Ronald Gene Plunkett
April 13, 1938 — May 16, 2026
Minden, La.
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, Gill Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Marilyn Rains Boggs
August 18, 1948 — May 14, 2026
Minden, La.
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 20206, Pine Grove Methodist Church.
Graveside: 2:30 p.m. Marthaville Cemetery, Marthaville, La.

David Allen Lee
November 8, 1943 — May 11, 2026
Minden, La.
Visitation: noon Friday, May 22, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Kyler Preston Choat
November 10, 1997 — May 11, 2026
Minden, La.
Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Elmer Fayette Tompkins
July 14, 1937 — May 6, 2026
Baton Rouge/Homer, La.
Graveside service: 11 a.m. until noon, Saturday, May 30, 2026, Arlington Cemetery, Homer.

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 Bossier City woman is occupying a space in the parish jail after she was caught attempting to leave a local retail outlet without paying for more than $1,300 worth of merchandise.

Tequilla Mona Sellers was booked for felony theft by Minden police Friday for allegedly trying to leave Walmart without paying for more than 40 items.  Loss prevention officers at the store valued the recovered items at $1,377.40.

In addition to the theft, Sellers is also charged with possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines) after police officers recovered 1.499 grams of the illegal substance in a small plastic bag inside her wallet.

Minden officers were called to the store after Sellers was reportedly observed placing items from a clearance aisle into a bag in her shopping cart. She then reportedly made a small purchase and passed all other points of sale without paying for the other items.

She is currently being held at the parish jail. No bond has been 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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By Pat Culverhouse

U.S. Representative Julia Letlow and Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming will be headed to a runoff in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate as the state’s voters overwhelmingly rejected incumbent Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy’s quest for a third term.

Letlow, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, led the way with 44.8 percent of the vote while Fleming picked up 28.3 percent. Cassidy managed 24.8 percent despite outspending his opponents by more than three to one.

In Webster Parish, Fleming led with 46 percent followed by Letlow with 35. Cassidy trailed, picking up just 16 percent of the vote.

Letlow and Fleming will meet in a June 27 runoff to determine who will move ahead in November’s general election against a Democrat opponent.

Voters were able to cast ballots only for their registered party candidates under the state’s new primary system enacted last year.

On the Democrat side of the state’s closed primary vote, Jamie Davis led a three-way race with 47.4 percent while Gary Crockett and Nicholas Albares each showed 26.3 percent in a too-close-to-call race to get into a runoff.

On the numbers side, Crockett showed a lead of just under 300 votes with 99 percent of precincts reporting.

Davis led Webster Parish with 45 percent, Crockett received 29 percent and Albares had 26 percent.

All five proposed amendments to the state constitution failed as voters ignored endorsements from top state officials including Gov. Jeff Landry.

Amendment 1 would have allowed removal of civil service protection from state employees. It failed overwhelmingly with 78 percent voting no. Webster Parish voters agreed, with 76 percent saying nay.

Amendment 2 would have created a separate school system for the city of St. George. Statewide, voters disapproved by a 64-36 percent margin. In Webster, 63 percent voted no.

Amendment 3 wanted to dissolve state savings accounts to pay off teacher retirement system debt and increase teacher and school staff pay. Louisiana voters declined by a 58-42 margin; 59 percent of Webster Parish voters said no.

While the governor and the state’s largest teacher’s union endorsed Amendment 3, some union affiliates remained neutral and many educators spoke out against the measure. The 16 percent failure vote was the closest of any of the five amendments.

Amendment 4 would have allowed local government to shrink or end business inventory taxes. It failed statewide by 66-34 percent. In Webster Parish, voters said no by a 61-39 percent margin.

Amendment 5 would have increased the age for mandatory retirement of judges from 70 to 75 years of age. Statewide, voters turned it down by a 77-23 percent margin. Webster Parish voters disapproved, 74 percent to 26.

In the fifth district Public Service Commission race, Democrat James Green and Republican John Atkins will meet to determine who replaces term-limited Foster Campbell. Green is a Shreveport city council person; Atkins serves on the Caddo Parish Commission. Webster Parish voters went along with district voters in choosing the two.

