BREAKING NEWS: Minden police officer facing sex-related charges

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.


Man erupts over name on mail package

By Pat Culverhouse

A Shongaloo man’s alleged violent outburst over a name difference on a mail package has landed him in the parish prison for domestic abuse battery.

Charles Duane Wortham, 69, is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $5,000 bond following his arrest Monday by Webster Parish deputies.

During interviews, deputies learned Wortham became angry after retrieving a mail package addressed to a person other than his wife. He reportedly began cursing his wife and struck her in the head with his fists.

During interviews, deputies learned the couple struggled, then landed on the floor of the residence in the 7000 block of Hwy. 159 where he reportedly ripped braids from the woman’s hair.

Deputies reported the woman was treated for her injuries by emergency medical responders.

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.


 Livestock to receive special attention after Jury vote

By Pat Culverhouse

Webster Parish Police Jury members voted this week to amend coverage under the parish fireworks ordinance to include the four-legged population outside corporate limits.

Now, the new amendment to the existing ordinance prohibits the discharge of fireworks within 1,000 feet of livestock without the consent of the livestock owner. The ordinance covers areas outside any town or village corporate limits.

Amendment language notes the 1,000 feet will be measured in a straight line from the fireworks discharge location to the nearest location where livestock is present at the time of discharge.

Jury members voted unanimously to adopt the amendment, accepting a recommendation from its Governmental Relations Committee.

“The Webster Parish Police Jury finds that the discharge of fireworks in close proximity to livestock can cause panic, injury, death, escape of animals, property damage and threats to public safety,” the amendment claims.

Included among those groups protected are horses, cattle, sheep, goats, mules, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, swine and other livestock which may be susceptible to injury and distress caused by fireworks.

Other groups covered are poultry maintained for agricultural purposes and any other domesticated animal raised, bred, boarded, exhibited, trained or maintained for agricultural, commercial, breeding, recreational or equestrian purposes.

“Before we vote on the ordinance, be sure to check and see if there’s any animal we may have missed,” chairman Jim Bonsall said with a laugh during the committee meeting.

Amendment language notes the police jury “…desires to protect livestock owners while preserving the ability of citizens to lawfully enjoy fireworks when such an activity does not unreasonably interfere with nearby agricultural operations.

Consent to discharge fireworks may be oral or written and may be given by the livestock owner or the owner’s authorized representative. Burden of proof rests with the person discharging the fireworks.

Penalties for violation under the new ordinance include:

  • A fine not exceeding $250 for a first offense.
  • A fine not exceeding $500 for a second offense occurring with 24 months of a prior violation.
  • A fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, for a third or subsequent offense occurring within 24 months of a prior violation.

Each separate discharge event shall constitute a separate offense.

Enforcement of the ordinance will be the duty of the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and any other law enforcement officer having jurisdiction within Webster Parish.

Bonsall told committee members the amendment was drafted after complaints from owners that discharging fireworks near areas containing concentrations of livestock caused often caused distress among the animals.

“Our intention isn’t to stop people from having fun during holidays or special events, but we need something that protects the animals, the owners and the public,” he said. “If fireworks are going off and animals break through fences and get onto a road, that could become a hazardous situation.”

According to Sheriff Jason Parker, his deputies will now have legal authority to shut down fireworks discharges near livestock.

“Our deputies have usually just talked to people who are shooting fireworks and asked them to be cautious and considerate,” he said. “This gives us something solid to use if there’s a problem.”

But, he added, his deputies won’t be specifically targeting those who are discharging fireworks outside corporate limits.

“We’re not going to be on patrol looking for someone to shut down unless we receive complaints,” he said. “If we’re called for a specific problem somewhere, we will respond.”


Council sets fees for Minden Rec Complex, discusses Sports Tourism in the area

By Bonnie Culverhouse

In an effort to bring as many events as possible to the area, Minden City Council passed a resolution Monday to adopt a fee schedule for the Minden Recreation Complex.

Mayor Nick Cox told councilpersons during a workshop that a meeting with Airstream Ventures, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based company with more than 40 years of experience in sports and events of all sizes, showed city officials how much the company could help the city, once fees have been set.

“There are several events that they have lined up that they could go ahead and make a deal for us – right now,” Cox said. “The only thing holding them up is that we have to establish a fee schedule. I believe this is a good, fair fee schedule that Airstream worked with us to develop.”

Cox said he feels good about it and said he is ready to begin, “so they can go ahead and book deals.”

At this point, he said, baseball tournaments are lined up “pretty heavy” along with softball tournaments and soccer events.

An area tour with Airstream included other assets Minden has to offer that could be leveraged for sports tourism.

“I was surprised with how enthusiastic they were about two things,” the mayor said. “The airport was identified for motorsports events, and another asset that’s not in the city limits but right outside that would still generate tourism that Minden would benefit from – Caney Lake.”

The lake could be the scene of running events, he added.

