Amy Prince March 11, 1986 — October 1, 2026 Minden Funeral service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel, Minden. Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden.
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.)
Three of four Webster Parish High School teams will play Thursday this week, therefore the Pick’em contest will close a day early. Minden High School is the only team playing Friday. So get your picks in EARLY.
You can click below for this week’s games, pick the winning teams and get in the running to win $100. The game closes out at 6 p.m. Friday, and a new game starts Monday.
Our four parish high school teams will be featured in the contest, as well as some college and pro teams and two tie breakers.
Each week, the contest closes at 6 p.m. before Friday’s high school games, unless there is a Thursday game, then it closes at 6 p.m. that day.
Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal. If you win, your photo will be taken with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. Remember, you must 18 or older to play.
Thank you to all our sponsors this year. In addition to Title Sponsor Under Dawgs, Broken Bean will be our anchor sponsor. Others include Holcomb’s Body Shop, A.J. Price Tire, Brown Chrysler, Shelter Insurance, KASO/KBEF, Express Tax and Title and Mike’s Hometown Spirits with Hugh Woods Specialty Meats and Catering. Please patronize these local businesses.
So, fire up your phones, tablets or computers to pick ‘em, click the button below and get started.
Minden City Council will meet at 6 p.m. today in Council Chambers, Minden City Hall, 520 Broadway. The meeting will be preceded by a workshop at 5 p.m. in the Pelican Conference Room.
The public is invited to attend these meetings in person or on Facebook. Agendas are below.
Springhill September 28 low was 65F high was 91F September 29 low was 65F high was 95F September 30 low was 73F high was 94F October 1 low was 75F high was 90F October 2 low was 75F high was 84F October 3 low was 71F high was 84F October 4 low was 69F high was 85F
Minden September 28 low was 64F high was 93F September 29 low was 63F high was 95F September 30 low was 70F high was 93F October 1 low was 75F high was 89F October 2 low was 74F high was 83F October 3 low was 73F high was 85F October 4 low was 69F high was 84F
Rainfall totals
Springhill October 2: .18 100s of an inch October 3: a trace of rain October 4: A trace of rain
Minden October 2: . 4 100s of an inch October 3: A trace of rain October 4: .29 100s of an inch
Rainfall totals are for the previous 24 hours ending at 7a.m. CST each day.
October 4 at 8:25 a.m. cst A flash flood warning was issued for southern Webster Parish.
See the radar shots. The purple is heavy rain and the yellow is very heavy rain.
Radar estimated in Heflin To be around 2.41 inches of rain and 1. 22 inches falling in 30 minutes. From this storm, Minden recorded. 99 100s of an inch
Extended forecast A chance of rain each day Lows in the upper 50s to near 60F highs in the upper 80s
(Jerry Strahan was a first responder in fire and emergency services for almost 45 years. He lives in north Webster Parish and has written weather articles for other publications.)
For several years, Tara and Jonathan Wallace have prayed about opening their property in Heflin to a night of worship. After years of praying and waiting, they believe the time has finally come.
On Saturday, October 24, the Wallace family will host the first-ever Fire in the Field, beginning at 6 p.m. at 870 Highway 516 in Heflin.
The evening will feature worship led by Enrique Magana, worship leader at First Methodist Church in Monroe.
While the event is being hosted by the Wallaces, they emphasize that everyone is welcome.
“Fire in the Field is not about one church, one group or one person. It’s about Jesus and creating a place where everyone feels welcome,” said Tara Wallace.
“Our prayer is that each person who comes will feel His presence in their heart and soul and leave with a renewed desire to praise Him, not only that night, but in the days that follow,” Wallace said.
Bring your lawn chairs, your families, friends and neighbors and come together for an evening of worship under the stars.W
Donna Arender of Webster Parish has been named the grand prize winner of the Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway to Natchitoches, organizers announced Monday.
The $600 getaway package includes $300 in food cards, $200 in travel cash, and a $100 gas card to fund a weekend trip to Louisiana’s oldest city.
