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

June 8 and 9

Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries to be at Webster Parish Libraries. Children can hold a baby alligator.

Monday: 10 a.m. Minden Library Branch

3 p.m. Sibley Library Branch

Tuesday: 10 a.m. Springhill Library Branch

3 p.m. Cotton Valley Library Branch.

June 11-13

Celebrate America 250 & Minden 190

Bites & Beats kicks off weekend celebration.

Kids Patriotic Parade

5K Run on Main

Cornhole Tournament

Grilling on Main

Little Grillers

Kids Play area

Duck Derby

Fireworks Finale

June 13

7 p.m. Gospel Night at aPiney Woods Jamboree, CAC Building, Springhill. Special guests will be Don Zimmerman, Glenda Whisnant, Cynthia Cater, Jeff Spring.

June 15-19

Building Bridges of Opportunity Summer Day Camp, males entering grades 6-9 in Minden and surrounding areas. Webster Jr. High School, 700 E. Union St., Minden. For more information, call 318-470-2031.

June 17

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Giving is Groovy blood drive featuring City of Minden Police and Fire departments’ CUFFS & HOSES Drive, 520 Broadway, Minden. Give blood and tell which department to help one of them win the competition, while doing something to benefit others. Donate and receive a special edition LifeShare Groovy tee shirt while supplies last.

June 19

5 until 9 p.m., Juneteenth celebration, MLK Drive, Minden. Food, live music, games and activities for all ages, fellowship, community unity, local vendors. For more information, call Michael Walker at 318-210-1799.

June 20 – 21

Minden St. Jude Diamond Open in memory of Stanton Haynes. Minden Recreation Complex. Call 318-465-1938 or visit http://www.mindendiamondmemorial.com .

June 20

8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Men’s Wellness Fair, presented by Healing from the Heart LLC. Minden Recreation Center. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at eventbrite or at the door.

June 21

8 a.m. until a p.m., service at 10:45 a.m., Men’s Wellness Fair weekend continues, New Light Baptist Church, Minden.

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.

June 25

10 a.m. Elder Fraud Awareness Session, presented by Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Sibley Town Hall, Sibley, La. Call 318-377-0345 to RSVP.

June 27

Annual Ride for WHO Poker Run. Pre-register to ride at http://bit.ly/3PG71ZH .

9 until 10 a.m. Check in at Cash Magic Springhill for W.H.O. Poker Run. Pre-register at http://bit.ly/3PG71ZH . Benefits Women Helping Others.

2 until 6 p.m., Miller Quarters Park, Minden, Daddies With Angels Cookout. Hearts & Halos event to support grieving fathers.

July 9

5:30 p.m. Gather and Grow – Gardening for Pollinators, Webster Parish Extension Office, 1202 Homer Road, Minden. For more information, call 318-371-1371 or 318-927-3110.

August 15

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Rooted Women’s Conference, North Acres Baptist Church, 1852 Lewisville Road, Minden. This is a day for women who strive to be rooted in The Word. Hear from our keynote speaker, Stephanie Smithson, as she focuses on spiritual understanding and biblical literacy along with our multi-generational panel of ladies, who will describe what being rooted in Christ means to them. Come for a day of acoustic worship, fellowship, teaching and food! Your $30 ticket includes the conference, t-shirt, and a light lunch provided by Hugh Wood Catering. Childcare is provided. Registration is open through July 5. Register at https://onrealm.org/NorthAcresBapti31149/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTc4OTQ2Y2EtZmM3Ny00MWM2LWE2NmUtYjQzMzAwZmUyZDgx .

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Word of the day: Desultory

Phonetic: /des· ul· to· ry/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition

marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose
a dragged-out ordeal of … desultory shopping.
—Herman Wouk

not connected with the main subject
desultory comments

disappointing in progress, performance, or quality
a desultory fifth place finish

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Veronica Taylor, 60, 100 block Mims Grocery Rd., Dubberly: arrested June 3 by Minden PD for theft. Bond set $500.

Kimberly Louise Powell, 48, 200 block Nursery Rd., Sibley: arrested June 3 by Minden PD for theft, on multiple bench warrants. Bond set $20,500 surety or $850 cash. 

Peyton Leon Thomas, 34, 500 block Pine St., Minden: arrested June 5 by WPSO on warrants for unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, violation of protective orders. Bond set $40,000.

Jeffery Earl Duck, 50, 1100 block Syrup Mill Rd., Minden: arrested June 6 by WPSO on warrant for theft. No bond set.

