By Pat Culverhouse

An 18-wheeler containing 22 thousand pounds of potentially deadly high explosives was discovered parked and unattended in close proximity to a local big box store for an unknown period.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said a Minden PD reserve officer on a safety patrol at the Walmart store noticed the truck, with signs denoting Class 1.1D high explosives, parked closer to the building than allowed by law.

Class1.1D refers to a “highly dangerous material with a mass explosion hazard (1.1) that can detonate almost instantly. The “D” signifies it is a secondary detonating substance or article containing one, such as TNT, detonating cord, or bombs. These materials posed a severe risk to life and property during transport or storage.” 

McIver said the officer had special training from a previous career and stopped to check. The officer reportedly found no one inside the vehicle, which is a violation of federal law.

Law mandates that a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials, specifically explosive materials, must be attended at all times by its driver or a qualified representative.

“Our reserve officer waited by the vehicle and eventually made contact with two individuals responsible for the vehicle,” McIver said. “After explaining their violations, the officer contacted the state police for a qualified DOT officer who arrived and assumed the investigation.”

Although the situation was resolved without incident, McIver said the dangerous possibilities cannot go unnoticed.

“If bad things had happened, such as a detonation or if someone had been watching the drivers leave that truck unattended and decided to take off with it, there could have been tragic consequences,” McIver said.

“I’m proud of the actions of our reserve officer in this situation,” he added. “These officers serve without pay. They perform a valuable service for us. They are our extra eyes and ears on the street, and our full-time police officers have a world of respect for them and what they do.”

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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Early voting begins Saturday, May 2 for the May 16 election.

According to Webster Parish Clerk of Court Holli Vining, the voting will run through Saturday, May 9 (excluding Sunday) and will take place in the Registrar of Voters Office, Webster Parish Courthouse and Springhill Civic Center. Times are 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Visit www.geauxvote.com  to see what is on the upcoming ballot.

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By Pat Culverhouse

A 24-year-old Ruston man has been charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile after allegedly meeting a 14-year-old Webster Parish runaway for the purpose of sex.

Bernardo Cervantes was reportedly arrested by Ruston police shortly after midnight Sunday where he was found with the juvenile. Cervantes is currently being held in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center under a $65,000 bond.

Major Bobby Igo III said contact between the juvenile and Cervantes using a cell phone app. Cervantes reportedly made arrangements to meet the juvenile.

An investigation was initiated a missing person report was filed, Igo said. Using information gathered from various sources, local investigators tracked the juvenile and Cervantes to the Ruston area.

“Our detectives did a very good job of tracking them to the Ruston area. Once we had determined their location, we contacted Ruston police. Thanks to their cooperation, the arrest was made,” Igo said.

According to Ruston police reports, the juvenile told officers she had engaged in consensual sexual relations with Cervantes in Webster Parish. Cervantes reportedly initially denied the allegations, but later admitted to consensual sexual relations in Claiborne Parish.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said he hopes parents or guardians would make themselves aware of what their children are doing, both on cell phones and on the Internet.

“It is so easy for kids to download all types of apps to their phones and computers, and dangerous situations can develop,” Parker said. “Every parent of guardian should make it their business to know what their children are watching. I don’t consider it an invasion of their privacy, I think of it as an act of love and concern.”

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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By Marilyn Miller

The 2026 Miss Louisiana Teen, Ava Martin, is no stranger to pageants. When she won her current title on Sunday, April 12 in Monroe, La., she already held the title for 14 pageants, including her “real” first, the 2018 Princess America Pageant (she won both State and National titles); the Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer 2024 and Miss MHS “Darling” 2025.

So, what’s the attraction to pageant life? Scholarships are a big draw. Take Miss Louisiana 2025, Gabrelle McLeod, for instance, who has already banked over $38,000 in scholarships. What about Ava? What inspires her to impress judges in private interviews, on-stage Q&As, health and fitness, evening wear, and finally, talent? She did win a $5,000 scholarship as the new titleholder for the Miss Louisiana Teen 2026. The Health and Fitness award won her another $250 scholarship.

