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

November 26

6 p.m.  Minden Civic Center. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Fashionetta.

November 30

Breakfast with Santa at the Partea Room

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mistletoe Market, Springhill, La.

5 until 7 p.m. Springhill Lighted Christmas Parade.

December 6

6 p.m. Minden Medical Center Rehab Reindeer Run. Registration online – runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/RehabReindeerRun, forms available MMC Rehab, 1120 Homer Rd or MMC Business Office, 346 Homer Rd.

December 12 – 14

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

December 13

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

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

7 p.m. Fireworks

December 15

1 until 6 p.m. Christmas Tour of Homes

---

Belinda Ruth Jones

April 27, 1953 – October 25, 2024

Haynesville/Homer, La.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024, Ruple Baptist Church, Haynesville, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.

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.)

---

Jessica Smith, a 27-year-old white female from Covington, LA, is wanted for allegedly using counterfeit $100 bills at three local businesses to purchase items.

Smith attempted to use a fake bill at one local dollar store, but the manager was alert and did not fall for it. Smith was identified using store surveillance video, vehicle information and social media.

Social media is becoming the best way to identify suspects in crimes.

Anyone with information on Jessica Smith is asked to contact Det. Lt. Jason Smith of the Minden Police Dept. at 318-371-4226 (office) or 318-268-1441 (cell).

All information will be considered confidential.

---

(Editor’s note: Thanks to Mark Chreene of KASO/KBEF Radio for sharing the statistics.)

By Pat Culverhouse

Head coach Spencer Heard will be leading his Minden Crimson Tide into the state Division II Non-Select playoffs Friday night when the Wossman Wildcats invade W.W. Williams Stadium for a first round contest.

Minden will be coming into the contest fresh off a 38-21 win over Southwood to cap an 8-2 season and finish 5-2 in District 1-4A. In the state’s power rankings, the Tide places in the 12th spot; Wossman finishes in the number 21 position.

Wossman also finished the regular season with a win, downing Peabody 26-6 to square its season record at 5-5 and a third place finish (3-2) in District 2-4A. The Wildcats’ two district loses were to a pair of 9-1 teams, Franklin Parish and West Ouachita.

Friday’s meeting will be the first time Minden and Wossman have met on the gridiron since 1998 when the Wildcats took a 27-12 win. Overall, the Wildcats hold a 14-4 edge in series meetings, but Heard will rely on a punishing ground game to advance to the second round.

On the season, the Tide has rushed for 2,217 yards with a pair of backs bearing the bulk of the duties. Junior Caylien Aubrey comes into the game as Minden’s leading rusher, averaging just under seven yards per carry while picking up 707 yards on 102 attempts. Senior Denarius Crowe, a converted offensive lineman, is right behind with 111 carries for 624 yards.

Freshman Lucas Owens has contributed 411 yards on 81 tries while junior Kaiden Shine has carried 30 times for 228 yards and a team-leading 7.6 average per carry. Senior Porter Neal is averaging five yards per carry, totaling 195 yards on 39 attempts.

Minden’s passing attack, which has been used sparingly this season, has been in the hands of junior Hudson Brown. Brown has thrown for 349 yards, going 37-for-84 with three touchdowns and six interceptions.

In its 10 regular season games, the Tide has outscored opponents 286-174.

Defensively, the Tide has relied on a big, aggressive unit which has given up an average of just over 217 yards a game, equally divided between rushing and passing.

Leading tackler for the Tide is talented freshman Javen Calloway, a six-foot, 237 pounder who has recorded 19 solo tackles and three sacks. Calloway also has 17 tackles for loss. Junior defensive back Treshun Young has 14 solos to go along with junior Kameron Harris’ 13 solo hits. Harris also leads the team in interceptions with four.

Other double digit tacklers for the year include senior linebacker Landyn Huddleston with 12 solo tackles, senior lineman Jarvis Davis with 12 solos;  junior defensive back Jamal Carey has12 tackles and lineman Demetrius Robinson also has 12. Junior defensive back Brayden Britton has totaled 11 solo tackles.

Sophomore lineman Jeremiah Jones, a 6’4’’, 248-pounder, leads the Tide in sacks with five.

