By Pat Culverhouse

A minister of a rural Webster Parish church has been charged with indecent behavior of a juvenile following a lengthy investigation by Sheriff’s Office investigators.

Antaeus Stewart, 43, a Heflin resident, was picked up by Bienville Parish deputies Tuesday on a traffic stop and returned to Webster Parish on a Sheriff’s warrant.

He reportedly was booked at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center and released after posting a $75,000 bond.

Major Bobby III, head of the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division, said Det. Raegan Wallace began looking into the case after the office received a complaint from the victim’s parent.

Wallace reportedly viewed text messages showing an illegal relationship between the minister and victim had been ongoing for at least a two-year period, and had begun when the victim was underaged.

Evidence reportedly showed Stewart had purchased the victim a cell phone for the purpose of the messages. Investigators also reportedly recovered more evidence of illegal activities on other of Stewart’s electronic devices.

“This is one of those cases that has to be carefully and completely investigated, and Det. Wallace did a great job of following all the evidence,” Igo said. “But, we’re not finished. There could be additional victims, and we want to continue to follow the evidence.”

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.

By Tiffany Flournoy

CULLEN, La. — More than $60,000 in unpaid and past-due bills tied to Cullen’s police operations have created mounting financial strain and raised serious operational concerns, according to documents obtained by the Webster Parish Journal. The records — detailing police-related services, equipment and municipal costs — show a pattern of debt dating back to 2024 that escalated into tangible operational risk by early 2026.

By the numbers

Municipal expenses affecting police operations

• Thousands of dollars (More than $46K) — Municipal liability insurance (canceled; included town vehicles, including police cruisers, and other municipal operations)

Police department–specific expenses

• $3,433.44 — Fuel vendor (Smith’s South-Central Sales Co.; remains outstanding)
• $4,328.76 — Phone and internet services
• $1,596.00 — Police radios (surrendered to Harrington Communications at vendor request due to nonpayment)
• $1,205.31 — Copier lease (in default)
• $191.88 — Electric bill (disconnect notice; resolved immediately before cutoff)
• $971.24 — Office equipment supplies (C. F. Biggs Company, Inc.)
• $109.99 — Equipment invoice (Teeco Safety)
• $2,100 — Dispatch services owed to City of Springhill for months of nonpayment
  (Only reflects records recently reviewed by the Webster Parish Journal)

Note:Reportedly police-related bills are submitted to and paid through the town’s office rather than directly by the department. While the largest portion of the costs reflects municipal insurance covering multiple town operations, the combination of municipal and police-specific debts underscores broader fiscal strain affecting public safety functions.

Early warning signs

A September 2024 invoice from Teeco Safety went unpaid, signaling the town had already begun falling behind on obligations before larger financial challenges emerged.

In June 2025, the Louisiana Municipal Risk Management Agency notified the town that unpaid premiums would trigger cancellation, effective July 25. The coverage included town vehicles and municipal items beyond the police department, including patrol units. In recent months, the town secured insurance for patrol units through Progressive after municipal vehicles had operated for an extended period without coverage.

Operational strain escalates

By late 2025, fuel debt with Smith’s South-Central Sales Co. reached $3,433.44, most of it more than 90 days past due. The account remains outstanding. According to the department, prior to emergency assistance from the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, calls for fuel went unanswered by Mayor Terry Hoof, and communications were reportedly inconsistent.

In a council meeting prior to the fuel shortage, the mayor instructed Police Chief Fannie Rankin to meet him at the bank to secure a debit card for fuel. Rankin replied that she first needed to see an official police department budget. She later expressed concerns about how funds would flow to the card and questioned whose information would need to be linked — hers or the town’s. Previously, the mayor had been meeting officers directly to facilitate fueling at their request, but the department says it was not always prioritized promptly.

On Feb. 5, 2026, a patrol unit ran out of fuel and had to be towed. The Sheriff’s Office stepped in to provide emergency fueling so officers could continue responding to calls.

