By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden’s new administrative court will soon be in session.

During Monday’s Minden City Council meeting, it was decided unanimously to appoint the city’s special attorney Neil Erwin as administrative judge and the city’s administrative assistant Ashlee Drake as docket clerk in addition to their current duties with the city.

During February’s council meeting, the court was approved. Mayor Nick Cox said he hopes the court will begin hearing cases in May.

The court is for situations where homeowners or renters stack trash – tin or metal, old cars or other unsightly matter – in their front yards. It is also geared for overgrown yards and high grass.

A Beautification Committee of “peers” – an advisory role of citizens –  would hear the complaints and recommend to the Building Official whether the case should go to administrative court.

“If you have a neighbor that keeps their property at a very poor standard that doesn’t meet our ordinances, then as a citizen you would bring it to your councilperson, who would submit it to the Building Official,” Cox explained. “Then it could be brought before the Beautification Committee and potentially be brought to administrative court.”

Cox requested each councilperson make a recommendation of a someone in their district to serve on the committee.

“If you’re having a hard time, come to the court and tell the judge what your situation is,” Cox said. “Sometimes if we get church groups or citizens that need service hours, maybe we can partner up people with help. It’s not all about fines and penalties. It’s what can we do as a city and citizens to make things more appealing.”

By Pat Culverhouse

Police officers turned a response to a disturbance at a local residence in the early morning hours Monday into the arrest of a Minden man on a firearms charge.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said 39-year-old Keundrick Lee Dudley has been booked for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after officers found him in possession of a handgun.

Officers reportedly heard a loud argument in progress when they arrived at a Mason St. residence just before 1 a.m. When officers asked a woman and man inside to step outside, the man reportedly refused to do so.

Despite repeated commands, Dudley reportedly attempted to walk away from the officers. He reportedly was detained and during a safety putdown, a .32 caliber handgun was found in his pants pocket.

A criminal history check reportedly revealed Dudley was a convicted felon.

Dudley reportedly was taken into custody and placed in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. He is being held in lieu of $25,000 bond.

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

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A cooperative endeavor agreement between City of Minden and Town of Sibley means children living in south Webster Parish will have more playground equipment.

According to the resolution approved by Minden City Council, equipment from the recreation complex is being replaced, therefore, the current equipment is surplus and being donated to Sibley whose council approved it at its last meeting.

Sibley’s liability includes the following:
• The immediate relief for Minden of all costs associated with the storage, maintenance, and disposal of the surplussed playground equipment;
• The full assumption by Sibley of the cost of removal, moving, and relocation of the surplussed playground equipment to places deemed appropriate by Sibley;
• The full assumption by Sibley of all risk of liability and loss for any injury or damage arising from the installation or use of the playground equipment and to hold harmless Minden in connection with this transaction, with Sibley further acknowledging and agreeing that the transfer of the playground equipment to it is made without any warranty or guarantee as to fitness in any form or fashion.

In other business, the council voted unanimously to approve the following items:
• Adopt Resolution – amending the City of Minden 2025-2026 budget
• Adopt Resolution – regarding a lease purchase agreement for the purpose of financing a custom pumper fire truck and equipment
• Adopt Resolution – regarding a lease purchase agreement for the purpose of financing a command unit for the Minden Fire Department
• Adopt Resolution – regarding a lease purchase agreement for the purpose of financing a bucket truck for Public Works
• Adopt Resolution – confirming the mayor’s appointment of the administrative judge and docket clerk for the minden administrative court pursuant to La. R.S. 13:2575 and Ordinance No. 1165 of the City of
Minden
• Adopt Ordinance No. 1167 – an ordinance to amend and reenact the Code of Ordinances, City of Minden, State of Louisiana, as Chapter 38 – Environment: Section 38-2. – Amplified Noises, Nuisance NoisesAward Bid
• Award Bid No. 03-2026 – aerial bucket truck
• Minden Fire Department Promotion – Andrew Myles
• Minden Fire Department Promotion – Tommy Hughes, Jr.
• Minden Fire Department New Hire – David Hatcher
• Minden Fire Department New Hire – Alec Plunkett
• Budget/Financial Report for January 2026
• Fire Report for February 2026
Police Report for January 2026
Minden City Council meetings are held at 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month (unless it is a holiday) in Council Chambers, Minden City Hall. Meetings are preceded by a Council Workshop at 5 p.m. in the Pelican Conference Room, 520 Broadway, Minden. The public is invited to attend.

