Kenneth David Williams
June 23, 1959 — February 7, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, Trinity Worship Center, Springhill.
Funeral service 1 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, Trinity Worship Center.
Burial: Western Cemetery, Emerson, Ark., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Patricia “Patsy” Garrison
October 26, 1928 — February 6, 2026
Minden
Celebration of life: early March; details at later date.

Ken Wayne Tripp
October 2, 1944  –  January 22, 2026
Memorial serice: 11 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, Calvary Baptist Church, Springhill, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Sammy Drew O’Bier
September 29, 1939  –  February 5, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Springhill 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 Pat Culverhouse

A Springhill man who had escaped custody earlier this year is now behind bars facing a litany of charges, including drug distribution, following his arrest in Sarepta.

Springhill Chief of Police Will Lynd said 31-year-old Meiyako Kaquan Williams was arrested Saturday with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Charges filed against Williams include possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines) with intent to distribute, possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana) with intent to distribute and possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) with intent to distribute.

Also, possession of a firearm in presence of CDS, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession of CDS in presence of a minor, racketeering, simple escape and on outstanding warrants.

Williams reportedly is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where his total bond has been set at $400,000.

Springhill police reportedly served an arrest warrant for Williams on January 6 of this year at his address in the 200 block of Oak St. During their search for the suspect, officers reportedly observed scales used for weighing narcotics in plain sight on a kitchen table, and a firearm in plain view on a shelf in the master bedroom.

Officers reportedly immediately backed out of the residence and were granted a search warrant for the residence that would include narcotics, firearms and assorted items.

While executing the additional search warrant, officers reportedly found two pounds 12 ounces of methamphetamines, one bag of Ecstasy and one jar containing 29.2 grams of marijuana. 

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 Pat Culverhouse

A traffic stop for a minor offense resulted in a major headache for a Cullen man who is now being held in the parish prison on a firearms charge.

Demichael DeMontreal Smith, 36, was arrested for felon in possession a firearm after he was initially pulled over by Minden police Thursday for a window tint violation. He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. No bond has been set.

After making contact with the driver, MPD Officer Kendale Booker reportedly detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A criminal history check reportedly revealed Smith had multiple prior convictions within the past 10 years including drug possession and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the officer reportedly located a small amount of marijuana in the console. Smith reportedly informed the officer a handgun was located under the rear seat, and a .45 caliber handgun was recovered.

Smith reportedly admitted the handgun belonged to him and told the officer he had forgotten it was inside the vehicle.

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.

A stunning 92,000 items were raffled or auctioned this past weekend to bring an amazing total of $2,718,301 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Both of those totals are the most ever collected from the annual event. According to KASO/KBEF owner Mark Chreene, the previous high collected was $2,500,444 in 2024.

This year, bidders and raffle participants hailed from all 50 states and 78 countries. Officials said the auction had 500,000 web page views and made $1.14 million just on the internet. They also said Aeorpres purchased a grand prize ticket for every employee. Brandon Gaston was the lucky winner.

By Marilyn Miller

The 2026 St. Jude Auction Chili Cook-Off winners were glad to see a sunny day for their cooking efforts. Historically, bad weather has followed the competition, but never has it affected the final outcome.

“’Thank You” to all of our sponsors, cooks, volunteers, bands and tasters,”’ said Randy Stephenson, chairman of the event. “The weather was beautiful, the music was rocking, the chili was popping and most importantly, we raised $15,115 for the Minden St. Jude Auction.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. See you in 2027.”

The overall winning team was Atlas Copco, led by Heath Harrington. Rounding out the Top 5 were Whatachili with Bo, Christy and Hays Branch, No Bypass Chili with Stewart Burson and Richard Gray, Give-All Project with Brian Hutchinson and Lee Stallcup, and Tootsie’s Kitchen with Heath Harrington and Chris Bordelon.

