News

Members and guests of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield gathered for a presentation by Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis (District 4). While Winn Parish lies outside Commissioner Francis’s regulatory district (District 4), he traveled to Winnfield to speak as a personal favor to his long-time childhood friend, Dr. Bill Gaddis.

North Louisiana Roots & Local Stories Introduced by host Dr. Bill Gaddis, Commissioner Francis shared stories of growing up together in nearby Jena, Louisiana. The two recalled attending Sunday school together and being baptized on the same day at First Baptist Church in Jena. Francis joked that during their baptism as young boys, he managed to “muddy the water a whole lot more than Bill did.”

As the summer heat begins to cool off and yellow school buses return to the road, a brand-new school year is officially underway across our parish.

From toddlers taking their very first steps into Pre-K to seniors getting ready for their final year, this week marks a fresh start for every student. To celebrate the big road ahead and remind everyone what all that hard work leads to, take a look at this unforgettable photo.

Pictured right is Gracie Coker, a smiling graduate proudly posing in her bright red cap and gown, holding the ultimate study buddy: a tiny chihuahua wearing his own miniature black cap and gown, complete with a bright yellow tassel. It’s a sweet reminder that nobody makes it to graduation alone. Getting through school takes a village: including supportive families, dedicated teachers, and a few loyal pets along the way.

First Baptist Church in Winnfield hosted an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 5, welcoming local families to preview its refreshed daycare and pre-kindergarten facility, “First School,” ahead of the official start of classes on Monday, August 10, 2026.

The daycare program is led by Director Amy Yerby, who assumed the leadership role in May. Yerby brings nine years of early childhood education experience and has completed 112 hours of director training qualified through the state board of education.

Over the summer, teachers and staff worked to refresh the facilities with new paint and updated toys to prepare a welcoming environment for attending children.

During the gathering, Pastor Brian McAllister welcomed parents and offered an opening prayer for the upcoming school year. McAllister highlighted the church’s mission to partner with local families to nurture children physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Winn Parish School Board convened for its regular public session on Monday, August 3, at 5:30 p.m., addressing a agenda that included budget updates, facility reports, and local tax exemption decisions. Sheriff Josh McAllister spoke to the board regarding the Weyerhaeuser Ad Valorem Tax Exemption, explaining that his office had requested more time to weigh a decision given how vital the tax revenue is for the parish, schools, Sheriff’s Office, and Police Jury. While McAllister noted that Governor Jeff Landry holds the ultimate decision-making power regardless of local governing body stances, the School Board ultimately voted to oppose the exemption. With classes resuming on Friday, August 7, McAllister also urged community members to leave earlier, watch for school buses, and obey traffic signs to keep students safe. Following this, the board entered an executive session under La. R.S. 42:17(A)(2) to discuss legal strategy regarding Moore v.

A new state law taking effect August 1 aims to curb environmental litter and protect local infrastructure by banning large-scale outdoor balloon releases across Louisiana. Under the new legislation, intentionally releasing 12 or more helium-filled balloons into the open air will now be classified as intentional littering.

The rule applies specifically to outdoor releases of 12 or more heliumfilled Mylar or latex balloons. Law-makers designed the measure to safeguard regional wildlife, reduce environmental waste, and prevent power outages caused by balloons interfering with electrical power lines.

Penalties for violating the law range depending on prior offenses: First-Time Offenses: Violators face fines up to $500 along with eight hours of community service.

Repeat Offenses: Fines can reach up to $2,500, with additional penalties potentially including the suspension of driver’s licenses.

The Winnfield City Council met in the Allen Building for its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 14, addressing school facility concerns, public records requests, a proposed utility rate adjustment, and annual city department appointments. During guest and audience participation, Winn Parish School Board Members Carneshia Willis and Michelle Carpenter addressed the council and public. Carpenter spoke regarding the recent general bond initiative that failed to pass in the June election, highlighting the declining physical conditions of Winnfield Primary School and emphasizing the urgency of moving children out of the current building. She urged local citizens to attend upcoming School Board meetings to stay informed on the bond issue, noting that the board has the option to place the measure back on the ballot in six months.

(Winnfield, LA – July 13, 2026) Autumn Leaves Nursing & Rehabilitation Center has been recognized by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a 2026 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award recipient. The distinction is the second of three progressive award levels through the National Quality Award Program, which recognizes providers across the country that have demonstrated improved quality outcomes for staff and residents.

“Receiving the national Silver – Achievement in Quality Award is an honor and a testament to our team’s resident-centered approach to care,” said Jimmy Dale Zimmerman, administrator of Autumn Leaves Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. “This recognition reflects our staff ’s commitment to providing care with compassion and excellence and we are proud to be recognized as a national leader in quality, safety and service.”

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.