Springhill Fire Department District 11 responded to six brush/grass fires this past weekend, including one located at 560 spring branch road.  This particular fire was reported one-quarter acre woods fire with structures in danger. 

According to District 11, other districts also responded to multiple calls. “This is a serious situation and law enforcement WILL be notified for any open burning,” Fire officials said. “Tickets are being issued to anyone violating the burn ban. No burn barrels, tree debris, fire pits, brush pile burning are allowed.

Minden held off a furious comeback by the LaGrange Gators to give the Tide a 73-67 win Friday in the opening round of the LHSAA Class 4A Division II (Non-Select) state playoffs.

Minden build a big 14-point lead after one quarter and led by 16 at the half before LaGrange outscored the Tide by 13 in the third to cut into the deficit.

Cameron Parker’s 25 points led Crimson Tide scorers while Markavius Johnson added 14. Hudson Brown had eight points, Gerald Richardson tossed in seven and Javen Calloway and Kameron Harris had six apiece.

Jaden Freeman and Jakilon topped the Gators with 16 each.

Minden will visit the Brusly Panthers, the division’s number three ranked team, in the next round of the state playoffs. Tipoff at West Baton Rouge Parish school is scheduled for 6:30 Tuesday.

A look back from the previous week starting on February 23:

Springhill low was 25 degrees F and Minden was 27 F 

February 24: Springhill low was 26 F Minden was 29 F

February 25: Springhill low was 30 F and Minden was 37 F

February 26: Springhill low was 53 F and Minden low was 58 F

February 27: Springhill low was 43 F Minden low was 45 F

February 28: Springhill low was 41 F Minden low was 44 F

March 1: Springhill low was 46 F and Minden low was 4 4F

During the previous week neither city received any precipitation, which led to critical fire weather conditions with several grass and woods fires across Webster parish. 

Looking ahead, toward the middle of the week, we might see some significant rainfall totals to hopefully end the drought and woodland fires.

Severe weather is very possible this coming week. 

Lows in the 50s and highs near 80.

(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.)

By Tiffany Flournoy

Louisiana authorities are on pace to receive more than 100,000 tips this year involving online child exploitation — more than triple last year’s total — a state investigator warned Thursday.

Chris Masters, a supervisory special agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, said predators are increasingly targeting children through social media, gaming platforms, and smartphones, often while sitting in their living rooms.

“This problem is expanding every year — not just in Louisiana, but nationally and internationally,” Masters told the Minden Lions Club.

“I don’t think we are a unique state with a high number of offenders,” he said. “I think we’re a state that’s taking action. If you’re going to exploit somebody, we’re going to put you in jail — and everybody’s holding them accountable now.”

The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office is among more than 60 sheriff’s offices statewide participating in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Effective Thursday, the Minden Police Department joined as one of about 14 municipal departments.

Masters, a 21-year law enforcement veteran, supervises 10 investigators. In 2025, the task force made over 500 arrests, rescued more than 80 children from ongoing sexual abuse, and identified nearly 100 previously unknown victims.

“I will tell you, we are in the best position we have ever been in the state of Louisiana,” he said. “Attorney General Murrill supports us. Our law enforcement is on the same page with this issue, and we are getting stronger, and we are getting better.”

Masters said combating child exploitation has drawn bipartisan support.

“This is a bipartisan issue,” he said. “It’s not a Democrat issue. It’s not a Republican issue. It’s everybody’s issue, because they don’t ask your political affiliation before they exploit your kid.”

Lawmakers are working on legislation modeled after a South Carolina law that would make all child sexual abuse material illegal in Louisiana — including AI-generated content.

Many investigations start with tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Masters described a recent referral that led to a suspect’s arrest within five hours for sexually abusing a 1-year-old.

Investigators are seeing victims grow younger as predators pose as peers online. Sextortion — coercing minors to send explicit images and demanding payment — is rising, sometimes involving overseas perpetrators.

The consequences can be immediate and tragic. Masters cited a case in which a juvenile died by suicide within 45 minutes of being targeted.

“These kids are fearful,” he said. “They don’t want to tell law enforcement. They don’t want to tell their parents.”

Masters urged parents and grandparents to monitor online activity and keep open dialogue, emphasizing that children reporting exploitation will not face charges.