Heard, who is in his 12th season as the Tide’s head coach, will be hoping to lead his team to its first playoff win since a thrilling 21-14 overtime victory over Leesville in 2020. It would also be win number 73 for Heard, who already holds Minden’s record for most win in a career as a head coach.

---

One thing that I know for certain (possibly the only thing) is that being a parent means that you live in a constant state of second-guessing. 

To be fair, I have always been the type to second-guess every decision I was making, but it seems I have earned my mastery in it since becoming a mother.  

In the early stages of motherhood, I second-guessed whether or not I was even built for this. I questioned if they were sleeping too much during the day, if we were doing enough tummy time, if they were meeting milestones at the appropriate times.  

Then we arrived at the toddler stage, and I REALLY second-guessed if I was built for this. This was also in the midst of me deciding I would go back to work which brought on a ton of anxiety and guilt. I was fairly sure this was the best decision for me and my family. The girls would get some social interaction with kids their age and I would get some adult interaction with people that were not constantly asking me for a snack or to help wipe their…. 

When they started school, I second-guessed if we did enough to prepare them for this transition. Would they be behind everyone else? Did I teach them enough when it comes to manners? Would they be kind or stand up to someone that wasn’t being kind to them? The anxiety I have surrounding bullying was a tough one for me and still is honestly. 

That concern only grew as my oldest is about to start middle school. I am also second-guessing whether or not I should have hired a math tutor because there is absolutely no second-guessing that I can continue to help her with her homework in that subject.  

Outside of school… do I provide them with enough opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities? Are we involved enough in church? Then, we have sibling rivalries. Didn’t I teach them better than this? Is anything I say to them actually sinking in? 

I haven’t openly spoken about my divorce on this platform, but you can only imagine the second-guessing that came along with that one, which is definitely the reason there was so much back and forth over the last couple of years, but ultimately there came a time where there was no second-guessing the fact that staying in an unhappy marriage was a healthy option for my children.

There was plenty of questioning myself when it came to how much I was willing to share with them on the subject. Now I question, if our custody arrangement is the best option along with a multitude of other specifics I won’t get into.  

I constantly ask myself…” what if I did this,” or “if only I had done that.” There is not much I know for certain, but I do know that every decision I make regarding my children I do it with the best intentions in mind. What more can I do? 

When I really dig deep into why I am so anxious when it comes to parenthood, I have realized it is because I have set some pretty unattainable standards for myself and sometimes for my children. But I have also realized all of us could just use a little grace.  

Being a parent is hard! Some days it’s a breeze and others… well …everyone is crying for no apparent reason (including me), but I hope one day my kids will look back and know without second-guessing, that I did the best I could. 

(Paige Gurgainers is a mom of three girls, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal and publisher of Bienville Parish Journal and Claiborne Parish Journal, who does the best she can.)

---

By Paige Gurgainers

For anyone that has driven around town this week, it is clear that Minden is already getting into the Christmas spirit. City crews have been busy putting up Christmas decorations and lights throughout downtown. Business owners have already begun adorning their storefronts with trees, garlands and wreaths. Churches are also beginning to plan for plays, caroling and services. 

But more preparations are happening behind the scenes.  

This year, residents will have the opportunity to visit not only one, but two local Live Nativity scenes right here in Minden.  

The first one is set to take place on December 12 through 14 at Parkway Baptist Church, located at 16016 Highway 79 (Homer Road), from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly. The scene will be set up in the church parking lot where attendees can park and walk through to take it all in. Members will also have refreshments available inside.  

This event is free to the public.

---

By Paige Gurgainers

For those who were unable to attend the Informational Meeting last week for the upcoming Miss Minden and Miss Outstanding Teen Scholarship Competition, another meeting will be held Tuesday, November 19, at 7 p.m.  

This event will be live and strictly virtual via the Young Women’s Service Club of Minden’s Facebook page.  

“Going live on Facebook will give the potential contestants and parents a chance to get all of the information and answers to any questions they may have about the Miss Minden and Miss Minden’s Teen Pageant,” said pageant chair Gillian Davis. “We’re excited to be able to do this and talk to our community about our upcoming event.” 

The club unanimously decided to raise the scholarships this year to be awarded to the 2025 winners. Miss Minden 2025 will receive $2,000 and Miss Outstanding Teen will receive $1,000.  

