News

The atmosphere was festive at the last regular meeting of the Winn Parish Police Jury on December 19. All members were present along with some of the Jury’s family members, local political leaders Representative Jack McFarland and Representative Terry Brown, Mayor Kiah Beville, Workforce Development Director Sondra Redmon, and citizens who were spectators of the open meeting.

Following is a news release from Louisiana State Police Troop E, which was issued on December 29, 2016. As an update, early on the morning of December 30, Troopers arrested and charged Keaton A. Spurlin with vehicular homicide, in reference to the death of the 18 month old infant. Alexandria, LA – Last night, a crash involving two vehicles injured four children, two of which were infants. One infant later died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash. The driver of the vehicle, that caused the crash, was determined to be impaired.

The Rotary Club of Winnfield was honored to have a very special guest at their last meeting of 2016. Congressman Ralph Abraham attended the meeting to enjoy lunch with Rotary members and speak with them regarding changes we can expect to see after President Elect Donald Trump takes office. The meeting was opened with prayer, led by Brother Joel Hines from The Family Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ted Wold. There were several special guests who were recognized, including Mr. Lionel Johnson, Mr. Cas Moss, and Mr. Keith Gates, along with the featured speaker Congressman Abraham and his Chief of Staff.

Richie Broomfield (right) and Danny Browning (left) were sworn into office on December 28, 2016. Each took his oath in the Clerk of Court’s office in Winnfield. Broomfield will serve as Mayor of Dodson and Browning ad Alderman of Dodson for the remaining two years of this term.

Winn Parish Work Ready Team Leaders announced that it has met all criteria to become a certified ACT Work Ready Community, at the Winn Parish Police Jury meeting on Monday, December 19, 2016. The achievement caps a 16-month engagement process and begins a two-year growth and maintenance phase to retain certification. Mayor Kiah Beville serves as the Winn Parish leader of this initiative. He attended the ACT Work Ready Academy to receive training in using this process for a solid economic development tool in Winn Parish. “The Work Ready Communities Certification is critical to Winnfield and Winn Parish remaining competitive in the economic development process. It will help not only future development, but will also help businesses and workers that we already have here,” stated Mayor Beville.

Last month, Desirae Bruce, Winn CASA Coordinator for the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center made area residents aware of a special need, and volunteers stepped up to give. Winn Parish has approximately 14 children in foster homes, and it was her mission to make certain those children were not forgotten at Christmas time. Donations were collected at the advocacy office in Winnfield, and the people of our parish were generous. Clubs from Calvin High School collected new toys, Toys for Kids and the Police Jury Office made donations. Dr. Dupree’s office joined in the efforts, as did Ms. Darlene Tucker, Ollie Moore and Ms. Anna Stanfield and her Ladies’ Bible Study Group. From Beulah Baptist Church, the Pre-K Sunday School Class and Women’s Bible Study Group collected toys and clothing. Aaron’s Furniture Store made a donation, as did 8-year-old Karson Hemphill. Also, joining the efforts were the children who competed in the Christmas on the Dug’ Hot Chocolate Stand Contest.

Our local Brookshire’s and Hormel Cure 81 teamed up to help provide a Christmas meal for those in need in Winnfield. On December 21, Store Director Jeremy Miller and Assistant Manager Maggie Skains presented Ralph Mueller and Chuck Immel a donation of 45 hams for the Winnfield Food Pantry. Nationwide, Hormel Foods Corporation and Brookshire Grocery Company donated $100,000 in Hormel Cure 81 hams to food banks throughout BGC’s market area. The donation equals more than 5,400 hams. “Brookshire’s and Hormel Foods are heavily involved in community outreach and are big supporters of programs that provide food for people in need. Hormel Cure 81 Hams for Hunger is an amazing program that allows us to partner with Brookshire’s in support of hunger relief locally,”

Dry Prong, LA (December 20, 2016) Jena Choctaw Pines Casino hosted their Fourth Annual Toy Drive for the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office this month. Sheriff Steven McCain was on hand December 20 to accept the toys donated by the Casino and their guests.

The Dugdemona Fest Board is pleased to announce the winners of their first ever Christmas on the Dug’ Merry and Bright Christmas Light Competition. Mr. Jeremy Warner won the Most Creative and People’s Choice awards for his entry. Mr. Warner used plenty of colored lights to create a canopy over his driveway and wrap trees on his property. Ms. Johnette Smiley was recognized for her Most Traditional light display, with her yard full of lighted candy canes. And, Dr. and Mrs. Lee won the award in the Best Overall entry, with their beautiful lighted roofline and sidewalk.

Residents and staff members of Autumn Leaves invited their friends and family to celebrate Christmas with them last week. The annual Christmas party draws a large crowd each year, and this year was no different. As staff prepared tables laden with holiday foods, guest filed into the dining area and found standing room only. There were no complaints, though, as partygoers were treated to Christmas carolers and even a visit from Old Santa Nick. Residents were seen holding new, little family members and reminiscing with old friends. It appeared that all had a great time.