“The organization I am in now, the Miss America Pageant system, is the largest provider of scholarships to women in the world,” Ava said, agreeing that it is a big draw. In fact, when she enters Mississippi State University in the Fall, she will have a “full-ride” because of a new scholarship given by MSU to girls who win State titles. Alabama offers the same scholarship.

“I got a certificate in the mail with the scholarship. It was lovely,” Ava said, smiling. But it’s more than the money that attracts her. It’s the “doors that open – the opportunities, the camaraderie with the other girls.

“I know there is a stigma about pageants…like the girls are catty…rude…sabotaging each other (but she disagrees), so when you go into a pageant you have to be grounded and not compare yourself to anybody else. When you get to a State or National pageant, everybody is qualified, can be a great titleholder…it just depends on who the judges pick. It’s all subjective. You just have to surround yourself with the incredible girls and have fun.”

“You may not win, but you never lose,” Ava said, adding that the exposure to skills like dressing for life (job interviews), learning who you are, preparation for life…communication skills, and exposure to people in all walks of life (who can offer internships) is incredible.

Ava is now preparing for the Miss America’s Teen Pageant. She hopes she can continue to have the “peace and calm” she experienced in the State pageant, which she entered as winner of the Miss Union Parish Teen 2026 Pageant in July 2025. So, she had time to work with her coaches and directors to prepare for the State, and now National title (no date set). Her coaching team, out of south Florida, are “a great help.” Ashley Owen “has been wonderful, as has Onna Gallagher, who helps me with interviews.”

“I feel like I’ve been preparing for this pageant for four years,” the title-holder said.

“My family members are my biggest fans,” Ava said. “They have made so many sacrifices for me. They are my rock. And they are my biggest cheering squad.”

The Language of Movement by Ava Martin is a dance-inspired kids coloring book that combines mindfulness, movement, and emotional wellness to help children express their feelings and build confidence. This thought-provoking coloring book for kids uses dance-themed illustrations and gentle prompts to support social-emotional learning (SEL), creativity, and self-love.

Perfect for children who love dance, movement, and creative play, this book offers calming, screen free activities that promote emotional expression, confidence building, and mental health for kids aged 4-12. It is ideal for homes, classrooms, dance studios, or therapy settings. The 51-page coloring book is available for $6.50 on Amazon. The book is Ava’s Community Service Initiative, which is required of every teen entered into competition. She plans to travel across Louisiana, visiting schools and community organizations in all 64 parishes. She will demonstrate how her book supports emotional expression through movement.

As a member of the Gifted & Talented Program at MHS (Expanding Horizons), Ava was able to fly to Paris, France this year with some classmates and other students, led by MHS teacher and coach Wes Barnett. The group has made prior trips to Rome and Washington, D.C. Paris was her favorite, which is probably why one of her goals is studying abroad.

But if another of her long-term goals comes to fruition, expect to see her as the White House press secretary one day. Knowing Ava, she’ll make that happen!!

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To the Editor:

I spent decades as a nurse in north Louisiana. I’ve seen what happens when people in rural communities lose access to basic services — whether it’s a hospital closing or a bank pulling out. Things that seem like faraway policy decisions have a way of hitting close to home.

That’s why I’ve been paying attention to what’s happening in Washington with digital finance regulation. I’ll be honest — I’m not a finance person. But when someone explains it simply, the problem is pretty clear.

Tech companies are now offering digital money accounts that pay returns to attract your savings — just like a bank would. But unlike your local bank, they don’t have to follow the same rules, carry the same protections, or answer to the same regulators. A law passed last year was supposed to prevent this, but it left a loophole big enough to drive a truck through. These companies can still pay out returns through affiliates and partner platforms, just under a different label.

The people who study this say it could pull over a trillion dollars out of community banks across the country. In places like north Louisiana, community banks are often the only game in town. They’re the ones making small business loans, helping families finance a home, working with farmers between harvests. When their deposits walk out the door, that lending stops.

In nursing, we had a practice: you treat the patient for the symptom they are presenting with. If a tech product is built to hold your savings and pay you a return, it’s acting like a bank. It should be treated like one.

