

There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 

God is worthy of all our praise. He sacrificed his  only begotten Son for us.  

I’m reminded of Hannah’s song of praise to the Lord that begins with a focus on personal rejoicing, following the birth and dedication of her son, Samuel. She praised God for who he was.  

Do you ever just praise God for who he is? Do you ever  just thank God for what he has already done?  

God is a place of safety and security. God is master and majestic. The Lord is 

our  total authority, He’s more powerful than any other false gods. Thank God for his Son Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world.  

God is holy, He’s sovereign, He’s faithful, He never changes, and He always keeps His promises. We can always depend on and trust a holy and righteous God.  

God is Holy, and He wants His children to live it and not just talk it! True holiness only comes from Jesus.  There was a time in my past life that I wanted to be accepted by the wrong people and fit in, but now that I have been saved by grace, God called me out of darkness into His light, my life has been changed, and I no longer desire to be accepted, nor fit in with the wrong crowd , but with the Lord and the right connections.   

 We are to live differently than we did when we were in darkness in our mess. Our mess should be our message. Holiness does not mean you’re perfect. It does not mean to look down on others….!  We are in the world, but not of the word.  We are to live a simple and humble life.   

Leviticus 19:2

You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

The way we talk, the company we keep, the places we go, the things we do. God is Holy, and He tells us (His children) to be holy.

 We will never be as Holy as God because He DOESN’T sin, nor does any wrong, but we can live holy lives like God’s word says. We are sinners saved by grace.  

He wants us to walk in His ways and His love. God is holy…! There’s no man equal to God…He Is The Most High!!!

Prayer: 

Lord, we thank you for being our rock, we thank you for being a holy, amazing God. Forgive us for our shortcomings and help us to live a purpose filled life that pleases you. 

In Jesus’ Name Amen. 

Be Encouraged! 

Glory to God! 

(LaTina DeLoach, is a devoted wife and mother who shares these words in hopes of uplifting those who read what God writes through her.)

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A double-header versus Castor resulted in a split for the Minden High School Lady Tiders on Monday, April 13 at Lady Tiders Stadium. The first game ended in a tie, with the Lady Tiders pulling out an 8-6 win in eight innings. Castor turned the tables in the second game, defeating the Lady Tiders  11 to 9.

The Senior Lady Tiders were honored during pre-game ceremonies. Each player and her family were presented and photographed on the pitcher’s mound. Three members of the team will graduate this year, Tatum Oliver, Lindsay Ryan, and Rokia Dotie.

In the first game, which saw the teams tied at 6-6 after 7 innings, lead-off batter Lizzie Balkom walked and Lindsay Ryan singled. Audrey Frye then ended the game with a double. Frye went 4 for 5 at bat, with the double, a triple and 5 RBIs. Ryan went 3 for 5, with a triple and three RBIs. Kylie Ferguson went 2 for 3, and Kaelyn Williams contributed a triple. Pitcher Ryan struck out 14 in eight innings.

In the second game, Minden’s 10 hits could not combine to outscore Castor in an 11-9 loss. Kylie Ferguson went 3 for 3, including a triple. Tatum Miller went 2 for 4. Lizzie Balkom had two hits, and Kaelyn Williams had a triple. Frye and Ryan smashed out one double each, while Senior, Tatum, had a home run and two RBIs. Nicole Lange had two RBIs.

The final game of the year on Tuesday in Minden saw Haughton soundly defeating the Lady Tiders to drop their season record to 11-14.

Below: A Lady Tider slides safely into second base during a double-header against Castor at Lady Tider Stadium Monday, April 3. The Minden team went on to win the game 8-6.

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In my head, I am THAT mom. You guys know what I mean… you know THAT mom!

She wakes up before everyone else, drinks her coffee while it’s still hot, maybe reads a devotional, maybe stretches… maybe even works out (?? who approved this version of me). Her house is clean, her kids are dressed in matching outfits, lunches are packed the night before, and breakfast is something warm and nutritious…not just vibes and dry cereal (because the milk is probably expired…)

She is calm. She is patient. She does not raise her voice. And she most definitely does not say things like, “If you don’t get your shoes on right now, I’m leaving without you,” at 7:42 a.m.

In my head, I am her.

In real life… I am not.

In real life, I wake up already behind because I hit snooze just enough times to turn the morning into a full-blown survival situation. Ugh! I am literally my own worst enemy!

Coffee? Reheated – Twice. Maybe three times if I’m feeling ambitious.

Hair? Dry shampoo and confidence.

Outfit? If it’s clean and I didn’t have to smell-check it twice, we’re calling it a win.

And my kids? Oh, they woke up ready to argue. 

Someone can’t find their shoes. Someone suddenly hates everything they own. Someone needs something signed, paid for, baked, or magically remembered something that they forgot to mention until we are literally backing out of the driveway.

And that calm, put-together mom from my imagination?

She disappears somewhere between:

“Where is your backpack?” and “WHY are you brushing your teeth right now…we are already late???”

I always think I’m going to be more organized than I am.

Like I’ll be the mom who packs cute lunches with silly notes, remembers every single event, never forgets picture day, responds to emails, volunteers with the PTO AND absolutely does NOT have to circle back through the school drop-off because someone forgot something (again)!

But the truth is… most days, I’m just trying to keep everyone fed, dressed and heading in the general direction of where they’re supposed to be. And honestly? That version of me might not be as polished -but she’s real. (Sometimes TOO real!)

She laughs when things fall apart (to keep from crying). She improvises dinner like she’s on a low-budget cooking show. But most importantly she shows up… even if it’s five minutes late with a messy bun and a half-drunk coffee in her hand.

And maybe that’s the version my kids will remember.