Bryanna Cheyenne Mason, 27, 300 block Porterville Rd., Sarepta: arrested June 4 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, no drivers license, expired registration, open container. No bond set.

Justin Shawn Sumner, 45, 6900 block Hwy. 2, Sarepta: arrested June 4 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, careless operation, fugitive from another jurisdiction. No bond set. 

Augustin Ramirez, Jr., 35, 4900 block Brady St., Houston, Texas: arrested June 5 by Minden PD for operating a vehicle while impaired. Bond set $1,500.

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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Patsy Ann Greene Cahoon
August 2, 1943  –  May 26, 2026
Springhill/Shreveport
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, Old Sarepta Cemetery, Sarepta, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Robert Strong
February 13, 1936 — June 6, 2026
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Richard K. Sanders
April 17, 1952 — May 28, 2026
Minden
Memorial service: 1 until 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, Hock Activity Building, 1383 Hwy. 531, Minden.

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

Financial woes at Minden Medical Center will be the topic of discussion when the Webster Parish Police Jury convenes a special meeting Wednesday at 2 p.m.

MMC Chief Executive Office (CEO) Keith Cox is on the one-item agenda for the meeting in the jury committee room at the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex at 401 Main St.

At its June 2 meeting, jury members unanimously passed a resolution asking the Louisiana Dept. of Health to review several factors regarding the local hospital’s reported “difficult financial situations” including vendor and federal tax liens.

Additionally, the resolution asked the Dept. of Health to look into other matters including staffing levels, equipment reliability and availability of essential medications and supplies.

Police Jury President Jim Bonsall said Cox contacted him and requested the opportunity to discuss concerns raised by the jury.

“He asked that we meet and I told him we would be happy to hear him, but it would need to be before the whole jury in a public meeting,” Bonsall said. “We want the entire police jury, and any interested persons, to hear his explanations.”

Bonsall said he and other jury members had heard of situations at the hospital involving a number of circumstances which could affect healthcare services provided the people of Webster Parish and the surrounding area.

“We know how important it is to have a hospital that is properly equipped, supplied and staffed,” Bonsall said. “We are concerned for the dedicated people who work at Minden Medical Center as well as those they serve. Hopefully, we can get some answers.”

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By Pat Culverhouse

A 21-year-old Texas man is being held in the parish prison after he allegedly pointed a firearm at a local woman and threatened to kill her.

Alvin Ladanta White has been booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. No bond has been set.

Minden police officers responded to a call of a male threatening a female with a firearm shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday. When officers arrived at the address in the 100 block of Emerald Dr., White was observed leaning against a vehicle.

During questioning, the victim claimed White had pointed the firearm at her face and claimed he would pistol whip her then shoot her in the head.

As White was being taken into custody, officers discovered a handgun similar to the one described by the victim beneath the vehicle against which he had been standing. 

A bag of suspected marijuana was spotted in plain view inside the same vehicle, and officers conducted a search. Inside, another firearm was located between the passenger seat and door.

Police said one of the firearms had an extended clip, which increases the firing capacity of the weapon.

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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Photos and information by Jerry Strahan

Springhill Fire Department was paged for a 2-vehicle crash at around 12:45 p.m. Friday on Hwy. 371 near Taylor Street in Springhill. Units on scene reported one non-life-threatening injury.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Some Minden residents have a only one way to get from Point A to Point B … walking. And many local sidewalks around the city need help.

Mayor Nick Cox said laws around sidewalk improvement are something he believes can be worked around.

“A lot of our people walk, and a lot of people rely on our sidewalks,” Cox said.  “That’s one thing I feel like we need to focus on more as a city.”

The sidewalk ordinance states that sidewalks belong to the property owner. (SEC. 78-3 of Minden’s municipal codes, adopted 1987.)

Under the current ordinance, it is unlawful for the city to fix sidewalks that run in front of private property.

“If we have a safety issue within the city, it’s hard to put that on the property owner,” Cox continued. “I’ve walked the city of Minden, and I was shocked at how hard it is to navigate the sidewalks. There are places where you are walking and the sidewalk just stops. Then there are places where you think about pushing a stroller or having some kind of handicap accessibility, and there are stairs.”

The mayor is asking council members to study the ordinance language and adding the ability for the city to improve sidewalks “at least to a minimum, where we feel like if it’s a safety issue, we can go in there and fix it.”

Cox said funding for sidewalks is a competitive process.

“We’ve tried to get money to help with sidewalks, but it’s almost impossible,” he said.