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By Paige Gurgainers

The City of Minden released a project update recently, announcing that RVP Construction is scheduled to begin a road rehabilitation project on Industrial Drive near the LA Highway 531 intersection starting Monday, May 18.

According to the city, motorists should expect temporary traffic delays and alternating traffic patterns throughout the duration of the work. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution, remain alert and be courteous while traveling through the construction zone as crews begin improvements along the heavily traveled corridor.

The project is expected to continue through the summer and is part of ongoing efforts to improve local roadway infrastructure and long-term travel conditions in the area.

“This project is expected to continue through the summer and will provide a significant improvement to our roadway infrastructure. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our community’s streets,” the city said in its update.

Industrial Drive also serves as the primary access route to the Minden Recreation Complex, where additional upgrades are continuing as part of the City’s broader investment in recreation and community facilities.

The recreation complex has been undergoing phased improvements aimed at enhancing athletic fields, lighting and overall facility infrastructure. Planned and ongoing upgrades include modernized playing surfaces, improved field conditions, updated lighting systems and expanded amenities designed to better serve youth sports programs, families and regional events.

City leaders have previously emphasized that the recreation improvements are intended to strengthen both quality of life for residents and the city’s ability to host tournaments and community events, while keeping portions of the complex operational during construction.

Because Industrial Drive connects directly to the recreation complex, officials note that improvements to the roadway will also enhance access, safety and traffic flow for families, athletes and visitors traveling to the facility.

Residents are encouraged to remain aware of construction activity in the area and allow extra travel time as work progresses through the summer months. Additional updates will be provided by the City of Minden as both projects continue.

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A three-car motor vehicle accident occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday at the corner of Homer and Fincher roads. Minden Rescue was called for possible entrapment. No one was reportedly transferred for medical attention. One was cited for failure to yield. Photo by Paige Gurgainers

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Every so often, Project Reclaim director Ron Anderson serves lunch to Minden community leaders and tells them things they don’t know.

Such as: 63 percent of kids kindergarten through high school who are in Project Reclaim come from single parent households.

“The good news is, we have more involved fathers this year than ever before,” Anderson said during lunch last Thursday.

Project Reclaim is a Youth Leadership Academy/Afterschool Program that has proven successful and runs on grant money and donations.

Of the 72 kids who attended in 2025, 100 percent have remained in school, 99 percent were promoted to the next grade, 100 percent remained free from juvenile court involvement and 100 percent remained from involvement in teen pregnancy.

“The key to this program’s success is this: these kids know we ‘care’ about them,” Anderson said. “We are firm with them, but we care about them, and that’s what makes them successful.”

In conjunction with City Judge Sherb Sentell, Anderson has a Minden Juvenile Court CC Ready Life Skills Class. Since 2016, 365 kids have reported to the class and 326 successfully completed it.

Children are referred by teachers who pick up on their needs for structure.

If Ron Anderson contacts you to come to one of his lunch meetings, please attend. In one hour, you will learn a lot. With your help, a child will learn even more.

Anderson is also available to speak to church and civic groups. Please call 318-423-4987 or email info@prstars.org. Donations may be made to Project Reclaim, P. O. Box 444, Minden, LA 71058-0444.

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“Bites & Beats” returned to Miller Quarters Park on Thursday, May 14, 2026, thanks to presenting sponsor, Home Federal Bank. Great weather again contributed to a crowd that came to hear live music from “The Lovers” (Amanda & Cole Vosbury), to sip lemonade from “Bros” and to munch on food from  Smacker’s Food Truck. Water was compliments of the campaigns of Mayor Nick Cox and Chief Jared McIver. The May sponsors were Purvey Minden and AC Services of Minden. (Video by Marilyn Miller)

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By Jerry Strahan

Summary for Springhill

May 12: low was 56F high was 85F 
May 13:  low was 62f high was 85F 
May 14: low was 62F high was 85F 
May 15: low was 63F high was 89F 
May 16: low was 72F high was 88F
May 17: low was 71F high was 89F

Minden

May 12: low was 57F high was 86 F
May 13: low was 62 F high was 85F 
May 14: low was 62 F high was 88F
May 15: low was 63F high was 91F 
May 16: low was 73 F high was 90F
May 17: low was 71F high was 89F 

No rain was recorded but, that will change during the upcoming week. 