Not the perfectly put-together one I picture in my head… but the one who was a little chaotic, a little tired, and running five minutes behind… BUT ALWAYS THERE!

Because at the end of the day, I may not be the mom I imagined… but I’m the mom who shows up… and some days, that deserves a standing ovation (or at least finishing my coffee while it’s still warm). 

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

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Friday

Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Saturday Night

Showers likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Monday

Partly sunny, with a high near 73.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

April 18

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

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

April 23

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

April 25

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

9 a.m. until all sold: Minden Lions Club chicken charbroil, Walmart parking lot, Minden. Dinners: $10 payable at pick up. All proceeds stay in the community.

9 -9:30 a.m. registration for Paddle Webster; launch at 10:30 a.m. Lake Bistineau State Park.

11 a.m. Dealing with Grief while Walking with God, St. Rest, 111 Henrietta White Blvd., Cullen.

11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., North Louisiana Historical Association luncheon at Dorcheat Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden. You may mail your check for $20 per person to P. O. Box 6701, Shreveport 71136, or pay at the door.  Email jowe@tjc.edu by Tuesday, April 21, for a head count to the caterer.  Please include the names of all attendees.

May 2

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Lakeview Methodist Church, annual, “Come Grow With Us,” plant/art sale benefiting Lakeview Preschool at Turner’s Pond.

W.H.O. Golf Fiesta 2026, Springhill Golf Course. Register here: whoofnorthwebster.org/golf .

May 7

7:30 a.m., City-Wide National Day of Prayer, Jacqueline Park, 396 Main Street, Minden. Also time capsule burial ceremony as part of the City of Minden’s 190th anniversary celebration.

June 22 – 26

9 a.m. until noon, Earth Camp 2026 at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads, Minden, ages 6 through 9.

1 p.m. until 3 p.m., ages 10 through 16.

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Word of the Day: Genteel

Phonetic: /jen-TEEL/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
Genteel means “of or relating to people who have high social status” and can be used as a somewhat old-fashioned synonym of aristocratic. It can also be used to describe something with a quietly appealing or polite quality, as in “genteel manners.”

Their genteel upbringing shaped the way they viewed the world.

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of April 10 through 16. Civil suits are public record.

April 10
Carol Reeves vs. Billy Reeves, divorce.
Morgan O. Cole vs. Jeffrey R. Ogletree, executory process.
OneMain Financial vs. Bobby C. Blackstock, suit on note.

April 14
Robert Odell Machen Jr., succession over $125K.
Planet Home Lending LLC vs. Kawaii K. Crow, executory process.

April 15
Capital One vs. Betty L. Taylor, monies due.
Safeway Insurance Co., vs. Joshua Womack, subrogation.

April 16
Patricia McKinney Pendergrass, succession over $125K.
Cherrelle Roshun Yvette Tellis Moore vs. Zarvia Wartez Moore, divorce.

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Max Dean Boyd, 35, 1300 block Stateline Rd., Heflin: arrested April 13 by WPSO on warrant for violation of protection orders. Bond set $10,000.

David Roshone Flournoy, Jr., 18, 900 block Cline St., Minden: arrested April 13 by WPSO on warrant for failure to appear. Bond set $20,000.

Terry Wyatt Jones, Jr., 66, 100 block St. Rest St., Minden: arrested April 13 by WPSO by Minden City Marshall on multiple bench warrants. Bond set $1,300 cash.

Javon Smith, 32, 100 block Abbot Circle, Cullen: arrested April 13 by Probation and Parole on fugitive warrants from Nacogdoches County (Texas) for possession of controlled substance. Bond set $7,500.

Jaycee C. Davis, 35, 100 block Pierce Lane, Haynesville: arrested April 14 by WPSO on warrants for trespass, driving under suspension, improper tail lights. Bond set $4,250.

Smauri Yunique Edwards, 19, 800 block Woods St., Minden: arrested April 14 by Minden PD for misdemeanor theft. Bond set $500.

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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Joe Walter Kauffman
May 16, 1929  –  April 15, 2026
Springhill/Cullen, La.
Graveside service: noon, Saturday, April 18, 2026, Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo, La.

Sally Davis Nealy
August 13, 1930  –  April 14, 2026
Cotton Valley, La.
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo.

Mary Louise Bryan
August 16, 1935 — April 15, 2026
Minden, La.
Visitation: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ringgold.

Emma Frances (Fran) Storey
August 6, 1933 — March 25, 2026
Arcadia/Minden, La.
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, Arcadia Cemetery, Arcadia.

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

An alleged altercation resulting from an apparent break-up of a long-term relationship has a Minden man lodged in the parish prison, according to Chief of Police Jared McIver.

Nicholas Deericyon Bryant, 34, was booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where he is charged with domestic abuse battery as a result of the Tuesday incident.

Bryant is also facing charges of DWI first offense and reckless operation. His bond has been set at $2,750.

Officers were called to the 600 block of Constable St. just after midnight for a reported domestic dispute. During questioning, they learned the incident began earlier in the evening at a Marshall St. residence when Bryant reportedly found his companion had been texting another man.

After a series of events which led the woman to leave the Marshall St. residence, she reportedly returned to find Bryant had also left. The woman told officers that when Bryant later returned, she informed him she wanted to end their relationship. A physical confrontation allegedly ensued, but the woman managed to escape to a neighbor’s house seeking help.

Officers were told the woman returned to her residence after Bryant left, but he returned, forced her into his vehicle and locked the doors to prevent her from escaping. The woman reportedly attempted to exit the vehicle while Bryant was driving, causing him to swerve and crash into a fence in the 600 block of Constable.

During their investigation, officers reportedly observed visible marks on the woman’s neck, face and arms, and saw blood on her clothing. Bryant reportedly admitted to officers he had consumed an alcoholic beverage prior to the incident.

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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