“A 5K, a 10K, a half-marathon and a full marathon,” Cox said. “Fishing tournaments and kayak tournaments would be at Caney Lake.”

Visitors at Caney Lake will be spending money in Minden, he pointed out.

“They aren’t going shopping in the woods,” Cox said. “They’re going to come in town, stay in town.”

The mayor and others met with Kistachie National Forest officials to discuss events at Caney, and he said they are very enthusiastic.

“Drone racing is a possibility at the Rec Center, because they can run them through the obstacles, which I assume means the trees, goals and whatever else.”

Airstream also tossed out the idea of different sports camps.

“Since we hired Airstream, they’ve brought in specialists that specialize in basketball tournaments, cornhole, cross country cycling, seven-on-seven football events.

“I think we are headed in the right direction on this,” he said.


WANTED: Daimalik Miller

Daimalik Miller is wanted on offenses that occurred May 31 of this year. 

Daimalik Miller is a known member of the TTS gang.  The following are the charges and bond amounts:

• Felony criminal damage to property with a surety bond of $10,000.

• Simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling with a surety bond of $25,000.

Please contact Detective Matthew Hicks at (318) 639-7776 or Detective Brandon Curry at (318) 268-7044 if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Daimalik Miller.

Any information will be confidential.

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


Webster deputies honored

Sheriff Jason Parker with Salute the Badge honorees Sgt. Hannah Baker and Sgt. Shawn Jenkins.

A pair of Webster Parish deputies were honored during the annual “Salute the Badge” ceremonies for outstanding performance to the people they serve.

Sgt. Hannah Baker and Sgt. Shawn Jenkins received special recognition Tuesday during the awards banquet, sponsored by Shreveport television station KTAL and held at Live! Casino in Bossier City.

“We are very proud of Sgt. Baker and Sgt. Jenkins for receiving the recognition they deserve,” said Sheriff Jason Parker. “They represent our office in the best tradition, and their service and dedication to our citizens deserves to be rewarded.”

Baker represents the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division; Jenkins is a detective in the Criminal Investigation Division.

Webster’s deputies were among a number of first responders from across the Ark-La-Tex region honored in celebration of their leadership and dedication to service.

“Salute the Badge” tributes began in 2015 following the death of Shreveport Police Officer Thomas LaValley.


Doyline council passes resolution to keep village’s millage rates

By Shannon Wright 

The Village of Doyline held its monthly council meeting on Monday, June 1, at Town Hall, with several ongoing projects and community concerns discussed, including passing of a resolution to keep the village’s millage rates unchanged.

Mayor Christie Carter Gates once again reminded the public that Doyline is actively seeking applicants for a part-time maintenance position. While the job is part-time, officials stressed that it is a vital role, particularly during the busy summer months when maintenance and upkeep needs throughout the village increase.

“I reached out to Sibley to see if they had anyone who had applied for a maintenance position over there that would possibly be interested in the position in Doyline, but he said that they need a maintenance person too,” Gates said, “So this position is not an easy one to fill.”

The council also received an update on the village’s maintenance barn project. Town Clerk Myra Kilburn reported that after delays involving the State Fire Marshal’s Office, all necessary requirements have now been met. Permits have been approved, and work on the maintenance barn is expected to begin soon.

Another project moving forward is the renovation of the old library building. Village officials hope to prepare the building for future lease opportunities. Plans include obtaining estimates from a plumber to install a toilet and sink, allowing the building to function independently. Currently, anyone using the building must access restroom facilities through the community center.

Reports from both the sewer department and police department were brief, with officials noting that operations are running smoothly and there was little to report at this time.

Council members also discussed ongoing concerns regarding blighted properties within the village. The council explored possible options for addressing neglected properties and plans to meet with the town attorney to determine what legal avenues may be available to help resolve the issue.

Residents are reminded that the Doyline Village Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. Community members are encouraged to attend meetings and stay informed about issues and projects affecting the village.


Organizations step up with summer feeding programs

By Paige Gurgainers

As school cafeterias close for the summer, many families face a new challenge: making sure their children continue to have access to healthy meals each day. Fortunately, several programs and organizations are stepping up to help ensure no child in Webster Parish goes hungry this summer.

The Webster Parish School Board is once again offering its Summer Meals Program, providing free meals to children ages 0-18 regardless of whether they attend a Webster Parish school. Meal distributions will take place throughout the summer at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School, Doyline High School, J.L. Jones Elementary, North Webster Upper Elementary, and Northwest High School.

In addition to school-based meal programs, families can also access food assistance through local community organizations. The Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry in Minden continues to serve families in need with grocery assistance and emergency food support. Community Services offices in Webster Parish can also help connect residents with food resources, SNAP benefits and other assistance programs.

For families seeking additional options, the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana partners with agencies across the region to provide food assistance throughout the summer. The organization works with local churches, pantries and community groups to help meet the needs of families facing food insecurity.

