Story and photo by Shannon Wright  –

What would Doyline look like without its volunteer fire department?

Who would answer the call when a neighbor’s house catches fire? Who would respond to downed trees or roadside fires? Who would be there when there is an accident? Who would respond when someone is having a medical emergency? 

For the volunteers of Webster Parish Fire District 3, these are the types of calls they answer every day. But the future of that service depends on a millage renewal that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Fire District 3 officials want residents to understand that this proposition is not a new tax and does not represent an increase for residents. It is a continuation of existing funding that allows the volunteer fire department to maintain its equipment and operate.

Fire Chief David Cotty said the renewal is critical to the department’s ability to remain open.

“I want everyone to know this vote is a continuation. We aren’t taking more money from the community,” Cotty said. “If this renewal doesn’t go through, we would have to sell everything and shut the doors.”

Those words carry a powerful message for Doyline residents who depend on its volunteer firefighters to be there when help is needed most.

Chairman of the Board Gary Loftin said one of the best ways residents can show their appreciation for the men and women who volunteer their time is by supporting the renewal.

“If you really want to thank the people who volunteer their time to be there for this community, one of the best ways you can do that is to go out and vote yes to this proposition,” Loftin said.

Public Relations Director Taylor Simons added that the people who serve with Fire District 3 aren’t doing it for a paycheck.

“This isn’t a job or a paid position for our firefighters. It is a passion to serve others, and without the funding to keep it going, our community wouldn’t have them there when they are needed most,” Simons said.

And the calls they answer extend far beyond fighting fires.

Loftin said many people hear “fire department” or “firefighters” and immediately think of a burning building or home. In reality, medical emergencies make up a significant portion of the department’s calls.

In August 2026 alone, Fire District 3 responded to 65 calls. Of those, 47 were medical calls.

That means that nearly every day, someone in the Doyline area needed help and local volunteers were there.

“They get called out at all hours, leave their families and go help somebody who needs them,” Loftin said. “I’ve watched the firefighters give their time to this community and I have a lot of respect for them. I am proud of this department and thankful to every person who serves.”

For a small town, a volunteer fire department is crucial.

Fire District 3 officials are asking residents to vote yes on the millage renewal.

Early voting begins Oct. 20, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.

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Got a question … something you’ve always wanted to know? Can Minden’s city council or police chief candidates answer that question? KASO/KBEF owner Mark Chreene has expanded the deadline to submit your questions for an upcoming forum at Minden Community House.

You have until 5 p.m. today (Friday, October 9), to email your questions to mark@kbef.com with “Forum Question” in the subject line. Senders should specify whether their question is for the City Council or Chief of Police candidates. Questions received after the deadline will not be considered, and questions will not be taken online during the forum. The stations will review submissions for relevance and fairness. Time limits may prevent every submitted question from being asked.

KASO 1240 AM and KBEF 104.5 FM will host a public forum for candidates in the contested Minden City Council and Chief of Police races on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Minden Community House.

The forum will give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about issues relevant to the offices they seek and the community they would serve. The radio stations will organize and moderate the event. Participating candidates in each race will receive an equal opportunity to respond.

The forum is open to the public and will stream live at facebook.com/mindenradio. The stations will announce participating candidates after responses to their invitations are received.

The event will consist of the candidate forum only. There will be no meet-and-greet or campaign tables. KASO and KBEF are independently planning the forum and setting its format and questions. Candidates and campaign committees have no role in those decisions. The City of Minden and Minden Police Department are not sponsors and have no role in planning or conducting the event.

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Photos and Story By Jerry Strahan –

Springhill Police Department made inroads with the community this week by sponsoring National Night Out.  This was the time to meet the police officers and ask them questions. In addition, the Springhill Fire Department set up their equipment from SCBA , jaws of life and an array of emergency equipment. 

There were many many booths set up from Springhill Medical Center to a jump house, to face painting.

Free food and drinks were served , including popcorn, candy, small cakes hot dogs, cotton candy and a lot more. 

Several people who are running for office were talking with people and sharing their thoughts and ideas. 

The children were laughing, and having a great time getting their faces painted and jumping in the jump house. They were talking with friends and enjoying themselves.

The atmosphere was perfect for National Night Out.  It was truly a great night and the city park was filled of people. 

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Caddie is a 50-lb. Rottweiler, adult, spayed female. She is available for adoption through LaMa Animal Rescue & Support Services in Sarepta.

Caddie was found at the golf course in North Webster Parish. She had clearly just weaned a litter of puppies, but they were nowhere to be found and no owner came forward for her. She is a big sweetheart! Wants to put her head on you and be held. She greets everyone that enters the room with a gentle approach. She would likely fit into any home setting, as long as she has a comfy place to chill and people that love her! 

Caddie is heartworm positive but has completed treatment. She is spayed and up-to-date on all vaccines & flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Vet reference required on the application that shows consistent heartworm prevention for your current pets. This sweet lady is ready for a home of her own!

Adoption Fee: $200

Interested? Please fill out the application at the link below:

https://forms.gle/id1eJGf1VnA7ftoW8

Or the PDF version on our website:

https://lamaanimalrescue.org/adopt

To schedule a meet-and-greet, you must fill out an application first. 