That same day, the department surrendered radios to Harrington Communications at the vendor’s request due to $1,596 in unpaid invoices. Separately, the City of Springhill discontinued dispatch services for nonpayment, with $2,100 owed for several months of service. A February 2026 bill from Brightspeed shows $4,328.76 owed for phone and internet services. A March 5, 2026 disconnect notice from Entergy Louisiana showed $191.88 past due, which was resolved immediately before cutoff.

Administrative operations were also affected. A copier lease from GreatAmerica Financial Services is in default at $1,205.31, and C. F. Biggs Company, Inc. billed approximately $971.24 for ongoing office supplies.

Records show a patrol unit operating with a cracked windshield and an expired inspection sticker. According to the department, it has operated without a formal budget since 2025. Concerns also persist over unpaid municipal retirement obligations.

Adding to the strain, the town’s only officer aside from the chief had a town-issued payroll check returned last week for insufficient funds. The officer contacted both the mayor and the town clerk via email. Reportedly, no immediate response was received from the mayor. In an email response, the clerk stated that the town’s office is closed Friday through Sunday and told the officer the bank had processed the check twice; however, the officer confirmed the bank processed the check only once. The matter has since been addressed, pending the sufficiency of a replacement check.

The department says this is not the first time payroll checks have been returned or issued with delayed or post-dated payment.

In multiple cases, unpaid accounts reached default or triggered vendor action.

“While insurance coverage for patrol units has been secured in recent months, unpaid bills and recurring payroll issues continue to place financial and operational strain on the department, raising concerns about its ability to sustain basic public safety functions.

By Pat Culverhouse

Webster Parish deputies weren’t pulling an April Fool’s Day prank on a couple found squatting inside a Doyline house, and the discovery of illegal drugs inside proved to be no joke.

Amanda Nicole Jordan, 43, a Shreveport resident, is charged with criminal trespass, possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines) and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

Her alleged companion, 41-year-old Kera G. Virgil, a resident of the  200 block Pie Brown Rd., Doyline, was booked for criminal trespass, manufacture/distribution/possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) and possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines).

Both are being held in parish penal facilities where no bond has been set.

Sheriff Jason Parker said deputies Robert Davis and Daniel Dooley reportedly found the pair inside the abandoned residence in the 2700 block of Dement Rd. Wednesday. Deputies reportedly had responded to a complaint from the property manager.

During a search of the room where the couple was found, deputies discovered two pipes commonly used for smoking methamphetamines with the substance still inside. Deputies also found a baggie of suspected marijuana which Virgil reportedly claimed belonged to him.

While being booked at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center, officers reportedly discovered contraband in Jordan’s belongings. She had previously told deputies nothing illegal was inside her bag.

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.

Robin Guthrie is the new Webster Parish School Board member for District 4.

Guthrie was officially sworn in Thursday during a special called meeting of the board. She will be serving the unexpired term of her husband, Jonathan, who passed away on March 14 following a lengthy illness.

Guthrie was sworn in by Judge Sherry Sentell, taking her oath of office on her late husband’s personal Bible.

Officers of the United Christian Assistance Program proudly stand in front of their “church” bulletin board. Back in 1985-86, it was the churches in the community who pitched in to establish and fund UCAP “to offer emergency assistance to those in need in south Webster Parish (Cotton Valley south) or for transients.” Forty years later, churches still play an important role in the organization. However, it is two annual fund-raisers that contribute most to the budget. “HUNGERFEST 2026” is set for Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Minden First Methodist Church. Admittance is $5, with 12 and under free of charge. This dessert auction fundraiser features celebrity auctioneers selling everything from Brownies to Cherry Pie and from Flan to Fresh Strawberry Cake. The evening also includes homemade vegetable beef soup, crackers and tea. And entertainment is a guarantee. Pictured above are (from left) president Tommy Davis, director Charlotte Jones and secretary Mary Seney. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)

Kenneth Michael Stewart is wanted for an offense that occurred on April 27.

