I recently made a pretty tough decision which to those on the outside may seem like a simple job change, which it is, but it is also much deeper than that.  

See, I wasn’t just deciding between what job I should do but had to choose between doing what I love and doing what I am good at.  

Most of you know, especially if you read my column on a regular basis, that writing is my passion. It is what brings me the most self-satisfaction and fulfills me to my core. BUT it doesn’t necessarily fill my bank account. Big dilemma when you’re recently divorced and have three children.  

I have consistently been able to do what I love for about three years now and for that I am so thankful. It has enabled me to meet and share stories of so many people – some that have become new friends. I have brought light to many issues in our parish and in some cases played a role in resolving a few of those, as well.  

But one downfall of doing what you love for a living is that it kind of becomes a chore unfortunately. It’s not something you do anymore for enjoyment, but it is something you must do to make ends meet. The burnout has been real.  

With that being said, I don’t know if I agree with the popular statement… “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I call bull….. 

WORK IS WORK.  

So, I did not need to do much considering when I was offered a job that was an obvious better fit for me and my family, but it was still hard knowing I would no longer be a full-time journalist and would not have as much time to write for enjoyment either.  

But doing what you’re good at definitely has its perks, as well.  

I came across a quote this morning that said, “Talent is the unsung hero in your journey to fulfillment.” 

And here are a few reasons why I believe that to be true… 

Aside from it obviously being more lucrative, doing what you’re good at opens the door for growth. Growth is one thing we as human beings strive for on a daily basis (or at least should be striving for) and getting better at a skill is for sure fulfilling. Personally, I enjoy the process of learning and getting better at something. This also gives me further motivation to continue getting better. 

Before you know it, you’re mastering that skill, right? Which opens doors even further. But ultimately, I have found that doing something I am good at has made me all-around more successful. And you know what? Success fuels PASSION! 

When you do something well and combine it with something people also need… you’ll never be out of business. Also, it is becoming more common for people to follow their passion and that is great if it also leads to a lucrative outcome.  

When I first started college, I majored in liberal arts, and I slowly began hearing the phrase, “Major in liberal arts if you are okay with serving French fries as a living.” No offense to those that are serving French fries as a living, but it is not something I personally imagined for my future.  

All this being said, PASSION and TALENT really go hand in hand. Yes, I took this new job because it is a better fit for my family. But when you have a talent, that leads to knowledge, skill and experience. Those things will eventually lead to passion and success. Also, if you really think about it…those that are following their TALENT instead of their passion are kind of a rare breed and as a result you might be in extra high demand.

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

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food:  Canned meats, spaghetti, crackers

Clothing:  Men’s shoes

Household Goods:  king and queen sheets

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

December 17

1 p.m. The Price is Right, Webster Parish Library, sponsored by Minden Medical Center The Circle

3:30 p.m. Sibley Library Branch. Get into the holiday spirit with Gingerbread House Decorating events at your Webster Parish Libraries!  This fun and festive activity lets kids and their families design and decorate their own gingerbread houses using colorful candies and frosting. Registration required.

December 18

10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Springhill Library Branch. Get into the holiday spirit with  Gingerbread House Decorating events at your Webster Parish Libraries!  This fun and festive activity lets kids and their families design and decorate their own gingerbread houses using colorful candies and frosting. Registration required.

10 a.m. Po-Ke-No at Council of Aging in Haughton. Sponsored by Minden Medical Center The Circle.

December 19

10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Commodity Distribution, First Baptist Church, 209 N. Arkansas St., Springhill, La.

December 22

2 until 4 p.m. Christmas at the Cottage, LaMa Animal Rescue will hold a Christmas Open House at Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill, La. Refreshments while strolling through vintage Christmas on display.

January 18

8 a.m. until noon Dorcheat Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship Program Tree Sale, 216 B Broadway, Minden.

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Joseph Redding, 53, 1100 block Dorcheat Rd., Minden; arrested Dec. 12 by MPD on outstanding warrants.

