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The Winn Parish School Board moved forward with several major financial and infrastructural initiatives during its regular meeting on Monday, March 2. Following recommendations from the February 23 committee meeting, the board focused heavily on bond issuances and long-term visions for district facilities.

A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Lisa P. Frontaura, Vice President of TBA Studio. Frontaura shared preliminary design ideas for possible additions to Winnfield Middle School. The proposed project aims to expand the middle school’s capacity, potentially allowing students from Winnfield Primary School (WPS) to transition to the middle school campus in the future. While still in the early stages, the move signals the board’s commitment to consolidating resources and modernizing the learning environment.

Progress on Veterans Memorial Coming Soon to Honor Those Who Served

Sheriff Josh McAllister is proud to announce that the Winn Sheriff ’s Department has received a generous grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation for the purchase of six Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

After deputies and staff completed training on the proper use of these life-saving devices, an AED will be assigned to each patrol shift. Sheriff McAllister noted that since taking office, deputies have performed CPR on individual’s numerous times in response to various medical emergencies. In many cases, deputies are the first to arrive on scene, and having immediate access to an AED can make the difference between life and death.

The 31st Annual Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials will take place March 16th through March 22nd at the Winn Parish Fairgrounds. Established in 1994, the event was named in honor of three-time Louisiana Governor “Uncle” Earl Long. A beloved native of Winn Parish, Long was widely known not just for his politics, but for his life as a dedicated stockman and avid boar hunter. What began as a tribute to his legacy has grown into the “Super Bowl” of hog dog baying, drawing spectators and competitors from across the United States.

The gates will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a $10 entry fee for the public. Beyond the high-stakes action in the arena, the fairgrounds will host vendors offering food, live entertainment, and merchandise. For those looking to take home a piece of history, tshirts for the 31st annual event are currently available for purchase at the Louisiana Political Museum located on Main Street.

Winn Parish is a land defined by its roots. Named after Walter O. Winn, the representative who fought for its establishment, this parish is a big part of Louisiana’s political and natural history. Home of the Louisiana Forest Festival, the birthplace of three state governors, historic Drake’s Salt Works, and the towering pines that fuel the local economy, Winn Parish has much to be proud of.

However, a new and troubling narrative is emerging alongside this proud history. Recent data from Accredited Drug Testing reveals that approximately 10% of adults in Winnfield and Winn Parish reported illicit drug use in the past month, while the area has seen a 15% increase in opioid overdoses over the past year. With drugrelated arrests up 20% in the last two years and 40% of teen treatment admissions attributed to cannabis use, it is clear that substance abuse is becoming a heavy burden for local families.

Donkey Basketball brought together families from Dodson and the surrounding areas for a night of entertainment where the donkeys clearly held the home-court advantage. Laughter echoed through the Dodson High School gym on February 7th as riders faced off against their four-legged opponents. All proceeds from Saturday’s Donkey Basketball event benefited the Dodson FFA chapter. Despite the inevitable bruises and backaches for the riders, the community turnout ensured a successful fundraiser for the students.

Ethel Lucille McDavid turned 100 years old, marking a milestone that few are blessed to reach. Born February 15, 1926, Mrs. McDavid has spent a lifetime witnessing history unfold, from the Great Depression and World War II to the modern age of smartphones and social media. Through it all, family members say she has remained a steady example of strength, faith, and unconditional love.

The Rotary Club held its weekly meeting this Wednesday at Mama’s Iron Skillet, where member Kiah Beville invited guest speaker Deano Thornton. Thornton, the former mayor of Winnfield, now serves as the CEO of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana. What began in July 2009 as a modest medical office located behind the old Sonic has since expanded into a network of nine health clinics, with plans for further growth across Louisiana.

The Krewe of Kingfish invites you to a unique Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 14. This isn’t your typical parade, Krewe of Kingfish wants YOU to be part of the action! The Krewe are welcoming golf carts, side-by-sides (with or without trailers), marchers, and kids on dirt bikes or battery-operated rides. Entry is completely free! Lineup begins at 10:00 AM at Hometown Farm Supply (formerly Town & Country) with the parade rolling at 11:00 AM. Please note: A licensed driver must operate all golf carts. Come throw beads, trinkets, and candy, then stay for the festival immediately following the route. To enter, contact a Krewe member or apply online at https://forms.gle/FjQtW9LAgxFEHxmg8.

The Winn Parish School Board met Monday, February 2, to adopt a budget resolution addendum for the 2025–26 school year. This resolution authorizes Winn Parish Superintendent of Schools Troy A. Bell to sign for and receive grants from all state and federal entities. One of the primary grants is the USDA Rural Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant. The DLT program is designed for rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer; as of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Winn Parish was 13,755. DLT grant funds, which range from $50,000 to $1 million, can be used to purchase or support: audio, video, and interactive video equipment, broadband facilities used for distance learning or telemedicine (up to a specific percentage), computer hardware, network components, and software, instructional programming, and technical assistance and instruction for using the equipment.