Senator Kennedy is on the Senate committee that’s voting on this right now. I hope he closes the loophole and stands up for the community banks that have always stood up for us.

Sincerely,

Lu Jones

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For a few million dollars, Louisiana Tech is finally where it ought to be.

For the lack of several million, LIV Golf’s foray into Louisiana has predictably all but fizzled out, with good riddance.

A good idea gets done. A bad one gets sunk.

It made no sense for the Bulldogs to keep trotting around Conference USA next season, and everyone on both sides knew it. CUSA had the ‘Dogs by the short hairs, though, because of these tricky little documents called bylaws. They spelled out to some degree the requirements to depart the conference, and to a lesser extent, the pricetag of doing it.

What was that number? Maybe not the $8 million some outlets floated in the last couple of weeks, but it wasn’t a sale price, either. Cost more than a mass visit to your favorite escape room, and was much more complicated.

The powers that be in Ruston knew that. But they also were weary of teams dealing with the grind of CUSA travel – not only to big cities like Miami and Atlanta, which are not exactly down the road a few hours, but to outposts like Lynchburg, Dover, Kennessaw, Murfreesboro, and Westchester (Fla.).

It was unpleasant enough making those trips, but fans from those institutions didn’t make their way to Ruston when their teams did. Nor did fans follow the Bulldogs to CUSA destinations.

The Sun Belt will be a 180. Travel won’t be as taxing, and considering gas prices, that’s even more important now than it was when Tech and the SBC got engaged last summer. Visiting fans will get noticed at Tech home games instead of being dressed as empty seats.

Conference matchups with ULM and UL Lafayette are prime attractions, and short drives for teams and fans. Not too far away are Arkansas State and Southern Miss. Even Troy and South Alabama are possible day trips for the most enthusiastic.

No doubt the football, baseball, softball, and track standards are much better in the SBC. It’s still a one-bid league for basketball, but more relevant with programs than have made some NCAA Tournament runs – something that is a far-too-distant memory in Ruston.

It took some court filings and extended staredowns, but inevitably, a spoiled relationship is ending. Divorce has its pains but is not necessarily a bad outcome.

Down in New Orleans, finances are helping crater an idea without merit from the start.

LIV Golf stinks. Call it what it is – Saudi Arabia’s bazillion-dollar sports washing of a miserable human rights record that includes the execution of an American journalist and some apparent culpability in the 9-11 attacks. But they have oil.

Dozens of pro golfers swallowed the money and ignored the stench when they joined LIV. Some made lifetime fortunes. Nearly all soiled their reputations as golfers, and humans.

LIV backers sold some top brass in Louisiana on staging a tournament in New Orleans. In late June. That was testament to the stupidity.

Unfortunately, the effort suckered in state officials to the point that more investment ($7 million) was made in this venture than the longstanding PGA Tour stop in New Orleans, the Zurich Classic, which has been a tremendous benefit to the Crescent City for decades.

Good news: LIV will repay the $1.2 million the state has already handed over. Another $2 million has gone to renovating Bayou Oaks, which will have some residual economic benefits beyond giving golfers another top-flight option down dere.

Reports say the state and LIV are bouncing around potential to host a fall tournament at Bayou Oaks. Louisiana’s money would be much better spent investing in the Zurich Classic or a thousand other sports ventures – the Independence Bowl comes to mind.

Like Tech to the Sun Belt, THAT makes sense.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Court Friday, May 1:

ALEXANDER, JAMAL
INCOMING Violation Of Protective Order
Arraignment

ANSLEY, JANIE
INCOMING Disturbing The Peace
Bond Return

BELL, SHATORA CHAMPAYNE
99979 Simple Battery
Bond Return

BILES, DAVID PAUL
99119 Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment
Review

BILES, DAVID PAUL
INCOMING Violation Of Protective Order
INCOMING False Imprisonment
Review

BOOTH, JESSE ALLEN
100265-CT.1 Unauthorized use of a Movable less than $1,000
100265-CT.2 Theft Under $1,000
For Further Disposition

BROWN, JUDITH TAYLOR
99660 Simple Burglary
Status Hearing
Restitution owed to the victim is $1600 + $240 fee = $1840 Balance as of 4/28/26 is $1540