Cox said he is not proposing the city maintain the sidewalks, “but we can do some things to make our city better for every body,” by possibly adding ramps and slopes.”

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Together we honor. Together we celebrate. Together we rise!

Annual 2026 Juneteenth Celebration organizer Michael Walker wants the Minden area community to know those words mean “everyone.”

“Every time we have this celebration, we want any and everyone in our local community to know they are welcome,” Walker said. “It’s a day to honor our past, celebrate our present and build our future.”

All information is on the above flyer, including date, times and contact information.

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Elder Fraud will be the awareness session topic at the town of Sibley’s first Community Outreach Program scheduled Thursday, June 25 at 10 a.m. at town hall, 345 North Main St.

Gina Martinez from the state Attorney General’s Office will conduct the interactive session which will feature experiences, information and advice. The session is free to the public, and is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Martinez will be delivering information on how to recognize, prevent and report scams targeting older adults. Organizers say sessions are usually an hour, depending on questions which may come from attendants.

During the session, attendants will given information on recognizing phone scams, identity theft, online and email fraud and financial exploitation, plus medicare and insurance scams.

All senior citizens, caregivers, family members, friends and neighbors and anyone interested in protecting loved ones should attend.

Refreshments will be served and town officials are asking those interested in attending to please RSVP to (318) 377-0345.

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A look back 

Springhill
June 1 low was 73F high was 92F
June 2 low was 75F high was 90F
June 3 low was 72F high was 91F
June 4 low was 72F high was 88F
June 5 low was 72F high was 86F
June 6 low was 72F high was 84F
June 7 low was 72F high was 85F 

Minden
June 1 low was 74F high was 93F
June 2 low was 75F high was 89F 
June 3 low was 72F high was 91F
June 4 low was 72F high was 85F 
June 5 low was 72F high was 86F
June 6 low was 75F high was 84F
June 7 low was 73F high was 86F 

Rain fall 

Springhill
June 3  .49 100s of an inch 
June 4. 01  100s of an inch 
June 5. 64 100s of an inch 
June 7 . 92 100s of an inch 

Minden
June 3 49 100s of an inch 
June 4 .11 100s of an inch 
June 5 .25 100s of an inch 
June 6 .22 100s of an inch 

June 7 . 02 100s of an inch 

On June 2, severe thunderstorm warning for entire Webster Parish area produced strong winds up to 47mph with a large tree down and power lines on Highway 160 west in Cotton Valley.

On June 6, there was a tornado warning issued for the southern half of Webster Parish. There was strong rotation southwest of Cotton Valley almost on the Bossier and Webster parish line.  There might have been a small spin up tornado on the line.  That warning was allowed to expire and a new warning covered the northern part of Webster Parish. There were no reports of any tornado touchdown or damage.

Extended forecast calls for a chance of thunderstorms each day. Lows in the upper 70s and highs near 90.

(Jerry Strahan was a first responder in fire and emergency services for almost 45 years. He lives in north Webster Parish and has written weather articles for other publications.)

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By Paige Gurgainers

Concerned parents, alumni and community members gathered Thursday evening, June 4, to discuss the future of J.L. Jones Elementary School following the Webster Parish School Board’s decision to repurpose the campus beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

The meeting, organized by the Minden chapter of the NAACP, provided residents an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the transition, which will result in students being reassigned to other campuses across Minden.

Under the current plan, second-grade students who attend J.L. Jones will move to J.A. Phillips Elementary, while third-grade students will be reassigned to E.S. Richardson Elementary. School officials say the change is designed to better align grade levels and improve student performance under Louisiana’s revised school accountability system.

The decision has sparked strong reactions throughout the community, particularly because of the school’s historic significance.

J.L. Jones traces its roots to the era of segregated education and has long been recognized as one of Webster Parish’s historically Black schools. For generations of Minden families, the campus represents more than just a school building. It stands as a symbol of educational opportunity, community pride and local history.

During Thursday’s meeting, many residents expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of community involvement before the decision was made. Several attendees questioned whether enough opportunities were provided for parents and stakeholders to offer input before the school board moved forward with its plans.

School officials have maintained that the move is intended to benefit students academically. Webster Parish Superintendent Johnny Rowland has said recent changes to Louisiana’s accountability model place schools with limited grade configurations at a disadvantage because they no longer receive the same growth measurements that previously contributed to school performance scores. According to district leaders, restructuring grade levels across Minden schools will allow students to be grouped in a way that better fits the state’s evaluation system.

