As we fully embrace 2025, the Minden Press-Herald shares some of the top stories of the past year. While far from a comprehensive list, these are some of the best, as chosen by our news team.
This edition will feature stories from March and April, and tomorrow’s edition will continue from there.
Woman arrested in Doyline dog dumping case
A Doyline woman faces 72 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies linked her to the dumping of more than 20 dogs on a rural road south of Doyline.
Kimberly B. Crowley, 58, was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after deputies followed evidence to her mobile home in the 300 block of Stable Drive. Sheriff Jason Parker said Crowley remains in the parish jail with no bond set.
The investigation began Sunday when deputies and animal control officers spent several hours rounding up between 20 and 25 dogs abandoned on Dement Road. Authorities managed to capture all but four or five of the animals and continue efforts to locate the remaining strays.
Parker said the dogs ranged in size and age and were transported to a veterinarian for treatment and observation. An animal rescue group in Springhill has since taken them in.
“One of our concerns was the health of the animals, and we delivered them to a vet who helps us when needed,” Parker said. “It’s good that the rescue group will see to it they’re fed and housed until something positive can be done.”
Deputies continued their investigation and traced the abandoned dogs back to Crowley’s property. When they arrived at her residence, they discovered approximately 60 more dogs of all sizes and ages, confined in cages inside the home. Many were reportedly living in inhumane conditions, with some cages holding multiple large dogs without food or water.
“There was urine and feces everywhere, and some of the animals were in cages without food or water,” Parker said. “And there were people living in this place with all these animals. I don’t think I’ve seen this type of condition before.”
Investigators believe Crowley was operating an unlicensed “puppy mill” and had been selling dogs through social media. When confronted with evidence, Parker said Crowley asked if she could pay a fine to make the matter go away.
“Major Hayden’s answer wasn’t what this person wanted to hear,” Parker said. “He informed her that she absolutely was not getting off with a fine. She was going to be taken into custody.”
Deputies have provided food and water for the dogs found at Crowley’s residence, and at least one officer will remain on-site overnight to ensure the animals do not roam. The rescue agency LaMa has agreed to pick up the animals and have them examined by a veterinarian.
In addition to the dogs, deputies found other animals on the property, including horses, pigs, cats, ducks and geese. Parker said those animals appeared to be in good condition but will be evaluated as well.
“If I have my way, she’ll never again be allowed to own even a goldfish,” Parker said.
Groundbreaking held for new Minden animal shelter
City officials and community members gathered March 13 for the groundbreaking of Minden’s new animal shelter, a long-awaited facility expected to improve conditions for local stray and adoptable pets. “The four-legged friends we have are not just friends, they’re family,” said Councilman Michael Roy, who has spearheaded the project.
The new shelter, located next to the existing one, will significantly expand capacity. The current shelter holds only six dogs, while the new facility will accommodate up to 15 dogs and will feature a designated cat room. The project, estimated at $300,000, was partially funded by last year’s Pet Election, which raised approximately $25,000. The remainder will be paid for with funds the city has allocated. The construction is being handled by Jacob Hattaway of BlackRock Construction and is expected to take about a year to complete.
This project has faced many challenges, from redesigns to engineering changes, but it’s finally moving forward. “We had to go back to the drawing board, redesign, get a new engineer, and rethink the whole project….three times,” said Mayor Cox. The engineer who finally saved the day was Brad Graff of Cothren, Graff, Smoak Engineering, Inc.
The Minden Animal Shelter recently came under the jurisdiction of the police department. Shelter Director Carrie Ford continues to oversee operations, ensuring that animals are adopted rather than euthanized. “We haven’t euthanized a healthy animal since 2021,” Ford said. She works with various rescue organizations nationwide, transporting dogs to new homes across the country.
Ford also highlighted the need for more cat shelters and encouraged fostering. While the shelter has a few foster families, Ford is selective about placements. If you’re interested, contact Director Ford.
The shelter partners with Rocking Rooster and Minden Animal Clinic for veterinary services. Adoption fees cover only veterinary expenses, and all animals must be spayed or neutered before adoption. The shelter also checks for microchips to reunite lost pets with their owners.
During construction, the front gate will remain closed for safety, but the shelter remains open by appointment. “We are still answering calls, and animals are still available for retrieval, rescue, or rehoming,” Ford stated in a social media post. With limited space—seven dog cages and two cat cages—Ford urged the public to adopt and reclaim pets as soon as possible.
Director Karrie Ford received a round of praise for all the work she does.
“Karrie does a fabulous job,” Roy said. Mayor Cox added, “You can hire for a position, but you don’t always get someone with the heart for it. Karrie has both the heart and the brains.”
Minden’s shelter also assists neighboring communities. Police Chief Jared McIver praised Ford’s dedication. “I’ll call Karrie and say, ‘Hey, Bienville needs our help,’ and she’ll say, ‘I’m on my way,’” McIver said.
Councilman Michael Roy is working to establish a donation system for monetary contributions and needed supplies. There are also plans in the works for more fundraisers.