The competition is set to take place on January 18 at 7 p.m. in Minden High School’s Auditorium.  

In previous year’s Miss Minden has been a closed title only available to participants who reside in the city limits, but this year the title is open with all ladies living in the state eligible to win and move on to the next phase of competition – Miss Louisiana.  

Many moving parts and details are required while preparing for this competition every year, which is why it is crucial for potential contestants and/or parents to tune in to Tuesday’s live event. Comments will be open for questions and concerns.  

The Young Women’s Service Club is also still searching for the 2025 Presenting Sponsor. Individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring can reach out to their Facebook page or club members.  

---

What is the biggest question that we have about lawns?  Of course, it is how do I get rid of the stickers in my yard.  That is a hard question to answer.  To tell people that you should spray in the fall to keep them from coming up in the spring.  Most people don’t realize that once the sticker forms, you cannot get rid of it.  You need to kill the weed before the sticker forms.  Try explaining that!  

Using a preemergence herbicide application in the fall will help with this matter.  Preemergence herbicides should be applied in November to prevent weed germination.  Fertilome makes a product called Atrazine that is a good preemergence herbicide.  Mix 9 ounces to a gallon of water plus a couple of teaspoons of a surfactant(spreader sticker) to the mix and start walking.  This should cover about a 1000 square ft, depending how fast you walk and how much you put out at a time with the sprayer.  Atrazine is labeled to spray St Augustine and centipede lawns.  Do not use on bermuda.  You can also mix another Fertilome product called Weed Free Zone to the mix.  Use 1 oz of the Weed Free Zone to a gallon.  

Another thing you could do in the fall is to take soil samples.  This will help you decide what kind of fertilizer you need to use in the spring.  A soil sample will also tell you weather or not you need to spread lime in the yard.  Ninety percent of the land in Webster Parish needs lime.  You can spread the lime and fertilizer at the same time.  If you get your soil sample results back soon enough, you could put out the lime, if needed, now.  The sooner you apply it the faster it will do some good.  

All of this information proves that keeping up the lawn is a full time job.  It is worth all of the work when you look outside and see how pretty the grass is.  

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

---

The following persons are scheduled to appear in front of a 26th Judicial District Court Petit Jury Monday, November 18:

Judge Craig Final Petit Jury Docket

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

Co defs L. Rabb, D. Allums

PJA Jury Trial MPD

MOORE, DEANDRE LEE

98330 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PJA Jury Trial MPD

Judge Stahl Final Petit Jury Docket

BROWN, EMMANUEL JAMES

98324A Second Degree Robbery

Defense MTC filed Co-Def: S. Davis, T. Britt

PJC Jury Trial MPD

BUTCHER – CREECH, AMBER NICOLE

98389 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

PJC Jury Trial SPRING

STRIPLIN, CHARLES D.

98855 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

PJC Jury Trial WPSD

WILLIS, CRYSTAL MARIE

98810 Aggravated Battery

PJC Jury Trial MPD

WORTHAM, JAYLON JEROD

99013 Simple Burglary

PJC Jury Trial SPRING

WRIGHT, AARON DEMON

97764 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

PJC Jury Trial MPD

97764 CT 2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

Please make forfeiture of Taurus 9mm part of any plea/sentencing.

---

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Sunday

Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

* Information provided by the National Weather Service

---

The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of November 12 through 14:

November 12

Lana Ellen Oglee, interdiction.

Jean Parmer Shaw, succession over $125K

Carter Federal Credit Union vs. Slack Properties LLC, executory process.

b1 Bank vs. Linda Womack, Lyda Gale Myers Womack, executory process.

b1 Bank vs. Summer Haley, executory process.

Rocket Mortgage LLC, Quicken Loans vs. Frankie Darlene Moss Thompson, Cathy LeJeune Moss, executory process.

November 13

Misty Michelle Moreno Swilley, succession under $125K.

Webster Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission vs. Gwendolyn Greene, dba Peaches Porch, petition.

Troy Capital LLC vs.India Nicole Andrews, monies due.

Monica Davis, Shirley Anderson, Eddie Anderson vs. Gerrod B. Wimberly Jr., Ivery Smith, petition.

Tommy Lee Milliner, succession over $125K.