The popular promotion drew more than 4,400 entries from residents across Louisiana. Participating entries represented 27 parishes statewide: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Claiborne, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Union, Vernon, Webster, and Winn.
Organizers expressed appreciation to the thousands of readers who participated and congratulated Donna Arender of Webster Parish on winning the weekend retreat.
Fall is upon us, and that means it’s time for one of Sibley’s favorite annual community events, Sibley’s Night Out.
This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, October 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, and all residents are encouraged to come out and enjoy an evening with family, friends and neighbors.
Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs if they would like, but they should definitely come hungry. The Town of Sibley will be providing free hotdogs and all the fixings.
“We have a lot of great things happening in Sibley, and the Night Out event is one of them. I love our little town and want to see it prosper,” said Mayor Robert Smart. “Seeing people come together for events like this makes all the hard work worth it.”
There will be plenty of entertainment and activities for the entire family. The Lakeside High School cheerleaders and Redline Dance Line will be performing, and there will also be a live DJ and a photobooth.
Children will have plenty to keep them busy with bounce houses, face painting, a coloring contest and other activities and giveaways.
The Sibley Volunteer Fire Department will also be on hand and will be distributing smoke detectors to residents.
Representatives from the Webster Parish Library, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sibley Police Department and Sibley’s elected officials will be there to visit with residents and enjoy the evening together.
Life Air will also be onsite, which is always a big hit with the kids.
Events like this are a reminder of what makes small towns special. It’s the people! Everyone showing up, visiting with one another and making memories together.
So, mark your calendars and bring the whole family. Sibley Night Out promises to be a fun evening for the whole community.
MINDEN, LA. — Minden Primary Care is expanding its ability to connect patients with healthcare providers through telehealth after receiving a grant designed to improve access to healthcare services.
The grant will provide Minden Primary Care with resources to enhance its telehealth capabilities, giving patients another convenient option for connecting with a healthcare provider without always having to travel to a medical facility.
“Receiving this grant is an exciting opportunity for the staff of Minden Primary Care and the communities we serve,” said Keith Cox, CEO of Minden Medical Center. “Our goal is to make healthcare as accessible as possible for our patients. Telehealth allows us to bring care closer to home while providing our patients with additional options for connecting with their healthcare team.”
Telehealth can be especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas, have transportation challenges, or need access to healthcare services that may not always be available locally. The technology can also help connect local patients with healthcare professionals and specialists outside the immediate area.
For patients, telehealth can provide greater convenience, fewer trips, and improved access to medical expertise. The addition of expanded telehealth services is another step in Minden Primary Care’s commitment to meeting the changing healthcare needs of the community.
Cox also recognized the efforts of Minden Physician Practices Director , Shannon Brown for taking the initiative to apply for the grant.
“I want to say a special thank you to Shannon Brown for applying for this grant,” Cox said. “Her efforts will help us provide our patients with another option for connecting with a healthcare provider and receiving the care they need.”
Minden Primary Care staff are grateful for the support provided through the telehealth grant and look forward to putting the resources to work for patients and families throughout Webster Parish and surrounding communities.
“Healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live,” Cox said. “This grant helps us continue moving toward that goal and finding new ways to serve our community.”
Additional information about telehealth services and how patients can access them will be provided as the program is implemented.
Minden Primary Care
Minden Primary Care opened in 2000 and has served Minden and surrounding communities for more than 25 years. The clinic offers extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and welcomes walk-in patients.
Minden Primary Care is located at 1111 Homer Road in Minden.
For more information or to schedule a telehealth appointment, call 318-377-7500.
The final Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night at the Museum” offering for 2026 will center around one of the most unique roads constructed in Louisiana.
On Monday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m., Kevin Flowers of the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center will share the history of Shed Road in eastern Bossier City. The road was constructed during the terms of Judge John D. Watkins in the Louisiana Legislature. Judge Watkins was a well-loved statesman from Minden, Louisiana during the mid to late 1800’s.