We do not cat test at our shelter. All dogs are dog-friendly unless otherwise noted. Please only commit to adoption if you are willing to give the dog time to adjust to a home life – some dogs have been in our shelter for over a year.

To find a previously featured pet, simply go to the “Search” box at the top right corner of websterparishjournal.com, type in “Pet Project,” and click on “Search.”

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By Marilyn Miller

Mission Statement: “Gaming with purpose—building community, supporting causes, and giving players a place to belong.” The Game Warriors

Charles and Sonya Bell are co-founders of a “sorta” new non-profit organization in Minden. Ask Charles and it’s like, “Well, we’ve been doing it 15 years on and off.” Fifteen years?? And prior to finally finding a meeting space at the CCAM (Christian Church at Minden), “we had a ‘home’ thing.”

It all started out as a youth group raising money. The kids got tired of the car washes and candy sales, and they ask their pastor if they could have a charity video game tournament. And the pastor said, “Yeah.” So, the “idea” was there…it just had no home. Some tournaments took place in the American Legion Hall, some at the Forestry Building, and several at the CCAM Youth Room. Then a former pastor of CCAM, Paul Gray, offered a building in the back. It needed work, but the Bell family “had to put the brakes on” first, because of COVID and next because son, Conner Bell, developed a tumor in his shoulder and was sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN for treatment. The tumor was eradicated, but it returned and more treatment was necessary. At that time (about three years ago), associate pastor Joel Gray offered permanent space for the organization. Trips to St. Jude’s aside, the Bells and volunteers managed to make the initial space “somewhat useable.”

“We even managed to have a couple of tournaments,” Bell said.

Today, there are 11 tournaments with prize money, with a 12^th “Night of Champions” which features the previous winners. There are 15 to 20 gamers participating in the monthly tournaments or just showing up on a Saturday to play in the company of like-minded folks from the ages of 14 to 40. Bell would very much like to grow that number.

Game Warriors is a 501c3 charity today, and all monies (with the exception of prize money) go to a specific cause each month. For instance, on Saturday, Oct. 31 the Charity Video Game Tournament will support the Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry “Feed a Family” program. Other sustaining charities are the Minden St. Jude Auction (St. Jude’s), the Make-a-Wish Foundation, RAINN (rape, abuse, incest national network); and Extra Life (raises money for area hospitals).

“Sometimes we will step up and have a tournament like the Minden Police Department’s domestic violence event. And we’ve helped Holy Angels of Shreveport and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.”

“We pray about them. And, of course, we experienced it at St. Jude’s, and we see the impact of Joe LeBlanc. There are a couple of others we’re looking into. We’re also raising awareness of these organizations…like I knew about the obvious ones.” But some he had never heard of before.

Currently, Game Warriors owns 52 different video games. Everyone plays on the same level, but eventually a Junior League will be added. Almost any Saturday, the Game Warriors Haven is open for “Frag Night” (fellowship, refreshments and games). On Thursdays, it’s “Pray and Play Day,” where requests from the Prayer Box are prayed over. “We have a little devotional, hang out and play games. We have a monthly calendar on our website so people know what is happening.”

“We make sure parents are okay with it (since the age of play starts at 13 or 14). Registration for tournaments is $10. The tourneys are double-elimination, bracketed and “we have four systems running at one time.” Each charity video game tournament takes place the final Saturday of the month at the Gamer Haven.

All of the proceeds from a tournament go directly to the charity. The money to have the tourneys is provided by Ludas Magnus Tactical of Sibley. Of course, CCAM provides the shelter, and there are other donors and volunteers. “We have a really good sponsor who has helped us a lot,” Bell said of Ludas Magnus.

Game Warriors has a board of directors which meets monthly. Members are Charles Bell, president & co-founder; Sonya Bell, secretary-treasurer & co-founder; Callie Martin, board & vice president; Conner Bell, board; Sadie Maddox, board; and Jacob King, board. CCAM Pastor Greg (and Angel) Lee “have been very supportive and encouraging.”

“We’re building a community of gamers who have a safe place to come and play,” Bell said. “There’s a stigma with gamers (that we are lazy). We are not. We want to help people who are stuck in certain situations…we want to build a better community…there are too many people who need help.”

Contact Game Warriors at gamewarriorsunite@gmail.com or www.game-warriors.org.