The Patrol Division was able to secure an arrest warrant for Kenneth Michael Stewart as a result of the incident. The following is the charge and bond amount associated with Kenneth Michael Stewart:

• One count simple criminal damage to property with a surety bond amount of $15,000.

Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) or Detective Curry (318-268-7044) of the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Kenneth Michael Stewart.

Any 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.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

The long-running debate on whether the state or City of Minden owns and is responsible for pot-hole and bump-ridden Sheppard Street is about to end.

“At this point, I feel like the people of Minden sincerely don’t care who pays for it, they just want it done,” Mayor Nick Cox said last week. “So, we’re going to get it done.”

Sheppard Street was built by the state in 1953.

“The state came up with the highway system in 1954, and they declared that anything that wasn’t in the highway system should revert to the municipality or the parish,” Cox explained.

Since he has been mayor, Cox said there have been at least three DOTD secretaries. He has met with all of them and “they would determine it was the city’s road,” he said, adding that when the administration changes, all the rules change.

The city is looking at approximately $500,000 to pave Sheppard from Hwy. 80 intersection to Shreveport Road (through the Sibley Road and Lee Street intersections).

“It was a good try on our part to try and make the state pay for it all,” the mayor continued. “We have asked them for $300,000, but so far they haven’t obligated to that.”

City of Minden has around 100 miles of roads to maintain.

“We only have so much money,” Cox said of the city budget.

The strategy of Terry Combs, head of Minden Streets and Drainage Department, is to pave the high-volume roads and do more with the same amount of money.

“I feel like I have taken care of the main roads,” Combs said. “Then, we go through the city and do the lower-traffic neighborhoods.”

“It’s the plan we picked,” Cox said. “It was in place when I started – to do your Talton streets, Clerk streets that are high-volume streets, and then start working on your lower traffic streets.”

As state-owned there are many thoroughfares in Minden that are not the city’s responsibility, specifically Homer and Shreveport roads, although Homer Road is scheduled for future work when grant funding is made available.

Every year at budget time, the Minden City Council is asked to present streets in their districts that need work. Inside streets, such as those are the responsibility of the street department, while the others are not.

Cox said he hopes to have Sheppard Street on the council agenda for the April 6 meeting.

Next week Webster Parish Journal will publish the third story in a series about Minden Medical Center and the President and CEO of Allegiance Health Management – Rock Bordelon.

Allegiance Health Management is a Bossier City-based company, which has owned Minden Medical Center since 2018.

Allegiance owns 11 hospitals in Louisiana, mostly in smaller market areas like Minden. Some reportedly have problems with vendors, liens and Uncle Sam.

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

Fiona is a 1 year old spayed female Wolfhound mix.  She is 60 lbs.,  heartworm negative and started on prevention. Also started on flea and tick prevention.   

Fiona loves people and will sit for treats. She loves being on the couch or in a dog bed. She is mostly dog friendly,  but  there have been some she doesn’t like.  She DOES NOT  like cats.

Adoption application-forms.gle/TfS5pe939gbP4t2i6

Adoption fee-$50 (covers spay,  all age appropriate vaccines, microchip)

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.”

Photos and Information provided by Jerry Strahan

A person who drove his car into the old train depot on Hwy. 371 and Coyle Avenue in Cullen last night reportedly fled the scene.

Cullen police were advised at 7:10 p.m. about the accident. Witnesses stated the driver ran from the scene. 

Debra Lyn Shirey Pevy, age 61, passed away on March 29, 2026 at Minden Medical Center in Minden, Louisiana after a lengthy illness. She was born on March 22, 1965, to Ralph and Vergie Shirey in Minden, Louisiana.