“We want to arrest the bad guy,” he said.

The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is a specialized unit housed within the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

Chris Masters, a supervisory special agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, speaks to the Minden Lions Club Thursday.  Masters, was the special guests of Minden Police Jared McIver.  

A woods fire at 369 Bobby Davis Road, Shongaloo, Saturday was reported to be on a high line the fire department couldn’t access. They relied on the forest service plow. 

This was allegedly a burn ban violation, and the assistant chief asked for a deputy for the violation.  Unknown acreage was burned. Photos courtesy of Jerry Strahan. 

Spots are still available for Southern A’Chord Chorus’s free women’s vocal workshop on Saturday, March 7, and the community is invited to attend a 2:30 p.m. closing presentation showcasing what participants have learned.

The workshop, “Find Your Voice: Empowering Women Through Song,” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 N. Bonner. It is open to women ages 16 and older.

Participants will spend the day focusing on healthy vocal technique, ensemble skills and musical expression in an encouraging setting. Nationally recognized vocal clinician Robin Curtis will lead the workshop.

The afternoon program will feature all workshop participants singing together, followed by two selections from Southern A’Chord’s repertoire. Family, friends and community members are welcome to attend the brief performance.

Pre-registration has been extended through Thursday, March 5. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. To pre-register, visit bit.ly/women-sing.

The workshop is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Office of Cultural Development, and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and community sponsors.

Scores from parish baseball and softball teams over the weekend.

Minden High baseball

Airline 1, Minden 0 (Thursday)
Minden 12, Pine Tree (Texas) 7 (Saturday)

Minden High softball

Airline 7, Lady Tiders 9 (Thursday)
Lady Tiders 20, Saline 3 (Friday)
Lady Tiders 10, Simsboro 7 (Saturday)
Lady Tigers 9, Lady Tiders 6 (Saturday)

Lakeside baseball

Cedar Creek 11, Lakeside 1 (Thursday)
Lakeside 13, Northwood 3 (Thursday)
Byrd 11, Lakeside 0 (Friday)

Lakeside softball

Lady Warriors 13, Northwood 3 (Thursday)
Lady Warriors 7, Ouachita Christian 1 (Friday)
Sterlington 9, Lady Warriors 6 (Saturday
Lady Warriors 10, Choudrant 0 (Saturday)

Glenbrook baseball

Loyola 10, Glenbrook 4 (Thursday)
Glenbrook 7, St. Mary’s 6 (Friday)
Glenbrook 18, Red River 2 (Friday)
Glenbrook 10, North Caddo 0 (Saturday)

Glenbrook softball

Lady Apaches 4, Parkway 2 (Friday)
Lady Apaches 11, Evangel 4 (Saturday)
Lady Apaches 17, Red River 1 (Saturday)

Doyline High baseball

Doyline 10, Huntington 9 (Friday)
Doyline 13, Huntington 12 (Friday)

North Webster baseball

North Webster 22, Pleasant Hill 2 (Friday)

United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: cereal, rice, biscuit mix, cornbread mix

Clothing: men’s shoes and boots

Household Goods: twin & queen sheets, towels

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.

I wanted to address the topic of tariffs once more given that the U.S. Supreme Court has now ruled in the tariff case that was before it.

Long and short, while President Trump may not proceed under the economic emergency statute that was at issue in the case, there are several other tariff options still open to him.  The issue before the Supreme Court was whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authorizes the President to impose tariffs.  The case ended up before the Court because different entities had sued to challenge the broad and unilateral tariff schedule that Trump had imposed under IEEPA’s grant of power to “regulate … importation.”

The 6-3 majority ruled on essentially two bases. One, that the power to tax—which the Court viewed tariffs as being—belongs exclusively to Congress under our Constitution; and two, under the Court’s “major questions” doctrine, because IEEPA, a 50 year old statute, had never been used in the way President Trump was using it, he had gone too far;  In other words, if Congress had intended to grant the broad, never-before-used tariff power Trump was claiming under IEEPA, it needed to have clearly said so in the statute itself.

I must say that I felt the dissents in the case, although not prevailing, had the better arguments.  

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote the main dissent in the case, and he made a couple of legal arguments that I think cannot really be rebutted.  I will address those in a moment.  Justice Clarence Thomas also dissented, and his legal argument was that the tariffs were legal and constitutional.  In his own dissent, Justice Thomas, as he often does, cut right to the issue.  He stated that the Court’s position “cannot not be justified as a matter of statutory interpretation. Throughout American history, the authority to ‘regulate importation’ has been understood to include the authority to impose duties on imports.” 