CASEY, CARDARIUS LAMON
100298 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100298 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage
Arraignment

CLARK, TIMOTHY DAVID
INCOMING Disturbing The Peace
Bond Return

COLLIER, KASEY JO
98895A Aggravated Burglary
Status Hearing
Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $4,250, plus $637.50 fee = $4,887.50 total

COLLIER, KASEY JO
98895A Aggravated Burglary
Motion Hearing
Restitution owed to the victim per the victim impact statement- $4,250, plus $637.50 fee = $4,887.50 total

DAVIS, LAKISHA
100142 Theft Under $1,000
For Further Disposition

DUCK, DENNIS JAMES
100316 Parish Burn Ban
Arraignment

GODWIN, CLINT
100302 Domestic Abuse Battery – 1st Offense

HARDY, JR, MARQUIS DANDRE
100294 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100294 CT. 2 Possession Of Alcoholic Beverages In Motor Vehicles
100294 CT. 3 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
100294 CT. 4 Improper Turn And/Or Failure To Give Required Signal
100294 CT. 5 Improper Lane Usage
Arraignment

HEARD, LASHANDRA DYNELL
100297 CT. 1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
100297 CT. 2 Improper Lane Usage
Arraignment Bond Return Date

HORN, ROBERT
100317 Parish Burn Ban
Arraignment Summons

JAMES, JOHN WILLARD
100307 Illegal Use/Possession/Control of Weapons – Crime of Violence or CDS
Arraignment Summons

JOHNSON, JR., ROBERT EUGENE
99306 Disturbing The Peace
Probation Violation Hearing

KEMP, ADEYMI
99293 Battery of a Dating Partner
Probation Violation Hearing

KEMP, ADEYMI
100139-CT.1 Criminal Trespassing
100139-CT.2 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000
Restitution owed to the victim per the report- $88, plus $13.20 fee = $101.20 total

LEONE, CLINT JESSE ALAN
T052126 Modification of Exhaust Systems
T052126A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
Arraignment

LEONE, CLINT JESSE ALAN
95611 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000
Probation Violation Hearing

LEWIS, JASON DEMOND
100230 Simple Assault
For Further Disposition

MILLER, DEDRICK
100231 Simple Criminal Damage To Property Under $1,000
For Further Disposition

NEAL, JESSICA ALISON
100109 Misdemeanor Access Device Fraud
For Further Disposition
Restitution owed to the victim- $219.45, plus $32.92 fee = $252.37 total

ROWE, COY CALLOWAY
93866-CT.1 Disturbing the Peace by Fighting
93866-CT.2 Simple Battery
Bond Return

ROWE, COY CALLOWAY
T039219 Speeding 16-24 MPH
T039219AL Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

SISK, CLIFTON ELISHA
99284-CT.1 Operating A Vehicle While Intoxicated – First Offense
99284-CT.2 Assault on an Emergency Room Personnel
Probation Violation Hearing

TAYLOR, JULIE M.
100320 Cruelty To Juveniles
Arraignment

THOMAS, PEYTON LEON
99334 Unauthorized Entry Of An Inhabited Dwelling
Bond Return

WARREN, SARAH ASHLEY
100319-CT.1 Possession of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids
100319-CT.2 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
Arraignment Summons

WILSON, JOSEPH H.
100318 Parish Burn Ban
Arraignment Summons

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LSU AgCenter will host a Mastering Home Food Preservation workshop at the Webster Parish Extension Office in Minden at 9 a.m. July 11 . This educational program serves as an introductory course focused on water-bath canning, a commonly used home food preservation method. The session is designed to emphasize the importance of following research-based food safety guidelines to help prevent food-borne illness and ensure successful preservation outcomes.

The workshop will feature both an in-person lecture and a hands-on demonstration, providing participants with a comprehensive learning experience. During the lecture portion, attendees will receive an overview of water-bath canning principles, including equipment needs, preparation steps, processing times, and safety considerations. The hands-on demonstration will reinforce these concepts through step-by-step instruction, allowing participants to observe proper techniques for creating a home-preserved product.