She attended Minden High School, then went on to Pat Goin’s Beauty School where she earned her license in Cosmetology.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Vergie Shirey; her brother, Ralph T. Shirey Jr; her sister, Sherry Ann Nelson; and her daughter, Krystal Hope McLemore.

She is survived by her pride and joy, daughter Sherry McLemore; granddaughters Cherish Mason and Trinity Mason. Debra is also survived by a brother, Gary “Tom” Shirey (Sheilla); sister, Priscilla Matlock (Charles Sandifer); several nieces and nephews, and her special friend, Kerry McBride.

A memorial service to honor Debra’s life will be held at a later date.

FOR SALE: Shongaloo
2655 Rodney Martin Road
Shongaloo, LA 71072
$350,000
Extremely well-maintained and spacious country home on over 5 acres with the potential to buy the adjoining 48 acres! This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home boasts tall cathedral ceilings, large utility room, kitchen and pantry, new HVAC, plus more! Call your local agent to schedule a showing today!

Listing Agent:
Laura Blackwell
GreenStar Realty, LLC
318-355-5573
410 Olive Street
Monroe, LA 71201

Doyline

Panthers 20, Homer 8 (Monday)
Lady Panthers 8, Saline 2 (Monday)
Quitman 16, Panthers 0 (Tuesday)
Lady Panthers 15, Gibsland-Coleman 5 (Tuesday)

Glenbrook

Apaches 8, Neville 3 (Monday)
Lady Apaches 14, Loyola 0 (Monday)
Lady Apaches 7, Cedar Creek 6 (Tuesday)
Cedar Creek 11, Apaches 1 (Wednesday)

Lakeside

Warriors 8, Oak Grove 7 (Monday)
Haughton 11, Lady Warriors 6 (Monday)
Lady Warriors 15, Mansfield 2 (Tuesday)

Minden

Loyola 16, Lady Tiders 13 (Tuesday)
North DeSoto 14, Crimson Tide 6 (Tuesday)

North Webster
Knights 9, D’Arbonne Woods 8 (Tuesday)
Benton 8, Knights 0 (Wednesday)

The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, April 6:

ARMSTRONG, JOHN ISSAC
99883 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

BATTON, JAQUAVA MALIK
99289 CT 1 Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer
99289 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BAUGH, JEREMY SHANE
100222 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm – Domestic Violence

BRIDGES, DECOREY
100010 CT 1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
100010 CT 2 Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence
100010 CT 3 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
100010 CT 4 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

BURT, TERRY D.
99877 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BUSSEY, BENJAMIN
99429 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

CARTER, CANTICE SHAVON
96258 Second Degree Battery

CLARKSON, ISSAC DESHAWON
99259 Attempted Illegal Use/ Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance

COX, KURTIS LAMONT
100130 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

DODGE, KAMI
99860 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

DOUGLAS, DEXRECH FAFON
100177 CT 1 Simple Burglary
100177 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

DUDLEY, KEUNDRICK
INCOMING Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

EASON, MICHAEL SHANE
100131 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

ECKROAT, KEVIN LEDOIT
100003 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender 2nd Offense

FERRELL, JR., TERRY LEE
100190 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

FISHER, CHRISTOPHER JOSE
99246 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99246 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

FLOURNOY, JR, DAVID
99614 Illegal Possession Of Stolen Firearms

FRAZIER, WILLIAM MATTHEW
99583 Insurance Fraud

GREEN, DEWAYNE DEMONT
100163 Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with Evidence
100163A Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator

HARRIS, JAIVEON
99557 Attempt First Degree Murder

HARTWELL, TYLER JOSEPH
98237 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Fourth or Subsequent

HARTWELL, TYLER JOSEPH
95457 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense

HODGE, BRANDON MICHAEL
100244 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HOSS, JAMES WADE
99392 Cruelty To The Infirmed