November 14

Bertha Harris, succession over $125K.

Clyde Carter, succession under $125K.

PMB Rentals LLC vs. Toni Hartz, petition.

Consumer Portfolio Services INC. vs. Jacob Boyce, monies due.

21st Mortgage Corp., vs. rusty Lee Anglin, Amada Anglin, executory process.

---

The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court on Monday, November 18:

Courtroom A

ALLUMS, DONALD

98395-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

98395-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

Co defs L. Rabb, B. Fielding

A Status Hearing MPD

COURTNEY, JR, TROY L. NORTON

99336B Possession of a CDS I Marijuana (Fourteen Grams or Less)

A Arraignment SPRING

EASON, SR, REGGIE WAYNE

98927 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

HUDSON, CORY K.

99025-CT.1 Simple Escape

99025-CT.2 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling

A Status Hearing WPSD

KELLEY, GINGER L.

98846 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

KEY, TARIQ M.

98291 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

A Status Hearing DIPD

MILES, KENNY DEWAYNE

98779 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

A Status Hearing MPD

MOORE, DEANDRE LEE

98330 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

A Status Hearing MPD

MOORE, KENYASKEY WILLIAMS

98871-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98871-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

98871-CT.3 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

98871-CT.4 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

98871-CT.5 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

98871-CT.6 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

98871-CT.7 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

A Status Hearing MPD

RABB, LASHUNDA L.

98395-CT.1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS

98395-CT.2 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

Co def B. Fielding, D. Allums

A Status Hearing MPD

SNEED, TAMMIE

99338 Obstruction Of Justice

A Arraignment SPRING

Courtroom B

ALLEN, CHARLES THOMAS

98467 CT 1 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98467 CT 2 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98467 CT 3 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

98467 CT 4 Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

B Status Hearing SPRING

ALLEN, LAEVERETTICA QUEVETTE

98967 CT 1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98967 CT 2 Public Bribery

Co-Def: D. Hendun

B Status Hearing WPSD

Make sure forfeiture of 2005 Chevy Tahoe is part of any plea/sentencing agreement.

BELL, SOMER JO

99211 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

99211 CT. 2 Resisting An Officer

99211 CT. 3 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

99211 CT. 4 Operating A Vehicle With An Expired Driver’s License

99211 CT. 5 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

B For Further Disposition LSP

BERRY, WILLIAM GABRIEL

98869 Cruelty To Juveniles

Co-Def: H. White

B Status Hearing SPRING

BRITT, TERRA DARLENE

98324 Second Degree Robbery

Co-Def: S. Davis, E. Brown

B Status Hearing MPD

BURDETTE, JA’QUEZ DEONTAE

98186A Illegal Use Of A Firearm During A Crime Of Violence

B Status Hearing MPD

DAVIS, SARA ELIZABETH

98323 Second Degree Robbery

Co-Def: T. Britt, E. Brown

B Status Hearing MPD

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

98327 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

B Status Hearing SPRING

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

98526 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

B Status Hearing CPD

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

T061024 Speeding 16-24 MPH

B For Further Disposition WPSD

DOSTER, ZACKARY LOGAN KADE

T060123 Speeding 16-24 MPH

B For Further Disposition WPSD

HENDON, DESHUN R.

98200 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

B Status Hearing MPD

HENDON, DESHUN R.

98967 CT 1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98967 CT 2 Public Bribery

Co-Def: L. Allen

B Status Hearing WPSD

HENDON, DESHUN R.

98967 CT 1 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

98967 CT 2 Public Bribery

pro se Motion to Reduce Bond Total Bond: $35,000.00

Co-Def: L. Allen

B Bond Reduction Hearing WPSD

HOLYFIELD, JAMONTAE D.

98186C-CT.1 Illegal Use Of A Firearm During A Crime Of Violence

98186C-CT.2 Second Degree Kidnapping

B Status Hearing MPD

LARY, RANDALL GENE

98287 Possession Of Firearm Or Carrying Concealed Weapon By Convicted Felon

B Status Hearing WPSD

MARTINEZ-ZAYAS, LISSETTE

98955 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

Co-Def: E. Toledo-Collazo

B Status Hearing LSP

MITCHELL, JERMICHAEL DELYNNTRAE

98795 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or

Controlled Dangerous Substance

Please make forfeiture of firearms part of any plea/sentence agreement.