District leaders have also outlined potential future uses for the J.L. Jones facility. Preliminary plans include housing arts and theater programs, early childhood services, instructional support staff and community activity space, though final details remain subject to school board approval.

Despite those plans, many community members remain concerned about preserving the school’s legacy and ensuring students continue to receive the support they need during the transition. Questions regarding transportation, academic outcomes and the long-term future of the campus were among the topics discussed during Thursday’s gathering.

NAACP leaders encouraged residents to remain engaged in the process by attending future school board meetings and continuing to ask questions as plans move forward.

While opinions remain divided, one thing was clear from Thursday night’s discussion: J.L. Jones Elementary occupies a special place in the history of Minden, and many residents want to ensure that legacy is honored as the district moves into its next chapter.

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Looking for a new employee or to advertise a garage sale? Or even to sell a house or car? Recently, Donna Hoffoss, mayor of Dixie Inn ran a classified ad with Webster Parish Journal for a new part-time employee.

Here is her response after the first day the ad ran: “Hey Bonnie already had 15 resumes! You definitely have good readership! Thanks” – Donna Hoffoss

Classified ads are $70 per run with a minimum of three runs. Unlimited words and a photo.

According to Hoffoss, she received even more resumes after her three runs, and her council hired one of the applicants.

If you would like to have good results like Dixie Inn, email wpjclassifieds@gmail.com or wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

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Photos and story by Jerry Strahan

Springhill Farmers Market offered a Taste of the Market to patrons last Saturday.

On June 6, Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce and Springhill Main Street joined forces to give local vendors a chance to showcase their home grown garden food and their baked goods.

The vendors gave samples, but larger quantities could be purchased.

The event was coordinated by the Springhill Main Street Manager, Tanya Capps and Springhill Chamber of Commerce Manager, Amber Cobb. 

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There has been, and will be, much commentary as we approach July 4th.  However, it will never be enough to capture or express the significance of that date. 

July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.  Other than the Bible itself, no document has had a more profound effect on the country and the world.  As a young boy, I vaguely recall in 1976 the 200th anniversary and the warmth and sense of patriotism that surrounded that day.

This July 4th feels different.  That is likely because as an adult I am much more aware of how fraught and fragile our form of government, and life itself, are.  That awareness only underscores the magnitude of the Declaration.

As I have written before, Progressivism holds that our rights flow from an “enlightened” and “benevolent” government which serves as a replacement for God who, in the secular view of Progressivism, does not exist.  

The Declaration directly contradicts that premise, declaring that our natural, unalienable rights flow not from man or government but from God.  That is why the values enshrined in the Declaration are directly antithetical to Progressivism and reflect a diametrically opposed world view and concept of ‘Nature and Nature’s God,’ to employ Thomas Jefferson’s eternal phrase.

There has simply never been a founding document like our Declaration of Independence, enshrining as it does one of the most profound principles in history:

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…”

Jefferson was a brilliant man and, as he sat there in the candlelight, dipped his quill pen in ink, and began his beautiful cursive, he fully understood that this principle of God-given equality he was laying down certainly did not exist in the colonies at the time he authored the document, or likely would during his lifetime. We know that this principle of equality would, in fact, not be fully realized for another 150 years in this country. 

But that is what makes so astounding his inclusion of such a principle in the founding document of our fledgling nation, a principle that was later embedded in our Constitution, and our Supreme Court jurisprudence.  

That Jefferson would have the wisdom, foresight, and courage to boldly include the principle that—no matter when it may be fully achieved—equality was the fundamental and surpassing ideal.   No nation in world history had ever included as part of the very blueprint of its government the belief that all its citizens were created by God and all of them were created equal.  

Jefferson also wrote that “we hold these truths to be self evident…” which means he intended to place the truths forming the foundation of this principle of equality beyond debate. They were settled; Were so clear anyone could recognize and understand them.

The Declaration also declares that governments “are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.”

WOW. Those two sentences say alot!

It means that government is only legitimate when it functions with the “consent of the governed” (do we feel that government today operates with our “consent”?) and that when government fails to do so it may be “altered or abolished.” 

Jefferson knew full well what the words “alter” and “abolish” meant.  He understood that he was justifying rebellion and revolution against an illegitimate and oppressive government.  (Much as Americans would rise up against the tyrannical government of King George).

Nevertheless, all of these efforts would have amounted to nothing without the 1.2 million Americans who sacrificed their lives since the Revolutionary War up until Operation Epic Fury, and the millions of service members who suffered terrible injuries in all of America’s military engagements, to give value, meaning and life to Jefferson’s beautiful words. 