ISLAND, LISH ANTONIO
99359 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

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

JONES, DEVON
99554 Terrorizing

JONES, DEVON
98093 Simple Arson
Restitution owed to the victim for damages- $1,000, plus $150, = $1,150 total

MALOS, ROBERT WAYNE
100175 Fail to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator

MARTIN, EDUARDO LEVAN
99772 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

MAYFIELD, JR., KEVIN DALE
99352 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99352 CT 2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

MAYFIELD, JR., KEVIN DALE
98560 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

MCGLOTHERN, SHONDREKA
100220A Resisting An Officer

MILES, QYLAN QUINCYISIAH
100266-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100266-CT.2 Possession of Schedule II CDS

MILLER, JAYSHUN DAMARCUS
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
Restitution- $10,685.71, plus $1,602.86 fee = $12,288.57 total

MONTGOMERY, TINA
100006 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

MOORE, VICTOR A.
100146 CT 1 Aggravated Assault
100146 CT 2 Aggravated Assault
100146 CT 3 Aggravated Assault

NORMENT, WHITNEY LEE
100264 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

PARISH, JAQUESHA
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS

PARKER, JASON DONALD
99630 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

PARKER, SCOTT DOUGLAS
99630 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

POWELL, KAREN
INCOMING Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

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

QUAID, JUSTIN SHANE
95898 Theft of $5,000 or More but Less than $25,000
Restitution owed to the victim per report $15,000, plus $2,250 fee= $17,250 total

RICHARDSON, CORWIN K.
99721 CT 1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99721 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

ROGERS, JATRAVION
INCOMING Aggravated Battery

SHEHEE, CHANDRICKA
100060 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

SHEPPARD, KOBE
99557 Attempted First Degree Murder

SHEPPARD, KOBE
99239 Misdemeanor Access Device Fraud
Restitution owed to the victim per the report- $771.23, plus $115.68 fee = $886.91 total

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

STEVENS, MARCUS DARE
99524 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

STEVENS, MARCUS DARE
T031026 Improper Passing
T031026A Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

STEVENS, MARCUS DARE
100282 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000

STRIPLIN, CHARLES BRUCE
100278 Attempted Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

TAYLOR, MICHAEL WAYNE
98870 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

TAYLOR, MICHAEL WAYNE
98870 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

TAYLOR, MICHAEL WAYNE
99710 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

THOMPSON, JR., ARTHUR
100149 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense

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

WALKER, MICHAEL D
T060122 Failure to Use Safety Belt
T060122A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

WHITE, DEJUAN S.
99685 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

WOODARD, BRETT G.
99859 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Friday

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday Night

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Saturday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 70.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Monday

Partly sunny, with a high near 70.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

April 3

8 a.m. until 3 p.m., Drive Through Prayer, First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden.

7 p.m. Pine Grove Methodist Church, “A Picture of Calvary” play.

April 4

10 a.m. until 5 p.m. M.O.V.E. Easter Egg Hunt, 1102/1103 Henrietta White Blvd., Springhill.

Minden Farmers Market, downtown Minden. Vendors needed.  https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/8448 .

3 until 5 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt at Beech Springs Baptist Church, 15910 HWY. 80, Minden. There will be food, fun and fellowship. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, call 318-344-4919.

April 9

5 until 7 p.m., Bites & Beats, Miller Quarters Park, Minden, live music with Cynthia Sandidge, food trucks, family friendly fun.

6 p.m. UCAP Hungerfest, Dessert Auction Fundraiser, soup and crackers for meal. Minden First Methodist, 903 Broadway. All proceeds benefit United Christian Assistance Program. Buy tickets at door or from UCAP.

6 p.m. Springhill North Webster Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, Springhill Civic Center.

April 14

5:30 p.m. Initial meeting of the 4-H Rabbit Club, Webster Parish Extension Office, 1202 Homer Rd., Minden.

April 16

10:30 a.m. 2026 Light of Hope, Volunteers for Youth Justice CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program. Minden Civic Center.