Torry Jovon Capers, 26, 300 block Weston St., Minden; arrested Dec. 12 by MPD on outstanding warrants. Bond set at $2,500 cash or $20,000 surety.

Phoenix Dakota Johnson, 32, 200 block Prysock Rd., Doyline; arrested Dec. 12 by WPSO for domestic abuse battery w/child endangerment.

Kojoe Albritton, 41, Grant Ave., Ruston; arrested Dec. 12 by WPSO for contempt of court.

Randal Dean Eason, 38, 100 block Rex Bryan Dr., Springhill; arrested Dec. 15 by WPSO for simple assault.

Dana M. Moore, 49, 15,000 block Hwy. 371, Taylor, AR; arrested Dec. 15 by WPSO on fugitive warrants from Columbia County (AR) SO.

Russell Gareth Smith, 39, 600 block Canal St., Heflin: arrested Dec. 14 by WPSO on warrant for simple criminal damage to property, simple burglary. Bond set $1,000.

Christopher Erin Hunt, 32, 500 block Marshall St., Minden: arrested Dec. 12 by MPD on active warrants. Bond set $2,500 cash or $20,000 surety.

Paul J. Barnhardt, Jr., 32, 900 block Devereaux St., Minden: arrested Dec. 14 by Mpd on warrants for speeding, illegal window tint. Bond set $750 cash or $20,000 surety.

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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Milton Lyle “Mickey” Emanuel Jr.

February 15, 1961 – December 14, 2024

Taylor, Ark./Springhill, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Burial: Forest Grove Cemetery, Taylor, Ark.

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

Some customers of a local bank found themselves victims of a fraudulent scheme that has Minden police investigators trying to follow elusive electronic trails that often lead out of the country.

“A mass text message was sent to many patrons of the bank asking them to verify some alleged purchases on their bank cards,” Chief of Police Jared McIver said. “The text asked them to click on a link to verify whether or not there was such a purchase, and these scammers obtained information that allowed them to access their accounts.”

McIver said most of those who received the text message apparently suspected something and did not respond. Unfortunately, some who did click on the link saw their accounts raided.

“Around $30,000 reportedly was taken from accounts,” he said. “Sadly, some of these people who lost money were elderly. This is something that happens at this time of the year, and we’re asking people to be very careful about responding to a questionable text or email.”

Lt. Jason Smith, head of the MPD Criminal Investigation Division, said individuals can take precautions when they receive such messages.

“People should check their bank apps or call the bank to see if they did indeed send the message,” he said. “Banks do not correspond with their customers in this way. And, people should never click on a link in such texts or emails. That could open the door to your privileged information.”

Smith said customers who lost money in this most recent scheme have, fortunately, had their funds restored by the bank.

“But the money is still gone, and it’s almost a certainty that it’s gone overseas,” he said. “We’ve interviewed some people who said they received a phone call from someone saying they were a fraud investigator for the bank, and that caller had a very heavy foreign accent.”

McIver and Smith said there’s another scam involving text messages that is showing up during the holidays with alarming frequency.

“We’re seeing many texts alleging to be from the U.S. Postal Service claiming they have a package that cannot be delivered, and it’s asking for verification of your address so delivery can be made,” McIver said. “It gives a link to click and verify the address, but that’s a lead-in to steal your information.”

“Those links may take you to a web site that looks official, right down to the postal service logo, but it is fake,” Smith said. “Do not click on the link. It gives the scammer access to everything they need to steal your identity.”

McIver said individuals must be aware of potential scams when they receive messages that appear to come from legitimate businesses or branches of government.

“As sad as it sounds, the holiday season is the best time of year for these scammers,” he said. “We ask everyone to be skeptical of anything requesting any type of personal information, even if it appears to be legitimate.  We also urge everyone to check on elderly family members or neighbors. They are particularly vulnerable to scam artists.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Members of the Minden City Council gave an unofficial nod to Mayor Nick Cox and Jason Boudrie of Synergy Sports during a workshop Monday evening to move ahead with plans to expand the site concept of the city’s 23-year-old recreation complex.