Outlook

May 18 through the 24: a chance of thunderstorms each day especially May 1h and May 20 which have the best chances of severe thunderstorms.

Lows will be in upper 60s and lows 70s except for cloud coverage and rain.
Highs will be upper 80s to near 90 except during cloud coverage and rain.

(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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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: powdered milk, biscuit mix

Household Goods: towels, pots & pans, twin & queen sheets

Clothing: men’s shoes and boots

Thanks to all for supporting UCAP!!

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.

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As school ends, Vacation Bible Schools all over the parish begin. 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 a special calendar. Thank you!

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

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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GIBSLAND BANCSHARES, INC. TO ACQUIRE MARION STATE BANK

Gibsland, Louisiana, May 15, 2026 – Gibsland Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Gibsland, Louisiana based Gibsland Bank & Trust Company (“Gibsland Bank”), and Marion, Louisiana based Marion State Bank, jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Gibsland Bancshares, Inc. will acquire Marion State Bank. Together with the acquisition, Marion State Bank will merge with and into Gibsland Bank, creating a combined Louisiana community bank with over $815 million in pro forma assets.

Marion State Bank, a community bank headquartered in Marion, Louisiana, had approximately $240 million in total assets as of March 31, 2026. The transaction will bring Marion State Bank’s five branches into the Gibsland Bank network, which will be entering the Ouachita/Union Parish market and expanding its footprint along the I-20 corridor. Once completed, Gibsland Bank will operate from 18 branches across the Northern Louisiana market area.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Marion State Bank and look forward to bringing together two deeply rooted Louisiana community banking franchises. Marion State Bank has built an outstanding reputation through more than a century of service to its customers and communities, and its presence in Union and Ouachita parishes is a natural complement to our franchise across northern Louisiana,” reported Thomas L. Martin, Chairman and CEO of Gibsland Bancshares Inc. and of Gibsland Bank.

“Together, we believe our combined organization will be well positioned to deliver relationship-focused banking services while continuing to invest in and support the communities we are proud to serve,” explained W. Michael Hipp, President of Gibsland Bank.

“We are proud to partner with Gibsland Bank & Trust Company, an organization that shares our commitment to community banking, customer service, and local decision-making,” remarked Scott Jones, President and CEO of Marion State Bank. “Joining Gibsland will allow us to build our long-standing Louisiana legacy with greater scale and enhanced products and services. We believe this partnership is an excellent fit for our customers, employees, shareholders, and communities, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead”.

The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Marion State Bank shareholders and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

National Capital, LLC served as the financial advisor to Gibsland Bancshares Inc.  Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP served as the legal advisor to Gibsland Bancshares, Inc.  Raymond James & Associates, Inc. served as the financial advisor to Marion State Bank and delivered a fairness opinion to the Marion State Bank Board of Directors. Jones Walker, LLP served as the legal advisor to Marion State Bank.

About Gibsland Bancshares, Inc.

Gibsland Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company for Gibsland Bank & Trust Company, a community development financial institution headquartered in Gibsland, Louisiana. Gibsland Bank operates 13 branches across Northern Louisiana and is focused on serving underserved and rural markets by providing financial services and broader economic support within the communities it serves. As of March 31, 2026, Gibsland Bank had total assets of $575 million, loans of $411 million and total deposits of $461 million.

About Marion State Bank

Marion State Bank is a Louisiana community bank headquartered in Marion, Louisiana. Founded in 1907, Marion State Bank operates five branches across Union and Ouachita parishes offering a full suite of personal, business and loan banking products, along with digital and mobile banking capabilities. As of March 31, 2026, Marion State Bank had total assets of $240 million, loans of $163 million and total deposits of $210 million.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange any securities, or a solicitation of any proxy, vote, or approval, and there shall not be any such offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not permitted.

Source: Gibsland Bancshares, Inc.

Continue your article here…

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It’s election time to vote for someone’s pet to serve as the next Mayor or City Council of Minden.