B Status Hearing MPD

POLK, COREY LAMONT

99012 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS (Twenty-Eight Grams Or More)

B Status Hearing LSP

SIMS, BRIAN LESTER

99079 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Valued At $1,000.00 Or More But Under $50,000.00

B Status Hearing MPD

SIMS, BRIAN LESTER

97986 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

97986 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

97986 CT 3 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

Co-Def: A. Rosypal (Ct 1)

B Status Hearing WPSD

THORNTON, JR., RUSH LAMAR

97908 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

97908A Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense

B Status Hearing MPD

TILLMAN, PATRICK DEWAYNE

98916 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence

B Status Hearing WPSD

TOLEDO-COLLAZO, ERNESTO LUIS

98955 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS (Two and One Half Pounds or More)

Interpreter to be present OC 10/14

Co-Def: L. Martinez-Zayas

B Status Hearing LSP

TOMS, STEVEN CHARLES

98926 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

B Status Hearing WPSD

WARREN, JNAI J.

98995 CT 1 Simple Burglary

98995 CT 2 Simple Burglary

B Status Hearing CVPD

Yocom, Jimbo Kammi Whatley Allie A Stahl

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

T059923 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

T059923A Switched License Plates

B For Further Disposition LSP

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

97893 B Status Hearing WPSD

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

Restitution owed: $4,218.36 check amounts + $1,665.08 fees = Total Amount Due: $5,883.44

5/13-paid $200. New balance is 5543.44 as of this date.

WILLIS, CORTORIA UNIQUE

99089 CT 1 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

99089 CT 2 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

99089 CT 3 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm

B Status Hearing MPD

---

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

Beginning November 14

Holiday Trail of Lights Display

November 16

9 until 11 a.m. Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry Monthly Distribution.

November 26

6 p.m.  Minden Civic Center. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Fshionetta.

November 30

Breakfast with Santa at the Partea Room

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mistletoe Market, Springhill, La.

5 until 7 p.m. Springhill Lighted Christmas Parade.

December 6

6 p.m. Minden Medical Center Rehab Reindeer Run. Registration online – runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/RehabReindeerRun, forms available MMC Rehab, 1120 Homer Rd or MMC Business Office, 346 Homer Rd.

December 13

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

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

7 p.m. Fireworks

December 15

1 until 6 p.m. Christmas Tour of Homes

---

Chase Loyd Slack, 40, Kings Corner, Sarepta; arrested Nov. 13 by WPSO on outstanding warrants, as fugitive from Titus County (TX) SO. Bond set at $15,000.

Johnny Lee Andrews, Jr., 40, 1900 block Magnolia Hwy., Magnolia, AR; arrested Nov. 13 by Springhill PD on fugitive warrant from Arkansas probation and parole.

Kedrick DeJon Golden, 23, 1200 block Long Branch, Lancaster, TX; arrested Nov. 13 by MPD on fugitive warrant from Denton County, TX.

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.

---

Fred Harding Berry

June 5, 1935 – November 11, 2024

Minden, La.

Visitation: Noon, Friday, November 15, 2024, First Methodist Church, Minden.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. immediately following visitation.

Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Mark Scott Calhoun

February 9, 1967 – November 13, 2024

Minden, La.

Graveside service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, Gardens of Memory, Minden, La.

Leocadio “Leo” Torres

June 28, 1938 – November 12, 2024

Plain Dealing/Springhill/Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, November 14, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2024, St. Paul Catholic Church, Minden, La.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery, Springhill, La.

Charles Melvin Wynne Jr.

September 29, 1964 – November 10, 2024

Springhill, La.

Plans through Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.

Belinda Ruth Jones

April 27, 1953 – October 25, 2024

Haynesville/Homer, La.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024, Ruple Baptist Church, Haynesville, La., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.

Iva Dolores June Dunn

June 9, 1940 – November 8, 2024

Sarepta, La.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, Old Sarepta Missionary Baptist Church, Sarepta.

Burial: Old Sarepta Cemetery.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

---

by Marilyn Miller

Tackling problems caused by young people at a “trailer park” and the governing of “uninhabitable” and unsightly residences and businesses were two major items on the agenda when the Dixie Inn Town Council met Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Town Hall.