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.
For more information on the event or the association, contact Executive Director Jessica Gorman at 318-377-3002 or email www.dorcheatmuseum.com.
The Crimson Tide overcame two interceptions, a second-half deficit, and a late Woodlawn threat Friday night at Independence Stadium to defeat the Knights 21-14 and remain unbeaten.
Minden improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in district play, setting the stage for a showdown next week with unbeaten North DeSoto.
For a Minden team that had enjoyed considerably more offensive success in recent weeks, Friday’s game turned into a test of its ability to win when things weren’t going smoothly.
The Tide moved the football immediately, taking the opening kickoff 55 yards to the Woodlawn 10 before being stopped on fourth down.
Woodlawn answered with a quick trip into Minden territory, highlighted by Jeremiah Gustain’s 47-yard run, but the Knights fumbled at the Minden 40. The Tide gave the ball right back when Kaiden King was intercepted on the next play, but Minden’s defense held Woodlawn on downs at the Minden 24.
Minden finally broke through from there.
King connected with Ian Clark for 12 yards on third-and-2 and later found Jaden Johnson for a 44-yard completion on third-and-11, putting the ball at the Woodlawn 1.
Jardon Carey scored on the next play, and Carter Martin added the extra point for a 7-0 Minden lead with 1:49 remaining in the first quarter. Minden vs Woodlawn
Minden had another promising drive in the second quarter, moving from its own 29 to the Woodlawn 25, but the Knights stopped the Tide on fourth down. Neither offense would be able to get a score in the first half, and the Crimson Tide took the 7-0 lead to halftime.
The complexion of the game changed quickly in the second half.
Woodlawn took the second-half kickoff and marched 58 yards in five plays. Cameron Walker hit Jaden White for a 48-yard touchdown, and Gustain ran in the two-point conversion to give the Knights an 8-7 lead.
Minden’s special teams helped provide the response.
The Tide blocked a Woodlawn punt and took over at the Knights’ 14. On the very next play, Clark raced 14 yards for a touchdown to put Minden back ahead 13-8 with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter.
Woodlawn answered without its offense ever taking the field.
With Minden backed up at its own 10, Jayden Posey intercepted King at the 1 and returned it for a touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, but the Knights had regained the lead, 14-13, with 2:37 left in the third.
That left Minden needing a fourth-quarter comeback.
After the Tide defense forced a punt, Minden took possession at the Woodlawn 45 with 9:54 remaining.
King’s 30-yard completion to Emmanuel Kinsey converted a third-and-5 and moved the Tide to the Woodlawn 10. A holding penalty backed Minden up, but Kentrell McGlothern erased it on the next snap, breaking a 20-yard touchdown run.
King then found Jonathan Cooksey for the two-point conversion and a 21-14 lead with 8:26 remaining.
The Knights got one final opportunity after taking possession at their own 32 with 3:43 to play.
Woodlawn converted twice on fourth down and eventually reached the Minden 5. But the Tide defense turned the Knights backward when Jeffshun Martin lost a yard on first-and-goal and then a bad snap caused a loss of 16 yards to Minden 22.
A false start pushed Woodlawn back another five yards, and the clock expired with the Knights at the Minden 27.
Minden finished with 339 yards of offense to Woodlawn’s 273, including a 197-123 advantage on the ground. The Tide defense held Woodlawn to just 2-of-12 on third down.
Lucas Owens led Minden on the ground with 77 yards on 12 carries, including a 42-yard run. Johnson rushed for 44 yards; Carey had 43 yards and a touchdown and McGlothern scored the decisive fourth-quarter touchdown.
King finished 9-of-21 for 142 yards. Johnson caught four passes for 56 yards, Carey had two catches for 34 yards, Kinsey caught the critical 30-yard fourth-quarter pass and Clark added two receptions for 22 yards.