The 2026 Pet Mayor Election is LIVE. Voting is open from today through May 29 and will be done through the following link: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/9089

Each vote costs $5 with proceeds going to Minden Animal Control. May the best pet win!

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City and parish motorists can save themselves a little trouble by remembering to engage their seat belts as law enforcement officers will be on the lookout during “Click It or Ticket” enforcement days.

As part of the national Click it or Ticket campaign, the MPD and Sheriff’s Office, along with agencies around the country, will be stepping up their efforts May 19 through June 1 as a part of a larger, national “Click It Or Ticket” mobilization.

“Our officers will enforcing these laws,” said Chief of Police Jared McIver.

“Deputies are always looking to see that drivers are property restrained, and they will be especially focused during this period,” Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said.

“Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season and we want to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound,” McIver said. “If you are not wearing your seat belt you will be ticketed.”

Normal seat belt use rate was 91.2 percent in 2024 and in that year, 22,713 passenger vehicle occupants were killed. Nearly 50 percent of those who died were not buckled.

Of those who were killed during nighttime hours, when the majority of unbelted fatalities occur, 56 percent were unrestrained.

Both McIver and Parker said officers will write citations day and night with a zero-tolerance approach.

“We are determined to bring those numbers down,” McIver said. “There are too many people that are dying on the roads, and many of those deaths could have been prevented if people took the simple step of wearing their seatbelts.”

“We want our people in Webster Parish to understand that engaging their seat belts should be the first thing they do when they get into their vehicle, even before starting their engine,” Parker said. “We do not want to be the ones bringing bad news to someone’s love ones.”

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By Paige Gurgainers

The LSU AgCenter in Webster Parish is helping local residents gain confidence in preserving fresh foods safely with an upcoming hands-on canning class designed for beginners.

“Mastering Home Food Preservation” will be held July 11 at 9 a.m. at the Webster Extension Office, located at 1202 Homer Road in Minden. The introductory course will focus on safe, research-based water-bath canning methods and food preservation practices.

Participants will learn essential canning techniques, food safety guidelines and step-by-step instructions through a live, in-person demonstration led by the LSU AgCenter. Organizers say the class is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to preserve foods at home while following proper safety procedures.

The cost to attend is $25 per participant, with checks payable to the LSU AgCenter. Space is extremely limited, with only 10 spots available, and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register quickly by calling 318-371-3711. The Webster Extension Office is located at 1202 Homer Road in Minden.

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Bossier Parish Community College Spring 2026 Graduates

Cotton Valley:
Hannah W Powell AGS General Studies

Doyline:
Caitlin M Hurst CGS General Studies
Amber L Jacobs CTC Bookkeeping
Natalie B Lee AGS General Studies
Kandis N Osorio Espino TD Practical Nursing
Alexandra Phillips AAS Culinary Arts
Sonja W Wilson AAS Practical Nursing
Sonja W Wilson TD Practical Nursing

Dubberly:
Lisa P Gould CTS Medical Office Specialist

Heflin:
Kiera Ford AAS Practical Nursing
Kiera Ford TD Practical Nursing
Kayn F Richardson CGS General Studies
Janie M Watson CGS General Studies

Minden:
Brody R Bower AGS General Studies
Jacob Burt AAS Communication Media
Alicia Corrente AS Nursing
Karrigan R Davis CGS General Studies
Layla D Garrett AGS General Studies
Layla D Garrett CGS General Studies
Shameike R Harris TD Criminal Justice
Laquaryon A Harris TD Criminal Justice
Pamela G Klimkiewicz CGS General Studies
Laura E Morado AGS General Studies
Aliyah Oglesby CTS Phlebotomy
Benjamin E Phillips AAS Business Administration
Arien Pickrom CTC Computer Repair
Taylor L Roberson AGS General Studies
Taylor L Roberson CGS General Studies
Nicholas A Turner CGS General Studies

Sarepta:
Hayley S Cooper CTS Phlebotomy
Nichole L Post AAS Business Administration
Nichole L Post CTC Basic Management
Emelie H Pruitt AAS Cyber Security
Emelie H Pruitt CTC Network Security