“We are still at a solid phase one in the discussion,” Cox told four of five council members and several interested citizens attending the workshop. “You’ll know before we make any large obligations. We don’t know exactly the cost. This meeting is to help you understand where we are at the moment.”

Moving forward entails asking Boudrie to work with the city’s accounting department, the recreation department, council members and the mayor to structure a plan that fits the needs of the city while becoming more of a tournament/sports/tourism focused facility.

Boudrie said renovating and expanding the current recreation complex would contribute significantly to regional sports tourism as well as being a quality-of-life enhancement to the community.

In his presentation, Boudrie showed a map that encompassed Minden as the center of what he referred to as a “draw radius” of 5.5 hours of driving time for tournament families.

“It would bring in families farther away than Dallas, Little Rock, New Orleans, Jackson – just to think a diamond facility in Minden would bring in tournaments from southwest of Houston is pretty powerful,” Boudrie said. “You offer the tournaments, the fields, things to do, places to stay and eat in Minden that a tournament organizer in Houston would bring a tournament to Minden.”

The radius also showed closer areas that would bring in teams that may only stay one or two nights, but would still bring money to the area.

Boudrie’s site concept shows a 30,000 square foot indoor field house, new parking and more.

“The indoor field house would include batting cages, concessions, maybe physical therapy,” Boudrie said. “Then you’re talking about adding football, flag football, field hockey, ultimate frisbee, all the other sports you can think of that can be played year-round. It would have more shaded structures and shaded seating areas … things that are going to make mom and dad want to come out.”

District E Councilman Andy Pendergrass works closely with the Minden Recreation Department and pointed out that one of the upgrades to the current complex would be turfing the infields with a new product that is comfortable and doesn’t draw heat.

“The outfields would still be natural grass,” Pendergrass said, “so we would not have the expense of doing a whole ball field.”

Adding a playground would also include equipment that could be enjoyed by special needs kids, he added.

“We have nothing like that now,” Pendergrass said. “If that were advertised, there are people traveling with special needs children or adults who would exit the interstate just to have the opportunity to stretch their legs in something like this.”

A miracle field expounds on that idea, he said.

“That’s a field where kids with special needs would be able to play ball,” said Pendergrass. “If you haven’t seen that, it will absolutely warm your heart.”

The next phase of the upgrade is economical. The estimate to complete the project is $15 million, and Synergy Sports is recommending a Public Private Partnership/Municipal Lease, as opposed to issuing bonds. See Tuesday’s Webster Parish Journal for a story concerning financial impact and financing questions concerning the upgrade.

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Dana Michael of Minden is wanted for allegedly breaking into a local dealership after hours and stealing his own truck.

While it’s not illegal to steal your own property, it is illegal to cause approximately $2,000 in damage to the facility while doing it.  Michael is also wanted for allegedly causing $1,500 in damage to a loaner vehicle the dealership provided while Michael’s truck was being repaired.

Anyone with information on Dana Michael is encouraged to contact MPD Detective Lt. Jason Smith at 318-371-4226 (office), 318-268-1441 (cell) or email at  jksmith@mindenusa.com. All information will be confidential.

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As many of Minden’s downtown Christmas activities as possible will take place this weekend despite the weather. As of Thursday evening, the only event changed was the time and date of the fireworks, which will now be held at 9 p.m. Friday, (today) following the Wine Walk.

If the following activities change, we will let you know as soon as possible. Rain or shine: have fun this weekend!

December 14

9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Christmas Brunch at Geaux Fresh Bistro and Bakery

Noon until 3 p.m. pics with Santa and kids activities at Dorcheat Museum

5 p.m. Minden Christmas Festival and Parade (May change to Sunday)

December 15

1 until 6 p.m. Christmas Tour of Homes

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By Shawn White

The 2024 edition of the Minden Holiday Classic is getting ready to be released next week.   The tournament will begin next week on Wednesday at three different locations at Webster Junior High, Minden Rec Center, and Minden High School.   