There has never been a document like the American Declaration of Independence.  I still marvel at its strength and simplicity.  The intrinsic God-given rights and equality it recognizes and protects, and the demand that government only exists to serve the people, are unprecedented.  I hope we will reflect upon that, this glorious 4th!

Happy 250th America! Here is hoping and praying for 250 more!

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races. He can be reached at RoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com .)

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Vacation Bible School is beginning all over Webster Parish. Read here to find one (or more) just right for your children.

If your church is hosting one of these events this summer, please email your information to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will publish it in this special calendar. Thank you!

June 8 – 12

6 until 8:30 p.m., Unity Baptist Church, Cotton Valley, K through 5th grade.

June 8 – 13

6 until 8:45 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 1919 S. Main Springhill, Kindergarten through 5th grade. For more information, call 870-949-3680.

June 8 – 11

5:30 until 8 p.m., preschool through 5th grade, Lakeview Methodist Church 301 Lakeshore Drive, Minden. A light meal will be served at 5:30.  We invite families to join us Thursday the 11^th at 7:30 for a VBS program followed by an ice cream social.  We welcome all to “Magnified” VBS, discovering the brightness of God in the smallest of things. 

Register online at www.lakeviewminden.com or print and email the completed form to lakeviewunite365@bellsouth.net

June 9 – 11

6:30 p.m. nightly, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Terry Combs, pastor. For more information, call 318-517-2264.

June 14 – 18

5:30 until 8 p.m., Central Baptist Church, Springhill, ages three through 6th grade.

June 15 – 19

6 until 8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, Cotton Valley, Pre-K through 6th grade.

June 22 – 26

6 until 8:30 p.m., North Acres Baptist Church. Register at https://onrealm.org/NorthAcresBapti31149/Registrations/Registrants/e37ca670-d1e0-4d26-8e23-b409010037cd?congregantView=true&connect=true&viewIndividualId=cd5677d8-e681-479f-af07-b3fc012389f5 .

July 13 – 17

5:30 until 8:30 p.m., First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden, ages pre-K through 6th grade. Supper provided. Call 318-377-1483 or visit https://www.facebook.com/100064614286593/posts/1321421020021695/?fs=e&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=wKEx4hN4p2w03lR0# for more information.

July 26 – 31

6 until 8:10 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 1400 Homer Road, Minden. For more information: calvaryminden.com/vbs .

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

June 8 and 9

Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries to be at Webster Parish Libraries. Children can hold a baby alligator.

Monday: 10 a.m. Minden Library Branch

3 p.m. Sibley Library Branch

Tuesday: 10 a.m. Springhill Library Branch

3 p.m. Cotton Valley Library Branch.

June 11-13

Celebrate America 250 & Minden 190

Bites & Beats kicks off weekend celebration.

Kids Patriotic Parade

5K Run on Main

Cornhole Tournament

Grilling on Main

Little Grillers

Kids Play area

Duck Derby

Fireworks Finale

June 13

7 p.m. Gospel Night at aPiney Woods Jamboree, CAC Building, Springhill. Special guests will be Don Zimmerman, Glenda Whisnant, Cynthia Cater, Jeff Spring.

June 15-19

Building Bridges of Opportunity Summer Day Camp, males entering grades 6-9 in Minden and surrounding areas. Webster Jr. High School, 700 E. Union St., Minden. For more information, call 318-470-2031.

June 17

11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Giving is Groovy blood drive featuring City of Minden Police and Fire departments’ CUFFS & HOSES Drive, 520 Broadway, Minden. Give blood and tell which department to help one of them win the competition, while doing something to benefit others. Donate and receive a special edition LifeShare Groovy tee shirt while supplies last.

June 19

5 until 9 p.m., Juneteenth celebration, MLK Drive, Minden. Food, live music, games and activities for all ages, fellowship, community unity, local vendors. For more information, call Michael Walker at 318-210-1799.

June 20

8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Men’s Wellness Fair, presented by Healing from the Heart LLC. Minden Recreation Center. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at eventbrite or at the door.

June 21

8 a.m. until a p.m., service at 10:45 a.m., Men’s Wellness Fair weekend continues, New Light Baptist Church, Minden.

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.

June 25

10 a.m. Elder Fraud Awareness Session, presented by Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Sibley Town Hall, Sibley, La. Call 318-377-0345 to RSVP.

June 27

Annual Ride for WHO Poker Run. Pre-register to ride at http://bit.ly/3PG71ZH .