Homecoming at Glenbrook turned into a 57-point Apache party, and while there were plenty of interceptions, touchdowns and “Hollywood” moments (another 3 TD’s to be exact…), the real stars of the night were the guys who rarely get the headlines — the Glenbrook offensive line.
Captains Weston Duck, Louie Collins and Colt Jellum led the Apaches into battle, and the big boys up front apparently decided the Titans were standing in the wrong place.
Franklin Bridwell, Nolan Still, Aiden Nehls, Weston Duck and Bruce Bonnette spent the night beating the Titan defensive line like they owed them money.
The Apaches piled up 301 rushing yards on 38 carries — a bruising 7.9 yards per carry. Carson Whitehead led the ground assault with 172 yards and a TD, while Kleaton Davis added 76 yards and two scores.
And the offensive line’s night can basically be summarized as:
“If there’s a hole, run through it. If there isn’t a hole, we’ll make one. You need the edge, Frank the Tank will have it sealed”
The Apaches wasted no time, recovering an opening-kickoff fumble and needing just two plays to reach the end zone. Rowdy Reagan punched it in, and senior Nolan Still added a direct-snap score as Glenbrook jumped ahead 8–0.
Then the fun really started.
Freshman-Braxton Tibbitt-to- Brayson Festervan for 19 yards.
The Beast-Carson Whitehead untouched through an Aiden-Hammer-Nehls-parted Red Sea.
Hollywood Darron Hollingsworth 50-yard screen TD, from EXCEPTIONAL down field blocking by CP-10, Carson Powell.
The Apaches defense was smothering as well. Hollingsworth picked the Titan QB, Tristan Grigsby in consecutive weeks was out weighed by over a solid HONDO, yet found himself in the backfield most of the night! The Man on Fire, Colt Jellum and Channing-Puddin-Rainey also had several tackles for loss.
After a great stand on defense, the Apaches forced a 4th down and a cab ride….in comes punt safe with Darron Hollingsworth on the near side and Action Ace Rollen on the far hash.
Before the snap I stood and yelled, “RUN IT BACK, D!” Hollywood apparently took that personally, as he caught the Titan punt on the run, followed beautiful blocking for a Monday Night Football highlight, 60-yard punt-return touchdown.
At halftime the Apaches led 35-15.
During the halftime performances, your Sundancers showcased just how great they are as they performed half of their dance with no music!! Incredible! Apache fans could also hear the Titan band giving the Sundancers the 8 count. What a great show of sportsmanship and class!
The second half was more of the same — except the offensive line apparently decided they left work to be done.
Whitehead ripped off 30 yards on 3rd-and-4, Kleaton Davis punched in another score behind Still and Nehls, and Luscious Louie Collins took a direct snap up the middle behind Nehls for another touchdown.
Meanwhile, the defense was having its own party. Rowdy Ryan Reagan picked off the Titans twice, Hollywood added another interception, and Louie Collins, Colt Jellum, Tanner Cox (after a sideline wardrobe change) and the Apache defense spent plenty of time in the Titans’ backfield.
By the time Darron Hollingsworth hauled in Tibbitt’s 19-yard touchdown pass, (next time, Ryder…next time) the Apaches had built a 57–27 lead.
The Bottom Line of the night:
The Apaches had 301 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs, 3 passing TDs and 3 interceptions, but the headline of the night should probably read:
“Glenbrook Offensive Line Declared Eminent Domain Over the Line of Scrimmage.”
They didn’t just block. They evicted and relocated the defensive line. These boys would’ve put IHOP smooth out of business with the amount of pancakes they had!
What a win!
Join us in Apache Stadium this THURSDAY night, as your Apaches look to make war on the district opponent, Haynesville Golden Tornado. The Apaches get better every week and this is sure to be a good matchup! Come early and stay late to root for the Apaches!