Young people and some adults have caused “problem after problem,” according to two citizens whose private property adjoins the park where they reside. The problems range from trespassing and damage to property to trashing the area and damaging mailboxes.

“I’ve seen drug deals while sitting on my front porch,” alderman Nell Finlay told the council and audience, “My fences are torn down.”

One private citizen stressed that “it’s the adults, too. They come from Rascoe’s through my yard. And when I say something to them, they just say, ‘Oh, is this your property?’” Another member of the audience offered that “The biggest thing is bullying.”

“My autistic child came in crying the other day.” He was being physically accosted by older children in the park.

Dixie Inn Police Chief Jeffrey McNeill assured the board that he was addressing the problems, one answer being the placement of cameras in the area in the near future. “I have addressed this situation…but I can’t say more at this time. Just know that it is being worked on…”

The Board voted unanimously to “move forward on amending Ordinance #90,” which addresses the enforcement and clean-up of private properties that are not habitable within the Village limits. Dixie Inn’s ordinance is not clear about who pays for property that must be cleaned up or razed. Comments ranged from the levying of fines to billing a landowner after the Village has been forced to act.

Chief McNeill presented his monthly report, which shows that “My guys are working!” In the Arrests category for October, the seven people taken into custody “cleared 17 warrants for the Minden Police Department and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Other totals included 79 traffic stops (compared to 38 in September), 27 citations (compared to 14 in September), 10 LEMIS reports (calls not judged worthy of a call-out), 12 non-LEMIS calls; 57 building checks, 39 back-ups, 15 public assists, 23 calls for service, and five vehicle crashes (compared to one in September).

In other business, the aldermen:

• Approved the purchase of a new water meter for Cinnamon Creek;
• Approved Perryman Welding for the LLOP bathroom project at a cost of $140,000;
• Moved to begin returning some speed bumps to the streets of the Village. Chief McNeill highly recommended this;
• Tabled the discussion of Water/Maintenance supervisor Mike Chreene’s retirement and how he will be replaced. His retirement is scheduled for January 13, 2025.

---

The City of Minden has lifted the boil advisory issued on November 10 for customers on all of Bay Creek Rd., the 300 to 500 blocks of Lakeshore Dr., the 200 to the 1200 blocks of Pecanview Dr., and the 300 to the 500 blocks of West Todd St.

---

Fred Harding Berry, 89 of Minden, Louisiana, passed away from a heart attack on Monday, November 11, 2024. He was born June 5, 1935, in Minden, Louisiana to Fred Howard Berry and Nobie Odell Craine.

Fred graduated from Louisiana Tech University where he studied Geology. After graduation, he traveled the country working for a seismic crew, but eventually ended up back in Minden working at Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant where he retired.

Fred was an amazing Husband, Father, and Papaw. He was such a wonderful Christian who was genuine, honest, and very humble. We never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He was a great role model to his children and grandchildren. Fred was a kind soul.

He loved playing golf with his friends or sitting on the deck with Linda and his dog, Prissy. He also enjoyed his weekly poker games and his Saturday deer camp meals at Evergreen. If we could all be like Fred Berry what a wonderful world it would be. His family meant everything to him, and he was loved so much by them and everyone. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Linda Gale Berry; and his son, Dr. Michael Berry; his parents, Fred and Nobie Berry; and his in-laws, Searcy Barnes and Odessa Barnes Raudabaugh.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Brent Berry and his wife Nancy, and their daughter Brittany Bigby and husband Hayden, and son Nicholas Berry; daughter-in-law Melissa Berry and her three children, Matthew, Meredith, and Molly; one great-grandchild, Oliver Bigby; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Charlie and Glenna Berry and Richard and Gail Berry.

Visitation for Fred H. Berry will be held Friday, November 15, 2024, at 12:00 noon at First Methodist Church in Minden, Louisiana with services following at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Bro. Brian Mercer. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory in Minden, Louisiana under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway, Minden, Louisiana 71055.

---

Today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. the link will close for this week’s Pick’em football contest in order to ensure all winners are in before games begin tomorrow.

