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The atmosphere at the Winn Council on Aging, Inc. (WCOA) was filled with excitement and cool relief this past week as local seniors gathered for a classic afternoon of bingo paired with a summer favorite: ice cream cones. Participants enjoyed a competitive game of luck before beating the June heat with a variety of sweet treats. The ice cream social is just one of many activities the WCOA coordinates to keep area seniors connected, active, and engaged. The Council has a full slate of fun planned all month and year long. Up next on the calendar is a highly anticipated day of entertainment. On Thursday, June 25, the WCOA will host popular local musician Sam Wise for live music, with a delicious lunch immediately following the morning’s regular bingo session. All area seniors are invited to come out for the music, food, and fellowship. For more information on upcoming events or to view the full monthly calendar, stop by the Winn Council on Aging or call 318 628-2186.

The halls of the Winn Parish Library were filled with excitement and curiosity recently as the facility welcomed students and staff from Winnfield Primary School for a special summer learning experience.

The visit was part of an ongoing effort to promote summer literacy and connect local youth with community resources. During the tour, students had the opportunity to explore the library’s vast collection, learn about the various free programs offered throughout the year, and discover how the library operates behind the scenes.

For many of the young participants, the highlight of the day was discovering that reading is more than just a classroom assignment, it is a gateway to endless imagination. Library staff guided the students through the facility, emphasizing that every book holds the potential to take them on an amazing adventure.

The Winn Parish Police Jury tackled a packed agenda during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 15, passing a road construction bid, a new housing assistance program, and addressing ongoing parish infrastructure needs. In the night’s largest financial move, President Frank McLaren motioned to award the bid for the Eugene Garrett Road (South End) Capital Outlay Project. The jury voted to award the contract to Regional Construction, LLC in the amount of $599,597.50, moving the facility, planning, and control phase forward. The jury also cleared the way for local housing support by adopting a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Capital Area Finance Authority. This new partnership will provide down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers and military veterans residing in Winn Parish.

The Winn Parish Library branches have been beaming with excitement as the 2026 Summer Reading Program, “Plant a Seed, Read,” kicks into high gear. Families and children from across the parish have been filling the libraries to explore new books, learn about nature, and enjoy some unforgettable live entertainment.

On Wednesday, June 17, the library brought the wild straight to Winn Parish. The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo from Monroe made a highly anticipated appearance at both the Winnfield and Dodson branches.

The special hands-on event gave local children and families an up-close look at the animal kingdom. Zookeepers shared fascinating insights into the unique needs, habitats, and behaviors of various creatures, with a particular spotlight on reptiles. Attendees had the opportunity to explore, ask questions, and discover everything there is to know about the animals, blending science education perfectly with summer fun.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - State leaders and emergency officials are launching Louisiana’s first youth ATV/UTV safety task force in response to serious crashes and traumatic injuries involving teen riders.

Just after his 11th birthday, Chase McManus got in a side-by-side, or UTV, with a friend. A turn taken too fast flipped the UTV and killed Chase instantly.

“It happened during a very short ride around a home property; it happened quickly, and before any adult had the opportunity to intervene,” Chase’s mom, Lacey McManus, said.

A growing number of families across the state are facing similar tragedies. Roughly 10 people a year are killed in these types of accidents, and hundreds more are injured.

“They have now surpassed other injuries and are the number three leading cause of trauma in our department,” Jennifer Gothard, trauma nurse at OLOL Children’s Hospital, said.

The Winn Parish Police Jury met for its regular monthly meeting this past Monday, May 18th, at the Winn Parish Courthouse, addressing crucial healthcare initiatives, infrastructure needs, and upcoming local tax elections.

The meeting opened with guest audience participation, featuring Ashley Shelton Files, the Chief Executive Officer of the Winn Parish Medical Center. Files took to the podium to request available opioid settlement funds to establish a new healthcare initiative. The proposed low-barrier, point-of-care program would provide free distribution of naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal medication) to at-risk patients in the hospital’s Emergency Department, MedSurg unit, and ICU. According to Files, the initiative aims to actively reduce opioid overdose deaths while broadening community education on addiction and prevention. The Jury moved to take the request under further assessment, planning to revisit the matter during a future meeting.

On May 19, Dr. Bill Gaddis introduced Bryan Kelley, the Winn Parish Registrar of Voters, as the guest speaker for the Kiwanis Club luncheon. Kelley’s presentation focused on the results of the May 16 election and the significant transitions currently occurring in the voting process.

Challenges of the Early Voting Period Kelley addressed the challenges posed by the Louisiana Legislature’s decision to return to a closed party primary system. He noted that while the concept may seem simple, its implementation has created significant confusion for voters and administrative hurdles for election officials.

Specifically, Kelley noted that during the early voting period for the May 16 election, He helped voters at the courthouse navigate as many as 18 different ballot styles based on their party affiliation and specific precincts. This transition required nearly two years of preparation by the Secretary of State’s office.

SHOWCASING TALENT FOR A CAUSE

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) – Huey P. Long Campus proudly recognizes the graduates of the Practical Nursing Class XXXVIIII following their pinning ceremony held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Huey P. Long Campus in Winnfield. Twenty-seven graduates were recognized for successfully completing the Practical Nursing program and preparing to enter the healthcare profession.

Mayor Gerald “Scooter” Hamms has secured re-election and will serve another term for the City of Winnfield. Hamms, a long-term Winnfield resident, ran on a platform centered on his extensive background in local public office. His tenure includes 12 years in city governance, consisting of two terms on the City Council followed by his service as Mayor. Throughout his campaign, Hamms emphasized that his 25 years of overall leadership experience have prepared him to handle complex municipal challenges and during the next term, administration will remain laser-focused on: Audit Compliance, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Affordable Housing for senior citizens, and continue to address blight properties throughout the entire city.