Justice Thomas observed that the tariff statute was enacted shortly after President Nixon’s “highly publicized duties on imports were upheld based on identical language,” so the statute also authorizes President Trump to impose these duties on imports.

Justice Kavanaugh, in a lengthy dissent that was joined by Justices Alito and Thomas, arrived at the same conclusion.  Kavanaugh framed the issue this way: “The sole legal question here is whether, under IEEPA, tariffs are a means to ‘regulate … importation.’  Statutory text, history, and precedent demonstrate that the answer is clearly yes.  Like quotas and embargoes, tariffs are a traditional and common tool to regulate importation.” 

Kavanaugh then made the argument that because a President is authorized to completely block some or all imports, it only makes sense that he could also take the less extreme step of imposing tariffs on those same imports.  If a president can entirely block imports from China, it must follow that those same imports could have a tariff put on them. 

What I also found interesting was that in his dissent, Kavanaugh essentially laid out a roadmap for the Trump administration to follow to go forward with tariffs. “Although I firmly disagree with the Court’s holding today, the decision might not substantially constrain a President’s ability to order tariffs going forward.  That is because numerous other federal statutes authorize the President to impose tariffs and might justify most (if not all) of the tariffs at issue in this case …” 

Such alternate tariff authority includes the Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 201, and 301), the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232), the Tariff Act of 1930 (Section 338), and the Trading with the Enemy Act. 

I see the manner in which President Trump has used tariffs—as a tool of foreign policy and an instrument of diplomacy—including to stop several wars, such as India and Pakistan, as much closer to foreign affairs and national security which are clearly the province of the President under our Constitution. 

Presidential adviser Stephen Miller best sums up the tariff situation: “President Trump got elected to bring back our supply chains, reshore our manufacturing base, and bring back our jobs from overseas.  His historic program of tariffs has done exactly that.”

As always, it is absolutely not the role of the Supreme Court, or any federal court, to legislate policy.  So, it’s not the Court’s role to decide if tariffs are a “good idea,” only whether President Trump’s policy choice is legal.  In my view, it is.

(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 .)

On Saturday, the US and Israel launched Operation Fury, a coordinated strike on several Iranian sites. This strike was justified to us citizens as a “defensive” strike, since Iran is only days away from having a nuclear weapon, even though this exact statement has been said by congress for over twenty years.

In fact, the US claimed the same thing about Iraq in 2003 and used the public fear of nuclear weapons (coined to the media then as WMDs) to gain public support of an invasion there. I was a part of the generation that grew up during this war, and when the Senate report on it was finally released that showed that Iraq never had any WMDs, it was hard not to feel like we were all conned into supporting something that wasn’t justified.

I will admit that growing up in that generation has affected my ability to justify war. I understand that war is an economy that pays a lot of bills for a lot of people, but I also understand that there are a lot of young men and women serving our country who pay a far greater price for the decision of war, and I don’t trust many of the people in power to truly understand the sacrifices that they are asking their people to make. Not to mention the greater threat of danger to civilians in our country and elsewhere during wartime.

To sum up that last paragraph, I am not anti-war, but I believe we need to have an extremely good reason to justify endangering the lives of our people. Do I think we have that in this case? No.

North Korea has nuclear weapons and absolutely hates our country, yet we don’t bat an eye at them. This is because we know that just having nuclear weapons alone is not a threat to us. Why? Because the technology to make nuclear weapons isn’t nearly as hard as the logistics of launching one thousands of miles across the ocean. The only countries who have ICBMs (the long range missiles that are capable of reaching us, in theory) are Russia, China, and interestingly enough, North Korea as of 2017. And we have not taken any action against them, despite them specifically developing their technology with us in mind as their target.

This is because, strategically, America is in a wonderful location, surrounded on both sides by large oceans and armed to the teeth with the fanciest defence radars and missiles that money can buy. Our tech is so advanced that the chance of anything another country throws at us harming us is incredibly slim.

So why Iran? Why was it worth it to risk and end so many lives to stop their nuclear program?