Louisiana’s SUN Meals Program also offers free meals to children at participating schools, churches, libraries, parks, and community centers across the state. Families can find the nearest meal site by calling 1-866-348-6479 or texting “SUMMER MEALS” to 97779.

Another resource available to many families is SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit program that helps eligible households purchase food when school meals are unavailable. Families are encouraged to check their eligibility through the Louisiana Department of Education.

According to Feeding America, millions of children across the country rely on school meals during the academic year. Programs like these help bridge the gap during the summer months, ensuring children continue to receive the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Local leaders encourage families who may need assistance not to hesitate to reach out. For more information about summer feeding programs in Webster Parish, contact the Webster Parish School Board Child Nutrition Department or visit the Louisiana Summer Meals website.

No child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from and these programs are working to make sure they don’t have to.

(Editor’s note: If your church or organization is hosting a summer feeding program, please put information in the Facebook comments section.)



Jack Garrett drowns in Bayou Dorcheat

By Jessica Gorman

This is one of those weeks where I thought I was writing about one thing but quickly realized that a different story was asking to be told. I originally intended to share another interesting, and probably lesser-known, burial in the Minden Cemetery.

Hillary Warren Garrett was born 6 March 1867 in Claiborne Parish. He was the youngest child of John Lumpkin Garrett and Elizabeth Ann Jarvis. His mother died when he was only nineteen days old. His father passed away the following February. Hillary was raised by his oldest sister, Margaret. He was less than two years old when his oldest brother left and headed west. That brother was none other than Sheriff Pat Garrett. Yes, that Pat Garrett. The same one who shot and killed Billy the Kid in 1881. As I learned more about Hillary Garrett, I came across the story of his son, Wideman Rhon “Jack” Garrett. 

On the morning of 3 July 1932, Jack Garrett, Miss Billy Wilson, and a group of friends had gone swimming in Bayou Dorcheat. They were on a sandbar about a mile north of the railroad bridge at Sibley when Jack and Miss Wilson lost their balance and fell into deeper water. Miss Wilson couldn’t swim. As Jack tried to save her, he disappeared below the surface. 

Nearby, Drue Dial was fishing. He heard the frantic cries, dove into the bayou, and pulled Miss Wilson to safety. It was then that he was alerted to the fact that Jack had never resurfaced. Dial was a neighbor to the Garretts on Buchanan Street. He did all that he could to find Jack but to no avail. 

In response to a call for help, Carlos Green, a former lifeguard, arrived at the scene. He dove in search of the body and, over an hour after he was last seen, Jack Garrett’s body was pulled from the bayou. He was 26 years old. His father, Hillary, died just two months later. Both are buried in the Minden Cemetery. 

Eleven years later, Drue Dial was in Hawaii working as chief of an auxiliary fire department for naval air bases in Hawaii. At the time of the drowning, Carlos Green was employed at the Dennis Funeral Home in Minden. He later became one of the owners, the name changing to Green-Kleinegger Funeral Home. So far, I’ve been unsuccessful at identifying Miss Billy Wilson. I can’t help but wonder who she was and what happened to her. 

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


Three little words

It didn’t take long…

School had barely been out for a few days before I heard the phrase that seems to echo through every household once summer begins.

“Mom, I’m bored.”

As soon as those words leave my children’s mouths, I can almost feel the guilt start creeping in. My mind immediately begins racing through a mental checklist of things we could be doing. Should I take them somewhere? Plan an activity? Set up a craft? Load everyone into the car for an adventure? Somehow, their boredom starts to feel like my responsibility.

I think a lot of moms can relate to that feeling. We put an enormous amount of pressure on ourselves to make summer magical. We want our children to have wonderful memories, exciting experiences and stories they’ll tell years from now. We scroll through social media and see summer bucket lists, backyard movie nights, perfectly organized activities and family outings that look straight out of a magazine. Before we know it, we’ve convinced ourselves that if our kids aren’t constantly entertained, we’re somehow falling short.

The funny thing is, when I think back to my own childhood, some of my favorite memories weren’t planned at all.

I grew up in the 1990s, when boredom wasn’t treated like an emergency. There were long summer days when there was absolutely nothing scheduled. My friends and I spent hours riding bikes, building forts, making up games and wandering around outside with no real destination. We weren’t being entertained every second of the day. We were simply figuring out how to entertain ourselves.

Looking back, those moments taught us something valuable.

When kids are bored, they are forced to be creative. They have to use their imaginations. They learn how to solve problems, invent games and create fun out of ordinary things. A cardboard box becomes a clubhouse. A blanket becomes a fort. A random collection of toys becomes an entire world with its own characters and storylines.

As adults, we’ve become so accustomed to filling every empty moment that boredom almost feels uncomfortable. We reach for our phones while standing in line. We turn on the television when the house gets too quiet. We fill our calendars because we’ve convinced ourselves that busy is better.

But children don’t necessarily need every minute scheduled. Sometimes they need space.