Gold Standard Chili, cooked by the team of Zach Goodman and Derek Cuples, was selected the Peoples’ Choice. Second place went to Tyler Morgan and Ryan Day of Trinity Operating with Blowout After Hours chili. And third place went to Tootie’s Kitchen (Chris Bordelon and Heath Harrington).

Best in Show first place went to Gold Standard Chili, cooked by Zach Goodman and Derek Cupples. Smoke Showing’s Austin Jones and Hank Ashley claimed second in Peoples’ Choice, and AC Services of Minden took third with their team of Kevin & Lanette Humphrey and Davis Lawyer.

Nearly 40 teams vied for cash and trophies this year. The Peoples’ Choice sampling attracted 70 tasters.

Bossier’s Bearkats built a double-digit lead at the half, then coasted to a 71-52 win over the Minden Crimson Tide in District 1-4A league play Friday.

With the win, Bossier kept its district record unblemished at 3-0 (17-6 on the year) while the Tide dropped to 1-2 in 1-4A play and 10-8 for the season.

Ron Dillard let the Bearkat attack with 19 points followed by Montrell Lewis’ 14 and DT Thomas with 12.

Kameron Harris and GeraldRichardson each had 18 points to lead the Crimson Tide.

Minden returns to action Tuesday, traveling to Northwood for a pair of district games against the Falcons. Girls’ game will kickoff at 6 p.m. followed by the boys contest at 7:30.

Score by quarters:

Bossier    17    19     19    16–-71

Minden     10     9     16    17–-52

Notice is hereby given that the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission is requesting proposals fromualified professional photographers.

Deadline: 4 p.m February 13, 2026.

Please see below.

By Shannon Wright 

The Village of Heflin held its regular monthly council meeting on Thursday, February 5, with officials reporting quiet operations and discussing road maintenance efforts.

Steve Ramsey, Vice-President of the Webster Parish Police Jury, was in attendance and spoke to the council about the annual discretion funds allotted to the village. Heflin receives $16,000 each year, which is designated for road-related needs such as road work, culvert installation, ditch clean out, mowing and other maintenance projects. If the full amount is not used for major projects, the funds may also be applied to routine maintenance like mowing, upgrading equipment or repairs on equipment, ditch cleaning and improving drainage.

In a phone interview following the meeting, Ramsey explained the money comes from road district funds, which are generated by a millage tax approved by voters every 10 years.

“That millage was most recently renewed in November,” Ramsey said. “Each small municipality in the parish receives $8,000 from the road district funds, with an additional $8,000 coming from interest earned on proceeds from the sale of the parish landfill.”

Ramsey also encouraged the mayor, council members, and residents in attendance to sign a document supporting a grant application for repairs to Lake Road.

“The proposed project is a joint effort between Webster and Bienville parishes, with both police juries seeking grant funding so the entire stretch of road can be repaired,” he said. Ramsey noted that oil and gas traffic on the road has slowed, making this an ideal time for repairs. The effort has been underway for approximately three years, and the grant request must be submitted by the end of the month. A decision is expected by June.

During the meeting, the council voted to continue using Wise, Martin & Cole as the village’s certified public accounting firm. While the council acknowledged previous issues with delays, members said they have been assured the firm is making internal changes to prevent future problems.

Jessie Williamson, the village water operator, told the council there was little to report. “The water system is in good condition and everything is running fine,” he said.

Police Chief Paul Migues echoed those sentiments, noting that there have been no major policing issues within the village. “There’s not much going on other than a couple of dog disturbances and people hitting deer,” Migues reported.

Although there are no projects or events currently underway in the village, Mayor Ralph James and the council remind residents of the importance of community involvement and encourage residents to attend council meetings.

The meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Village Clerk Sherry Limosnero at 318-377-9799 or by email.

Brian Davis, Executive Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, will speak about the important work they do to support historic preservation across the state of Louisiana at the next Night at the Museum, 6 p.m. Monday, March 9.