We claimed that we were acting in defense of Israel, since they would actually be within striking range of a theoretical Iranian nuclear weapon, but this would be assuming that Iran had already built a functioning, tested warhead, then produced enough of them to use as backups if one were to fail, then used tech that they have not been shown to possess to make themselves invisible to the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system, and then after ALL of that was done, they would make the heavy decision to use nuclear warheads for the first time since 1945.

That’s a lot of assuming to justify the killing of over 200 people in Iran during these missile strikes, over 100 of which were girls between the ages of 7 and 12, when three of the missiles hit their elementary school.

Since the attacks, Iran has retaliated with more missiles and bloodshed and we are already beginning to feel the economic effects of war. The Strait of Hormuz is next to Iran and is responsible for transporting 20-30% of the entire world’s oil and gas. As of Saturday, Iran has closed it entirely, which is likely to cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket, causing Americans to pay more than we already are for things.

In addition to all of this, it is still illegal for the president to start a war without Congressional approval, as I’ve mentioned before in my Venezuela article. Declaring a war is too much power for one person to have, and it is why the Founding Fathers intentionally separated power between our three branches of government.

Yet, Congress did nothing to reprimand Trump about the Venezuela incident and I have little faith they will do anything about this one. However, when 80% of Americans are against a war, maybe our President should honor our wishes and not start one.

Again, as I said about Maduro, Iran’s government is awful and they deserve to be toppled, but is that really our problem to fix, when doing nothing has no negative impacts on our country, but getting involved could put the lives of our servicemembers stationed overseas at risk? With our economy in shambles, shouldn’t we be spending more effort on helping our own citizens instead of protecting a foreign country that continuously causes problems and has only ever really been a drain on our resources?

In short, I pray that this conflict is over quickly and does not escalate into an Iraq War 2.0. I pray for the servicemembers who are probably terrified right now. I pray for the civilians in the areas that are caught in the crossfire. I also pray for not only the US government, but also the Iranian government officials to make good choices that minimize casualties. All life is sacred, and the decision to begin a conflict that will result in the loss of any lives is something that should be taken extremely seriously, and I pray that we understand that.

Taryn Ogletree is a local small business owner and author with previous experience of several years in finance.

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

March 9

6 .m. Night at the Museum, 116 Pearl St., Minden. Brian Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation will be guest speaker. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; seating is limited.

March 10

Deadline to sponsor 2026 Springhill, North Webster Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Email chamber@springhillla.com . Tickets go on sale April 1.

March 12

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

March 20

7 p.m., Malpass Brothers Show, CAC building, Springhill. Tickets are $ 25.00 for general admission and $ 30.00 for reserved seats. You can purchase tickets at Express Tax Title & License at 101 N Main Street or call (318) 539-2750.

March 24

7 p.m. 84th Annual Greater Minden Chamber Awards Gala. Minden Civic Center, Minden, La. Tickets: greatermindenchamber.com/awardsgala.

April 1-April 9

2026 Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Springhill, North Webster. Tickets: chamber@springhillla.com .

April 9

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

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

April 18

9 a.m. until noon, Arms Around Autism, Autism Acceptance Walk, Miller Quarters Park, Minden. Vendors, bounce house, resources, sensory-friendly kid zone.

Word of the Day: Replete

Phonetic: /re·plete/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Filled or well-supplied with something.
“sensational popular fiction, replete with adultery and sudden death”
 
Similar: filled, full, well stocked
 
very full of or sated by food
“I went out into the sun-drenched streets again, replete and relaxed”
 
Similar: well fed, sated

Victor Batton, 33, no address (homeless): arrested Feb. 26 by Minden PD for remaining after being forbidden. Bond set $750.

Kami Dodge, 35, 2800 block Lyons St., Arcadia: arrested Feb. 28 by WPSO on warrant for possession of CDS Sch. II. Bond set $7,000.

Christopher J. Eddings, 47, 1700 block Walnut Rd., Cullen: arrested March 2 by WPSO on fugitive warrant from Claiborne Parish SO. No bond set.

Demetrius Miller, 20, 100 block Abney Miller, Minden: arrested Feb. 26 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana). Bond set $1,500.

Cantice S. Carter, no address (homeless): arrested Feb. 27 by Probation and Parole for probation violation. No bond set.

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

Dan M. Ray
November 10, 1951 — March 2, 2026
Minden
Visitation: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 2 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden.