Shongaloo
Tyreke M Beene CTC Computer Repair
Tyreke M Beene CTC Help Desk

Sibley:
Megan Miller AAS Criminal Justice
Megan Miller TD Medicolegal Death Investigation
Savannah Ti CTS Phlebotomy

Springhill:
Brittney N Bernard AS Nursing
Karlie Jones AS General Science
LAKarlie Jones CTC ECG/Telemetry Technician

BPCC Dean’s List, Spring 2026

Doyline:
Cypress Allums

Minden:
Makyla Greenard
Kelsea Lee
Kincaid Newsome
Marcus Sandoval
Alyssa Taggart

Sarepta:
Shannon Striplin

Shongaloo:
Lilian Giddens
Jenna Pair

Sibley:
Frederick Danzy

Springhill:
Brittney Bernard
Jazmine Berryman
Karlie Jones

BPCC Chancellor’s List, Springhil 2026

Doyline:
Amanda Bowles
Alexandra Phillips

Dubberly:
Mary Cummings
Makensie Hamiter

Heflin:
Alina Hartmann

Minden:
Brody Bower
Jolie Brown
Delaney Butts
Layla Garrett
Jordan Layton
Tyjaveyin McClendon
Hannah Michael
Diamond Moore
Darnell Morris
Taryn Ogletree
Logan Pudak
Victoria Rice
Kayla Welch

Sarepta:
Nichole Post

Shongaloo:
Tyreke Beene
Kaylee Sampson

Sibley:
Megan Miller

Springhill:
Katie Green
Jazaia Johnson

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President Trump traveled to China last week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and he didn’t go alone. Accompanying him were some of the most influential Trump Administration officials, including Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bissent, U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, to name a few.  
 
Perhaps even more notably, on the trip were some of the most prominent leaders of business and industry in the world, including Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO, to whom the Trump Administration gave its approval, with new security requirements, to sell to China one of its most powerful AI chips, as well as Robert “Kelly” Ortberg, CEO of Boeing, and a host of other CEOs and business titans.
 
The effort appears to have been rewarded because the Chinese President told those business leaders that China will further open its country to American business, which must have been quite encouraging to hear given that a major goal of many of these CEOs is to increase their presence in the world’s second-largest economy.  Perhaps this pledge from China to welcome more foreign business is even more remarkable given that it comes after years of escalating trade tensions between China and the U.S.
 
The formal summit agenda included crucial topics that ranged from the Iran controversy to trade to technology.  Some experts have observed that “on trade, the best outcome may be ratifying the status quo—a truce on tariffs with a promise from Beijing not to hold the world’s rare-earths supply hostage again, as it did after Mr. Trump’s tariff threats last year.” (Wall Street Journal, 5-11-2026). 
 
In the area of foreign relations, WSJ further notes that “on Taiwan, Mr. Xi wants veto power over U.S. arms sales to the island, and he is pressing for the U.S. formally to “oppose” Taiwanese independence, as opposed to the current posture of ‘not supporting’ it.”  In fact, President Xi reserved his sharpest language for Taiwan, calling it “the most important issue” in the bilateral relationship. But President Trump didn’t waiver or change our long-standing policy of ‘strategic ambiguity’ with respect to the relationship between China and Taiwan.
 
I also note Trump never forgets his beloved farmers and endeavored to persuade China to agree to purchase more U.S. farm goods, as well as addressing the issue of pharmaceuticals. On the issue of export limitations, the U.S. previously agreed to pause some export restrictions, while both sides previously agreed to halt reciprocal port fees.  No doubt there is an interest in maintaining the status quo.
 
In sum, the Chinese President agreed to build a “constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability” and said that “China’s door to opening up will only open wider.”  China expressed interest in purchasing more U.S. oil to wean off its reliance on Middle Eastern crude. China also agreed to buy 200 Boeing jets, with a potential for the order to rise to as many as 750 planes, and that the planes would have GE Aerospace engines.
Notwithstanding this strategic progress in the bi-lateral relationship, I have written previously that the Chinese Communist Party has made clear it will do whatever it determines is necessary to win what it sees as an inevitable war with the United States, including conventional—and even nuclear— warfare, terrorism, and biological, cyber, economic, data and political warfare.  That is why economically, militarily, and geographically the United States faces a stark threat from China. 
 