In 2025, the Louisiana Trust was awarded the Trustees’ Award for Organizational Excellence from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Their work includes the Louisiana Register of Historic Cemeteries, the Great Flood Project, Most Endangered Places, and Rosenwald Schools. Each year, the Louisiana Trust hosts the Louisiana Preservation Conference as well as Spring & Fall Rambles that highlight the history and historic preservation of the different regions of the state.

To learn more about the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, visit their website at www.lthp.org.

Potluck snacks and desserts.

Doors open at 5:30 pm.; Seating is limited. 

 For more information contact Jessica Gorman at 318-377-3002. You can also find the museum on Facebook. To learn more about Webster Parish’s rich history visit the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden. Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed from 1-2 for lunch). Admission to the museum is free.

The museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Donations can be mailed to:

Dorcheat Historical Museum

P.O. Box 1094

Minden, LA 71058

United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: soup, cereal, rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned meat, green beans, corn, 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.

By Jerry Strahan

Temperatures:
February 2, Springhill low was 25 degrees F and Minden was 29F.

February 3rd Springhill had a low of 36F with 17 100ths of an inch of rain.  Minden had a low of 40 F and recorded 14/100ths of an inch of rain. See attached radar scope. 

February 4, Springhill low of 32F and Minden low of 35F.

February 5, Springhill low was 25F and Minden was 29F.

February 6, Springhill low of 34F and Minden low was 36.

February 7 and 8 were not recorded.

Extended forecast:
Starting February 9, lows will be in the upper 50s and highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.
There’s a chance of rain towards the middle of the week.

(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.)

Lakeside’s Lady Warriors dropped a 10-8 decision to Logansport Friday despite out-hitting the Lady Tigers 12 to three.

Teal Austin, Emily Jones, Maggie Mandino, and Raleah Harris each collected two hits for Lakeside.

Lakeside jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Jones hit a solo home run, and Mandino singled, scoring two runs. The Lady Warriors added one run in the third on an error.

Logansport captured the lead, 5-4, in the bottom of the third when Ainsley Morvan hit a solo home run to center field, and two more runs came across on an error.

In the top of the fifth, Lakeside broke up a tie when Mandino tripled, scoring one run, followed by a double by Bray Lewis to extend the lead to 7-5.

Logansport took the lead 8-7 in the bottom of the fifth on Morvan’s second homer of the game, scoring two runs, and another scored on an error.

Morvan earned the win for the Lady Tigers, giving up 11 hits and seven runs (six earned) over six and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking two. Morvan also went 3-for-3 at the plate and led the team with four runs batted in.

Ella Wood took the hard luck loss for Lakeside. The starter went six innings, giving up 10 runs (four earned) on three hits, striking out seven and walking two.

Next action for the Lady Warriors comes Saturday against the Minden Lady Tiders.
(“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.” Any reuse or republication of this story must include the preceding attribution.)

Two recent events, both involving Immigration and Enforcement (ICE), underscore that one individual’s legal right may not be used to trump or defeat the legal right of others, including law enforcement.

Firstly, former CNN “journalist” Don Lemon’s constitutional right to Freedom of the Press does not justify trespassing onto a private church’s property, or the exercise of that church’s constitutional right to Freedom of Religion and worship.  But that’s exactly what we have.

Lemon was arrested and has been indicted following his trespass onto, and disruption of, a private church worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The reason Lemon and numerous others have given as justification for this illegal conduct is their protesting of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal of illegal aliens from that city and state.

There are three constitutional rights at stake here.  One, Freedom of the Press. Two, Free Exercise of Religion and worship, and three, trespass onto and deprivation of private property rights.

The first clash involves Lemon’s right to free press and free speech as opposed to the Church’s right to free exercise of religion and worship that was being engaged in, on private property, at the time of Lemon’s intrusion into the church. Lemon unquestionably has the right to, either as a journalist or a private citizen, stand on some public area and forum and protest ICE policies as much as he wishes.  However, that right certainly does not include the right to intrude onto private property and disrupt constitutionally protected free exercise of religion.