They need afternoons that stretch on forever. They need opportunities to stare out the window, daydream and wonder what they can do next. They need time to create something entirely on their own without an adult directing every step.

That’s not to say summer activities aren’t important. I love family trips, pool days, snow cones, baseball games and all the special memories that come with summer break. Those experiences matter. But maybe they don’t have to happen every single day.

Maybe it’s okay if there are afternoons when the kids claim they’re bored.

Maybe it’s okay if the house gets a little messy because they’ve turned the living room into a fort city.

Maybe it’s okay if we stop feeling responsible for being our children’s personal cruise director from June through August.

The truth is, some of the best memories aren’t made when everything goes according to plan. They’re made in the ordinary moments. They’re made when children are given the freedom to explore, imagine and create something for themselves.

So this summer, I’m trying to remind myself that boredom isn’t a problem that always needs solving. Sometimes it’s simply the beginning of something else.

And who knows? Years from now, when my girls look back on their childhood summers, they may not remember every activity I planned. They may not remember every outing or every event.

But they just might remember the random Tuesday afternoon when there was absolutely nothing to do and somehow, they found a way to make it unforgettable.

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


PET PROJECT: Meet Duke

Sponsored by McInnis Insurancy Agency.

Duke is a two-year-old medium-sized neutered male, avvailable for adoption through LaMa Animal Rescue in Sarepta.

Duke is up to date on all age-appropriate vaccines, on flea/tick & heartworm prevention. 

Duke came from Bossier Parish – he had a bucket stuck on his head for 3 weeks while wandering as a stray and was finally caught. See our Facebook post for full story: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1E27nX2kNp/

Smart and loyal. A real shelter favorite! 

According to Hillary, volunteer dog walker: Confident, sweet GOOD BOY! He came to us scared and now he comes up ready to go for a walk on the leash. complete transformation! Will make a great companion.

Adoption Fee: $175

Interested? Please fill out the application at the link: https://forms.gle/id1eJGf1VnA7ftoW8

Or the PDF version on our website: https://lamaanimalrescue.org/adopt

To schedule a meet-and-greet, you must fill out an application first. If you have pets, they need consistent records of vaccinations and prevention to be considered. 

We do not cat or kid test at our shelter. All dogs are dog-friendly unless otherwise noted. Please only commit to adoption if you are willing to give the dog time to adjust to a home life – some dogs have been in our shelter for over a year.

You can check out all of LaMa’s adoptable dogs here:

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.”


Minden bustin’ out all over in June as local, national birthdays celebrated!

By Marilyn Miller

June will be “bustin’ out all over” when the City of Minden celebrates its 190th anniversary in conjunction with the good ole USA sweeping in its 250th birthday next month. The activities are slated for the entire month, with the majority of events taking place from Thursday, June 11 through Saturday, June 13.

Below are the major events that will take place:
GREAT AMERICAN COOKOUT.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Bites & Beats will change things up a bit from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at Miller Quarters Park in downtown Minden. In addition to live music, there will be a giant waterslide and a cookout for those attending.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12
MINDEN’S 190TH CELEBRATION. The City of Minden will begin celebrating its 190th anniversary on Friday, June 12 (from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.) Opening Ceremonies will take place at 6 p.m. in front of City Hall. There will be performances by local schools, the Little Grillers’ Competition on Pearl Street, and the Cornhole Tournament in the GBT parking lot. Little Grillers returns June 12th as part of the 250/190 celebration in our Downtown District. If you have a kid between the ages of 6-18 and they love to grill, this is your time to SIGN THEM UP! Click the signup link to learn more! https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/8598

SAT., JUNE 13
8 a.m. Come to Downtown Minden for the “Run Minden on Main” fun, patriotic 5K Race starting at 8 a.m. It’s a celebration like no other! “Along the course you’ll find water sprinklers to run through, popsicles, music, ice-cold cooling rags, and plenty of cheering spectators to keep you going every mile,” said Minden Main Street Director Sarah Overall. Participants will receive great swag (A high-quality tech tank, drawstring backpack, Bib pins and more). Awards & Extras: Most Patriotically Dressed Male & Female, win 2 tasting wristbands for Grilling on Main; Overall Male & Female Winners, cash prizes; Age Group Awards, Custom running hats donated by the Minden Run Club; First 200 Finishers, Receive a finisher medal; plus a fun “Make Your Medal a Magnet” station and face painting for the kids! With great running, amazing food, music, and fun for the whole family, Run Minden on Main is a race you won’t forget. Sign up at https://bit.ly/RunMindenOnMain.

10 a.m.
Pet Mayor Collaring Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. The 2026 Elected “Pet” Officials will be announced. Following the incredible success of the inaugural Pet Mayor Election in 2024, which raised over $21,000 for the construction of the City’s new animal control facility, the Pet Mayor Election is back for another year of friendly competition, community involvement, and support for a great cause. Local pets are officially campaigning for the titles of Pet Mayor, Chief of Pawlice, Fur Chief, and Pet Council Members — and every vote counts. Cast your vote by making a donation in support of your favorite candidate. Every dollar raised goes directly toward animal welfare efforts and improvements to the City’s animal services.Browse the candidates, vote for your favorites, and help make a difference in the lives of animals in the community.
11 a.m.