The Classic will boast two current No. 1 ranked teams participating.   The defending Division IV Non-Select state champion and defending Minden Holiday Classic champ Arcadia Lady Hornets (8-1) will compete.   Also, the No. 1 ranked Class C boys team Gibsland-Coleman Bulldogs (7-3).  The Bulldogs just claimed the Bienville Parish Tournament title in Saline last weekend.  

The tourney will also feature three other currently top 10 ranked teams.  No. 5-ranked  Gibsland-Coleman Lady Bulldogs (7-5) will battle over next week.  The No. 3-ranked Lincoln Prep Panthers (4-1) will start on Wednesday night against Gibsland-Coleman.  No. 8-ranked undefeated host team Minden (8-0) will try to take the title next week.   They could run into the only out of state opponent Camden, AR in a rematch of the Lakeside Tournament finals.   

The schedule for the first round of the tournament will be as follows:

Wednesday, December 18

Minden Rec Center

4:00  –  Mansfield v. Homer (Girls)

5:20 –  Homer v. Northwood (Boys)

6:40  –  Lakeside v. Loyola  (Girls)

8:00  –  Lakeside v. Arcadia (Boys)

Webster Junior High

4:00 – North Caddo v. Green Oaks (Girls)

5:20 – Camden, AR v. Green Oaks (Boys)

6:40 – Camden, AR v. Gibsland-Coleman (Girls)

8:00 – Gibsland-Coleman v. Lincoln Prep (Boys)

Minden High School

4:00 – Simsboro v. Arcadia (Girls)

5:20 – Parkway v. Loyola (Boys)

6:40 – Minden v. Jonesboro-Hodge (Girls)

8:00 – Minden v. Jonesboro-Hodge (Boys)

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Friday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 65. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Saturday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Sunday

A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Sunday Night

A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Monday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service.

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Advent is here, leading us into Christmas. Many churches and other religious organizations will observe this holy season and may want to extend invitations for the community to join them. If you have an event of this nature, please send the date, time and description to wpjnewsla@gmail.com and we will be happy to print it.

December 13 – 14

6 until 9 p.m. Walk-through Live Nativity, Parkway Baptist Church, 160616, Hwy. 79, (Homer Road). Free event. Refreshments served.

December 14

5:30 p.m. Meet & Greet Advent Event in Parish Hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden. Light musical entertainment; potluck with Christmas Party theme.

December 15

10:55 a.m. Love is Born, Springhill Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Lindy Dyson, Director, 104 4th Street Northwest, Springhill.

6 p.m. Once Upon a Night Christmas Cantata, First Methodist Church Chancel Choir with Orchestra. Dr. Dan Gibbs, Director. Sanctuary, 903 Broadway, Minden, La.

December 21

5:30 until 9 p.m. Downtown Live Nativity. Beginning at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

December 24

5:30 p.m. Candlelight Service, Springhill Methodist Church, 104 4th Street Northwest, Springhill.

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D’Argent Construction is hiring superintendents to join their team.

Description:

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Must Have:

Five Years of experience in commercial construction.

Compensation:

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Bonuses: Available
Vehicle: Company Truck

Contact: D’Argent Construction at 318-787-6049

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EOE

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By Marilyn Miller

With few exceptions, It was business as usual for the Village of Dixie Inn when the Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.

That one exception was the biting of a teenage girl by a dog that had already proved to be aggressive toward a delivery driver. The driver managed to get into his truck, but later, the teen was bitten when she came out of her house to retrieve the package. She was bitten in the hand. The dog, a pit bull who had escaped his enclosure, was taken and tested. Although the canine showed no sign of rabies, the owners made the decision to have the animal “put down.”

In other business, all was quiet at a trailer park that has been a constant source of trouble for Dixie Inn authorities through the last several years. Police Chief Jeffrey McNeill was called to the park during late November, and addressed the troublemakers. So far, December has been quiet, according to Mayor Donna Hoffoss.