Being a member of the press does not relieve him of the legal obligation not to trespass onto private property or disrupt a religious service.  It appears that Lemon and the others also refused to leave when they were asked to do so and, in fact, blocked the movements of churchgoers and the pastor while they were in the church.  

Lemon has now been indicted on charges of conspiracy against rights and violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act which protects the right to religious freedom at places of worship.  We will watch this closely.

My second recent example involves the shooting and deaths by ICE officials of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.  While we can be saddened at the loss of life, honesty requires us to address what led to those outcomes.  I think both Pretti and Good are responsible for the actions that ended their lives.  

While they, unquestionably, like Lemon, have the right to peaceably assemble and protest any issue or policy of concern, they do not and never will have the right to interfere with or disrupt a law enforcement operation.  Instead of remaining safely removed from the area of operations, both Good and Pretti physically confronted and threatened law enforcement agents. Good used her vehicle to attempt to run over an agent and Pretti, who had already been disarmed, appeared to be reaching through or into his clothing for what may have been another weapon. 

Both actions presented lethal threats, and we simply cannot expect law enforcement to guess whether, in a split second, an assailant posing a direct threat “really means it.”  Unfortunately, Good and Pretti made a fateful decision to “assume the risk” through their choices.  They have sadly paid the ultimate price for their risky decisions.

We saw this same issue presented in the 2020 “Summer of Love” riots which injured and killed Americans and did billions of dollars of damage.  While it is fundamental in our law that peaceful protest, chanting, loudspeakers, and filming at a safe distance are all protected speech, when the first brick is thrown or match is lit, the moment an individual interferes, obstructs, surrounds, blocks law enforcement or attempts to prevent an arrest, that individual is no longer a protestor but has become a criminal. 

Unfortunately, we are way past peaceful protests now.  What we are witnessing now across the country is a conspiracy to violate the law in the form of organized interference.  That is illegal and very dangerous. 

Sadly, many of our elected officials are encouraging, aiding, and abetting this activity with their reckless rhetoric.  They have blurred the distinction between legal, peaceful protests and criminal interference.   One American’s rights cannot be used to violate those of another.  Neither can free speech or protest be allowed to block or undermine a legitimate law enforcement function.  

(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 .)

Phonetic: /aph·o·rism/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”.
“the old aphorism “the child is father to the man””
Similar: saying, maxim, axiom, adage

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

Feb. 10

11:15 a.m. Line Dancing Class, Webster Parish Council on Aging, 1482 Sheppard St., Minden.

Feb. 14

10 a.m. Have a Heart Walk to raise funds for LaMa Animal Rescue. 7K, 5M. Begins at Springhill sign, ends at LaMa Rescue. Text Justin at 713-471-2960 to sign up and pledge support.

1 p.m. Doyline United Methodist Church annual Mardi Gras Parade. Lake Bistineau State Park.  Cajun feast following parade at the Rally Shelter. Bring your favorite Cajun dish. If it rolls, it’s a float.

7 p.m., Piney Woods Jamboree, CAC building, Springhill. Special guests will be The Spurlocks, Gina Mitchell, Sue Ellen Lindsey. 

Feb. 21

11 a.m. Black History Parade, downtown Minden.

1 p.m., Red And White Ball, Mt. Zion Fellowship Hall, 414 East Union St., Minden. Theme: God’s Unfailing Love,” Children’s and Youth departments.

Feb. 28

8:30 a.m. Buds & Blooms, First Methodist Church, Minden, sponsored by Piney Hills La Master Gardeners.

11:30 a.m. North Louisiana Historical Association will meet at Noel Memorial Library, LSU-Shreveport.

March 10

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

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

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

Jeremy Shane Baugh, 48, 100 block Wiggins Lane, Minden: arrested Feb. 5 by WPSO on warrants for domestic abuse battery aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. Bond set $100,000.