GRILLING ON MAIN. This is a non-sanctioned BBQ competition.
Teams may begin setup at 7 a.m. on Friday, June 12.
Competition spaces are first come, first served and assigned upon arrival by event staff.
Water and limited electricity will be available on-site.
RV electric hookups are not available.
A mandatory competitor meeting will take place on Friday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m. At least one team member must attend to compete.
Competition meats will be inspected and distributed during the meeting.

Teams must compete in all three provided-meat categories and the People’s Choice category.
All meats and dishes must be prepared and smoked on location.
Any heat source is allowed.
Garnish is not allowed in competition boxes.
Turn-in times must be followed exactly. No grace period will be allowed.
People’s Choice dishes must be meat-based and prepared on-site.
Teams must prepare approximately 1000 samples for the People’s Choice category.

1 p.m.
AMERICA’S 250TH CELEBRATION. Live music performances. Kids’ Patriotic Parade, Celebrity Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest. MORE…
7 p.m.
GREATER MINDEN CHAMBER DUCK DERBY. The race is on. The 8th Annual Minden Duck Derby Extravaganza presented by The Mosaic Company is back — and this year, it’s part of the huge America 250 / Minden 190 Celebration weekend in Downtown Minden! Join us on Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. during Grilling on Main for an evening packed with live music, great food, family fun, patriotic celebration, fireworks, and one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend — the Duck Derby race! Contact the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce to purchase your ducks today!!

9 p.m.
FIREWORKS FINALE!!!!

Music Lineup:
Thursday:
Therah Newman at Bites & Beats at Miller Quarters Park
Friday on the Main Stage:
7 until 8 p.m. — Jimmy Wooten
8 until 9 p.m. — Mojo
Saturday on the Main Stage:
1:30 until 2:30 p.m. — Josh Love
2:30 until 3:30 p.m. — Beaux Atkins
7 until 8 p.m. — The Accountants
8 until 9:30 p.m. — Trini Triggs
There’s going to be something happening from the daytime all the way into Saturday night.
Reserve a stage-side table here:
https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/9139


Take Sedgehammer to your Nutsedge

Nutsedge is a grass-like weed that seems to come up and grow as fast as the roadrunner of the cartoons.  One day you think that you are finished with the flower beds and the next day it is covered in nutsedge. Nutsedge is so evasive that it can takeover a whole bed in a few days.  I’ve even known it to get in a hay pasture and a yard with fresh pallets of zoysia grass.

The best thing a homeowner can use to get rid of nutsedge is Sedgehammer.  It kills nutsedge down to the root nutlets (I got that off the package).  Apply Sedgehammer when nutsedge is actively growing.  This allows it to work its way down and effectively eliminate the nutsedge.  You will see visual results in 7-14 days.  It goes to work immediately after application, but the results won’t be seen for several days.  It starts with the roots and works its way up to the above-ground plant.  If you have a large infestation, you may have to do additional applications.  You don’t have to use a surfactant with Sedgehammer.  

Sedgehammer comes in a .5 ounce package that you mix with 1 gallon of water.  How easy is that.  It is rainfast after 1 hour.  This is not the only way that it comes because some folks need more than a gallon of mixture.  Certainty is another name for the same product.  A box of Certainty is 1.25 ounce.  

Something else that is going on strong are fire ants and fungus.  With all of this rain there will be lots of both.  Be looking for this and enjoy this rain that we don’t usually get in June.

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


Webster Parish court dockets – June 8

The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, June 8:

ANDERSON, DMITRI
100258 Felony Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile
Status Hearing

ANDERSON, PHYLISE JAYVETTE
100372 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
Arraignment Bond Return Date

ANDREWS, FRANCISCOS ROSHUN
INCOMING Unauthorized Use Of A Motor Vehicle
INCOMING Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
INCOMING Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/
Bond Return

ARMSTRONG, JOHN ISSAC
99883 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Fine & Cost Review Hearing

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

BECK, JR, CHARLES THOMAS
99043 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Status Hearing

BECK, JR, CHARLES THOMAS
99373 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99373 CT. 2 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
For Further Disposition

BROWN, JR., JOHN ELTON
99994-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
99994-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS
Status Hearing

CATO, RUSSELL LEE
100198 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
Status Hearing

CHAMPION, BRYANT ALFONSO
INCOMING Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
Bond Return

CLEMENT, HANNA MARIE
100401 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS
St Conf

CLOUD, BRANDY S.
INCOMING Accessory After The Fact

CONLEY, TIFFANY BROOKLYN
100024 Vehicular Homicide

CROY, CHASE
INCOMING Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

CURRY, CHARNEIDRA L
100386 Aggravated Battery
Arraignment Bond Return Date
Bond Return
Status Hearing
A Bond Return
Arraignment
DAVIS, JR., LARANCE EDWARD
100026 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile
Status Hearing

