News

“I started working in the library at age 14, while I was in high school, continued during my college years and have altogether worked in the library field for 26 years. I love sharing resources with the community!” says Priscilla Massey, director of the Winn Parish Library system, to members of the Winnfield Rotary Club at the regular meeting on July 19, 2023.

In its second year, the Rose “Sug” Wells Spay & Neuter event continues to help unaltered animals across central Louisiana.

188 cats and dogs were altered during this event across 6 clinics that returned this year to help with procedures.

Odom Veterinary Hospital in Farmerville took 31 appointments to help, Kees Park Animal Clinic in Pineville took 27, Jonesboro Animal Clinic in Jonesboro took 30, the Magnolia Spay Neuter in Alexandria took 20, and Natchitoches Animal Hospital in Natchitoches also took 20. Winnfield Animal Clinic took most of the burden again this year, assisting in 60 procedures.

A special fundraiser was held on Friday, July 14 to raise fund for Tiffany Warren and her husband JohnDavid, who are both battling cancer. Tiffany is a former employee of Winn Parish Enterprise.

Through the efforts of many, the fundraiser drew in a close to $7,500 for the couple as they face time away from their jobs, travels to and from dr.s appointments, and just life expenses during this difficult time.

A total of 576 BBQ plates were sold during the fundraiser with many volunteers on hand to deliver from Campti to Natchitoches, Winnfield to Dodson, and all surrounding areas.

“Excel” was the theme for 4-H University, held on June 19th-23rd on Louisiana State University’s Campus. Twentynine Winn Parish youth participated in this annual event. Over 1000 4-H members came together from across Louisiana and spent the week participating in state level competitions and educational programs.

If you do a bit of research, you will find that one thing is clear: School closures threaten the well being of rural communities and one of the biggest downfalls is the loss of jobs for those that are employed there. According to Superintendent Al Simmons with the WPSB, this will not be the case for Atlanta and their beloved high school. Teachers will have the choice to move to the Winnfield schools. One of the most astounding remarks made at the last school board meeting, was by board member Steve Vines, who stated that during last school year there were over 30 teachers on staff at WSHS. At this time, there are only 15 going into the 2023-24 school year.

At least 50 people showed up to celebrate Independence Day at Goldonna Baptist Church. Folks were served hotdogs, homemade ice cream and treated to a beautiful fireworks display.

The Winnfield 7-year-old boys coach pitch team has claimed the District 8 Championship title this year, a feat that hasn’t happened in quite some time. This group of boys has dedicated many hours to practicing in the weeks leading up to the tournament. They powered through some hot evenings and tough practices and their hard work has certainly paid off.

The transferring of students from Atlanta High School to Winnfield schools was the main topic up for discussion at the recent committee meeting of the Winn Parish School Board. “We have some serious problems,” stated school board member Steve Vines. “I’ve talked to some of the principals. At WSHS we have 365 students with 22 teachers, if the facts that I looked at were right. In English I they’ve got 89 kids signed up, English II 100, English III-62, English IV- 50, with 2 teachers on staff. They have only 2 English teachers at WSHS and 3 math teachers. That’s ridiculous,” stated Vines. He continued on with stats of class sizes at the local schools. “Something’s got to be done to meet these needs,” added Vines.

The big concern at this point, according to several members of the school board is that school will resume in five or six weeks and principals and teachers don’t know what they are supposed to do to prepare.

Goldonna Baptist Church will hold a Wiffle Ball Tournament on July 22nd at GBC. Get your youth groups, high school ball teams and friends together for a fun, fast-paced day. All proceeds will go to #operationchristmaschild shipping costs. The rules are as follows: -6 players on a team. At least 3 players must be female. All female teams are welcomed.

-Entry fee $60/team. -Field will be drawn behind GBC. -Pitching rubber will be 15-20 feet from home plate. Bases will be 25-30 feet apart.

-Wiffle balls and bats will be provided. -All games will have a 15 minute time limit or 3 innings, whichever comes first.

-10 run rule in effect after 2 complete innings. -Defensive team must field a pitcher. The other 5 players can be in any configuration they choose.

-No walks, hit by pitch, bunts ot looking strikeouts. However, there will be swinging strikeouts.

“We can, we will, we DID!” was a common refrain heard Saturday evening, June 24, at the Winnfield Civic Center, the site of the 63rd annual Winnfield High/Winnfield Senior High School reunion. The class of 1973 was the first class with the high school motto “We can, we will,” and the school crest, and served as the host of the annual event on the 50th anniversary of their graduation from WSHS.