News

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The event highlighted several significant historical documents detailing the era.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.

Troy Rogers, President of the Winn Genealogical & Historical Association, spoke to the Kiwanis club, June 16th at our regular weekly meeting. The WGHA is more than just a group of researchers, they are the keepers of the stories of ancestors who settled this beautiful and rugged land. After a season of inactivity they are being revitalized by a community dedicated to unearthing the vibrant heritage of Winn Parish. Anyone who has an interest in their family genealogy or a history buff is welcome to be a part of the Winn Genealogical and Historical Association. They need people to join in their vital work of preservation and fellowship. Their motto is “Discovering Our Roots Together”.

The Winnfield City Council gathered for its regular scheduled meeting this past Tuesday at the Allen Building to address a concise but impactful agenda spanning local infrastructure, school upgrades, and youth recreation budgets. During the guest and audience participation segment, Winn Parish Superintendent of Schools Dr. Troy Bell took the podium to discuss an upcoming Property Tax Bond Proposal. Dr. Bell outlined the details of the upcoming June 27th election, which aims to fund the comprehensive remodeling of the existing Winnfield Middle School, a brand-new parking lot and playground facilities, and the construction of a new competition gymnasium to be used by all local schools and for community activities.

When CEO Deano Thornton first formed a local healthcare corporation in 2009, the entire operation consisted of just five individuals working out of a small clinic.

This week, June 9th 2026, members of the Winnfield Kiwanis Club were treated to a firsthand look at just how far that initial vision has climbed. Hosting their weekly lunch meeting and a walking tour inside the brand-new, three-story, 52,000-square-foot Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana (Winn Community Health Center) complex on West Court Street, members celebrated a massive milestone for local economic growth and rural medical care.

The Winn Parish School Board is proud to recognize eleven students who achieved perfect attendance during the 2025-2026 school year.

These students attended school every day throughout the entire academic year, demonstrating the importance of being present and engaged in their education: Raychel Bonnette, Zoey Canerday, Lauren Chandler, Kate Chandler, Benjamin Chandler (CHS), Sawyer Boyett (DHS), China Allen, Jathen Brady, Karter Pennington, Printis Scott (WPS), and Asia Thomas (WSHS).

Research consistently shows that attendance plays a critical role in student success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to stay on track academically, build strong relationships with teachers and peers, and achieve their educational goals.

A Winnfield High School senior was left with partial paralysis and minimal feeling in his legs after he was shot in the back during a March 29 incident at the Winnfield Civic Center. Despite the unexpected and difficult challenges he now faces, the former football player is hard at work, pursuing a dream he’s had for years: becoming a barber.

Lathan Street was one of four innocent people injured when gunfire erupted inside the civic center on a Sunday evening.

“I was leaving. We was walking towards the door, right there by the door. Then we heard gunshots. I turned around to look for my friend. He was shot. As soon as I turned around and started running, I just fell. I knew I was shot, but I was still, like, trying to get up and still, but I couldn’t get up, I couldn’t move,” Street said.

Street was shot once in his back, damaging part of his spinal cord and leaving him with limited feeling in his legs. A doctor told him he would not walk again.

Bradley Taylor, an upcoming senior at WSHS, has qualified to represent the state of Louisiana in the 2026 4-H Shooting Sports National Competition for the second consecutive year. He will be competing as part of a team of four high school students from across Louisiana in the air pistol competition. Bradley is pictured with his air pistol coach Mr. Bob Davis of Jackson Parish. Last year, Bradley competed in the smallbore pistol competition where his team earned second place in the nation. Participants are allowed to compete only once nationally in each contest so that more shooters have a chance to participate.

It was the second day’s game drive on our May visit to Tanzania in subequatorial east Africa. We were there to witness the annual “Great Migration” of some 1.3 million wildebeest (AKA gnu) and 300,000 zebra across the Serengeti. But that would come later. First, guides would take us in open-air vehicles to view the local wildlife. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! (Well, no tigers or bears in Africa but plenty of lions).

We’d already seen several lions that day. Our guide spotted a young male lounging on a lakeside bank and we made the circuit for a closer look. He was king and, undisturbed by our intrusion, continued to bask and pose for photos.

The Winn Parish School Board addressed critical financial decisions, infrastructure upgrades, and upcoming technology investments during its regular monthly meeting this past Monday.

Topping the agenda was a financial briefing regarding the upcoming school year, which will force board members to make tough structural decisions before the fall.

Business Manager Jennifer Vidrine presented the initial General Fund Budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, operating under a projected district enrollment of 1,500 students. “You’ll see if we change nothing, the deficiency is $1.4 million,” Vidrine told the board.

However, Vidrine noted that after adding back $400,000 in non-recurring revenue secured through the legislature via Representative Jack McFarland, the projected deficit drops to $1,000,044.