As the calendar flipped to October, Friday night at Baucum-Farrar Stadium, on the campus of North Webster High School, felt more like a Fall evening for football. A few rain showers fell during pregame warm-ups, but the rain held off for the game and the temperatures stayed calm.
Cedar Creek took the opening kickoff and marched down the field with the triple option. That triple option finally bit them in Knight territory when the quarterback fumbled. As he stuck the ball into the arms of the fullback and pulled it out, he never seemed to regain control. The Knights’ defense pounced on it at the 22 yard line, and the offense jogged onto the field. After losing about four yards on first down, J’Quarion Easter took the handoff on second down and raced through the middle of the defense for an 81 yard touchdown. The offensive line made Easter a hole to get through the first wave of defenders and Easter did the rest outrunning the defense toward the South end zone. The Knights’ left-footed kicker, Jake Pipes, added the PAT to make the score 7-0 with a little over 6 minutes left in the first quarter.
After the two teams traded punts for the rest of the first quarter, the Knights mounted a drive that seemed to be stalling out on the Cedar Creek 30 yard line. The home team faced a 4th down and 7. Quarterback, Justin Stewart, found receiver, Braylon Washington, for a 30 yard touchdown up the right sideline into good coverage. Washington made a tremendous catch going into the North end zone toward the cannons that fired signaling a touchdown for the Knights. As the smoke from the cannons cleared, Blake Pipes snapped to Deaken Whitlock for the hold, and Jake Pipes kicked his second PAT of the night. This made the score 14-0 in favor of the Knights with a little over 10 minutes left in the half. For the remainder of the half, neither team’s offense could get anything going against the opponent’s defense. At the half, the score remained 14-0 in favor of North Webster.
The turning point in the game seemed to be early in the third quarter. The Knights held the Cougars on a 3rd and 12 with the punt on its way from deep in Cedar Creek’s own territory. However, a yellow flag fell onto the field giving Cedar Creek a first down. Instead of Cedar Creek punting, they ripped off a 13 yard run by the fullback followed by a 12 yard gain by the fullback. Then came a 42 yard run by the fullback taking the Cougars inside the Knights’ 5 yard line. Two plays later, Cedar Creek found the endzone for the first time of the night on a 3 yard run. The PAT was good to make the score 14-7. The Knights were unable to get anything going on offense and surrendered the ball on an interception near midfield. Cedar Creek stayed the course with their triple option attack. The Knights’ defense grudgingly allowed the Cougars to make their way down the field. After three plays from the two yard line, the visitors finally found paydirt on the first play of the 4th quarter. The PAT knotted the score at 14 with the final period remaining.
The ensuing drive, for the Knights, started at about the 30 yard line. On a third and 12 play, the Knights answered Cedar Creek’s score. Stewart found Ja’Kayden Jackson for a 71 yard catch and run into the South endzone. Pipes added his third PAT of the night to put the Knights back in the lead at 21-14. With about ten minutes left in the game, this one turned into another nail biter for the Knights.
Cedar Creek stayed with their option attack and began a six and a half minute 67 yard drive for the touchdown. That touchdown made the score 21-20 in favor of the Knights. Cedar Creek had to decide whether to go for the PAT and the tie or the two point conversion and the win. With 3:29 left in the game, they elected to go for the win. Out of the I formation, they handed the ball to the tailback over the right side. When the whistle blew, the official from the home side had his arms up signaling the PAT was good. The official on the visitor’s side had his arms down signaling the attempt was no good. After conferring, the Cougars were awarded the two-point conversion. That made the score 22-21 with Cedar Creek having their first lead of the night. The Knights took the short kick off near midfield. They picked up 14 on a pass, then ran for 2 and picked up another yard on a pass. On third and 7, the ball came out of the quarterback’s hand and Cedar Creek recovered, but the referee declared it an incomplete pass. Then, on 4th and 7, the pass protection broke down, and Cedar Creek recorded the sack and secured the win. The Knights fought hard in this game, but came up a little bit short. The Knights will host the Bossier Bearkats on Thursday night next week.