LHSAA Playoff Games begin tomorrow and Webster Parish has all four teams competing, so get in on the action by choosing the teams you believe will win. A photo will be taken of the winner next week with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. We will continue to have a contest as long as we have a parish team in the playoffs. Remember, you must be 18 or older to play.

So fire up your phones or computers and get ready to pick’em.

Here’s your link:

https://form.jotform.com/232385564755163

---

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 70. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 42. Calm wind.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 45.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 72.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

* Information obtained from the National Weather Service.

---

By Jessica Gorman

As the year winds down, it’s time to get serious about plans for 2025. While I have my own thoughts and goals, I’d like to hear from you. What would you like to see from me and from the museum in the coming year?

First of all, what topics would you like to see covered by this column? With so much that needs to be done, it can be difficult to keep up with a weekly column. When I miss a week, it’s usually because I simply ran out of time and didn’t get it done. In my busyness, I often resort to writing about something related to what I’m working on or information that I happened to run across. I recognize my own shortcomings and know that I can do better to share more about the topics that you would like to know more about. The tendency to assume that “everybody already knows about that” causes me to overlook topics that maybe I shouldn’t.

In planning future museum programming and events, I’d love to know how we can serve you better. In 2024, the museum hosted five “Night at the Museum” speaker events. These events are completely free of charge and we want you to come. So, who would you like to hear speak? What topics would you like to know more about? What stories are you interested to hear? Let us know.

I’ve also considered adding additional or different programming. Possibilities include walking tours of Minden’s downtown and residential districts and/or cemeteries. Another consideration is weekend workshops focused on genealogy, research, and other topics. There are always more books in the works, but I also see the benefit of creating informational guides focused on topics such as local cemeteries, historical resources, genealogy, and more. There are a number of projects that I hope to someday complete that further preserve our history and make it more easily accessible to the public. What types of programming or resources would you like to see the museum offer?

Each of these questions applies to Webster Parish as a whole and are not just focused on Minden. When I get busy, it can be easy to fall back on topics focused on Minden, but that is not intentional.  I’d like to have feedback from all across the parish, to serve the entire parish better. So, let me know. What do you want to read? What type of events would you like to attend? What resources would be of value to you? Help me to better focus my time and effort to serve you. To share your thoughts, you can call (318) 377-3002, stop by the museum, or email me at dorcheatmuseum@yahoo.com.

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

---

Springhill Medical Center welcomes Sonya Thomas as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Sonya’s specialties are Family Medicine, Women’s Health and pediatrics.

FNPs assess, diagnose, and treat patients in all life stages, from toddlers to older adults. FNPs typically work on care teams with physicians and RNs. They handle common illnesses and injuries and refer patients to specialists when necessary.

For an appointment with Sonya, call 318-539-1701.

---

By Paige Gurgainers

The weather held off Saturday, November 9, for the 6th annual Minden Makers Fair held at the Farm of Cultural Crossroads.  

“Minden Makers Fair is a collaborative community event. Our goal is to celebrate the arts in a variety of ways,” said President of the Board of Directors Elaine Eaton. “This year it served as a venue for talented artisans to sell their handmade items, community organizations to showcase their offerings, and professional artists to share their craft with attendees.” 

A couple dozen vendors filled the space with booths selling anything from artwork, home goods, clothing, jewelry, pottery and more. Food vendors were on scene, as well.  

The demonstrations seemed to be a big hit, with attendees enjoying glassblowing by Ivy Woods, a pottery wheel with Mandie Ebard and even a dance fitness workshop put on by Jennifer Aldridge from Turn Up Dance Fitness. Jelly the Clown stayed busy offering free face painting and balloon sculptures for the kids.  

LSUAg Center created a healthy meal on scene and provided samples. The Webster Parish Libraries stayed busy putting on a new hands-on activity every hour of the event.  

These free elements would not have been possible without sponsorship including Catherine Hunt, b1 Bank, Durrett Title, GBT, City of Minden Police Chief Jared McIver, Ace Hardware, Minden Family Dental, Say Baby, Minden Family Medicine, Mike’s Hometown Spirits and Under Dawgs Sports Grill.  

“We are so thankful for everyone who volunteered their time and effort to make this event a success in spite of the forecast,” said Eaton. “It’s our hope that everyone who walked through our gates found something they love, be it an item, a memory, or a piece of artwork they created.” 

---