News

Be sure and check your bills that you receive. This $10 note was found recently after it was given to an individual as part of change here in Winnfield. This time of the year seems to ramp up the risk of receiving counterfeit money as payment. Shoppers should be on alert as shopping season gears up. Take a quick glance at cash when you receive it from any retail establishment or individual.

The U.S. Department of The Treasury warns to not, for your own personal safety, try to return it to the passer. Contact your local police department OR call your local U.S. Secret Service Office. Banks can, at their discretion, replace fake money received by their customers, but they are unlikely to do so. It makes little difference where the counterfeit came from – a store, an individual, or an ATM. In most cases, you’ll end up writing off the loss.

Winn Parish – On November 25, 2021, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on U.S Highway 167 north of Dodson. This crash claimed the life of 23-year-old Zaria L. Griffith of Ruston.

The initial investigation revealed a 2004 Mazda 3, driven by Griffith, was traveling south on U.S. Highway 167. For reasons still under investigation, Griffith’s vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.

Griffith, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. Griffith’s two passengers, who were also restrained, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.

The Winnfield Rotary Club presented each school in the Winn Parish School District, as well as the Central Louisiana Technical & Community College, with a special United States flag on November 17, 2021. What makes the flags special? Two things: first, each flag was flown over the United State Capitol Building, the building that represents the center of our government; second, each flag was presented in honor and appreciation of the men and women educated in each school who have served in any branch of the United States military.

The Grand Marshal of this year’s “Whofield” Christmas parade is Winnfield’s very own, Steve Vines. Having the opportunity to meet with him and talk about his life and career leaves one with a feeling of thankfulness and a bit in awe. He stated many times that his life has been blessed. From a young boy growing up in Winnfield, to returning here in 1971 to fulfill a forty-nine year career as a teacher of Agriculture is quite impressive. As he talks about those years teaching and mentoring, his eyes light up.

A series of eight public hearings in five days on the state’s plan for highway construction plan next year will begin December 1.

The Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee will conduct the meetings. The purpose of the hearings across the state is to review highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2022- 2023. A copy of the Preliminary program for the state’s next fiscal year are available for review at LADOTD Headquarters, 1201 Capitol Access Road, Room 200U, in Baton Rouge. You may also review the plan at www.dotd.la.gv/inside_LaDOTD /Divisions/Multimodal/Transpo rtation_Planning/Highway_Prio rity/Pages/defaullt.aspx.

There will two hearings per day on Dec. 1, 2, 7 and 8. The meeting on December 9 will be held in Baton Rogue.

It’s easy to overlook Thanksgiving because of the excitement of the Christmas season. This year maybe more than any other because of the COVID 19 epidemic that seemed to dull the spirits of most last year and brought so much heartache and worry to individuals. Although Christmas is an exciting time, we must remember to be thankful for the things we have been given. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and a time to give thanks.

The monthly meeting opened with prayer and the pledge then led into the business of adoption of the agenda. The new owner of the Midway RV Park and Marina in St. Maurice, Mr. Randy Stone, asked to talk a little about his background and what his goals are for the taking over of the business. His family is from Port Vincent and they currently own an RV park there. He stated that the plan was to not change much but to upgrade the Midway RV Park. There was a motion to approve the beer permit for the RV Park for the remainder of 2021 and also a motion to approve the beer and liquor permit for park on the agenda. Jury President opened the floor for any discussion. Jury member from District 6, Author Robinson asked why Mr. Stone would want high volume alcohol. Stone explained that there has been a lot of requests for daiquiri machines and that would require a high volume content permit. Mr. Phillip Evans from District 1 asked what the content was for those types of alcoholic drinks. Mr.

The spirit of Christmas arrives early in Winnfield. The excitement of Christmas Open House can always be felt throughout the town. This year’s was no less exciting. Every shop that participated was decorated perfectly, refreshments were in good supply, and chattering of the customers could be heard as browsed through the shops. You could hear the live music from David Procell, Mike Roberts, and the Comeback Kids even from a block away. This event signifies the beginning of Christmas season here in Winn Parish.

The professional background of the new Northwestern State University President is quite impressive. He is the 1 ^st black president in NSU’s 137 years and is the 20 ^th president to lead the university. UL System President, Jim Henderson praised the selection and stated that Jones is a leader and a visionary. “Marcus is an authentic leader of character, integrity, and vision. His familiarity with the community, his passion for student success, and his commitment to excellence will advance our alma mater for the next generation,” Henderson stated according to the Associated Press.

The Winnfield Tigers will make a repeat trip to Moreauville this year when they face Avoyelles High School in the second round of the State Class 2A playoffs.

The Mustangs finished third in District 4 A losing only to Many, the defending state champs, and Red River of Coushatta. They are 9-2 on the year and host a 4-2 league slate.

Winnfield and Avoyelles met in week five of the 2021 season. The Mustangs claimed a 40-12 victory over the Tigers. The only other District 4A teams still in the playoffs are No. 1 Many who is facing No 17 East Feliciana and No. 8 Red River is taking on No. 9 Rosepine.

Avoyelles enters the game ranked fourth in the state while Winnfield is ranked 13 ^th .

They won their first round game against Bunkie, another district foe, last week by a 42-7 score. When Avoyelles and Bunkie met in district action earlier this year, Avoyelles came out on top 54-13.