EASON, KEUNDRELL
99871 Possession of a Schedule I CDS
Status Hearing

EDWARDS, DALLAS MAJOR
99708 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
99708A Criminal Mischief
For Further Disposition

EDWARDS, DALLAS MAJOR
99959 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or
Controlled Dangerous Substance
Status Hearing

EVANS, SHANA L
100391 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
St Conf
Arraignment Bond Return Date

FIELDING, BRIAN EVERETT
98394-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
98394-CT.2 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
98394 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

FLOURNOY, DAMETRICK
100199-CT.1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
100199-CT.2 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License
For Further Disposition

FLOURNOY, DAMETRICK
99478-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99478-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99478-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
Rule to Show Cause

FLOURNOY, DAMETRICK
99478-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99478-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
99478-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
Status Hearing

FLOURNOY, DAMETRICK
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
Arraignment

FLOURNOY, DAMETRICK
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
INCOMING Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
Motion

FLOURNOY, JEFFERY LANE
INCOMING Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
Bond Return

FORT, DONAVAN XAVIER
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

GILL, DEAUDRICK
98905-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
98905-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
Status Hearing

GIPSON, VICTOR
100403 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
Arraignment

GODWIN, CLINT
100302 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
For Further Disposition

GODWIN, CLINT
97236 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS
Probation Violation Hearing

GOESSMAN, GARY DEAN
INCOMING Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
INCOMING Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
INCOMING Resisting An Officer
Arraignment

GOLLMAN, JOSH JOJUAN
100404 Possession of CDS I Marijuana (More Than Fourteen Grams)
Arraignment

GREEN, JR, BERNARD
100107 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100107 CT. 2 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
100107 CT. 3 Failure to Use Safety Belt
For Further Disposition

HARRELL, MARIQUIS M.
95188 Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (twenty eight grams or more)
Status Hearing

HARRIS, COLLIN
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

HARRIS, KENDRICK R.
100009-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100009-CT.2 Obstruction Of Justice
Status Hearing

HARRIS, TYCHRISTOPHER
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

HARVEY, ANDREW JAMES
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Motion To Quash

HARVEY, ANDREW JAMES
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Preliminary Hearing

HARVEY, ANDREW JAMES
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Status Hearing

HATTER, II, PATRICK TYRONE
100367 Obscenity
Arraignment

HAWK, CHARLES GILBERT
100396 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Arraignment

HAYES, GIOVANNI DELICIOUS
100399 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
St Conf
Arraignment Bond Return Date

HOOD, GRACE LOUISE
98843 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty- Eight Grams)
Probation Violation Hearing

HOOD, GRACE LOUISE
99835 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Status Hearing

JOHNSON, JEREMIAH JMONTEZ
99926 Attempted Second Degree Murder
Status Hearing

JOHNSON, MICHAEL RAY
100385 CT 1 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000 Or More But Under $50,000
100385 CT 2 Obscenity
Arraign on the amended bill St Conf 7/13
Arraignment

JOHNSON, PERCY HOLLADAY
100162 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities
Status Hearing

JOHNSON, PRINCESS MARIE
100348 Aggravated Battery – Domestic Violence
Arraignment

JONES, CHAMETERIA
100187 Aggravated Battery
Status Hearing MPD

LOFTON, LACARLOS TYREKE
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

LOFTON, LACARLOS TYREKE
T081725 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection
Arraignment

LOFTON, LACARLOS TYREKE
99947 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
Status Hearing
Please make sure forfeiture of $5,240 in US Currency and 2003 Honda Accord is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

MCKINNEY, JUSTIN KAYNE
100392 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
Arraignment Bond Return Date

MITCHELL, JEROME RODRIKUS
100405 Obstruction Of Justice
Arraignment

NEW, SHELBY
96171 Aggravated Burglary
Status Hearing

NOLAN, TOMMY RAY
100074 Second Degree Battery
Status Hearing

NOLES, TYLYNNSKI
100406 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Arraignment

PALMER, CHRISTOPHER ADAM
97406 Simple Burglary
Probation Violation Hearing
Restitution owed to the victim-$6,426.99, plus $964.05 fee = $7,391.04 total

PALMER, CHRISTOPHER ADAM
99449 Simple Burglary
Status Hearing
Restitution owed to the victim- $870, plus $130.50 fee = $1,000.50 total

PARKER, CAMERON
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

PARKS, PEYTON JACK
INCOMING Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Bond Return

PENNYWELL, JR., CALVIN W.
97519-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
97519-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
Sentencing Hearing

POWELL, SHERRI LYNN
100253 Simple Burglary
Status Hearing
Restitution owed- $20,850, plus $3,127 fee = $23,977.50 total