In other business, the Board:

Accepted the retirement of Mike Chreene as Water Operator and Sewer Operator for the Village for the past 25 years;

Approved the hiring of Scott Day as new water and sewer operator (starting in January) at a cost of $2,000.00 monthly. This is contract labor;

Adopted Resolution No. 08-12102024 for Sewer Infrastructure improvements. The Village will finance $103,000.00 of the $293,000.00 project cost (water sector phase 2 grant);

Approved a proposal to inspect and clean the water tank by USG Water Solutions at a cost of $2,500.00 (funding coming from CWEF, Community Water Enrichment Fund, State of Louisiana);

Adopted the 2025 Sexual Harassment Policy for the Village, which all employees must attend;

Reappointed Lori McGarity for a two-year term for Webster Parish Fire District #7;

Approved the purchase of two new tires for the 2018 Maintenance truck;

Adopted the Minutes of the November Regular Session, and the Financial Statements for November.

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Freshman Markavius Johnson led the Knights in their 59-19 blow-out win against Plain Dealing Monday night with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Junior DaJuan Coleman had 12 points and 8 rebounds while Junior Dereon Reese was next with 12 points and 3 rebounds and Freshman Braylon Washington came in with 11 points and 7 rebounds.

“While this first win marks a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of what we aim to achieve,” Knight’s rookie head coach Lucas Darbonne said.

There is more to this story than just those final numbers on the scoreboard. Darbonne, reflects on the past and how it has prepared him to lead these young men on the basketball court and hopefully beyond.

He was taught by Coach Jay Hearne, many years ago, that coaching is about building relationships and owning the responsibility of helping boys grow into great young men.

“His example inspired me to adopt this calling and strive to be a transformative figure in the lives of the athletes I coach,” Darbonne said.

Maybe it was the mentorship he received from many influential coaches throughout the years that inspired him to take on this role but basketball and coaching runs in his blood. His great-uncle was the legendary basketball player and coach, Tommy Joe Eagles, who led Doyline to a State Championship in 1967 and was later the head basketball coach for Louisiana Tech and Auburn University. Darbonne has some big shoes to fill but he is looking forward to the challenge.

This team is learning to stack good habits, on the court and off. Their coach-ability is one of their greatest strengths.

“Being willing to grow, adapt and improve puts our athletes in a position to succeed long after they leave the court,” Darbonne said.

Athletic Director, Christopher Wilson, is known to say, “success is built brick by brick.”  That phrase resonates across North Webster athletics, and it has become a motto they proudly embrace.

“As a coach, I am filled with pride for my players, gratitude for my mentors and excitement for the future of this program.” Darbonne continued. “Together we’ll keep stacking those bricks, building towards something great.” 

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You can start getting ready for the spring garden now.  First thing to do is to get a soil test run.  The LSUAg Center has the kits to use and we also have them at Minden Farm and Garden.  

To get a good test, take a sample from the soil about 3 to 4 inches deep.  Take about 5 samples in the area of your garden.  Mix them together to make one true sample.  Send this in to LSU for the results.  You also may want to send samples from your yard, by doing the same thing.  For this you need to know what kind of grass you are growing.

Back to the garden, a soil test will tell you many things that you may or may not know.  The results will determine what kind of fertilizer you need and whether or not it needs it.  The test also will show the kind of fertilizer you need and how much is needed.  For instance, the test will tell you that you need to put out 7.2 lbs. of nitrogen per 1000 square feet, .5 lbs. of phosphate  and 2 lbs. of potash.  You take these numbers to decide what kind of fertilizer to use.  Also the test results will show the sulfur needs and other elements you need.

Let’s don’t forget one of the most important results.  The pH value.  In this part of the country most of our soil needs lime.  The soil test results will tell you how much lime to use.  I think it is a good idea to lime now, so it can be working before you plant.  Getting a soil test early gives you a great head start on spring being a yard or garden.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of Friday, December 6 through Thursday, December 12. Civil Suits are public record.

December 6

Janene Jennings Cole vs. James Edward Cole, divorce, no children.

December 9

Republic Finance LLC vs. Melissa Reeves, monies due.

Republic Finance LLC vs. Dekeilla L. Jenkins, monies due.

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Pedro Valle, monies due.

Synchrony Bank vs. Robbie Swain, petition.

December 10

Donna Fae Veitch Guthrie Pate, succession over $125K.