The shelter’s Facebook page, Minden Animal Control-Minden, Louisiana, provides updates and adoptable animals. The shelter can also be found on Adopt-a-Pet and Petfinder.
Fibrebond to be acquired by Eaton amidst major expansion
Fibrebond, a Minden-based manufacturer specializing in electrical modules for data centers, industrial, and utility sectors, announced today a definitive agreement to be acquired by Eaton Corporation for $1.4 billion.
Founded in 1982, Fibrebond has been at the forefront of transforming complex construction into simplified manufactured forms through intelligent design and automation. The company is currently finalizing a $150 million expansion of its Louisiana campus, set to be completed later this year. This expansion includes a new 297,000-square-foot electrical integration facility, which will increase Fibrebond’s total manufacturing and warehouse space to over 1 million square feet on its 254-acre site.
The expansion is expected to bring over 100 additional workers to the Minden campus, increasing the total number of individuals on-site to approximately 1,000, including direct employees, contract workers, and construction teams. This growth is driven by the accelerating demand for data center infrastructure, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud services, and increased investment in energy infrastructure.
Graham Walker, President and CEO of Fibrebond, commented on the acquisition: “We stand firmly at the intersection of massive technological shifts. Our accelerating digital infrastructure work now drives industrial and utility growth. Our customers build at a scale we did not foresee even a few years ago. Our team has kept up with the growth while retooling for even greater scale.”
Walker further emphasized the alignment of values between the two companies: “As a private, family-owned business for 43 years, we understand that credibility and trust empower our relationships with our customers, our employee team, and our supplier partners. Not every company shares our values, but since 2015, Eaton has been a customer that honored their commitments. We are confident that Eaton will carry our vision forward and create new opportunities for the Fibrebond team and our community.”
Post-closing, the Fibrebond leadership team will remain with the business, and operations will continue to expand in Minden, Louisiana. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
Eaton Corporation, established in 1911, is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment. With revenues nearing $25 billion in 2024, Eaton serves customers in more than 160 countries, offering products for data centers, utilities, industrial, commercial, residential, aerospace, and mobility markets.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies, positioning them to better serve the rapidly evolving demands of the digital infrastructure landscape.
Escaped inmate captured within minutes near Webster Parish courthouse
A Webster Parish inmate was recaptured within 15 minutes Wednesday after escaping custody from the fourth floor of the parish courthouse.
Kaylee Jones, 19, of Springhill, was taken into custody by a Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy outside a gas station on Lee Street shortly before 11:30 AM. Authorities said she appeared to be attempting to arrange transportation when she was located.
Jones had been booked into the parish jail on April 4 by Springhill police. She faced charges of possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances (methamphetamines) and drug paraphernalia, with bond set at $2,500. She now also faces a felony charge of simple escape.
According to Sheriff Jason Parker, the escape occurred while a lock mechanism was being replaced on the jail elevator. The incomplete repair left the elevator door slightly ajar, creating an opportunity for Jones.
“Jones apparently waited until one of our jailers was busy dealing with other inmates in a rear area and the other was inside the office. She got into the elevator while the deputies were distracted,” Parker said.
She was able to ride the elevator to the ground floor and exit the courthouse via a ramp. Bystanders reportedly captured video footage showing her removing her orange jumpsuit while passing a nearby business.
Jones walked south from the courthouse and was identified by Deputy Mickey Perryman at the Shell station. Perryman, acting on a description circulated during a 911 call, arrested her without incident.
The escape highlights longstanding concerns about the infrastructure of the courthouse jail, which was built in 1953. A new women’s jail is currently under construction in Webster Parish and is expected to open by mid-2026. Officials say the $5.1 million facility will replace the current jail and offer modern security features, updated accommodations, and expanded programming for inmates.
Phillip’s Cottage 5K raises over $15,000 for transitional home
The inaugural Phillip’s Cottage 5K fundraiser drew a crowd of approximately 100 participants on April 12 under clear skies, raising more than $15,000 for ongoing renovations at Phillip’s Cottage.
The newly established transitional home, created by Sara McDaniel, provides housing for graduates of the Adult & Teen Challenge program. The residence will allow up to three women and their children to live together for an additional year following program completion.
“Phillip’s Cottage” is named in memory of Phillip Carroll, a longtime Webster Parish educator and pastor known for his devotion to people and his passion for running. Carroll died suddenly on May 30, 2023, while preparing for his morning run. The annual 5K event was created to honor his legacy.
“My dad spent his entire life serving in ministry and the public school system, and I know nothing would make him happier than knowing his work is being carried on beyond the grave,” McDaniel said. “In addition to loving people well, he also loved to run. His birthday is April 15, and my plan is to hold Phillip’s 5K every year around his birthday to support Phillip’s Cottage—combining two things he cared deeply about: people and running.”