To encourage engagement, questions and individualized instruction, participation will be limited to 10 individuals. This small group setting allows for meaningful interaction and ample opportunity for participants to gain confidence in their skills. The registration cost for the class is $25, and participants may sign up by contacting the Webster Extension Office located at 1202 Homer Road at 318-371-1371.

This program aligns with the LSU AgCenter’s mission to deliver practical, science-based education that empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions about food safety, nutrition, and self-sufficiency. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations will be provided to ensure accessibility for all participants when requested in advance.

Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH, Associate Extension Agent and Webster Parish Chair

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The following persons are scheduled to appear in 26th Judicial District Traffic Court Friday, May 1:

BANKS, BILLY RAY
T048226 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 74/55

BATTON, DEDERICK C.
T-1443-07 Maximum Speed Limit
T-1443-07 No Child Restraint

BELL, OMAR ZAIRE
T048326 Failure to Yield Right of Way – Crash

BRYANT, JADEN NICHOLAS
T048426 Improper Lane Usage
T048426A Simple Littering

CALLOWAY, ANTON
T047726 Improper Turn And/Or Failure To Give Required Signal
T047726A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

CHAMBLEE, RAELEIGH
T048526 Operating A Vehicle In An Unsafe Condition

COUCH, MARSHUNDA LASHAY
T110524 Switched License Plates
T110524A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled
T110524B Operating A Vehicle Without Proof Of Insurance

ELKINS, UNBRA DETERION
T048626 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle – Crash

FRANKLIN, CAMEISHA MARSHA
T048726 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

HALL, LOYD BENJAMIN
T048826 Failure to Use Safety Belt
T048826A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

JOHNSON, JR, MARTIN ERIC
T048926 Speeding 11-15 MPH – 70/55

JOINER, LETINA
T049026 Operating A Vehicle Without Proof Of Insurance

JORDAN, ABRAM OSBON
T049126 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

KINGSBY, LATOYA D
T049226 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 71/55

LEWIS, JR, WALLACE MICHAEL
T049326 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 78/55

MARTIN, REX
T049426 Operating A Vehicle In An Unsafe Condition
T049426A Switched License Plates
T049426B No Insurance

MARTINEZ-ZAPATERO, EULALIO A
T048126 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

MCDAY, ADRIAN
T049526 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

MCKINSEY, ANTOINE LAMONE
T049626 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 71/55

MCKINSEY, LT
T012426 Failure to Use Safety Belt
T012426A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled

MINIX, LATRAVION DEUNTREK
T049726 Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/

MITCHELL, TONY O
T049826 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 72/55

MORRISON, HAYZE LOUIS
T049926 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

NEZA, PRINC
T047826 Speeding 25 & OVER – 88/55

NOBLE, LASHONDA
T050026 Speeding 11-15 MPH – 70/55

PARSONS, PAIGE LEE
T050126 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
T050126A Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended/Revoked/Cancelled – Single vehicle crash

PEROT, EVAN WESS
T050226 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 92/70

RODRIQUEZ, FELIPE REYNOSO
T050326 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 72/55

SMITH, KATLIN NICOLE
T050426 Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License

STANFORD, DANIEL A
T047926 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 74/55

THOMAS, JERRY A
T050526 Operating a Vehicle with an Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection

TYSON, TAMMIE JEAN
T050626 Failure to Use Safety Belt

UMPHRIES, JR, CHARLES WADE
T048026 Speeding 16-24 MPH – 74/55

WHITE, JR, KELVIN DEWAYNE
T050726 Improper Turn

WILLIS, FELECITY DIANE
T021626 Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle – Crash

YOUNSE, CRYSTAL LORAINE
T050826 Operating A Vehicle with an Expired License Plate

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Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 68. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday Night

Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 53. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Friday

Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 59. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Friday Night

Showers likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 46.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 75.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

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

May 2

Scottish Tartan Festival, Miller Quarters Park, Minden.

9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Lakeview Methodist Church, annual, “Come Grow With Us,” plant/art sale benefiting Lakeview Preschool at Turner’s Pond.

W.H.O. Golf Fiesta 2026, Springhill Golf Course. Register here: whoofnorthwebster.org/golf .