Julie Anne Akes Hamblin
July 4, 1964 — February 21, 2026
Mooringsport, La.
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, Tower Baptist Church, Mooringsport.

Roland Donovan Pollard
July 27, 1964 — February 25, 2026
Shreveport
Graveside service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Forest Park West 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.)

Minden Police Chief Jared McIver (center) signs the department’s participation in the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Thursday. Seated with him are Chris Masters, supervisory special agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and Deputy Chief Tokia Whiting-Harrison. Standing, from left, are Deputy Chief Chris Cheatham, Lt. Shane Griffith and Captain Keith King. The task force, a statewide network of law enforcement agencies partnered with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, investigates child pornography and online enticement and provides forensic, training and victim support services.

Photo: Tiffany Flournoy

Charneidra Curry is wanted for an offense that occurred on February 9 of this year. Following are the charges and bond amounts associated with Charneidra Curry:

• One count of hit and run (FELONY) with a surety bond of $25,000.
• One count of aggravated 2^nd degree battery (FELONY) with a surety bond of $85,000.

Anyone with information on Charneidra Curry is asked to please contact Det. Matthew Hicks or Detective Brandon Curry at the Minden PD (318-371-4226.

All information will be strictly confidential. 

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

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry today highlighted the impact of the 2024 Tax Reform Special Session, noting that folks across the state are now saving more money as they file their 2025 tax returns.

“When people file taxes this year, they are getting a bigger refund,” Landry said. “The typical middle-class working family will save nearly $500, and the average working individual will save around $261—cutting their state income tax liability by nearly a third. Turns out the biggest jackpot in Louisiana this year was in your paycheck!”

Background:

The legislation delivered the largest income tax cut in state history. By nearly tripling the standard deduction to $12,500, families now pay no income tax on their first $25,000 of income. 

Louisiana moved to a flat 3 percent personal income tax rate, the second lowest in the nation and the lowest in the South, providing immediate relief.

The reform doubled the retirement income exemption to $12,000, allowing a married couple over 65 to earn nearly $49,000 tax-free. We also eliminated the corporate franchise tax and reduced the corporate income tax rate to a flat 5.5 percent, strengthening Louisiana’s business climate.

The changes are permanent and include automatic increases to the standard deduction to protect families from inflation.

LaMa Animal Rescue will soon be hosting a new fundraiser and need your help. Purses 4 Paws will be an online auction for the organization, but first, purses are required.

Drop off your new or gently loved designer handbags at Lucky Pup in Springhill or contact LaMa for pickup.

Contact Michelle at 318-272-6093 or Sheri at 318-423-0639 for information. Auction plans will be released after purses are obtained.

Family Day Care Homes provide reimbursement for meals and snacks served to small groups of children receiving nonresidential daycare in private homes (providers) that are licensed registered, or approved to provide family child care.

The meals must meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) minimum meal pattern requirements, as well as standards for safety, sanitation, and food quality.

The provider must care for no more than six children including the provider’s own children and any other children living at the provider’s residence who are under age 13, or age 13 through 17 if special needs. The provider must be 18 years of age or older, not living at the same residence as the child(ren) of whom care is being provided or use the case head of household’s residence or P.O. Box as the mailing address, obtain a statement of good health form a physician, agree to use only safe children’s products and to remove from the premises and products which are declared unsafe and recalled, meet registration requirements outlined in Act 868 of the Louisiana 2014 Legislature, and meet all registration requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education.

The provider must be the sole caregiver for the child(ren) during the hours the provider is registered to provide care. A provider may not hire anyone to care for the child(ren). The provider must ensure that a working telephone that can receive incoming calls and can send outgoing calls is accessible at all times in the home in which care is being provided.

How does a provider receive reimbursement?

Home child care providers receive reimbursement for up to three meals services (two main meals and a snack or one main meal and two snacks) per child, per day.

Claims for reimbursement are submitted by sponsors on a monthly basis and the reimbursements are direct deposited in each family day care home providers by the sponsor. Reimbursement rates are set by the federal government and issued by the Louisiana Department of Education.

There are USDA guidelines a provider needs to follow in order to qualify for these monies. Requirements and guidelines will be explained in detail upon initial contact of Sponsors.

Training Opportunities

The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides training to sponsors. The sponsoring institution has the responsibility to train all personnel involved in CACFP.

Contact Ms. Sonja Hamilton, Program Director for more information: 318-377-7022 ext. 235