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Monday, October 12:

ANDERSON, DMITRI
100258 Felony Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile

BAXTER, AMANDA SUE DODDS
96860 Insurance Fraud

BAXTER, AMANDA SUE DODDS
96804 Gross Littering

BAXTER, AMANDA SUE DODDS
99497 Gross Littering

BAXTER, AMANDA SUE DODDS
97707 Gross Littering

BAXTER, AMANDA SUE DODDS
97755 Gross Littering

BAXTER, AMANDA SUE DODDS
100480-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
100480-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule IV CDS

CARTER, MELADY ELAINE
100643 Unauthorized use of a Movable more than $1,000

COOPER, LAKENDRIUS TAREL
100576 Theft of $5000 or More but Less than $25,000

COOPER, LAKENDRIUS TAREL
T027626 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

COOPER, LAKENDRIUS TAREL
T035526 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

COOPER, MARKULYN
100537 Aggravated Obstruction Of A Highway Of Commerce

FOBBS, MARVIN RAY
100644 CT 1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
100644 CT 2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

GANTT, HEATHER
100620 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

GILL, D’MARCUS A.
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Third Offense
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle While Under Suspension For Certain Prior
INCOMING Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles
INCOMING General Speed Law

GILMORE, SHANNON
98772 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Restitution owed to Walmart- $1,177.89 + $176.68 fee = $1,354.57 total

GOESSMAN, GARY DEAN
100489A Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HARDIMAN, JOHNATHAN QUINTON
98820 Cruelty To Juveniles

HARRIS, BRODERICK
100655 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HARVEY, ANDREW JAMES
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

HARVEY, ANDREW JAMES
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
Writ from Bossier Max Trial 11/16 A Motion To Quash MPD

HARVEY, ANDREW JAMES
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

HAWKINS, STANDLEY
INCOMING Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – Second Offense
INCOMING Possession of CDS I Marijuana (More Than Fourteen Grams)
INCOMING Operating A Vehicle While Under Suspension For Certain Prior
INCOMING Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles
INCOMING Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
INCOMING Improper Lane Usage

HOLYFIELD, JR., BENNIE JABIEN
99322-CT.2 Simple Burglary

HOOD, GRACE LOUISE
98843 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

HOOD, GRACE LOUISE
99835 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

HOOKS, DOYLE K.
100651 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Two Grams or More But Less Than Twenty-Eight Grams)

JENKINS, DEBORAH ANN
INCOMING Aggravated Battery

JOHNSON, JESSE DRUMMOND
100645 CT 1 Simple Burglary Of An Inhabited Dwelling
100645 CT 2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

JOHNSON, LOGAN WADE
INCOMING Simple Battery

JOHNSON, PERCY HOLLADAY
100162 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

JOHNSON, TRENT GREGORY
100507 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

JOHNSON, JR., WALTER LEE
INCOMING Possession of Schedule II CDS

KEMP, DESHUNDRA T
98811-CT.1 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000
98811-CT.2 Forgery
Restitution owed to the victim on Count 1 – $4,353, plus $652.95 fee = $5,005.95 total
Balance as of 09/22/26 is $2,400

LANGLEY, JOHNATHON E.
100565-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
100565-CT.2 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100565-CT.3 Obstruction Of Justice

MILLER, JERRY
INCOMING Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

MILLER, MARTEZ MORRIS
100646 Aggravated Flight From An Officer Where Human Life Is Endangered

NOLES, JACARRION
100638 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

OGLEE, CORY JOE DAVIS
100605 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

PARKS, PEYTON JACK
100464 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

PEARSON, BRITTNEY MICHELLE
INCOMING Cruelty To Juveniles
INCOMING Aggravated Assault

POWELL, TYLER
INCOMING Felony Carnal Knowledge Of A Juvenile

PRUETT, GEORGE EDWARD
100085 Theft of $1,000 or More but Less than $5000

REESE, DER’EON D’JAICEON CHRISTOPHER
99633 Manslaughter

RODRIGUEZ, SANDRA LUNA
100652-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100652-CT.2 Flight From An Officer

SIMPSON, RODNEY
100252 Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

SMITH, ELIJAH
100650 Malfeasance in Office – Sexual Conduct

SMITH, THADDEUS
100416 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

STEPHENS, J’UAN DAMYIA
99256B Accessory Accessory Aggravated Criminal Damage To Property

STEPHENS, J’UAN DAMYIA
100452 Illegal Use Of Weapons Or Dangerous Instrumentalities

STOCKWELL, JEREMY M.
100576 Theft of $5000 or More but Less than $25,000

STUART, ZACHARY
100349-CT.1 Resisting An Officer With Force Or Violence
100349-CT.2 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS

TESSLING, ANTHONY
100505-CT.1 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution
100505-CT.2 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WALDROP, OLIVIA
99748A-CT.1 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)
99748A-CT.2 Introducing Contraband Into Or Upon The Grounds Of Any State Correctional Institution

WARE, BRANDON A
INCOMING Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

WATSON, HALLIE RENEE
100489 Possession of a Schedule II CDS (Less than Two Grams)

WOOLDRIDGE, TONY
100144 Third Degree Rape

WRIGHT, DONALD S.
63,758 First Degree Murder

YOUNG, JOSHUA SCOTT
100227 Aggravated Obstruction Of A Highway Of Commerce

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Remember those awful stickers that you endured this spring?  October and November is the time to prevent them.  If you wait till they come up in the early spring you are too late.  Once that the plant makes its sticker it is too far gone.  You can spray and kill the plant itself but not the sticker.  

There are several ways to treat your yard for prevention.  One is to spray Atrazine.  Atrazine controls both emerged weeds and weeds from seed in St. Augustine and Centipede.  Use 4 1/3 oz. per gallon of water to treat 500 sq. ft.  Atrazine controls many other kinds of weeds including spurge, poa annua, and clovers.  It is a very old chemical but still does a good job.