PRICE, MARIAH
100394 CT 1 Simple Battery
100394 CT 2 Simple Battery
Arraignment

RAMBIN, SHAWN DAVID
100350-CT.1 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
100350-CT.2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
100350-CT.3 Failure To Obey Traffic-Control Signal
Arraignment

RASCO, LADADREN
99633A-CT.1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform Cds Law
99633A-CT.2 Intimidating a Witness
99633A-CT.3 Manufacture/Transfer/Possess Machine Guns
Status Hearing

REESE, DER’EON D’JAICEON CHRISTOPHER
99633 Manslaughter
Status Hearing

RICHARDSON, JAREL K
100358 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
Arraignment Bond Return Date

ROBERTS, CALEB MATTHEW
99817 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property
Status Hearing
Restitution- $4,169.53, plus $625.42 fee = $4,794.95 total

RUSHING, DEROME
100407 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
Arraignment

SHAW, SHONTRAE
INCOMING Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution
INCOMING Malfeasance in Office
Bond Return

SHYNE, LAVERTO
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

SIMPSON, RODNEY
100252 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
Status Hearing

SIMS, AUSTIN J.
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

SIMS, AUSTIN J.
99819 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
Status Hearing

SMITH, MARCUS SHUN
100408 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
Arraignment Bond Return Date

SNEED, III, ROBERT LEE
99734 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
Preliminary Hearing

SNEED, III, ROBERT LEE
99734 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm
Status Hearing

SPURLIN, LARRY
99989 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS
Status Hearing

STEVENSON, JR, RICKY DESHAWN
100395 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
Arraignment Bond Return Date

STRANGE, DONYETTA D
99561-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
99561-CT.2 Aggravated Battery
Status Hearing

STROTHER, KIMBERLY FONTENOT
100050 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
Status Hearing

TAYLOR, DERAYIS MARYE
100400 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense
Arraignment

TAYLOR, JASON ARTHUR
100263 Simple Burglary
Status Hearing

TAYLOR, JASON ARTHUR
99560 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon
Status Hearing

TAYLOR, JASON ARTHUR
T161416 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
T161316 Operating a Vehicle with an Unlit License Plate
For Further Disposition

TAYLOR, JULIE M.
100320 Cruelty To Juveniles
Status Hearing

TIPPINS, KENNIE L.
100309 Unlawful use of a social networking website
Status Hearing

UPTON, MICHAEL
100409 Domestic Abuse Battery – Strangulation – 1st Offense
Arraignment Bond Return Date

WARREN, DEONTE DEROKO
99777A-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams or More)
99777A-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS (Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)
Motion In Limine

WHITE, III, NATHANIEL
99273 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
Status Hearing

WHITE, III, NATHANIEL
INCOMING Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Street Gang Activity
Arraignment

WHITE, SPENCER
99806 Malfeasance in Office
99806A CT 1 Forgery
99806A CT 2 Forgery
99806A CT 3 Forgery
99806B Filing or Maintaining False Public
Records
INCOMING Malfeasance in Office
INCOMING Trespassing Against State Computers
INCOMING Offenses Against Computer Users
Status Hearing

WINANS, JR., JERVAE L
100410-CT.1 Resisting An Officer
100410-CT.2 Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)
100410-CT.3 Pedestrian On Highway
100410-CT.4 Disturbing the Peace by Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition
Arraignment

WOOLDRIDGE, TONY
100144 Third Degree Rape
Status Hearing

WRIGHT, JAVAR
99779-CT.1 Possession of CDS I Marijuana (More Than Fourteen Grams)
99779-CT.2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
99779-CT.3 Improper Lane Usage
99779-CT.4 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate
99779-CT.5 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense
For Further Disposition

YOUNG, JOSHUA SCOTT
100227 Aggravated Obstruction Of A Highway Of Commerce
Status Hearing

YOUNGBLOOD, DONOVAN J.
100008 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
Status Hearing


Forecast: Mostly sunny today; rain chances over weekend

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday

A chance of showers before 10 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Monday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.


Upcoming Events

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

June 6

9:30 a.m. “Coffee with Vets,” Huffman Manor, 1114 Broadway, Minden. Hosted by Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net Coalition. All veterans are invited to this very special social event.

June 7

10 a.m. service with 4th appreciation for Pastor J.T. and Lady Davis immediately following, Mt. Zion CME Church, 414 East Union, Fellowship Hall. Theme: A Labor of Love. All are welcome.

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 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 .


Weekly Filings

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of May 29 through June 4. Civil suits are public record.

May 29
21st Mortgage Corp. vs. Shelbi Lynn Barnes, executory process.

June 1
Damesha Rodgers vs. Egypt Anderson, protective order.
Ashunti Harris vs. Daimalik Miller, protective order.
Jerry L. Thomas vs. Yasmin’s Ann Frazier, custody.

June 2
Gladden Williams Willis, succession over $125K.
Milly Melissa Burrows Gutierrez vs. Juan Sebastian Gutierrez Meza, divorce.
Karese N. Wortham vs. Charles Duane Wortham, protective order.
Chaneil Williams vs. Cedric L. Jones, divorce.