May 7

7:30 a.m., City-Wide National Day of Prayer, Jacqueline Park, 396 Main Street, Minden. Also time capsule burial ceremony as part of the City of Minden’s 190th anniversary celebration.

6:30 p.m. National Day of Prayer Gathering, Pine Grove Methodist Church.

May 9

2:30 p.m., “Meet and Greet” and special music. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway, Minden.

7 p.m. Piney Woods Jamboree in the CAC building, Springhill. Special guests will be Caleb Williams, Thomas Wooley and Tamera Mathers.

May 30

3:30 p.m. doors open; 4:30 p.m. games start, LaMa Animal Rescue Game Night, Springhill Civic Center, $20 for games, BINGO, purse raffle, dessert auction, concessions Split the Pot and door prizes.

June 20

8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Men’s Wellness Fair, presented by Healing from the Heart LLC. Minden Recreation Center.

June 21

8 a.m. until a p.m., service at 10:45 a.m., Men’s Wellness Fair weekend continues, New Light Baptist Church, Minden. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at eventbrite or at the door.

June 22 – 26

9 a.m. until noon, Earth Camp 2026 at The Farm of Cultural Crossroads, Minden, ages 6 through 9.

1 p.m. until 3 p.m., ages 10 through 16.

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Word of the Day: Onerous
Phonetic: /AH-nuh-rus/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition
Onerous means “involving, imposing, or constituting a burden.” It typically describes something that is difficult and unpleasant to do or deal with.

They were assigned the onerous task of post-show cleanup.

The government imposed onerous taxes on imports.

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Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

Play Sudoku online!

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Lewis Amiel Rankins, 41, 800 block Hillside Lane, Minden: arrested April 27 by WPSO on warrant for speeding. No bond set.

Chaison William Chism, 35, 100 block Timothy Dr., Minden: arrested April 27 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), possession of CDS Sch. I (synthetic marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia. No bond set.

Tywon Sneed, 36, 500 block Joel St., Minden: arrested April 27 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, failure to obey stop sign, modified exhaust.

Brent Duane Sikes, 32, 1300 block Dorcheat Rd., Minden: arrested April 28 by Minden PD for possession of CDS Sch. II (metphetamines), failure to register vehicle, driving under suspension, on multiple bench warrants. Bond set $1,200 cash. No bond set.

Robert Lynn Ellis Hall, 36, 1500 block Shreveport Rd., Minden: arrested April 28 by Minden PD for disturbing the peace/drunkenness. No bond set.

Robert Lee Adger, 52, 100 block N. Chatman Rd., Ruston: arrested April 29 by Minden PD for alcoholic beverages in motor vehicle. 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.

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William Oral Hoyle
March 7, 1934 – April 29, 2026
Heflin, La.
Graveside service: 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, Bistineau Cemetery, Heflin, under the direction of Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold.

Anita L. Harkness
February 6, 1937 — April 28, 2026
Minden, La.
Visitation: 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden.

Huey Calvin Ratliff
October 29, 1934  –  April 24, 2026
Sarepta, La.
Visitation: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, Central Baptist Church, Springhill, La.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.

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 Minden police officer with a nose for illegal narcotics has helped put a Bienville Parish constable in the  Webster Parish jail on a variety of drug charges.

Shana Lee Evans, 47, who reportedly was elected to serve as Justice of the Peace District 4, was stopped on the Sibley Rd. just before midnight Monday for traffic violations. During routine questioning, MPD Officer Kendale Booker became suspicious and turned to his partner for help.

During the course of his investigation, Booker reportedly deployed K9 Reef to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle. After Reef positively alerted, the officer conducted a probable cause search.

Inside the vehicle, the officer reportedly found less than one gram of suspected methamphetamines, approximately two grams of marijuana, two Cyclobenzaprine pills and a .22 caliber firearm.

While the vehicle was being search, Evans reportedly called 911 to “express dissatisfaction with the traffic stop.” Her call was described as being made despite no actual emergency.

Evans is being held on charges of possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), possession of CDS Sch II (methamphetamines), possession of Legend drug and illegal carrying of weapon.