Another product is Hi Yield Turf and Ornamental weed and Grass Stopper.  The chemical is Dimension and it provides pre-emergent control of crabgrass and many other  weeds when applied prior to germination and emergence.  Turf  and Ornamental weed stopper can be applied up to 4 weeks later than other pre-emergent crabgrass preventers.  Use 4.6 lbs. to 9.2 lbs per square foot.  

Another product is good is the BCF Weed and Feed 1.15% Atrazine.  THis atrazine is even labeled for Bermuda grass.  Use 2 pounds per acre.  It is a 0-0-7 fertilizer product and I have a hard time seeing how you can only spread 2 lbs per acre.  I’m guessing that the fertilizer is the carrier of the chemical.  

Don’t forget that the week of the 19th is our parish Jr. Livestock Show.  These kids have worked on their projects all year for this week.  Let’s support them by showing up.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)

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There are a lot of things I do with my girls together. We go places together, eat together and navigate the everyday business of being a family together. With three daughters, there is usually more than one person who needs something, wants to tell me something or has an opinion about what we should do next.

I love our time together. But this week being fall break, I also got to spend time with each of them individually, and I was reminded how much I enjoy knowing them one at a time.

Emerson and I had all the homecoming things to do. We went to get her nails done, I did her makeup, and we took pictures with her friends. I got to focus on her and enjoy all the girly things that came with the occasion.

Homecoming gave us plenty to do, but the part I appreciated most was getting to be involved. At her age, so much of life is beginning to belong to her: her friends, her plans, her experiences. I loved having a place in the preparations, helping her get ready and sharing in something she was excited about.

It was one of those times when I could enjoy the girl she is now while noticing how quickly she is growing up.

My time with Ashton looked completely different. We went squishy shopping, painted and had a slumber party with her cousin, Rylee. If homecoming was Emerson’s world for the week, this was very much Ashton’s.

I got to make room for the things she wanted to do. Shopping for squishies may not be on my personal list of necessities, but spending time looking at them with Ashton was a good reminder that I don’t have to share every interest to enjoy sharing hers. Then we got to paint, and the slumber party gave us time with Rylee, too.

There is something sweet about letting one child help set the pace. In a family, we do a lot of compromising. Somebody chooses the movie, somebody else chooses the snack, and sometimes everybody settles for whatever fits the schedule. I liked having time when Ashton’s interests could lead us.

With Kam, I took her to dance, we baked homemade cookies and watched a Halloween movie. We also played Barbies.

Her time with me still includes an invitation to play, and I want to keep accepting it. I know from watching her sisters grow that these stages don’t last forever. There will come a day when playing Barbies with Mama isn’t what she wants to do, but right now it is. This week, I got to sit down and be part of that little world with her.

Dance, cookies and a Halloween movie made for a pretty good combination, too. Nothing about it needed to be elaborate. We had things to do together, and I had a chance to pay attention to what she enjoys.

Looking back over the week, I realized how different these moments were. Nails and makeup. Squishies and paint. Cookies and Barbies. Each girl had her own version of time with Mama, and I enjoyed every one of them.

I don’t always manage to make that space. Some weeks, we are doing well just to get everyone where they need to be. Individual time can be hard to fit between work, school and everything else that fills a household. I don’t want to turn a good week into another impossible standard for myself or any other mother.

But I do want to remember what made this week feel good. I had opportunities to focus on each daughter, follow her interests and enjoy her company. Some of that time came through things already on the calendar. Some came from sitting down to paint or play.

I spend so much time trying to keep up with what my girls need that it was good to spend time simply enjoying who they are.

This week, I got to do that three different ways.

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

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Get ready for the 42nd Annual Springhill Lumberjack Festival!

Friday, October 9

• Street Dance (7 p.m.)
  
  • Location: Springhill City Park
    
  • Highlights: Live music featuring Delta playing current and classic country tunes! Bring your lawn chairs and get ready to cut a rug.
    

Saturday, October 10

• Lumberjack Festival Parade (11  a.m.)

• Location: Down Springhill Main Street
  
• Location: Down Springhill Main Street
  
• Highlights: Log trucks, tractors, custom cars, and floats!
  
• Biscuits and Gravy Cookoff (9 a.m.) (Behind Chamber of Commerce Building

• Car Show
  
  • Location: Springhill Main Street
    
  • Registration: 9 a.m. – noon ($25 fee)
    
  • Show Hours: noon – 3 p.m. (Awards at 3 p.m.)
    
  • Details: Open to all years, makes, and models, with a People’s Choice Award. Free admission for spectators!
    
• Car Smash Fundraiser (11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  
  • Location: Springhill City Park
    
  • Details: Support the Springhill Fire District 11! Take 2 swings at a car for $5 to help fund equipment, training, and community programs.
    
• Best Beard Contest (2 p.m.)
  
  • Location: Main Stage, Springhill City Park
    
  • Details: Sign up on the day of the festival! Categories include Full Beard, Short Beard, Longest Beard, Best Groomed, Best Natural, Best Lumberjack, and People’s Choice. Prizes provided by Pine Plaza Barbershop.
    