June 3
Willie Belle Davis Nealy AKA Sally Nealy, succession over $125K.

June 4
David Randall Bell, succession over $125K.
Beverly Jane Vaughan Ayers, succession under $125K.


Word of the day: Phlegmatic

Word of the day: Phlegmatic

Phonetic: /phleg· mat· ic/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
having or showing a slow and stolid temperament


Arrest Reports

Stephanie Kay Crone, 27, 300 block Braeburn Glen, Minden: arrested June 2 by Minden PD for DWI first offense, failure to maintain lane. Bond set $1,500.

David Scott Fuller, 42, 400 block Cory Lane, Doyline: arrested May 29 by WPSO on warrant. Bond set $20,000.

Paige Lee Parsons, 24, 100 block Gas Plant Rd., Doyline: arrested May 30 by WPSO on warrant. Bond set $2,000.

Kevin Deandre McCutchen, 27, 2100 block Rodney St., Bossier City: arrested May 30 by Sibley PD on multiple warrants. No bond set.

Kameron Daishajuan Edwards, 24, 100 block Watterman St., Minden: arrested May 30 by WPSO on warrant. Bond set $442.50.

Dana M. Moore, 50, 15000 block Hwy. 371, Taylor, Arkansas: arrested May 29 by Springhill PD on warrants for theft over $1,000, racketeering, monetary instrument abuse, fugitive from state of Arkansas (probation and parole). Bond set $30,000.

Chasity A. Moore, 31, 100 block McArthur Dr., Minden: arrested May 30 by Sibley PD on warrant. No bond set.

Tevin Artez Love, 35, 1800 block Tulkey, Ringgold: arrested May 1 by Probation and Parole for parole violation. No bond set.

Matthew Keith King, 40, 1500 block Sweetens Cove Rd. South, Pittsburg, Tennessee: arrested June 1 by Louisiana State Police for driving while impaired first offense, seatbelt violation, open container. Bond set $1,002.

Michael Jay Brunson, Jr., 33, 1600 block Hwy. 516, Dubberly: arrested May 31 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, resisting an officer. Bond set $1,500.

Lemon Demmitris Moore, 54, Camelot Dr., Springhill: arrested May 31 by Springhill PD for criminal damage to property. Bond set $10,000.

Richard Edward Howell, 38, 200 block Melba St., Cotton Valley: arrested May 30 by Springhill PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, fugitive from Columbia County (Arkansas). Bond set $36,001. 

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.


Notice of Death – June 4, 2026

John David Watson
April 19, 1955 — June 2, 2026
Homer
Visitation: 9 a.m. until service time, Friday, June 5, 2026, First Baptist Church, 406 West Main Street, Homer.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. immediately after visitation.
Burial: Forest Grove Cemetery, Arizona Community.

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.)


Woman goes to jail, kicking and screaming

By Pat Culverhouse

Some people claim they’ll only be taken away kicking and screaming, and for a group of Springhill police officers, a recent arrest involved a suspect who literally screamed and kicked her way into jail.

Springhill officers reportedly went to a South Park Dr. address last week to investigate circumstances rising from a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. That firearm had been reported stolen.

An occupant of the residence, 27-year-old Grace Hood, reportedly gave officers consent to search her vehicle. Inside the vehicle, officers recovered the stolen handgun.

As officers placed Hood into custody, she reportedly refused to walk, attempted to kick officers and threw herself onto the ground while screaming. 

As multiple officers lifted her from the ground, she continued to kick and scream as she was taken to a patrol unit. Once inside the unit, Hood reportedly continued to kick the windows and doors until she managed to loosen a latch and escape the vehicle.

After a brief chase and deployment of a taser, Hood was again placed inside the unit and transported to the parish jail. During transport, Hood reportedly asked multiple times for the officers to kill her. She was placed in an observation cell due to concerns for her mental health.

Later, Hood made a claim of pregnancy, which proved false after an examination at Springhill Medical Center. 

Hood is currently being held in the parish jail charged with resisting by false information, simple escape and probation violation. Her bond has been set at $5,500.

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.


b1Bank Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit UCAP takes place June 20-21

The b1BANK Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit UCAP is scheduled for June 20–21. It is a two-man scramble fundraiser supporting the United Christian Assistance Program (UCAP) of Minden. Held at Pine Hills Country Club, 100 Birdie Alley, Minden, it is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

Registration & Sponsorship
Entry Fee: $300 per team (non-sponsors)
Gold Sponsor: $1,000 (includes entry for two teams)
Silver Sponsor: $500 (includes entry for one team)
Hole Sponsor: $150

The event includes food and beverages on both days, along with a dinner on Saturday evening. For entry forms, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, you can reach out via the UCAP Facebook Page or check the Greater Minden Chamber Events calendar.

A drawing will be held Saturday night during the meal. See below for information and auction items.