Justin W. McCarty, 42, 600 block Childs Rd., Minden: arrested Feb. 8 by WPSO for DWI first offense. No bond set.

Lanetta D. Coleman, 40, 1000 block Military Rd., Ringgold: arrested Feb. 6 by WPSO for no license plate light, on warrant. No bond set.

Michael Damontae Wilson, 43, 300 block Gilbert St., Minden: arrested Feb. 6 by Minden PD for remaining after forbidden. Bond set $750.

Kelvin Jason Gipson, 44, 400 block Wright St., Minden: arrested Feb. 6 by Minden PD on bench warrant. Bond set $550.

Peter Simon Louis, 40, no address (homeless): arrested Feb. 8 by Minden PD for disturbing the peace, criminal mischief. Bond set $1,000.

Hope LaShay Frazier, 34, 300 block E. Lorex, Minden: arrested Feb. 8 by Minden PD for aggravated assault. Bond set $500.

Andre Deval Graham, 56, 200 block Miller St., Minden: arrested Feb. 9 by Minden PD for false communication with intent to cause an emergency response. Bond set $750.

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.

Patricia “Patsy” Garrison
October 26, 1928 — February 6, 2026
Minden
Celebration of life: early March; details at later date.

Ken Wayne Tripp
October 2, 1944  –  January 22, 2026
Memorial serice: 11 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, Calvary Baptist Church, Springhill, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Helen Carraway Layssard
April 19, 1933  –  February 6, 2026
Springhill
Funeral service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Central Baptist Church, Springhill.
Burial: Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Sammy Drew O’Bier
September 29, 1939  –  February 5, 2026
Springhill
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Springhill 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.)

The 2026 Minden St. Jude Auction is in the books. Above, co-chairs Laura Hollingsworth (left) and Melissa Brown reveal this year’s total of $2,718,301, the most ever collected during the annual event. For more photos and information about the auction, see Tuesday’s Webster Parish Journal.

HAPPENING NOW – until 7 p.m. Saturday at the Minden St. Jude Auction – for every 10 grand prize calls received by Chief Jared McIver and deputy chiefs Tokia Harrison and Chris Cheatham, Minden Police Association will purchase one grand prize raffle ticket. McIver said if MPA should win the grand prize, the intention is to donate $50,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The chief and his department challenge all other law enforcement, non-profits or businesses to match. So call 318-377-1100 or visit mindenstjude.com to purchase a grand prize ticket before 7 p.m. Saturday.

Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance and some of his deputies came to the first day of the Minden St. Jude Auction Thursday in order to present volunteers with a big check.

“This is the fourth year we have done this – it’s called Operation Fuzzy Wuzzy,” said the sheriff. “Our deputies grow beards, but they have to pay money in order to do so. Then we collect that money and give it to St. Jude through the Minden auction.”

This year’s check was for $6,100, bringing the four-year balance to $21,400 gifted by BPSO.

From left: auction co-chair Laura Hollingsworth, Ballance, Capt. Micah Crawford, Investigator Mason Jones and Narcotics Officer Starcorius Dyes.

By Pat Culverhouse

A local woman has been arrested for a June, 2025 incident where a verbal altercation became violent and left her victim suffering a serious laceration.

Shelly Renee Dance, a 44-year-old Blue Run Rd. resident, is being held in the parish jail following her arrest Wednesday on a warrant for aggravated second degree battery. Her bond has been set at $125,000.

During an argument at a Loop Rd. residence, Dance allegedly attacked the victim with a box cutter, causing a laceration to the victim’s bicep.

Minden PD Lt. Shane Griffith reportedly arrested Dance on the arrest warrant shortly after noon Wednesday at a residence in the 100 block of Jason Lane in Minden.

Shelly Renee Dance, 44, 1300 block Blue Run Rd., Minden: arrested Feb. 4 by Lt. Shane Griffith for second degree battery. Bond set $125,000.

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