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 .

Destany K. Mitchell, 31, 900 block Devereaux St., Minden: arrested March 29 by Minden PD for hit and run, resisting an officer.

Bradley W. Mauldin, 42, 100 block Bowman, Doyline: arrested March 31 by WPSO on fugitive warrant from Bossier Parish SO. No bond set.

Shontesia W. Moore, 31, 800 block E.4th St., Homer: arrested March31 by Minden Marshal’s Office on bench warrants for careless operation, driving under suspension. No bond set.

Antaeus Stewart, 43, 200 block Bistineau Crossing, Heflin: arrested March 30 by WPSO on warrant for indecent behavior with juvenile. Bond set $75,000.

David DeWayne Hawk, 58, 17000 block Hwy. 80, Minden: arrested April 1 by WPSO on warrant for cruelty to animals. Bond set $50,000.

Maranda Richardson, 55, 1700 block Highland St., Shreveport: arrested April 1 by WPSO on outstanding warrants including possession of drug paraphernalia, introduction of contraband to penal facility through Minden PD. No bond set.

Tori Michelle Kemp, 26, 2000 block Crabapple Dr., Shreveport: arrested April 2 b y WPSO on warrants. 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.

Word of the Day: Cromulent

Phonetic: /cro·mu·lent/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
acceptable or adequate.
“the continental breakfast was perfectly cromulent”
Origin: 1990s: first used in the US animated television series The Simpsons

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of March 27 through April 2. Civil suits are public record.

March 27
Frances Farrell Davant, succession over $125K.
Bank of America vs. Myron Masingill Jr., monies due.
Carter Federal Credit Union vs. Reginald Ferguson Jr., executory process.
David William Law, succession under $125K.
Jerry Edward Gosa Jr. vs. Beth Margaret Gosa, divorce.

March 30
Richard Leon Norrell, succession over $125K.
Steve Duane Hale, succession over $125K.
Capital One vs. Nikki McCoy, monies due.
Capital One vs. Jeff K. Merritt, monies due.
Frank Leroy Pummer, succession under $125K.
Balden Bobby Loring Yates, succession ovr $125K.
Citibank Na Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2018 2 vs. Tommy James Wess, executory process.

March 31
Charlotte Brewer vs. Bealls 1987 Inc., Boardwalk Routh LLC, damages.
Kayla Hawthorne vs. JaCarlin Frazier, protective order.
Jackie Dale Blagg Jr., vs. Mary Lucinda Blagg, divorce.

April 1
Joyce Louise Gaudin Fox, succession over $125K.
Capital One vs. Habacu Morales, monies due.
Michell Denise Rasberry vs. Jeffery Brian Rasberry, divorce.
Capital One vs. Mike Manshack, monies due.

April 2
Nellie Sapp Burge, succession over $125K.
City of Springhill vs. Elite Pools and Spas, Derrick Vice, petition.
Hancock Whitley Bank vs. Debra T. Waters, John C. Waters, executory process.

Olivia Rae Greene Thornton
September 29, 1943 — March 29, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, Rose-Neath
Burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Minden.

Marty Wayne Loschen
May 14, 1971  –  March 31, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, First Baptist Church, Springhill.
Funeral service: 3 p.m. Saturday, immediately following visitation.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Mickey Love
September 23, 1936 — April 1, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, First Methodist Church Minden Sanctuary.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. immediately following visitation.
Reception following service in the church’s Wesley Room.

Billy Mack Troquille
October 2, 1934  –  March 29, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, Walnut Road Baptist Church, Springhill.
Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery.

Paul Leroy Scott
November 17, 1936 — March 25, 2026
Minden
Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, Living Word 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.)

By Pat Culverhouse

Driving erratically in plain sight of a pair of Webster Parish deputies has landed a West Monroe man in the parish prison on something more serious than simple traffic charges.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said Michael Kenneth Dickerson, 38, is being held for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), possession of CDS Sch. IV (Clonazepam), possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless operation and resisting an officer.

