Heart of Webster

08/17/2026

Cullen’s Fiscal Administration Push Raises a New Question: Why Are Local Officials So Eager to Give Up Financial Control?

As Cullen moves toward full fiscal administration, residents are asking why local officials are pushing so hard to surrender substantial financial control to a court-appointed administrator. While there is no evidence that the move automatically gives elected officials state retirement or special financial benefits, it could shift responsibility for unpopular decisions, including possible water-rate increases, spending cuts and departmental changes, away from the mayor pro tem and aldermen. The bigger question now is what Cullen officials were told by state agencies, what financial pressures are driving the urgency and what elected officials will continue to receive in compensation and benefits after much of the town’s fiscal authority is transferred....

As Cullen moves toward full fiscal administration, residents are asking why local officials are pushing so hard to surrender substantial financial control to a court-appointed administrator. While …

08/14/2026

HOT OFF THE PRESS – Legal Threats Before Monday’s Cullen Meeting Raise Questions About Free Speech and Public Participation

A broad cease-and-desist demand signed by James Terry Hoof and Denise Epps-Hoof surfaced just days before Monday’s Cullen meeting, raising serious questions about free speech, public participation, and whether outspoken citizens could feel pressured to stay silent. Heart of Webster breaks down what a cease-and-desist letter actually means, what it does not mean, and why the timing deserves public attention....

A broad cease-and-desist demand signed by James Terry Hoof and Denise Epps-Hoof surfaced just days before Monday’s Cullen meeting, raising serious questions about free speech, public participation,…

08/14/2026

Sheriff Parker, the public deserves an answer.

Why is one of your deputies publicly attacking or questioning someone who may become a political opponent while that same deputy has Brian P. Bass blocked and unable to respond directly?

Deputy Robbie Tucker wants answers from Brian Bass. Fine.

Then unblock him and let him answer.

More importantly, Sheriff Parker: Is this conduct acceptable under your department’s social-media and political-activity policies?

If Robbie Tucker is acting entirely on his own, say so.

If there is a written policy, release it.

The screenshots speak for themselves.

08/14/2026

Cullen Police Chief Fannie Rankin, left, and Officer Bryan Montgomery wait in the Webster Parish Courthouse lobby Aug. 5 in connection with an unrelated court matter. Photo: Tiffany Flournoy Edit…

08/14/2026

Cullen Has Put Wayne McMahen Under the Microscope

Cullen has put State Representative Wayne McMahen back in the spotlight, but the questions now go far beyond one town. Heart of Webster is taking a deeper look at the Church-Parker scandal, McMahen’s long relationship with Citizens National Bank, HB 154 and the private land interests named in that legislation. And we are not stopping there. A separate investigation into land transactions is already underway, and the records being reviewed appear to involve a deputy, possible connections to Sheriff Jason Parker, and additional individuals tied to local power and influence. We are following the deeds, ownership histories, public records and financial connections before drawing conclusions. The public is paying attention now, and so are we....

Cullen has put State Representative Wayne McMahen back in the spotlight, but the questions now go far beyond one town. Heart of Webster is taking a deeper look at the Church-Parker scandal, McMahen…

08/13/2026

Webster Parish Schools: Millions for Buildings While Students Remain Far Behind Academically

Webster Parish students are improving, but the numbers show they still have a long way to go. Stanford research places the district nearly two grade levels below the national benchmark in combined reading and math, while 2026 LEAP results show Webster trailing Louisiana across every major tested subject. At the same time, the School Board has approved $119,580 for painting and floor resurfacing at the repurposed J.L. Jones campus, with additional spending occurring at schools receiving former Jones students. The question taxpayers deserve answered is simple: are Webster Parish’s financial priorities matching the urgency of its academic problems? We reviewed the data, the spending and the Board’s decisions. Read the full investigation and check the source documents for yourself....

Webster Parish students are improving, but the numbers show they still have a long way to go. Stanford research places the district nearly two grade levels below the national benchmark in combined …

08/12/2026

Situation Room: Town of Cullen Water Crisis Deepens as Discolored Water, Chlorine Shortage and State Financial Takeover Loom

Residents are reporting discolored water while Cullen officials admit the town needs chlorine and could face another system shutdown. The town’s own attorney says the water crisis may be what finally opened the door to state financial intervention, while residents who say they spent months begging officials for help are now asking a harder question: Why did Cullen have to reach the brink before those in power started acting?...

Residents are reporting discolored water while Cullen officials admit the town needs chlorine and could face another system shutdown. The town’s own attorney says the water crisis may be what final…

08/04/2026

Heart of Webster Has a Fresh New Look!

We have given the HeartofWebster.com homepage a facelift to make it cleaner, easier to navigate, and better focused on the latest stories affecting Webster Parish.

We also removed the advertisements. No more distracting ads getting between you and the information you came to read.

The updated homepage makes it easier to find our latest investigations, public-safety coverage, community reports, and public-record stories—all in one place.

Visit HeartofWebster.com, take a look around, and let us know what you think about the new design.

Local reporting. Public records. Community accountability.

08/03/2026

After Hoof’s Resignation, His Defenders Attack the People Trying to Save Cullen

Following former Mayor James Terry Hoof’s resignation, Cullen remains trapped in a growing leadership, financial, and public-safety crisis. As two alderwomen remain absent, residents report little nighttime patrol coverage, and questions continue about parish support, Hoof’s relatives and closest defenders are attacking the people demanding answers. Heart of Webster has reviewed only a fraction of the available records, and future reports will examine property transactions, possible misuse of town funds, and connections that may extend beyond Cullen Town Hall....

Following former Mayor James Terry Hoof’s resignation, Cullen remains trapped in a growing leadership, financial, and public-safety crisis. As two alderwomen remain absent, residents report little …