Clarence Allen Graham, succession under $125K.

Barclays Bank Delaware vs. Rogena Van Schoiack, monies due.

December 11

Capital One vs. Sylvester Shelton, monies due.

Brittany Browning vs. Peyton Thomas, protective order.

Capital One vs. Christopher M. Lewis, monies due.

Midfirst Bank vs. Brandon R. Gorum, Chasity Gorum, executory process.

Closed Loop Fund, LP vs. Integrico Composite of Louisiana LLC. Suit on note.

December 12

First Tower Loan LLC vs. Kenneth Atkinson, Victoria Malone, judgment executory and garnishment.

Chelsea Page vs. Chris Tripp, protective order.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development vs. Rayner Rodriguez, CCG Transportation Inc. Dario Alexander Chavez, damages.

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

December 13 – 14

6 until 9 p.m. Walk-through Live Nativity, Parkway Baptist Church, 160616, Hwy. 79, (Homer Road). Free event. Refreshments served.

December 13

Homerun Derby at Sarepta Parks and Recreation.

5 until 9 p.m. Wine Walk downtown Minden

9 p.m. Fireworks

Minden:

5:30 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

6 until 9 p.m. Holiday Trail of Lights Hayride and Historic Tour

6 p.m. Reindeer Run

December 14

10 a.m. Sarepta Festival Association presents 16th Annual “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” Christmas Festival Live entertainment, Food/Craft vendors, pictures with Santa, pony rides, bounce houses and more. Fireworks at dark.

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building, Springhill, special guests: Kody Hughes and Lily Herrick.

Minden:

9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Christmas Brunch at Geaux Fresh Bistro and Bakery

Noon until 3 p.m. pics with Santa and kids activities at Dorcheat Museum

5 p.m. Minden Christmas Festival and Parade

December 15

1 until 6 p.m. Christmas Tour of Homes

December 16

Deadline for applications for Civitan Santa Toy project. Pick up application forms at Minden City Police Department or Community Action Center. Applications will be considered for children through age 13.

5:30 p.m. Glenbrook School, Carols & Coca. Classes will be caroling and spirit teams will be performing. Outside event; dress accordingly.

December 17

1 p.m. The Price is Right, Webster Parish Library, sponsored by Minden Medical Center The Circle

3:30 p.m. Sibley Library Branch. Get into the holiday spirit with Gingerbread House Decorating events at your Webster Parish Libraries!  This fun and festive activity lets kids and their families design and decorate their own gingerbread houses using colorful candies and frosting. Registration required.

December 18

10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Springhill Library Branch. Get into the holiday spirit with  Gingerbread House Decorating events at your Webster Parish Libraries!  This fun and festive activity lets kids and their families design and decorate their own gingerbread houses using colorful candies and frosting. Registration required.

10 a.m. Po-Ke-No at Council of Aging in Haughton. Sponsored by Minden Medical Center The Circle.

December 19

10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Commodity Distribution, First Baptist Church, 209 N. Arkansas St., Springhill, La.

December 22

2 until 4 p.m. Christmas at the Cottage, LaMa Animal Rescue will hold a Christmas Open House at Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. NW, Springhill, La. Refreshments while strolling through vintage Christmas on display.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court in Petit Jury Trial Monday, December 16:

COMPTON, JAMES ALVIN

98594 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

98594A Simple Burglary

DUDLEY, KEUNDRICK

98816 Simple Burglary Of An Inhabited Dwelling

MARTIN, ALVIA DEWAYNE

98600-CT.1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98600-CT.2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98600-CT.3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98600-CT.4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

THORNTON, LASHONDA

98913 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

GOLDEN, THURSTON DESEAN

98511 Molestation of a Juvenile

MENDENHALL, FREDERICK D.

98595 Molestation of a Juvenile

JENKINS, COURTNEY

98754-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98754-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty- Eight Grams)

BAKER, RAQUEL

99016 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

BARRIERE, GERALD W.

