News

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to introduce our newest Narcotics K-9 Deputy, Ruby Gene!

Ruby Gene is a 4½year-old Belgian Malinois born in Czechoslovakia. She is a certified narcotics detection K-9, specially trained to assist our deputies in detecting illegal narcotics and helping keep our communities safe.

Over the past several years, Ruby Gene has trained alongside Major Chad Chelette of the WPSO Chase Team, where she has honed her skills and prepared for this important role.

Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and unmatched work ethic, Belgian Malinois are among the premier law enforcement K-9 breeds in the world. Ruby Gene’s exceptional training, determination, and drive make her a tremendous asset to the Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office.

America turned 250, and Winnfield pulled out all the stops to celebrate the historic Semiquincentennial. Organized by Winn Main Street, downtown Winnfield transformed into a patriotic celebration on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Community members of all ages brought their families, lawn chairs, and patriotic spirit for a packed evening of entirely free activities, entertainment, and community bonding.

The festivities kicked off at 5:00 PM as a variety of local food trucks opened their windows to serve hungry festival-goers. Shortly after, at 6:00 PM, voices united in harmony at the Winn Veterans Memorial for a moving patriotic community singing event to honor the nation’s history and veterans. Energy picked up at 6:30 PM as joggers laced up for the 5K race, which officially commenced at the Prodigal House.

The Rotary Club of Winnfield marked the beginning of a historic chapter this past Wednesday, July 8, during its annual installation of officers meeting.

Mary Lou Blackley was officially sworn in as the new President of the Rotary Club of Winnfield for the 2026-27 Rotary year. The oath of office was administered by outgoing President Kim Futrell. Blackley’s administration is set to be a milestone in the club’s history, as the Rotary Club of Winnfield will celebrate 100 years of service to the community during her term. Raising her right hand, Blackley swore to faithfully execute the duties of the presidency and lead the civic organization into its centennial year.

Joining Blackley in leadership, Jennifer Vidrine was re-elected to continue her service as Club Secretary and Treasurer for the 202627 year. Vidrine took the oath to fulfill her ongoing responsibilities in managing the club’s operations and finances.

A massive crowd packed the Winnfield Senior High School auditorium on Monday, July 6, for the Winn Parish School Board’s regular public session, drawing significantly higher attendance than previous meetings due to swirling rumors regarding potential school closures.

Public anxiety has been following the June 27 election, in which a recent school bond failed to pass. The vote triggered widespread rumors and speculation that either Calvin High School or Dodson High School would be closed or transitioned into a Pre-K/Intermediate facility to accommodate students transferring from Winnfield Primary School.

Superintendent of Schools Troy A. Bell moved swiftly to dispel the rumors the following day. In a statement released July 7, Bell assured the community that all existing schools remain secure.

Winn Parish 4-H is celebrating a wave of success this past week with big wins in leadership, scholarships, and sports. Local students have taken top spots not just in Louisiana, but across the entire country.

To start, Joe Lewis IV has been named the new State 4-H President for the 2026–2027 year. Annabella Godwin was also elected as the new Northwest Regional Representative. Along with them, nine other Winn Parish students were chosen for important state boards. Reese Coleman is the new Equine Ambassador, and Kamdyn Howell is the Wetland Ambassador. Sienna Box made the Citizenship Board. Emily Grace Adams and Adalynn McDow joined the Food and Fitness Board, while Gracie Moore, Rylan Gill, and Ava Canerday all made the Fashion Board.

Book lovers, rejoice! The Winn Parish Library is inviting the local community to stop by and browse their book selection, perfect for anyone looking to revamp their bookshelves just in time for summer. Whether you are looking to stock up on summer reading, build out your personal home library, or simply enjoy hunting for hidden literary treasures, the library promises that there is truly something for everyone in this latest collection.

The sale features budget-friendly deals designed to get books into the hands of local readers. Families can take advantage of completely free children’s books, which are available to all young readers while supplies last. For older readers, the library is offering used adult books, 10 books for just $1.00.

The Winn Parish School Board addressed critical fiscal hurdles, upcoming personnel adjustments, and pressing facility needs during a special public session and committee meeting on Monday, June 29. Faced with declining enrollment and a shifting state funding landscape, school officials are working to balance the books for both the closing fiscal year and the upcoming 2026–27 term.

The Rotary Club of Winnfield is actively welcoming new members to join its ranks as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen local community service and professional networking within Winn Parish. The civic organization, which is part of Rotary International’s global network, brings together business leaders, professionals, and community-minded individuals to provide humanitarian service and foster goodwill both locally and globally. The local club meets every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at Mama’s Iron Skillet in Winnfield. Each weekly luncheon offers members and guests a warm meal and an opportunity for fellowship. The gatherings are typically followed by a presentation from a guest speaker. These speakers are invited by individual Rotary members and cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from local government updates and business development to regional history and community initiatives.

Welcome home, Amy Yerby!

When word got out in the spring that the First Baptist Daycare might need to shut its doors, a group of concerned church members gathered to formulate a plan to keep the program alive. The first matter of business was finding a qualified director who would bring experience, education, and passion to the job.

Winn Parish native Amy Yerby was at the top of the list. Yerby’s love for children, experience in the classroom, and credentials for leadership combined to make her the most desirable candidate.

“I do love working with children,” Yerby commented. “We all have gifts and talents – and mine are that I love children . . . and their parents as well.”