He reportedly is booked at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $5,502 bond.

Major Bobby Igo III and Sgt. Josh McCormick reportedly were driving south on Hwy. 371 shortly after noon Tuesday when the vehicle ahead of them repeatedly crossed the center line, nearly striking oncoming vehicles.

After activating their emergency lights and siren, Dickerson’s vehicle reportedly continued without coming to a stop. Other patrol units helped bring the vehicle to a halt at the Dixie Inn city limits.

Once stopped, Dickerson, the driver, reportedly ignored commands to exit the vehicle and had to be forcibly removed.

Deputies received permission to search the vehicle and inside the center console found a pill container with crushed pink pills. A further search revealed a bag with a pill bottle containing a clear bag with white crystal substance and seven Clonazepam pills with no prescription.

Also, deputies found a suspected pipe used for smoking methamphetamines and a torch lighter beneath the driver’s seat.

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.

Second in a series

By WP Journal Staff

Financial difficulties surrounding one of its hospital properties apparently isn’t unique to Allegiance Health Management, the Bossier City-based company headed by Rock Bordelon which has owned Minden Medical Center since 2018.

Allegiance owns 11 hospitals in Louisiana, mostly in smaller market areas like Minden. Some reportedly have problems with vendors, and even Uncle Sam.

According to past media accounts, tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service against Allegiance properties through 2025 totaled almost $50 million. Those liens involve alleged failure to remit quarterly payroll taxes.

An October, 2025 article in the Ruston Daily Leader identified Ruston’s Northern Louisiana Medical Center (NLMC), Acadian Medical Center (Eunice) and Mercy Regional Medical Center in Ville Platt as Allegiance-owned properties that had been targets of IRS liens.

Also, Allegiance-owned properties in Leesville, Oakdale and Marksville reportedly have been subjects of IRS liens.

To date, some liens, which records show were filed as early as 2019, reportedly have been satisfied. A records search at the Webster Parish Courthouse showed no IRS liens have been filed against Minden Medical Center.

Allegiance Health Management reportedly has also been hit with  several major lawsuits over the years, including a $1.7 million False Claims Act settlement in 2018 for improper Medicare billing for therapy services. The Dept. of Justice alleged Allegiance billed Medicare for unnecessary or unreasonable intensive outpatient psychotherapy services from 2005 through 2013.

That lawsuit and eventual settlement involved four hospitals: two in Texas, one in Arkansas and one in Louisiana (Many).

In 2010, a state appellate court upheld a lower court decision which forced Allegiance to pay $575,696.68 (plus interest, attorney fees and court costs) to settle a lawsuit filed by Louisiana Health Care Group (LHC). That suit involved Bienville Medical Center in Arcadia.

According to the suit, the 2008 sale of Bienville Medical to Allegiance included a provision for LHC to retain certain account-receivable assets. Those assets were allegedly collected but never paid to JHC.

Allegiance is also the subject of a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

According to a January, 2025 EEOC news release, Allegiance “… violated federal law by requiring applicants and employees to provide personal disability-related information and by maintaining an inflexible leave policy that did not allow for reasonable accommodation.”

EEOC filed suit based on a charge of discrimination filed by an environmental technician employed at Byrd Regional Hospital, located in Leesville, Louisiana, and operated by Allegiance. The EEOC said Byrd Hospital subjected the employee to the medical inquiries and fired her while she recovered from a heart attack because she did not qualify for further leave. 

In addition to Minden, Allegiance manages hospitals located in Arcadia, Ruston, Winnfield, Leesville, Many, Marksville, Oakdale, Ville Platte, Eunice and Dequincy.

According to the company’s web site, other properties include Allegiance Health Center of Monroe, Allegiance Specialty Hospital in Greenville, MS and Allegiance Behavioral Center of Plainview, TX.