• Baggo (Cornhole) Tournament
  
  • Location: Springhill Main Street
    
  • Check-In: 9:30 a.m. | Bags Fly: 11 a.m.
    
  • Details: 2-person teams, double elimination ($30 per team entry) with cash payouts for top 3 teams.
    
• Cruise Night & Piney Woods Jamboree
  
  • Location: Springhill Main Street
    
  • Details: Classic cars & trucks, food vendors, and live music. Come “drag Main” one more time!
    

All-Day Attractions & Highlights

• CKCarvings Chainsaw Demonstrations: Watch award-winning carver Chad Kilpatrick create wooden masterpieces at the Clock Tower Circle with four live shows throughout the day.
  
• Antique Tractor, Engine & Power Show: Antique tractors rolling in the parade and showcased on site.
  
• Bucking Bull Rides: Test your strength for $5 a ride at City Park.
  
• Food, Crafts & Live Entertainment: Food trucks, local craft vendors, and live entertainment all day long!
  

Contact & Details

Contact Phone: 318-578-8964

Email: lumberjackfestival@yahoo.com

TikTok: @springhilllumberj

Facebook: Krewe of Nemesis-Webster

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By Jessica Gorman

Be warned. When it comes to learning more about history or learning more about your family, AI is generally not your friend. It can and will lead you astray. Personally, I’m not a fan of AI, for many reasons, but that’s not the point here. Instead, I think it’s important to help others understand the limitations of AI and to have realistic expectations. 

I’m not sure what others may be seeing locally, but in general, word is AI-driven requests for information are increasing across historical institutions. I’m pretty sure I’m beginning to see this as well. Some have admitted ChatGPT sent them to me and others I highly suspect. I know for certain that our website is being crawled by AI bots pretty much every day.

AI aside, people becoming more aware of where to go for information is a good thing. I can only hope that leads to greater awareness of the real value of archives, museums, libraries, historical and genealogical organizations, the information they hold, and the personal relevance to so many. 

There’s also a downside and one many aren’t aware of. AI doesn’t have all the answers. Actually, AI itself doesn’t have any of the answers, and when it can’t find answers, it will make connections that don’t exist, suggestions that aren’t accurate, and sometimes, it’ll just make something up. 

So, what do you need to know? When you prompt AI, it’s important to know that it can only respond using information it has access to. If you ask a history question, especially local history, or a genealogy question, odds are that the available information is extremely limited. In addition, not all information online is accessible to AI. Much historical and genealogical information, in the form of primary sources, is not accessible to AI. In general, access is limited to published works that are freely available online. If someone else hasn’t researched the topic and if that work hasn’t been published online and freely available, there is nothing for the AI to pull from. Those of us working in the history field, researching and writing, are using those primary resources AI can’t get to. There is no shortcut.

What happens if you ask a question that has no relevant information published? It is entirely possible that the response will be a completely fictional AI hallucination. It will lie. I’ve heard some really great stories that someone “found” on the internet, but unfortunately, they aren’t true and then I get the very “fun” job of trying to politely explain why it’s not true. 

What else do you need to know? AI may suggest places to contact for more information. In and of itself, that’s good. We want people to know to come to the museum for help.  However, it is creating unrealistic expectations. One thing I’ve heard several times recently is, “Y’all are supposed to have…” Every time, it has been something that I know doesn’t exist and not just that it doesn’t exist at the museum. It doesn’t exist at all, but AI told them it does. Just this morning I saw a social media post in an archivist group expressing frustration with this trend asking, “Or how do I keep from laughing when the phone call starts with ChatGPT says your collection has fill in the blank.” That may seem harsh, but many organizations don’t have the extra capacity required to deal with the additional burden being created by AI.

If “the internet” tells you we have a particular resource available, it’s important to know that it’s not possible for “the internet” to know because that information is not currently available online. If it was, you would be able to find it by going straight to our website. Another thing that is important to know and understand is that there may not be a neatly compiled resource about whatever topic you’re interested in. That doesn’t mean we don’t have the information or access to the information. The work just hasn’t been done yet. The information may be in a book or history journal in our resource library. We may need to check a newspaper archive. We may need to look up some records. So, please bring your questions, but also realistic expectations of what is required to find the answer to the question. 

As these AI-driven requests increase, my workload increases. Not just in providing assistance but in identifying and employing strategies that influence the information returned in AI-generated responses. An important component is our website. Somewhere on the to-do list are several additions and updates that need to be made but haven’t managed to make it to the top of the list. Those additions and updates are now becoming more of a priority and will be adapted to hopefully influence AI to provide more accurate information about the resources we hold, the services we provide, and how to effectively research in Webster Parish. 

While it’s important to take that AI-generated answer with a grain of salt, I’m going to do what I can to help more accurate information reach anyone who may be looking, and please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can ever be of assistance.

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

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The following civil suits were filed with the Webster Parish Clerk of Court the week of October 2 through 8. Civil suits are public record.