She is also looking at counts of interfering with emergency communications, improper lane usage and improper display of license plate. Her bond has been set at $9,003.

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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By Pat Culverhouse

Minden’s $10 million recreation complex enhancement project will be an economic engine that will help the city become a major player in the multi-million dollar sports tourism industry.

Zach Harrison, the enhancement project coordinator for the city, told members of the Minden Lions Club that the project is building on the vision of those who completed the complex in the early 2000s.

“The people before us had a vision, to make it a forefront for everything athletic,” Harrison said. “Our mayor and council see this project as an engine that will add business, industry and tax dollars to our community.”

Minden’s new complex will also be what Harrison calls a branding tool for the city.

“We want Minden to stand out not only along the Interstate 20 corridor but across the state and the nation,” he said.

Minden’s recreation complex already enjoys an impressive status among other facilities, Harrison said. With 16 baseball and softball fields plus multipurpose fields, the complex ranks number four within a 400-mile radius for the amount of fields available for use.

Updating the fields with a unique turf that provides a cooler surface isn’t the only upgrade at the fields. A  remote-controlled LED lighting system is being installed and WiFi services will be available throughout the complex. Also, individuals who may not be able to attend games will be able to access the action on the complex YouTube channel.

Other features at the new complex include what Harrison called “…a gi-normous playground, maybe the best in Louisiana…” that reaches a height of 35 feet. Improvements also include new surfaces for basketball and tennis courts.

Harrison said as soon as the project was published, his cell phone “…has been blowing up with inquiries about what we have.”

For that reason, Harrison said, the city has contracted with AirstreamVentures, LLC, a Jacksonville, FL-based event management company.

“They will help us bring in outside events and that will include other things than baseball, softball, football or soccer,” he said. “We want to bring in anything and everything that will benefit our community.”

Harrison said sports tourism is recognized as a major economic influence in the state.

“I recently went to the Louisiana Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and sports tourism was a major topic,” he said. “It’s a multi-million dollar industry in the state. We want to be a major player in this industry and the new complex will position us to do so.”

Harrison said the project could be completed by the end of summer or early fall of this year.

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The City of Minden boil advisory issued April 23 for 908, 1001, 1014 and 1101 Shreveport Road has been lifted. 

Public Works Director Tyler Wallace said roots were the main cause of shutting off the water to fix a service coming out of the main line. Please visit the City of Minden website at mindenusa.com for further information.

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Step into the heart of Scotland—right here in Webster Parish.

Sheila Hoh, with the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands, says the weather is shaping up nicely for Saturday’s event at Miller Quarters Park in Minden.

“It doesn’t appear we will need to make any major changes,” Hoh said. “The only possible hiccup at the moment is possibly moving the Children’s Area, the Highland Cow Exhibit and the Dog Show from the grassy area to the parking lot or Pine Street if the ground becomes too boggy. We’re hopeful that will not be the case, however.”

Each spring, the Scottish Tartan Festival brings the rich traditions of the Highlands to life with a vibrant celebration of music, dance, food, and history. From the stirring sound of bagpipes to the whirl of colorful kilts, this festival honors the proud Scottish heritage that helped shape the community.

The following bands will put on a show:

Highland Stage outdoors

Dead Reckoning String Band (bluegass) from Monroe; Chambless; Muse and Vogts(traditional Scottish/Irish/Celtic) from Tuscaloosa, Ala.; The Rogues(Celtic Rock with bagpipes) from Houston, Texas; Red River Pipes & Drums from Shreveport.

Fairy Grove stage (inside the Civic Center)

Harpist Miriam Bennett; Thistle Dancers & Pipers from Natchitoches; Jackson Irish Dancers from Jackson, Miss.; The Gems Dance Co. from Shreveport. 

10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Highland Games

11:30 a.M. Haggis Eating Contest

NOON The Grand March of Clans

Also inside the Minden Civic Center

Demos of Birds of Prey; Flint Knapping; Spinning; Pottery making; Stringed instrument maker; Gaelic Language Workshop.

Outside-Storyteller

Jeff Hurley, Medieval Sword Demonstrations, and the Highland Cow Exhibit.

