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Winnfield, LA – On April 22, 2025, corrections staff at the Winn Parish Detention Center successfully intercepted a package containing contraband that was intended for delivery to an inmate.

During routine inspection procedures, staff observed signs that the package had been tampered with. Upon further examination, approximately 15 Suboxone strips were discovered concealed within the contents. Suboxone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, and possession without a valid prescription is a felony offense.

The introduction of contraband into a correctional facility is also a felony under Louisiana law. Following the discovery, the Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office launched an investigation into the origins of the package and the individuals responsible.

Chuck Curry actually started his police career at the age of 19. However he went into the army and then came back to Winnfield and rejoined the Winnfield Police Department. He has been in the department for 24 years and became Assistant Chief of Police in August 2024 when Russell Jones retired.

One of the things that has happened since his tenure began was the reopening of the jail in February 2025 after its closure for 4 years. There are only open at half capacity due to air conditioning problems that will be fixed in the near future. There are 17 inmates at the present time. Curry realized that the department was spending a lot of money to house inmates in the parish detention center.

On April 23 Winnfield Fire Department personnel were dispatched for a possible gas leak. Chief-1, Support-2, Engine2, and Engine-4 arrived on location to find a light smell of natural gas every time the wind would die down. Fire personnel used gas detection devices but were unable to pin point the exact location. Atmos was requested and fire personnel used some water in a spot that had previously been dugout possibly a month prior. Multiple bubbles were observed coming from the ground in several areas. Atmos personnel used advanced gas detection equipment and found gas underground along the roadway. A request was made for the water department to open the sewer access point. Atmos personnel found strong smell of natural gas coming from it and detection equipment confirmed it. An evacuation was made from E. Oak Street to First Street on Crawford Street, effecting multiple homes and residents. City Utilities was requested to shut electricity to the same area.

It was a day for family, friends, competitions and a whole lot more. There was something to do for everyone. The 47th Annual Forest Festival welcomed everyone from here at home to those who came from far away to compete and take part in a day of fun. Vendors lined the path of the Winnfield Fairgrounds with crafts, food and even a little golf. From lemonade stands to quench your thirst, to a variety of foods, it was a good day to be a part of the festival.

Saturday 4/26/25

7am - 8am: 5K Run/Walk

8am – 9am: Cowboy Church gates open

9am – 11am: 4-H Skill Competition

11am: College Competition

12pm: Professional Competition

1pm – 2pm: Dylan Johns

5pm – 6pm: Crawfish

6pm: Back Forty Band

7pm: Spencer Brunson Farmers Market with food and vendors opens at 8am

The City of Winnfield Animal Shelter has officially achieved no-kill status. This means they are now saving every savable pet that comes through their doors.

This amazing milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication, compassion, and leadership of our Shelter Supervisor, Camelia Shelton. Her tireless efforts, along with the hard work and commitment of her amazing crew, have made this dream a reality. Congratulations and job well done.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, be sure to sign up for the 2nd Annual Louisiana Forrest Festival Crawfish Cook-off. It will be held at the Winnfield Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 26, during the Bull of the Woods Bash. Registration is $100 per team with a minimum of 2 per team and a maximum of 4 per team. Teams must provide their own pot, burner, and propane. All rules can be found on the team registration form. Crawfish and fixings will be provided to teams. It will be limited to 8 teams so be sure to get registered. Cash prizes for 1st ($250), 2nd ($150), 3rd ($100), and 4th ($50).

In an update of the recent murder that took place in Winn Parish, the Morgan City Police Department gave credit to their new FLOCK camera system in nabbing the suspects, via their Facebook page.

Randell Kelley, 55, was found deceased in his home in the Brewton Mill community. His family had been alerted by his employer after he did not report to work.

On the late evening hours of April 9th, the MCPD received notifications that a stolen vehicle from Winn Parish was in the area.

Morgan City Police Investigators learned the occupants Christian Campbell and Amaney Labouve may be involved in a murder investigation in connection with the stolen vehicle. Investigators notified the St. Mary Parish Sheriff ’s office and the Berwick Police Department who assisted in attempting to locate the vehicle.

Emily Nevils Selected at Delegate for US Senate Youth Program

With Winn Parish being the Forest Capital of Louisiana, it’s only fitting that the Louisiana Forest Festival should be held here to represent the timber industry and celebrate the hard working men and women who work there. This year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at the Winn Parish Fairgrounds.