News

(StatePoint) Many factors impact your child or teen’s wellness, including where you live, genetics and other influences. According to experts though, you can encourage a healthy lifestyle for your child, and help prevent obesity and other illnesses that can extend into adulthood.

“Raising a healthy, active child is about much more than nutrition and physical activity,” says Natalie D. Muth, a pediatrician and registered dietician. “It also entails adequate sleep, a positive approach to screen use and social-emotional wellness, and to the best of your ability, helping ensure your surrounding environment supports healthy routines.”

A special Town Hall meeting was held on April 3 at the A Leonard Allen Building in Winnfield to address concerns about high utility rates within the city. The mayor’s office reached out to Louisiana Power and Energy Assistance (LEPA) and Delta Consulting and asked that they attend the meeting to answer questions and offer information about utility rates and billing.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has proclaimed the month of April as “Safe Digging Month” in Louisiana as part of a nationwide safety awareness campaign to draw attention to the thousands of miles of buried infrastructure throughout our state and the importance of safe excavation and demolition.

Compliments of Rotarian of the Day, Jane Purser, Eddie Jenkins, former Winnfield resident, entertained and informed Winnfield’s Rotary members about the history of Winnfield High School and Senior High School’s in track and field, regaling listeners with the accomplishments of local athletes throughout the years of track and field competition.

Eddie Jenkins was raised in Winnfield and played football and competed in track and field while at WSHS. He says he wasn’t able to return to Winnfield after college as he originally planned because he went into the mental health field, but he still says he is “from Winnfield.” He follows the accomplishments of Winnfield’s football and track and field teams, and has a website devoted to Winnfield football and a Facebook page dedicated to Winnfield track and field.

In early 2023, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Executives announced the Clean Biz Partnership to engage Louisiana businesses in reducing and preventing litter across the state.

“Litter hurts economic development in Louisiana, and it hurts our quality of life,” said Nungesser.

The Clean Biz Partnership encourages businesses to become Leaders Against Litter by adopting simple best practices to reduce and prevent litter and beautify their businesses. These businesses pledge to adopt daily best practices to keep their parking bays clean and litter free by conducting daily litter removal, place trash/ash receptacles outside the business entrance, keep their trash dumpster area clean and care for their lawn and landscaping.

The highly anticipated 2024 Miss Louisiana’s Teen Competition is set to take place from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7, hosted at the prestigious Brown Auditorium on the University of Louisiana Monroe Campus. Noteworthy this year is the substantial increase in scholarships, totaling $15,000, underscoring the commitment to empower young women through education.

There will be 20 candidates from all over the state contending for the title of Miss Louisiana’s Teen. “Miss Louisiana’s Teen 2023, Laura Jane Kilpatrick, is set to crown her predecessor after a year of exceptional work in the community. Her platform, Leave Your Mark, has encouraged Louisiana residents to make positive impacts. Laura Jane states, “I want to encourage others to fell they are made for a purpose, and they need to use that purpose to leave their mark on others.” Laura represented the state well at the Miss America’s Teen Pageant in January and continues to be a role model to other young women.

Ms Annie Goods, the new DART Advocate for Winn Parish was present at the regular meeting of the WPPJ recently. Ms. Goods addressed the jury and discussed the servuces that DART provides. DART stands for Domestic Abuse Resistance Team. The organization spans over 7 parishes across North Central Louisiana providing multiple services for victims of domestic abuse. Some of those services includ legal advocacy, safety planning, shelter and individual counseling. Ms Goods gave pamphlets to each jury member. Her office is located at 301 W Main St. Winnfield, Ste 216.

Jury member, Mr. Phillip Evans addressed the jury as well and gave an update on the recent Road Committee Meeting. He stated that one of the items discussed was chip sealing. Mr. Phillips added that he is still checking into prices but believes that it is still cheaper than asphalt. Mr. Stanley Garrett added that the sealing would be cheaper than asphalt.

The Winnfield Fire Department participated in the downtown Easter egg hunt and fun day for the kids and community. The event wa hosted by several local churches and community organizations. Kids were treated to a ride in the new fire truck.