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The Dugdemona Fest Board called their first ever Swamp House a huge success! The turnout was amazing and board members are so appreciative. A total of 597 people faced their fears and went through Swamp House this year. Board members said, “We appreciate all of the staff and volunteers who took part in getting the house ready; played a role in the house; registered guests who completed the tour; or allowed us to use props, costumes, etc.” They also appreciate the support and assistance of Mr. Steve Shelton, Mr. Ray Cage for providing a dressing room and makeup area, and Nikita Etheridge and Jamie Hardy for the makeup work they did. Board members expressed their appreciation of the Winnfield City Police Department, who provided assistance each night. The support of the community enables the Dugdemona Fest Board to provide more activities throughout the year and also allows them to make the next Dugdemona Summer Fest even better.

Early voting took place from October 25ththroughNovember 1st, and plenty of Winn Parish voters made the time to exercise their right to vote. After the early voting polls closed and absentee ballots were received, Registrar of Voters Rita Womack James reported that Winn Parish had a record turnout. 1,748 voters voted in person at the Registrar’s office and 195 voters cast their ballot from nursing homes, for a total of 1.943voters.

Election time always seems to bring a flood of rumors and accusations about voter irregularities and this year is no different. Last week I spoke with Winn Parish Registrar Rita Womack James who told me that Louisiana is actually considered one of the states with the most safeguards in place to prevent voter fraud. She went on to show me how the voting machines work and the many steps involved with securing the machines. Amid rumors, she assured me that the voting machines are not connected to the internet or at risk of being “hacked”. There was also a rumor that George Soros owned Louisiana voting machines. 

Ready or not, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit. The Winn Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 20th annual Christmas Open House from 5 to 9 pm Thursday, November 10th. Every year the town looks forward to showcasing their beautiful city to the community and surrounding areas and believes this event is the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season. 

Louisiana State University has a history steeped in military tradition, and because of such has gained the nickname “The Ole War Skule”. On Saturday, November 5th, L.S.U. will play the University of Alabama. During the game’s halftime, the Tiger Marching Band will present a “Patriotic Salute”, according to officials. During pre-game activities, ten distinguished L.S.U. alumni will be inducted into the military Hall of Honor. The induction ceremony is part of L.S.U. Salutes, sponsored by L.S.U. and Cadets of the Ole War Skule and will take place at the LSU War Memorial on the Parade Grounds.

Residents of Winn Parish have been patiently waiting for the bridgework to be complete on the Hwy. 84 bridge, from Winnfield toward Natchitoches. The project has been a big undertaking and has been delayed several times, for different reasons. For months, residents have been taking detours and 18- wheelers have been driving through residential areas. The contractors began pouring concrete last week and will be conducting a series of tests to check the curing of the concrete.  

On October 21, 2016 Eighth Judicial District Attorney R. Christopher Nevils issued a final report of the circumstances, investigation, and determination of criminal responsibility by the grand jury for the death of Fernando Jewitt on May 12, 2016. According to his report, Fernando Jewitt received a single gunshot wound to his chest at Stroll’s Club. Mr. Jewitt was transported to Winn Parish Medical Center where he received medical treatment and later succumbed to the injury received. An investigation by the Winnfield Police Department revealed that Stephan Duncan, Jr. shot Fernando Jewitt with a .45 caliber pistol. At the conclusion of their investigation, the police department presented their file to the District Attorney.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging all Louisianians eligible to vote in the 2016 Presidential Election to consider voting early. Early voting begins on TUESDAY, OCT. 25 and continues through TUESDAY, NOV. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Oct. 30. “Early voting is a great way to conveniently cast your ballot and can make participating quick and easy,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “Presidential elections are always Louisiana’s highest turnout elections, and that means lots of people will be in line on Election Day.

ALEXANDRIA, La. — To mark the 56th anniversary of National Forest Products Week, President Barack Obama this week issued a proclamation praising paper and wood-based products for the value they lend in everyday life. Forest products manufacturers and organizations are joining to celebrate forest products. Forests cover much of Louisiana, making the Forest Products Industry a big deal in the state. According to the LSU AgCenter, the economic impact of forestry to the state is $11 billion. In 2015, it provided more than 45,600 jobs in Louisiana with a combined salary of more than $817 million.

The H. Y. Bell Apartments were built in 1970 to serve low-income residents in Winnfield. In the coming months, residents of the 60-unit complex can look forward to seeing some changes. An Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from First Bank and Trust and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) has awarded H. Y. Bell a $420,000 grant for floor-to-ceiling renovations.  

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