October 2
Jacob Carter Hasty vs. Raelyn Danielle Hasty, divorce.
State of Louisiana vs. Town of Cullen, other.
Jimmie Ford vs. Dollar General, damages.

October 5
Stacey Rodriguez vs. Dhawan Manish, MD, MD Clinics LLC, Medical Review Panel.
Velocity Investments LLC vs. Tyra Kinsey, monies due.
Consumer Portfolio Services vs. Trent Crook, Tiara N. Bass, monies due.

October 6
Capital One vs. Lori D. Fouquette, monies due.
Capital One vs. Taron McClendon, monies due.
Tower Loan of Springhill vs. Javonte Thomas, monies due.
Capital One Bank vs. Lashuanna Ewing, judgment executory & garnishment.
Michael Shannon Wooten vs. Lacy Wooten, divorce w/children.
Bank of America vs. Gwendolyn Y. Faurot, monies due.
Freedom Mortgage Corporation vs. Brianna K. Hutchins, executory process.

October 7
Jasmine Walker aka Jasmine Sterling, succession over $125K.
Michael Weemes vs. Lillie McEachern, protective order.
Kaylie Shannon Jordan vs. William Tate, custody.

October 8
Ralph Eugene Yarborough, succession over $125K.
Jonathan Layne Guthrie, succession over $125K.
Rosslyn Ratcliff vs. Rickie Thomas Mosteiro, divorce/no children.

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Friday

Sunny, with a high near 90. Light northeast wind becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind around 5 mph.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Columbus Day

Sunny, with a high near 92.

*Information provided by National Weather Service

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

October 9-10

Springhill Lumberjack Festival (see special event schedule.)

October 10

8:30 until 10 a.m. 2nd Annual Angel Baby Fun Run

Halo Fest: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (free to the public) Halo Fest,Miller Quarters Park 198 Gleason Street Minden, hosted by Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness. Fun Run Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Minden/AngelBaby2KRunWalkAndFundraisingEvent

October 12

6 p.m. KASO 1240 AM AND KBEF 104.5 FM will host a public forum for candidates in the contested Minden City Council and Chief of Police races at Minden Community House.

6 p.m., Final Night at the Museum for 2026. Kevin Flowers of the Bossier Parish Library History Center, speaking about history of Shed Road. Admission to the evening event is free, although donations are kindly accepted. Doors to the museum on Pearl Street are open at 5:30, with pot luck snacks and desserts. Seating is limited.

October 13

5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Sibley Night Out and Grand Opening for the Town Hall Playground at Sibley Town Hall. Any business, church, organization or group who wish to reserve a spot to set up and hand out information, have giveaways, and/or provide activities for the kids may do so by calling Town Hall at 318-377-0345. Anyone wishing to volunteer may do so by calling Town Hall at 318-377-0345.

October 17

7 p.m. Outdoor Movie Night, corner of E. Union and Abney streets.

October 20-24

Webster Parish Fair, Minden. (See special event schedule.)

October 24

6 p.m. Fire in the Field, at 870 Highway 516 in Heflin. The evening will feature worship led by Enrique Magana, worship leader at First Methodist Church in Monroe.

November 7

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Mission Adoption Bazaar, Craft, Makers Fair, Bake and Casserole Sale, Silent Auction and Lunch 

First Baptist Church, Family and Community Life Center, Minden. 

All proceeds go to participating families adopting and/or fostering.

4 until 6 p.m., Fall Festival, 814 Constable St. (back parking lot), hosted by The Christian Church at Minden and Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry. Outdoor movie playing immediately afterward.

November 14

8 until 10 a.m., American Legion Hall in Minden, Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Minden Evening Lions Club, with support from Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net and American Legion. Veterans and their families are invited to come out, share a meal, and spend the morning together.

November 16-28

Community voting for Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry’s “We CAN make a difference: canned food competition. Winners announced Nov. 30.

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Word of the Day: Craven

Phonetic: /cra-ven/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
Lacking the least bit of courage.

Contemptibly fainthearted

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Kelvin J. Gipson, 45, 400 block Wright St., Minden: arrested Oct. 6 by Minden PD for multiple bench warrants. Bond set $3,300.

Tyler G. Petty, 30, 200 block Legion Dr., Springhill: arrested Oct. 6 by Springhill PD for operating a vehicle while impaired. Bond set $1,000.

Meyaunna Shontavia Bradford, 23, 400 block Blanchard Loop, Bossier City: arrested Oct. 6 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, simple possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), speeding. No bond set. 

Victor N. Thomas, 42, 400 block Beenie Rd., Minden: arrested Oct. 7 by WPSO for two counts trespassing, possession CDS Sch.II (methamphetamines), possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set $3,500.

Sean Otto Hall, 39, 700 block 9th St. NW, Springhill: arrested Oct. 7 by WPSO on warrant. No bond set.

Kiya Rena Williams, 26, 1300 block Speed Ave., Monroe: arrested Oct. 8 by WPSO for DUI first offense, possession of CDS Sch. II (MDMA), improper child restraints, no brake lights. Bond set $4,502.