It is also foolish to ever forget that China continues to be the main financial backer of the world’s worst actors, including Russia, Iran, and North Korea.  That cannot have gone unaddressed at the summit.  In fact, China could conceivably end up persuading Iran to come to a resolution with the U.S. by foregoing its nuclear ambitions, both because it will calm down trade and world commerce, which benefits China, and because China needs to resume the uninhibited flow of crude oil from Iran that it relies upon and that is impeded due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. must plan to aggressively counter this multi-pronged threat to America while also increasing economic ties where we can.  I think President Trump realizes all of this and judges every interaction he has with Chinese leadership based upon whether it puts America in the strongest position possible.

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

May 27 through June 27

Roar & Explore: Discovery Camp 2026, Webster Parish Libraries Discovery Camp 2026.  STEM-themed weeks that explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through fun, educational, and engaging activities with a lineup of special performers who combine entertainment and education in the most fun ways.

May 27

11 a.m. Jacqueline Park, downtown Minden. Time capsule burial ceremony as part of the City of Minden’s 190th anniversary celebration.

May 28

9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Champions of Character, Student Event, CAC Building, Springhill. Sponsors, City of Springhill, Springhill Medical Center, North Webster Athletic Dept. Lunch will be provided.

May 30

Deadline to sponsor events at Celebrate America 250 & Minden 190. Click here: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/8625 .

3:30 p.m. doors open; 4:30 p.m. games start, LaMa Animal Rescue Game Night, Springhill Civic Center, $20 for games, BINGO, purse raffle, dessert auction, concessions Split the Pot and door prizes.

June 4

10 a.m., Turners Pond, the second and final GOF catfish stocking of the spring by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

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 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 27

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.

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Word of the day: Loquacious

Phonetic: /lo· qua· cious/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
given to fluent or excessive talk : garrulous

not often the most loquacious man when it comes to talking to the media …
—Bill Reiter
The moderators have largely held their ground, … cutting off loquacious candidates.
—Eliza Collins

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Play Sudoku online!

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Gary Wayne Jackson, Jr., 41, 16000 block Hwy. 371, Minden: arrested May 14 by WPSO for failure to obey stop sign, no insurance, expired license plate, possession of CDS Sch. II (Ecstasy). No bond set.

Christopher C. Poindexter, 49, 100 block Hollow Rd., Minden: arrested May 16 by WPSO on warrants. Bond set $85.

Samuel Ray Dance, 43, 1300 block Blue Run Rd., Minden: arrested May 16 by WPSO for simple criminal damage to property, resisting an officer. Bond set $500.

Taxation Daishun Jackson, 29, 100 block Eisenhower, Minden: arrested May 17 by WPSO for simple battery, cruelty to juvenile, simple criminal damage to property, as fugitive from Minden PD. Bond set $3,001.

Ethan Martin, 27, 1100 Miller Rd., Minden: arrested May 16 by Minden PD on bench warrant. Bond set $20,000 surety or $800 cash.

Donald Ray Gillins, 45, 200 block Abney St., Minden: arrested May 16 by Minden PD on fugitive warrant from Bossier Parish SO. No bond set.

Carlos Deshawn Holland, 48, 2600 block S. Forum Dr., Grand Prairie, Texas: arrested May 15 by Louisiana State Police for theft of a motor vehicle. Bond set $10,000.

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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Ronald Gene Plunkett
April 13, 1938 — May 16, 2026
Minden, La.
Graveside service: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, Gill Cemetery, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Marilyn Rains Boggs
August 18, 1948 — May 14, 2026
Minden, La.
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 20206, Pine Grove Methodist Church.
Graveside: 2:30 p.m. Marthaville Cemetery, Marthaville, La.

David Allen Lee
November 8, 1943 — May 11, 2026
Minden, La.
Visitation: noon Friday, May 22, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Kyler Preston Choat
November 10, 1997 — May 11, 2026
Minden, La.
Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Elmer Fayette Tompkins
July 14, 1937 — May 6, 2026
Baton Rouge/Homer, La.
Graveside service: 11 a.m. until noon, Saturday, May 30, 2026, Arlington Cemetery, Homer.