Tuesday, October 20 Fair Parade Downtown Minden At 5 p.m. Livestock Weigh-In 6 p.m. Poultry And Rabbit Show 4:30 p.m. No Rides Until Wednesday
Wednesday, October 21 Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m. Rides Start At 6 p.m.. ‘Armband Nite” Gate Entrance Fee: $3.00/Rest Week 4-H Swine Showmanship At 6 p.m.. Then Swine Weight Classes (Livestock Arena) Pet Show At 5 p.m.
Thursday, October 22 Doors Open At 8 a.m. (Coffee & Donuts Served) Senior Citizens Day 9 a.m. Until 1:30 p.m. (Civic Center) Rides Start At 6 p.m.. “Armband Nite” 4-H Goat, L a.m.b, Beef Showmanship At 6 p.m. 4-H Dairy And Doug Sale Showmanship At 7 p.m.
Friday, October 23 Buyers’ Luncheon At 11:30 a.m. Livestock Auction At 1 p.m. (4-H Show Barn) Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m. Rides Start At 6 p.m.
Saturday. October 24 Fair Gates Open At 12 p.m. Kids Day! 1 p.m. To 5 p.m. (Kid’s Special Ends 5 p.m.) Free Admission For Kids 12& Under Pizza Eating Contest At 3 p.m. Forestry Bld) Sponsored By Johnnys Pizza
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!
Woman arrested for helping Tre’veon Jackson while he was a fugitive Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Mikhala Duncan on a charge of accessory to simple escape after investigators determined she met with escaped inmate Tre’veon Jackson at least twice in Texas while he was a fugitive. CPSO said Duncan acknowledged she knew Jackson had escaped from custody when he contacted her and when she later met with him. On the night of Jackson’s capture in Marshall, Texas on September 22, Duncan had brought their child to meet with him. The investigation into Jackson’s September 14 escape from a Shreveport hospital during medical transport remains ongoing.
Pedestrian killed in DeSoto Parish crash
Mansfield – Sunday morning, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on U.S. Highway 84 near Radio Station Road. The crash claimed the life of a 62-year-old man from New Port Richey, FL. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Dodge Caravan was traveling east on U.S. Highway 84. At the same time, the pedestrian was walking west in the eastbound travel lane of U.S. Highway 84. For reasons still under investigation, the pedestrian walked into the path of the Dodge. This action resulted in the Dodge colliding with him. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Dodge, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
DOTD advises motorists that the below referenced deck pouring operations for the new Jimmie Davis Bridge project over the Red River have been rescheduled to take place on the night of Thursday, October 9, 2026. The time frame remains the same for the Clyde Fant Parkway southbound closure: 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. The Clyde Fant Parkway northbound closure will now take place from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday, October 9th. Both of these closures on the parkway will take place at its interchange with the Jimmie Davis Bridge.
William Phillips Sr. sworn in as Clarence mayor
William Phillips Sr. was sworn in as mayor of the Village of Clarence on Sept. 30 to fill an unexpired term. Phillips will serve until the next regularly scheduled election. Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court David O. Stamey administered the oath of office and thanked Phillips for his service.
Residential fire claims the life of Ouachita Parish man
A 63-year-old Calhoun man died in a mobile home fire Wednesday afternoon. The Ouachita Parish Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of Luebenia Road in Calhoun around 4 p.m. on September 23, 2026. Unfortunately, the fire claimed a life. State Fire Marshal investigators determined the fire originated in the center of the home. The home did not have a working smoke alarm. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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.
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.
Phonetic: /ob· se· qui· ous/ Part of Speech: Adjective Definition marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness was always followed around by his obsequious minions There are no hushed voices, white tablecloths or obsequious waiters. —Isabelle Kliger Not pleasing others enough amounts to surliness, pleasing too much makes one obsequious … —Carlin Flora
Charles Koehler May 20, 1947 — October 2, 2026 Dubberly Graveside service: 10 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, Fellowship Cemetery, Dubberly, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 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.)