Marty Shane Flow, 47, 300 block Hickory St., Springhill: arrested Oct. 5 by Springhill PD on warrant. Bond set $25,000.

Brady Wayne Modisette, 22, 400 block 3rd St. SE, Springhill: arrested Oct. 6 by Springhill PD for domestic abuse on dating partner. No bond set.

LaJayden Harris, 19, 1400 block Bravo Blvd., Minden: arrested Oct. 7 by Minden PD for simple burglary. 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.

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Quentin Wiley Jenkins Watson
October 26, 1971 — October 5, 2026
Doyline
Celebration of life memorial service at a later date.

Hershell A. Jones
September 4, 1938 — October 6, 2026
Cotton Valley
Visitation: 9 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, First Pentecostal Church, Cotton Valley.
Funeral service: 10 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Restland Cemetery, Nashville, Ark., under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Jonnie Allen Welch
February 2, 1948  –  October 2, 2026
Visitation: 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, Open Door Fellowship Church, Springhill.
Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation.
Private Burial: Springhill Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

Fran Moore
October 6, 1937 — September 23, 2026
Memorial gathering: 3 p.m. Saturday October 17, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden.

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

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By Pat Culverhouse

A pair of Springhill men who returned to the spot where they allegedly tossed illegal narcotics are now sitting in the parish prison looking at possession charges.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said a Sarepta police officer spotted a vehicle commit a traffic violation on Hwy. 2 Tuesday afternoon, and performed a stop at a school parking lot. According to the officer’s report, the vehicle stopped in a position that obstructed his vision into the passenger side.

A preliminary search of the vehicle revealed suspected marijuana crumbs and one small bud in the passenger door pocket. A warning was issued and the pair, 23-year-old Jayden Richard Mills and 24-year-old Brandon Richied White were released.

Due to a heavy odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, the Sarepta officer reportedly suspected larger amounts of illegal drugs had been present. He reportedly began looking for evidence of discarded narcotics in the area of the initial traffic stop and found bags of suspected marijuana apparently dumped in the parking lot.

After a brief wait, the vehicle driven by Mills reportedly returned to the parking lot driving slowly with its emergency flashers engaged. According to the officer, the pair appeared to be searching the area for discarded drugs.

The officer reportedly initiated a second stop and booked the suspects on charges of possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), possession of CDS in a drug-free zone and obstruction of justice. Mills is also charged with disobeying a stop sign.

White’s bond has been set at $10,000 while Mills’ bond has been set at $12,501.

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

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The Boil Advisory issued on 10/06/2026 for 100 Azalea Terrace Lane and 602-621 Germantown Road has been lifted.

Please visit www.mindenusa.com for further information.

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By Tiffany Flournoy 

Editor’s Note: This article is part of an ongoing independent  reporting series that started in late 2025 examining municipal operations, public accountability and transparency in the Town of Cullen. The reporting and original work in this series were independently produced.

CULLEN, La. — A town of fewer than 800 residents is facing a severe fiscal emergency, with more than $332,000 in confirmed financial obligations, an estimated $406,000 in total liabilities and less than $10,000 in unrestricted cash, according to state officials.

Now, Louisiana is asking a court to intervene.

Attorney General Liz Murrill, acting on behalf of the state, filed a joint motion Oct. 2, 2026, with the Town of Cullen seeking court approval to appoint an independent fiscal administrator to take control of the municipality’s financial affairs.

The filing follows a Sept. 2 determination by the state’s Fiscal Review Committee — composed of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, attorney general and state treasurer — that Cullen is in a state of severe fiscal emergency.

The state’s action is the latest development in a financial crisis that has been unfolding in Cullen for more than a year, with mounting debt, missing financial audits and financial problems increasingly affecting basic municipal operations.

Cullen’s financial picture

Testimony before the Fiscal Review Committee last month from Judith Detweiller, director of Local Government Services, and Michael Battle, advisory services senior manager with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office, outlined Cullen’s financial condition.

The town had $332,017.60 in confirmed outstanding payables and obligations, while total liabilities were estimated at approximately $406,000.

As of May 31, Cullen had only $9,296.42 in unrestricted cash available to meet those obligations.

Among the confirmed debts were $132,451.59 owed to the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid payroll taxes dating from the fourth quarter of 2016 through the first quarter of 2025, and $35,598.60 owed to the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System.

The town also owes more than $6,100 to Hawkins, a vendor that supplies chlorine for Cullen’s water treatment system.

The financial strain has reached the town’s water system.

During a September Town Council meeting, officials disclosed that the town did not have funds on hand to purchase new chlorine cylinders. Cullen has also remained under multiple, ongoing boil-water advisories.

Chlorine is a critical part of municipal water treatment. It disinfects drinking water and helps maintain protection as treated water moves through the distribution system.

Cullen also has failed to submit required annual financial audits for fiscal years 2023, 2024 and 2025, according to the state. Its most recent submitted audit was for fiscal year 2022.

That audit showed a $27,227 excess in the General Fund, while the town’s enterprise funds reported an operating loss of $471,773.

The town has consented to the state’s intervention.

On Aug. 17, the Town Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 504, authorizing town attorney Joshua S. Chevallier of Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea LLC to consent to state intervention.

