News

The regular monthly meeting of the Winnfield City Council was held on Sept 13. There were no amendments to the agenda. The minutes from the Aug 9 were accepted. As were the Aug 22 minutes special meeting.

A Resolution was passed to declare the old trade school building as surplus. Councilman Miller added that the reason behind this is that there is an interest by a local non-profit, The Prodigal Foundation of Winnfield, to use the building as an emergency refuge shelter and transitional shelter for the homeless in the community. Pastor Shaun Garner of Winnfield 1st Assembly of God spoke of the desire to let this building be used to help the community grow as well as offering a positive change. Miller offered that there are several steps required to take to continue this venture. The next step would be an appraisal. Attorney Herman Castete explained that the city cannot donate the building. The law does not provide for that.

Most would agree that the loss of a child is the most devastating thing that can happen to a family. It’s an unimaginable torture to those that are left behind. For the parents of Emma Claire Gill, that pain is something that they wake up to each day.

Emma Claire was a stunning, vibrant, beaming light that radiated love and joy to everyone she met. She was full of life and love for her family and friends. Because of that, her parents were blindsided on Aug 8, 2021 when Emma-Claire left this earth.

Her parents, Ryan and Darla Gill, have struggled with the “why” and “did we miss the signs” since that horrible day. But, during this time they have learned these things.

* Social media and other apps are harming kids.

* Teenagers today face more than we could ever imagine.

On Sept 10, after receiving information was from a narcotics deputy concerning possible drugs at an address located at H.Y. Bell apartments, the WPSO secured a search warrant from 8th Judicial Court Judge Anastasia Wiley.

During the search, 289.4 grams of marijuana, 171 fentanyl pills, 102 rounds of AR 15 ammunition, as well as an AR 15 were seized.

Arrested were Duarte S. Marks, age 38, of 403 21st St., Winnfield, LA. Marks was charged with Possession with intent to distribute Sch I, Possession with intent to distribute Sch II, Resisting an officer by failure to identify, and Possession of firearm in presence of CDA.

Also arrested was Kristen Wood of 305 22nd St., Winnfield, LA, Wood is charged with Possesstion with intent to distribute Sch I, Possession with intent to distribute Sch II, Drugs in presence of juvenile, Firearm in presence of CDA.

The City of Winnfield Recreation Department will be conducting a registration extension for its Flag Football League; now until the deadline Friday, Sept 16. Registration fee for this league is $40.00. Boys and girls ages 4-12 are eligible for this exciting program. Don’t let the deadline pass you up. Sign your child up today. Tryouts will be held on Saturday, Sept 17 at 800 North Grove St., Field #2. The times for each age group are as follows: Ages 4-6 - 9:00am, ages 7-9 - 10:00am, ages 11-12 - 11:00am. For more information concerning Flag Football, contact the Recreation Dept. at 6283413.

The Investiture Ceremony for Dr. Marcus Jones was held on Friday, Sept. 9 at A A Fredericks Arts Auditorium on the Northwestern State University campus.

The Investiture Ceremony is one of the oldest traditions in academia. The installation of a new president is a ceremony of dignity with many academic traditions and procedures. Faculty from Northwestern State University march alongside delegations from other colleges and universities in an academic procession.

Dr. Marcus Jones was named the 20th President of Northwestern State University on November 8, 2021, by unanimous vote from the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Dr. Jones has served the institution in many ways throughout his 23-year career, most recently serving as interim president since July 2021. 

The Winnfield Tigers take their unbeaten (2-0) record to Cedar Creek in Ruston on Friday where the Cougars are hoping to capture their first win of the season.

Both teams were in thriller contest last week with Winnfield defeating the Caldwell Parish High School Spartans 14-13. Cedar Creek came out on the short end in their contest with Vidalia with one point loss, 3029.

The Tigers finished the night against Caldwell with 261 yards in total offense. They got 148 of those yards on the ground with 36 carries and 113 yards in the air.

Sophomore defensive back Breylan Starks got the Tigers on the board first with a quick six. Starks intercepted a first quarter Spartan pass and returned it 10 yards for the six points. Brady Johnson provided the PAT kick giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

The Spartans tied things up at halftime with a touchdown pass.

The Winnfield Fire Department received a call of a structure fire on Thomas St. The caller advised dispatch that it was a trailer on fire threatening another structure. Engine One, Engine Four, Ladder One, Rescue One and Chief One responded with eleven fire personnel. The Asst. Fire Chief arrived on scene and transmitted a working fire for an abandon mobile home with 60% involvement. Engine One arrived on scene and deployed front bumper fire attack line for extinguishment. Nearby neighbors advised fire chief that there was possibly a female vagrant that was staying inside so personnel donned PPE And made a search of the structure as well as for containment and extinguishment. Search turned up to be negative of anyone inside. The Engine Four crew assisted Engine One with water supply to a hydrant that was close. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the fire without any other property receiving any damage.

The much anticipated Meet the Tigers event was a huge success on Aug 30. Stokes-Walker Stadium was ablaze with red representing the WSHS spirit. Kids and adults of all ages were on hand to meet the players and participate in a pep rally that was held at 7pm.

There were lots of attractions including food trucks, photo op, sno cones, flag football sign up, face painting, and football activities.

It’s an exciting time of the year as the WSHS Tigers kick off what looks to be a great season.

A new chapter has begun for the Winn Parish Library. The library board announced the appointment of Priscilla Massey as Director of the library effective September 1. Mona Bamburg, the outgoing Director, has accepted a position closer to her home in Natchitoches as Director of the Natchitoches Parish Library.

A reception was held in honor of both ladies on Aug 29 in the meeting room of the Winn Parish Library. During the reception, the board as well as several public officials and the community came out to show their support and offer congratulations.

Miss Massey is a life long resident of Winnfield and a member of First Apostolic Church in Winnfield. She fills the position as director of the library after serving seven years at the Jackson Parish Library as Program Coordinator and then later Business Manager.

Priscilla is the proud aunt of six nieces and nephews and has a very full life.

Winnfield, LA Elected and appointed officials from eight parishes gathered on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, for a meeting at the Winnfield Civic Center in Winnfield, LA. Winn Parish hosted the meeting for members of the Police Jury Association. In addition to Winn Parish, Region VIII includes Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, and Vernon.

During the Business Session led by PJAL Executive Director Guy Cormier, the 2023 Region VIII Host Parish was announced as Rapides Parish. The Region VIII President and Secretary/Treasurer will come from Rapides Parish, as well. The Region VIII Vice President will come from LaSalle Parish. Rapides Parish’s Craig Smith was re-elected to serve as Region VIII Executive Board Member. Jim Tuck and Curtis Clay of Vernon Parish and Joe Bishop of Rapides Parish were re-elected to serve on the Resolutions Committee.