UPDATE: Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd has released the names of two found deceased in an apparent murder-suicide – Kristy Grubbs, 42 and Joseph Wayne Cox, 46. No other information is available at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY
By Tiffany Flournoy –
SPRINGHILL, La. — Two people were found dead Friday morning inside a Springhill residence in what police are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide.
Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd said officers were notified about 6 a.m. after a relative entered the residence at 901 North Arkansas Street and found a man and woman dead.
Lynd said the woman had a gunshot wound to the chest and the man had a single gunshot wound to the temple.
Based on the preliminary investigation and evidence at the scene, authorities believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, Lynd said.
Lynd said there was no sign of forced entry. Police recovered one firearm at the residence, and the bodies were found in close proximity to each other.
A relative told police the couple had been arguing, Lynd said. The couple had recently moved to the Springhill area from Florida.
Authorities said the man and woman were the only people who resided at the home.
Lynd said there is no indication of an active threat to the community and no suspect is being sought.
The bodies will be transported to Little Rock for autopsies. The identities of the deceased were not being released at this time.
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.
Louisiana Department of Health has a message for Allegiance Health Management: If you want the federal money you are owed for Medicare and Medicaid, sell four Louisiana hospitals, including Minden Medical Center.
According to MMC CEO Keith Cox, as of Thursday, he can verify that Allegiance Health Management, owned by Rock Bordelon, is divesting itself of Minden Medical Center.
“It’s going to be OK,” Keith Cox said. “It’s sad to think about what our hospital and its staff could be doing if we had the funds.”
Cox said there are parties interested in purchasing MMC.
“But something like a sale this size doesn’t happen over night,” he said. “It could take six months for it to happen, but I don’t doubt it will sell.”
A Thursday afternoon meeting among LDH officials, Allegiance CEO Scott Prouty, Minden Mayor Nick Cox, MMC officials and others did not produce a signed contract from Allegiance, however, Keith Cox said by 9 a.m. today (Friday), it should be in hand for all pertinent parties.
The other hospitals in the agreement are reportedly North Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston, Ville Platte and Eunice.
According to an unnamed source, LDH has reportedly stopped paying the federal portion – presumably Medicaid and Medicare – to Allegiance for Minden Medical Center and is sending what is due them to the IRS for back taxes.
The indebtedness strictly for Minden Medical Center for Federal Tax Liens and Accounts Payable is $40 million and $90 million respectively as of about three weeks ago, the source said.
Mayor Nick Cox said MMC is the community’s local hospital and the staff is good.
“It deserves to be run solidly and have a good future,” he said.
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Minden Police arrested a Minden man on drug charges after an officer observed and recognized him from active warrants.
Heath L. Williams, 38, of the 600 block of Timothy Dr., Minden, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and two active bench warrants.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said Officer First Class Cody James reportedly observed Williams as he passed on Shreveport Road, recognized him and initiated a traffic stop.
“During a pat-down search of Williams, the officer located two rolled synthetic marijuana joints inside his hat and a package of JCB rolling papers in his left pocket,” McIver said. “A search of the vehicle was conducted and in the glove box he located a plastic bag containing a white, crystal-like substance consistent in appearance to methamphetamine.”
OFC James reportedly located two plastic bags containing a green, leafy substance consistent in appearance and odor of synthetic marijuana.
No bond reportedly was set on any of the drug charges, nor the bench warrants one of which was for running a stop sign and another possession charge.
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.
Lucas James Sterling is wanted for an incident on 9/13/2024. Patrol secured an arrest warrant following the incident. The following is the charge(s) and bond amount(s) associated with Lucas James Sterling:
1 count of LRS 14:68.4 Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle with a surety bond amount of $20,000.00.
Please get in touch with Detective Matthew Hicks (318-639-7776) of the Minden Police Department if you have information regarding the whereabouts of Lucas James Sterling.