98146 Molestation of a Juvenile Under Thirteen

KENNEDY, ADAM TYLER

98513 Indecent Behavior With A Juvenile Under Thirteen

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Monday, December 16:

Courtroom A

BILES, DAVID PAUL

99119 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment

A Status Hearing MPD

BOOTHE, JEFFERY RAY

99096 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing SPRING

BROWN, KATHLEEN NICOLE

T019824 Speeding 11-15 MPH

T019824A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

A Arraignment LSP

BROWN, KATHLEEN NICOLE

99133 Simple Battery

A Arraignment WPSD

CRAVENS, ALLTON B.

98115 Obstruction Of Justice

98115A-CT.1 Second Degree Kidnapping

98115A-CT.2 Second Degree Kidnapping

98115A-CT.3 Second Degree Kidnapping

A Status Hearing WPSD

EASON, KIA MONIQUE

98289 Felony Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (Over $25,000)

A Fine & Cost Review Hearing MPD

GOLDEN, THURSTON DESEAN

98511 Molestation of a Juvenile

A Status Hearing MPD

HENIX, COREY DONTE

98427-CT.1 Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm – Crime Of Violence / Uniform Cds Law

98427-CT.2 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

A Status Hearing MPD

Restitution owed- $3,015.20, plus $452.28 fee = $3,467.48 total

JONES, LAGREETA LEE

98397 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98397 CT. 2 Resisting An Officer

98397 CT. 3 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles

98397 CT. 4 Improper Driving On A One-Way Roadway

98397 CT. 5 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MENDENHALL, FREDERICK D.

98595 Molestation of a Juvenile

A Status Hearing WPSD

REYNOLDS, TRAVIS LYNN

98738-CT.1 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or Controlled Dangerous Substance

98738-CT.2 Simple Burglary

A Status Hearing WLF

Yocom, Jimbo Kevin Berg Mike Nerren

ROBINSON, ZYTWONE

98023 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

A Sanity Hearing MPD

SIMMONS, JON MATTHEW

98646 Attempted Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

A Status Hearing MPD

Restitution owed to the victim- $186.00, plus $27.90 fee = $213.90 total

WELBOURNE, NATHANIEL

98862 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

WHITE, ROBERT WAYNE

98741 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

98741 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage

A For Further Disposition LSP

YOUNG, BOBBY LEE

99298 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

Courtroom B

BROOKS, KEITH

98895 Simple Burglary

B Status Hearing MPD

Codef: K. Collier

Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $4,250.00, plus $637.50 fee = $4,887.50 total

CHERRY, WILLIAM B.

98308-CT.1 Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

98308-CT.2 Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

98308A Stalking

B Status Hearing WPSD

CHERRY, WILLIAM B.

99160 Ct. 1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids

99160 Ct. 2 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – First Offense

B For Further Disposition WLF

HILL, KAVION D

98273 Accessory After The Fact

B Status Hearing MPD

HILL, KAVION D

98702-CT.1 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

98702-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

B Status Hearing MPD

KEMP, ADEYMI

99293 Battery of a Dating Partner

B For Further Disposition MPD

LEWIS, ARTISHA S

99075 Issuing Worthless Checks ($999 – $4,999)

B Status Hearing

LOPE, MELANIE E.

99364 Possession of a Schedule III CDS

B Arraignment WPSD

LOPE, MELANIE E.

98900 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

B Sentencing Hearing MPD

Defendant failed to report to Drug Court

MASON, JACOBY

98941 Vehicular Homicide

B Status Hearing MPD

MENDENHALL, XIKERION D.

99363 Armed Robbery

B Arraignment MPD

MENDENHALL, XIKERION D.

99363 Armed Robbery

Total bond $357,500

B Bond Reduction Hearing MPD

MILLICAN, JAMES EDWARD

95947 Possession of a Schedule II CDS

B Status Hearing WPSD

MINOR, DEANDRE

95889A Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

B Status Hearing LSP

MOSS, SUMMER MICHELLE

99279 Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

B Status Hearing WPSD

WHITE, JR., NATHANIEL

99080 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

B Status Hearing MPD

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Christopher A. Palmer, 39, 200 block McArthur Loop, Cotton Valley: arrested Dec. 9 by WPSO for theft, criminal trespass.

