News

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.”

History took center stage at the Louisiana Political Museum & Hall of Fame on June 18th as local residents and history enthusiasts gathered for a special book review event featuring author Jack McGuire.

McGuire presented his newly released, deeply researched book, Killing the Kingfish: The Huey Long Assassination, to a wellattended crowd.

During the presentation, McGuire shared insights into the state’s complex political history, discussing the extensive research required to piece together the narrative of the 1935 assassination of Governor and Senator Huey P. Long.

The event highlighted several significant historical documents detailing the era. McGuire also took time during his remarks to commend museum staff members Shonna Moss and Jennifer Beck Loftin for their ongoing efforts to preserve and promote local and state history within the community.

The Bank of Winnfield has announced a leadership transition, naming Kimberly H. Nevils as its new president, effective July 1, 2026. Nevils will succeed Robert P. “Buddy” Heard, who is retiring after a 46-year career with the institution. Heard will retain his seat on the bank’s board of directors.

Heard’s tenure at the Bank of Winnfield marks the conclusion of a lifelong career in the familyowned business. Prior to his 46 years of service at the bank, his only other employment was at the former Jackson Motor Company. Upon retirement, Heard plans to spend time with his wife and their two daughters, Elizabeth and Annie, as well as pursue more time fishing.