Additional community support has contributed to the project’s momentum. The Ladies of 798, a group of pipeline wives who have banded together to meet the needs of the surrounding communities, presented McDaniel with an $11,000 donation. Harrison Paint of Shreveport donated paint for the facility, and Men of Courage recently volunteered their time to paint the building’s exterior.
“I was called to do something for this ministry,” said Men of Courage leader Chris Plants. “We’re going to paint this building, and then we’ll see what else we can do.”
The next Phillip’s Cottage 5K is scheduled for April 11, 2026.
Construction begins on new women’s jail in Webster Parish
Ground has been broken on a new women’s jail in Webster Parish, a facility that will replace the aging jail located on the fourth floor of the Webster Parish Courthouse.
The new facility, estimated to cost $5,120,000, is scheduled for completion by mid-2026. The project is being funded through a partnership between the Webster Parish Police Jury and the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, with a portion of the funding coming from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Architectural and engineering services are being provided by Cothren, Graff, Smoak Engineering, Inc., while construction is being handled by Testament Construction Services, LLC.
The new facility will house a similar number of inmates as the current jail, which officials say is in very poor repair.
Warden Scott Tucker said staffing for the new facility will remain consistent, with current staff transferring from the old center to the new site. “Staffing will remain the same as it is now with the staff just moving to the new location,” Tucker said. “We follow DOC guidelines on female inmates.”
The facility will also offer expanded inmate programming. “We are planning on providing HiSET (GED), substance abuse [programs], possibly IC3 (Microsoft),” Tucker said. “We are also working with Northwest Tech on classes as well.”
The new women’s prison is expected to provide updated accommodations and better resources for both inmates and staff while continuing to operate under Department of Corrections standards.
Minden kicks off America 250 celebrations with ceremony honoring Paul Revere’s ride
A ceremony held in downtown Minden on Wednesday marked the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride and served as the city’s official launch of the nationwide America 250 initiative, commemorating the lead-up to the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026.
“As far as we know, Minden is the first city to celebrate the Two Lanterns,” said Jerry Madden, former president of the Galvez Chapter of the Louisiana State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and current Louisiana State assistant secretary and DAR/SAR liaison. “This is the first time this will happen in 250 years. I’m glad you are here; you are a part of history.”
The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by the Minden High School ROTC and the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by DAR Dorcheat-Bistineau Regent Cindy Madden. The Minden High School band followed with a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Madden spoke about the historical significance of Paul Revere’s midnight ride. LASSAR Color Guard Commander Ted Brode of West Monroe concluded the historical segment by firing a musket.
Mayor Nick Cox then read a proclamation in support of the Two Lights Initiative, encouraging unity and remembrance.
“The call to unity and the call to serve each other is no less relevant today than it was then,” Cox said. “A national initiative has been proposed that two lights be displayed in public spaces across the county for all to see. I call on the citizens to unite in our shared history by honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and honoring the values that we still hold dear today.”
Following the reading, Cox presented the proclamation to Madden.
The Minden High Crimson Chorus performed “America the Beautiful,” and Brother Wayne Carter offered a closing prayer.
The Two Lights Initiative is part of the larger America 250 campaign, organized by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to celebrate the nation’s founding. The initiative will culminate on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The April launch centers on Paul Revere’s ride and encourages communities across the country to display two lights on April 18 and participate in acts of service on April 19.
Mayor Nick Cox delivers a proclamation during a ceremony in downtown Minden on April 16, 2025, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride and launching the city’s participation in the America 250 initiative.
Minden, Glenbrook capture overall titles at district Literary Rally
Minden High School and Glenbrook School claimed the top overall honors in their respective divisions at the Louisiana High School Rally Association’s District Literary Rally on March 15, district officials announced.
Minden High earned the Overall Division II title, while Glenbrook secured the Overall Division V crown. The annual rally, hosted at Northwestern State University, drew competitors from Webster Parish’s five high schools across more than 70 academic and performance events. According to the LHSRA, first‑ and second‑place finishers advance to the State Rally, held April 12 at Louisiana State University; official state‑level results have not yet been released.
“I push for our kids to realize that being chosen to compete at Rally is an honor,” said Mandy Patterson, Minden High’s Literary Rally sponsor. “The exam is more than a test — it’s our students’ chance to represent themselves, their families, Minden High, and our community. Our students did just that. We are proud of their outstanding performance.”
Dr. Rebecca Wilson, Webster Parish School Board personnel director, noted that 44 parish students qualified for state competition. “WPSB is proud to celebrate the achievements of our talented students who participated in the Literary Rally and Performing Arts Rally,” Wilson said. “We eagerly await the results and are confident in their continued success.”
Glenbrook Head of School Darden Gladney credited students, teachers and parents for the school’s continued success. “We’re very proud of that winning streak,” Gladney said. “It’s a testament to the students who take the tests and their teachers and their parents because it’s a team effort to have the children go down there and do well.”
Minden High Principal Ben Bower also praised his students’ efforts. “I am extremely proud of our students for winning the overall district literary rally,” Bower said. “These students couldn’t have represented their families or school any better. Roll Tide!”