Calvin Roy Beshea, 66, 7500 block Hwy. 2, Sarepta: arrested Dec 10 by WPSO for indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Lanaiya A. Adams, 22, Lanning St., Minden: arrested Dec. 11 by WPSO on outstanding warrants.

Jason Alan Smith, 50, 400 block McIntyre Rd., Minden: arrested Dec. 11 by Louisiana State Police on outstanding fugitive warrants from multiple jurisdictions.  Bond set $2,500.

Christopher Hawkins Sr., 30, 200 block Summit St., Minden: arrested Dec. 11 by MPD for domestic abuse w/child endangerment.

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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Dora Faye Lynch

May 22, 1936 – December 8, 2024

Sibley, La.

Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, Lane Memorial Cemetery, Sibley, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Judy Mae Hicks

March 23, 1954 – December 7, 2024

Sarepta, La.

No services planned at this time.

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 Marilyn Miller

Most people don’t know that Jackie Lockett has a rare benign noncancerous tumor in her right shoulder. The Utilities-billing manager for the City of Minden hides it with a smile.

But she’s willing to talk about it if it can lead even one person toward, an earlier diagnosis.

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Jackie said, of the aggressive tumor which she first noticed in 2021. “The treatments are just like cancer treatments.” She then shows a series of pictures on her phone, talking about how damaging the drug was to her body.

Her first diagnosis was “frozen shoulder,” because “I wasn’t able to move my arm…couldn’t lift it.” Doctors “manipulated it…cleaned it up.” Then, about a week after physical therapy, her movement improved. However, after spending a week in Florida, she realized she couldn’t lift it again. “I told myself that a week of just no treatment or therapy couldn’t do this. But the doctor said to continue the anti-inflammatories and the PT.” Nothing. She continued to beg for an MRI.

“Hey, it feels like there’s something in there,” she told the doctor next. Well, he gave her a shot and they waited six more weeks. “This is probably a total of 12 weeks now, and I go back and it’s still not better. So, Oct. 21 they scheduled my first MRI.”

“I get my MRI…they call me back and tell me I have to get another MRI, with contrast. On Nov. 9 they call me and tell me it’s a tumor. I cry like a big baby…because when you think tumor, you think cancer immediately. So, then I have to go to Baton Rouge to an orthopedic oncologist there and he does an MRI and a biopsy. So, I’m waiting, it’s around Thanksgiving, and he finally tells me it’s Desmoid Fibromatosis.”

“What’s that?” she asked. Her question was met with months of doctors answering “I don’t treat that” until she finally found one at M.D. Anderson in Houston. On Feb. 14, yep, Valentine’s Day, she finally sees a doctor who puts her on a chemotherapy pill. Three months in…It burned her hands and feet…it burned her scalp, causing her to lose hair. “And I’m trying to go to work every day.”

“At that time, Terry Gardner was our mayor. He was so sympathetic about what I was going through.”

“But I’m just trying to make it. To live my life.  My head was on fire, itching.” Another series of pictures, June, July, August…

”I stopped taking that medicine!”

And on to the next treatment…cryoablation therapy. Four of them since February of 2023…third degree burns on her arms, not waking up after one particular treatment, wound care, lack of sleep. Her latest treatment was Sept. 11, 2024. Now she’s ready to try something different. Considering the initial treatment recommendation was amputation, she’s come a long way.

But God gets Jackie through the day. And she’s sharing her story. “If they had found (the tumor) earlier, it would be easier to treat,” she contended. Because of the rarity…anything a doctor does now is ‘practicing’ because it’s so rare.” So, the more Jackie can talk up Desmoid tumors, the more people and doctors will know about it.

“I think opening up and telling my story is going to help,” she said.

Jackie is a part-time junior high basketball coach and referee. Is she in pain a lot of the time? Sometimes…a lot of times actually.

“I try not to show it on my face,” she said. God blesses her with that ability.

“God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good,” Jackie concluded.

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