Food and Shopping

A wide variety of festival food plus some Scottish foods like Scotch Eggs, Shepherd’s Pie and Sticky Toffee Pudding. 

Shopping galore from Kilts, to Swords, to Highland Cow themed puzzles and figurines.

Children can enjoy hands-on activities and storytelling that make the magic of Scotland come alive for all ages.

“Whether you come for the whiskey tastings, the sheepdog herding displays, or simply to enjoy the camaraderie of a truly unique cultural event, the Scottish Tartan Festival offers something for everyone,” Hoh said. “It’s a weekend of pageantry, pride, and unforgettable fun—where everyone is invited to be Scottish for a day.”

Concerned about parking?

“We will also have a free shuttle picking up from the vacant lot near  Smokin’ J’s BBQ,” Hoh added. (See map below)

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By Pat Culverhouse

An Oklahoma woman has learned that it’s not smart to drive erratically on the interstate highway, especially if there’s a stash of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.

Kayleigh Alexandria Johnson, a 36-year-old Fort Sill resident, is looking at a variety of charges after she was pulled over by a Louisiana State Police trooper for traffic violations last week.

Johnson reportedly is charged with possession of Kratom, two counts possession of CDS Sch. II (Vynase), possession CDS Sch. II (amphetamine), possession of CDS Sch. IV (Alprazolam) and possession of CDS in presence of minor.

She reportedly was booked at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center where bond was not set.

During questioning following the traffic stop, Johnson reportedly acted in a suspicious manner and Trooper Jacob Winiarski received permission to conduct a vehicle search.

While searching the vehicle, the trooper reportedly found a variety of pills in containers and a plastic baggie inside a purse on the passenger floorboard. Some pill bottles reportedly had important information obliterated.

Prior to the search, the trooper removed a small child and two dogs from 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.

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Come “Meet and Greet” the good folks of St. John’s Episcopal Church and enjoy music provided by WeiShu Tsai, Meg Tsai, additional music faculty from LA Tech University and Grambling State University, and students from the Tsai studios.

The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 in St. John’s Parish Hall, 1107 Broadway, Minden.

All proceeds will go towards the North Central Masterworks Association which is a non-profit artistic organization that presents masterwork concerts for the general public and incorporates musician volunteers from the community as well as professional musicians from our region and beyond.

Come enjoy some wonderful music and support the arts in our area!

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The Village of Dixie Inn is seeking an Assistant Clerk. See job duties below. Send resume to clerk@villageofdixieinn.com or mayor@villageofdixieinn.com .

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In a cute and interesting way of admitting how he dukes it out daily with his ego, our funny friend said, “You know, I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.” 

Laugh every time that crosses my feeble mind. So true of me.  What an impressive bundle of ego and selfishness. I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.

Such is the human condition. We are born selfish, waited on hand and foot. Now and then, a minor miracle takes place and some of us get better. At least a little better. Maybe for a time, maybe for a lifetime.

With graduation looming, a good rule for this spring’s class, for any class, for any of us still enrolled in this School of Life, would be the opposite of anything close to a grandiose attitude.

A great graduation gift would be Golden . . . “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That kind of a deal.

Sounds trite, right?  But so do reminders like, “Say please!” and “Wash your hands before dinner” and “Remember to say your prayers.”  (When all else fails, call on the classics, right?

Say you’re sorry and mean it. Clean up your own backyard. Keep short accounts with others. “. . . in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

If I were giving the commencement address today — we would both be shocked. All we know for sure is it would be short. Extremely. Any commencement speaker could do worse than offer these four pieces of encouragement. Be kind. Get cleaned up. Spend time with your Creator.  Treat others as you wish to be treated.

So pick up the rhythm guitar for a change. Let someone else have the mic. God can work a spotlight. He knows when to put it on you. In the meantime, enjoy his applause for you and his delight in you when you ask, “How can I help make the road less long for someone today?”

Christ really does want to make us a little more like Himself each day and to educate us in the School of Him. Why?  Because of what he did to save us from ourselves, to show us the joy in him available when we move away from me-centered hearts and closer to the One who lives for “the least of these.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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