9 until 10 a.m. Check in at Cash Magic Springhill for W.H.O. Poker Run. Pre-register at http://bit.ly/3PG71ZH . Benefits Women Helping Others.

2 until 6 p.m., Miller Quarters Park, Minden, Daddies With Angels Cookout. Hearts & Halos event to support grieving fathers.

July 9

5:30 p.m. Gather and Grow – Gardening for Pollinators, Webster Parish Extension Office, 1202 Homer Road, Minden. For more information, call 318-371-1371 or 318-927-3110.

August 15

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Rooted Women’s Conference, North Acres Baptist Church, 1852 Lewisville Road, Minden. This is a day for women who strive to be rooted in The Word. Hear from our keynote speaker, Stephanie Smithson, as she focuses on spiritual understanding and biblical literacy along with our multi-generational panel of ladies, who will describe what being rooted in Christ means to them. Come for a day of acoustic worship, fellowship, teaching and food! Your $30 ticket includes the conference, t-shirt, and a light lunch provided by Hugh Wood Catering. Childcare is provided. Registration is open through July 5. Register at https://onrealm.org/NorthAcresBapti31149/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTc4OTQ2Y2EtZmM3Ny00MWM2LWE2NmUtYjQzMzAwZmUyZDgx .

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Word of the day: Venal

Phonetic: /ve· nal/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration

especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : mercenary
a venal legislator

originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery
a venal arrangement with the police

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Rosie Lovenia Oliver, 30, 1100 block Madison Ave., Minden: arrested June 3 by Minden PD on bench warrant. Bond set $20,000 surety or $1,800 cash. 

Shad Randall Sawyer, 51, 100 block N. Haynie Rd., Minden: arrested June 3 by Sibley PD on warrant for violation of protective order. Bond set $5,000.

Lindsey Alice Parker, 41, 2300 block Amelia Ave., Shreveport: arrested June 4 by Minden PD on warrant for reckless operations, aggravated flight from an officer. Bond set $85,500. 

Herbert Marshall Jergens, 43, 100 block Post Oak Dr., Benton: arrested June 7 by Minden PD for operating while impaired third offense, possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle. No bond set. 

Daimalik Miller, 22, 1500 block Sheppard St., Minden: arrested June 6 by Minden PD on warrants for simple robbery, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, simple criminal damage to property, on probation and parole hold. Bond set $45,000.

Tarez Marcee Walker, 37, 1200 block Monroe Ave., Homer: arrested June 5 by WPSO on multiple warrants. Bond set $26,000.

Latravion Deuntrels Minix, 34, 600 block Chestnut St., Minden: arrested June 6 by WPSO on warrant. 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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Patsy Ann Greene Cahoon
August 2, 1943  –  May 26, 2026
Springhill/Shreveport
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, Old Sarepta Cemetery, Sarepta, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Robert Strong
February 13, 1936 — June 6, 2026
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Richard K. Sanders
April 17, 1952 — May 28, 2026
Minden
Memorial service: 1 until 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, Hock Activity Building, 1383 Hwy. 531, Minden.

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

A Minden police officer is facing serious sex-related charges involving a juvenile as the result of an investigation by Louisiana State Police (LSP).

Chief of Police Jared McIver said 27-year-old Hunter Allen Buchanan is facing two counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with juveniles and computer aided solicitation for sexual purposes. 

He reportedly was arrested on warrants just after 1 a.m. Saturday (June 6) at Bailey’s Casino by Louisiana State Police. His total bond has been set at $450,000. 

Buchanan was approved for hire as a Minden police officer by the Minden City Council in December, 2023. He reportedly served in the U.S. Navy and was currently a member of the Navy reserves.

Reports indicate state police began an investigation after a missing 15-year-old was located and text communications with an individual identified as a Minden police were discovered. 

During interviews with investigators, Buchanan reportedly admitted talking to a girl on a dating app and bringing her twice to his home. Buchanan lists a residence in the 200 block of Chris Dr. in Minden.

In a statement, McIver said he learned of allegations of misconduct concerning Buchanan late Friday evening and immediately requested assistance from LSP. 

“Officers worked throughout the night. In the early morning hours of June 6, the Louisiana State Police executed warrants for the arrest of Officer Hunter Buchanan,” McIver said in his statement.

“Officer Buchanan was immediately placed on administrative leave following the arrest. The Louisiana State police will continue the ongoing investigation with the full cooperation of the Minden Police Department,” he said.

McIver said all Minden police officers, “are held to the highest of standards and anything less will not be tolerated.”

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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