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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Monday, May 18, Webster Parish Journal will celebrate five years of publication – yay, us!! – a milestone.

During the past five years, we have grown as a publication in viewership and staff.

In 2025, we boasted more than 3 million views, and we are on track to meet and possibly exceed that number for 2026.

We want to thank our many advertisers, for without them, we could not publish, nor could we pay our fine staff to bring a variety of news and advertising to our readers.

Our advertising staff consists of Advertising Director Cynthia Sandidge and her crew Kelly Yates, Randy Ward and Zoë Pickett. Randy and Zoë call on businesses in the northern part of Webster Parish, while Cynthia and Kelly cover everything else.

Our writers are Marilyn Miller, Tiffany Flournoy, Paige Gurgainers, Zoë Pickett, Shannon Wright, Pat and Bonnie Culverhouse. Jerry Strahan is our videographer/photographer and weather expert.

Regular columnists include LaTina DeLoach, Paige Gurgainers, Shakera Williams, Tracy Campbell, Jessica Gorman, Taryn Ogletree, Mitzi Thomas, Teddy Allen, Robert St. John, Brad Dison and Royal Alexander.

We send a big “Thank you” to all of these people, but most especially to our readers. We welcome your input and ideas. You can email us at wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

Please remember: Webster Parish Journal is and always will be Simple and Free.

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By Tiffany Flournoy

CULLEN, La. — The Town of Cullen’s police cruisers have remained largely grounded for about a week due to a lack of fuel, part of a broader pattern of administrative and financial breakdowns affecting municipal operations and public safety services.

Police Chief Fannie Rankin said Mayor Terry Hoof and the town clerk were notified about the urgent need for fuel for the town’s two police units. Rankin said alderwomen later contacted the town clerk regarding the issue, but no resolution followed.

Attempts to reach Hoof on Thursday included a call to his cellphone at 10:43 a.m. regarding the ongoing fuel issues affecting police vehicles. During the call, Hoof initially responded, “I’m not interested in it, Ms. Tiffany. I’m working right now.” While the call remained open, he could be heard briefly speaking to someone in the background. This reporter then asked whether he was working at town hall at the time. The call ended abruptly.

At 10:47 a.m., Hoof sent a text message reading “nocommentever.”

Additional calls to town hall between 11 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. rang multiple times and were answered without audible response before disconnecting after the greeting.

The fuel shortage has significantly limited patrol operations and response capability. Rankin said she has notified the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office as a safety precaution.

Rankin said the department has not had access to a fuel card for approximately one year due to nonpayment to the card provider, Smith’s South Central.

Fuel-related disruptions have occurred before, including in February when a police cruiser had to be towed after running out of fuel.

The ongoing issue of how fuel is funded and administered has again surfaced as the department continues operating without a fuel card system.

Rankin said she was notified Thursday, May 14, that the Mayor advised she should meet him and Town Clerk UnTracy Brittentine at Bonvenu Bank in Springhill the same day to obtain a card for the police fuel account.

A letter dated May 14, 2026, from Bonvenu Bank, RE: Town of Cullen debit cards, outlines responsibility tied to any debit cards issued on town accounts. The letter states that organizations issuing debit cards assume full responsibility for all transactions and must ensure cards are used strictly for legitimate business purposes. It further states that authorized signers are responsible for all transactions made using those cards.

Rankin has expressed concerns in prior council meetings about her personal information being tied to municipal financial accounts, including insurance and fuel arrangements, and potential personal liability in the event of default or unpaid obligations.

Earlier this month, police vehicles were also temporarily grounded following a lapse in insurance coverage due to nonpayment. Rankin said the coverage was later restored, though fuel access issues remain unresolved as of Thursday, May 14.

Records provided by Rankin following conversations with Progressive indicate the town’s vehicle insurance lapsed for six days before being reinstated May 8. The policy was scheduled to run from Nov. 2, 2025, through May 2, 2026.

It is not the first documented instance of insurance disruption. Some months ago, a town vehicle was reportedly towed from neighboring Springhill after being found without active coverage.

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