Main

The 48th Annual Louisiana Forest Festival is set to take over the Winn Parish Fairgrounds on April 24–25, celebrating the industry that serves as the backbone of North Louisiana’s workforce. From high-stakes lumberjack competitions to family-friendly “bubble parties,” this year’s event promises a perfect blend of sawdust, glamour, and pines.

The festivities begin on Friday, April 24th, with the “Sawdust Social” from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Vibewinner Productions will provide the soundtrack for the evening, keeping the energy high with music all night long. It is a true family affair, featuring: Kids Zone attraction, a mechanical bull, and Face painting for the little ones.

The action kicks into high gear early on Saturday, April 25: 7:00 a.m. – The Race For Chase 5K begins at the Fairground Livestock Barn.

8:00 a.m. – Opening ceremonies lead directly into the 4-H Woodsman Skills, Loader Competition, Truck Rodeo, and a roaring Truck Show.

Winn Parish healthcare changed forever this past Monday, April 13th, as the Winn Community Health Center (WCHC) officially opened the doors to its state-of-the-art, 52,000-square-foot facility. The ceremony was a sea of blue as employees, community leaders, and local citizens gathered side-by-side to celebrate an expansion that promises not only enhanced affordable healthcare, but a significant economic boost for Winn Parish.

The journey to this facility began in July 2009 in a modest medical office located behind the old Sonic. Since then, WCHC has evolved into a powerhouse network under Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana, which now employs over 500 people across nine facilities statewide.

The City Council was called to order for its regular meeting at the Allen Building this past Tuesday, April 14.

First on the agenda was City Engineer Henry Shuler, who provided insight into future renovations to the ozone plant for much-needed wastewater improvements. The project will be funded by a $2,000,000 loan from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Shuler stated, “This deal isn’t going to fix everything, but it’s a step in the right direction… with the sewer side being the most critical issue.”

Effective immediately, a burn ban is now in place for Winn Parish by Winn Parish Fire District 3.

Due to current conditions, all outdoor burning is strictly prohibited until further notice. This measure is necessary to help prevent wildfires and protect lives, property, and emergency responders.

Please comply with this ban and report any violations or signs of fire to local authorities.

Stay safe and help keep our community protected.

We would like to inform our valued customers that the City implemented a new utility billing software system in January. While this conversion was necessary to improve our services long-term, it has unfortunately resulted in some unexpected system issues.

These issues have caused: Delays in utility billing Intermittent problems with the online payment portal Longer wait times and delays in assisting customers in the office Please know that we have been actively working to correct these challenges. Multiple steps have already been taken, and we continue to work diligently with our software providers to fully resolve all issues as quickly as possible.

At this time, our staff is carefully reviewing customer accounts on a daily basis to ensure accuracy and to address any discrepancies. We are committed to making sure each account is handled properly and fairly.

Louisiana is a place like no other, but it takes all of us to keep it that way. This year, for Love The Boot Week, we are rolling up our sleeves to ensure our hometown stays clean, green, and beautiful. Join George Moss and his crewfor a community cleanup day at Earl K. Long Park.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. We encourage everyone to be a part of the change by bringing along a sturdy pair of gloves and a friend to help out. It’s a great way to give back to the community while enjoying the fresh air with your neighbors.

Hot dogs and chips will be served to all volunteers during the event. Let’s show our state pride and keep Louisiana beautiful, starting right here at home. We can’t wait to see you there!

Members of the Rotary Club of Winnfield gathered this past Wednesday for their weekly noon meeting to receive a briefing on the upcoming electoral cycle. Guest speaker Bryan Kelley, from the Winn Parish Registrar of Voters office, provided details regarding the mechanics of the Closed Party Primary scheduled for this May.

The roar of chainsaws and the scent of pine are returning to the Winn Parish Fairgrounds on April 24-25. The community will gather for the 48th Annual Louisiana Forest Festival, a celebration of the industry that serves as the leading workforce of North Louisiana. From lumberjack competitions to family-friendly “bubble parties,” this year’s festival promises a blend of saw dust, glamour, and pines.

If the smell of fresh-cut wood doesn’t get you, the aroma of spicy seafood will. The highly anticipated Crawfish Cook-Off, will be “MC” by the popular Camper Cooking with Kennah. For the young ones in the family, the festival grounds will feature: the bubble party tent, face painting. glitter tattoos, and so much more.

The dust has finally settled at the Winn Parish Fairgrounds after a week of high-stakes action and heritage. From March 16th through March 22nd, our hometown became the main attraction for “baying” as we hosted the 31st Annual Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials.

The arena was filled with the sounds of rhythmic baying and the cheers of spectators who traveled from across the country to witness the trials. This wasn’t just a local gathering; it was a national stage for some of the finest canine in the hog baying business.

While the Catahoula Leopard and the Blackmouth Cur were out in full force, the trials saw a wide variety of bay dog breeds. Competitors and families brought their best-trained dogs to put months, and often years, of rigorous training to the ultimate test.

District 2-C All-District honors were announced this week for Winn Parish, with Calvin and Dodson High Schools claiming a share of the accolades. Leading the charge was Calvin’s Stephen Turner, who was named Coach of the Year after a historic 28-3 season that saw his team punch their ticket to the state tournament in Hammond.

The girls’ First Team All-District list was a testament to the depth of talent in the parish. Calvin’s core sophomore Ja’Leigha Hobdy, and juniors Alexa Collins and A’Miya Marshall all earned First Team nods: they were joined by Dodson High School senior Jada Connor.

On the boys’ side, senior leadership took center stage. Dodson Panther senior Jase Shirley and Calvin Cougar senior Zhavion Walker both secured First Team All-District spots.