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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.

Moses and Francis Funeral Home, located at 8533 HWY 34, is now officially open and ready to serve the community and its surrounding areas during their most difficult moments. Built on a foundation of dignity and respect, the funeral home aims to provide high-quality end-of-life services that remain accessible to all families. In an era where funeral costs can be a significant burden, Moses and Francis Funeral Home is committed to price transparency. They offer a range of services designed to fit various needs and budgets: Cremation Services starting as low as $1,195 and Funeral Services starting as low as $4,995. The leadership at Moses and Francis emphasizes that their mission goes beyond professional service; it is a calling. Their guiding philosophy is simple: “Guided by compassion. Driven by integrity.” This approach ensures that every family receives personalized care and honest guidance while navigating the arrangements for their loved ones.

The Winn Parish Police Jury is calling on our community to help create a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to our country’s service. Behind every uniform is a story of profound courage and a commitment to keeping us safe back home, and the Jury wants to ensure those stories are never forgotten. Whether your loved one is currently on active duty or has since passed away, share their legacy with the parish so that we may honor their sacrifice and dedication together.

To participate in the memorial, please submit a photograph of your soldier to admin@wppj.net. These images will be placed on the tree inside the Winn Parish Courthouse, serving as a powerful reminder of our local heroes for years to come.

The Winnfield City Council convened for a regular meeting at the Allen Building this past Tuesday to address an agenda focused on personnel transitions and community recognition. The session began with regarding public safety staffing, including the termination of a parttime dispatcher and the hiring of new police personnel and volunteer firefighters to the city’s first responder ranks.

Mayor Gerald Hamms called Bryan Price to the podium to receive the “Hammy Award.” The honor was presented to Southern Funeral Home in recognition of their many years of dedicated service and significant contributions to the local community. Price, a Winnfield native and fourth-generation Funeral Director, was praised for maintaining his family’s long-standing legacy of service to residents of Winn Parish.

Trinity CEO Deano Thornton hosted a luncheon at the newly completed, threestory Winn Community Health Center to discuss the future of the parish’s educational infrastructure. Amidst a spread provided for staff and invited guests, the focus turned toward a proposal for the upcoming Bond Election aimed at transforming Winnfield Middle School into a comprehensive campus for the district’s youngest learners.