The Oct. 2 joint motion asks the court to appoint Achilles D. Williams, CPA, as Cullen’s independent fiscal administrator under.

If appointed, Williams would assume the authority, powers and duties provided by law to oversee the town’s fiscal affairs and address its financial condition. The costs of the fiscal administration would be borne by the town.

The state argues that Cullen’s inability to meet its financial obligations threatens its ability to pay operating expenses and maintain basic governmental services, creating a risk of irreparable harm to the health, safety and welfare of its residents.

According to the motion, under state law the court is required to appoint a fiscal administrator within 20 days of the filing of the joint motion and consent judgment.

The appointment would place an outside administrator over the finances of a municipality whose fiscal problems have extended beyond its books — reaching its water system, regulatory compliance and ability to meet basic governmental obligations.

© 2026 Webster Parish Journal. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication, including text, photographs, graphics, or multimedia, may be reproduced, distributed, republished, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the publisher.

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By Shannon Wright 

The Village of Doyline Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday, October 5, at Town Hall, with the council approving the village’s new fiscal year budget and an increase in compensation for the mayor and aldermen.

The council approved and adopted Budget Ordinance No. 2026-01 for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The proposed budget was presented during a public meeting held September 16.

Village Clerk Myra Kilburn explained that the primary change from the previous year’s budget is the addition of contingency funds to each account.

“The only thing that is different [from the previous year’s budget] is that all of the accounts now have contingencies so that we are staying in compliance as the CPA recommended,” Kilburn said.

The council also approved Ordinance No. 2026-02, which increases the monthly compensation for the mayor and aldermen.

According to the ordinance, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the Village of Doyline have not received an increase in compensation for their services in more than 20 years.

“The increase is in line with other comparable municipalities in Webster Parish,” Alderman Steven Bridwell said.

Beginning January 1, 2027, the mayor’s monthly compensation will increase from $300 to $1,000, while aldermen will see their monthly compensation increase from $250 to $350.

In other business, Mayor Christie Carter Gates reminded the council that Doyline’s National Night Out is scheduled for November 6 this year. The event is typically held toward the end of October, but this year’s celebration will take place a couple of weeks later than usual.

Gates encouraged council members to spread the word about the event, which will coincide with Doyline High School’s Meet the Panthers and bonfire.

Maintenance operator Tammy Tyler reported that the street signs near the granite shop keep getting run over, but the signs have now been repaired.

The council discussed the possibility of leasing the old library building, as well as the remaining work needed to complete the maintenance barn. Both matters will be discussed further at the council’s next meeting.

Sewer operator Mike Dunaway reported that the lift station that had been out of service has been repaired. He also said repairs to the aerator plant should be completed soon.

“We are still fighting a battle with the aerator plant … but the parts are on order and should be delivered soon,” Dunaway said.

Police Chief Robby Hayden was absent from the meeting. It was reported, however, that the department has hired a new officer, Anthony Eli Hay, who will provide night and weekend patrol.

The Doyline Town Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Doyline Town Hall.

Residents are encouraged and welcome to attend meetings to stay informed about local projects and decisions affecting the village.

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With one Minden City Council person absent during their regular meeting Monday, members still passed all agenda items unanimously 4-0-0. (See below)

• Adopt Resolution – Amending the City of Minden 2025-2026 Budget
• Adopt Resolution – Amending the City of Minden 2026-2027 Budget
• Adopt Resolution – Adopting the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the Audit Period of 10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026
• Adopt Resolution – Authorizing Mayor Cox to Execute an Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) for Improvements at the Minden Airport
• Adopt Resolution – Authorizing Mayor Cox to Enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of the Treasury and the State of Louisiana for Funding from Act 3 of the 2026 Regular Legislative Session Line-Item Appropriation of $250,290
• Adopt Ordinance No. 1175 – An Ordinance Recognizing and Continuting the Existing Operational Authority of the Ward 1 Marshal of Minden
• Louisiana Annual Audit Engagement
• Annual Audit Engagement
• Authority to Advertise for Request for Qualifications for Engineering Consulting Services for Minden Airport Projects
• Revised City of Minden Employee Handbook
• Lobbyist Report by Caroline E. Mladenka, MPA
• Budget/Financial Report for August 2026
• Fire Report for September 2026
• Police Report for August 2026

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The Minden High School Homecoming Court will be formally introduced during pregame ceremonies at Tide Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23. Prior to the game, the annual Minden High School Homecoming Parade will take place in downtown Minden at 3:30 p.m.

This year’s court will be led by Queen Alayla Scott. Princesses are Kaelynn Williams and Gracie Young. Football Sweethearts are Aaliyah Garrett and Tniah Washington. The Maids for 2026 Homecoming are Seniors Amiracle Coleman and Tatum Miller, Spirit Maids Lizzie Balkom, Christyonna Kinsey, and Reese Miller; Juniors Harmoni Lard and Jaleah Richardson, Sophomores Haiden Holley and Turner Wilson, and Freshmen Kyndee Bridges and Jayla Jenkins. (Photo by Marilyn Miller)

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