News

Kim Triplett

Four communication dispatchers with the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office recently completing a comprehensive 40-hour training course over several weeks. This training will greatly enhance the quality of emergency response for both the citizens of Winn Parish and our first responders.

Sheriff McAllister shared, 'Communication dispatchers are often the first point of contact during an emergency. It's essential that they can quickly gather accurate information, speak with confidence, and provide compassionate support to the public.'

As the Kiwanis Club members gathered in their usual meeting space, a buzz of excitement filled the air. This was no ordinary meeting— today, they had a special guest. Ambassador Bill Thompson, Santa Claus’s personal representative for Winn Parish, was there to share some festive wisdom and rally support for this year’s Christmas parade.

Bill took to the podium, his presence commanding yet warm. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve been Santa’s representative here for 30 years, and let me tell you, this community knows how to celebrate Christmas.”

He shared stories of parades past, the sparkle in children’s eyes, and the joy of seeing Santa arrive in style. “This year, we’re aiming for something even more special,” he announced, revealing plans for a safer, more personal approach to gift-giving with individually handed- out stuffed animals, as suggested by Ethel Howell, Winnfield Kiwanian.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) has unveiled a pivotal report stemming from its recently concluded statewide Waste Tire Community Town Hall Tour. The initiative, championed by LDEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto, represents a collaborative effort that engaged various stakeholders, including the Governor’s Office of Rural Revitalization, the Keep Louisiana Beautiful program led by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and local elected officials.

March 9, 2025 – Winn Parish, LA – The Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office, with assistance from local law enforcement, successfully apprehended Christopher Smiley after a foot chase on March 9, 2025. Smiley, wanted for a probation violation, was initially spotted by Dodson Police Chief Mason Hagen, who saw Smiley in a vehicle leaving Dodson. Chief Hagen initiated a traffic stop on US 167 at its intersection with LA 156.

Upon stopping the vehicle, Smiley fled the scene on foot, entering a wooded area. The Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office responded promptly, deploying their “chase team” along with K-9 units to track the suspect. The team pursued Smiley for approximately 2.5 miles before apprehending him in the woods off Joe Frazier Road.

Christopher Smiley was subsequently booked into the Winn Parish Detention Center on charges of Resisting Arrest by Flight, Criminal Trespass, and a Probation and Parole Warrant.

Early Voting will be held in the Registrar of Voters office in the Winn Parish Courthouse Saturday, March 15 through Saturday, March 22 ( closed Sunday, March 16) from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM. Enter through the Main Street entrance. The election will be Saturday, March 29.

Download the GeauxVote app which allows you to view your sample ballot and monitor results on Election night.

Sample ballots are also posted on the wall outside the Registrar of Voters Office.

Reminder: ALL Absentee by Mail ballots must be received in the Registrar of Voters Office by 4:30 PM on Friday, March 28. The deadline to request an Absentee by Mail ballot is March 25, however, the Registrar strongly advises that you request a ballot as soon as possible to ensure that you have time to receive and return the ballot.

The fourth annual Spring In The Park will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Dodson High School FFA Pavilion. Spring In The Park is a function to encourage unity among the surrounding towns and will provide live music, as well as games, food and fun for all ages. While this is the fourth Spring In the Park, a very special highlight will be the third annual St. Jude Walkathon. There is no greater service than to walk in honor of the many children who face childhood cancer and to give to continued support for the patients and their families. Join us for fun, food and fellowship. The Walkathon will be in honor of children and families affected by childhood cancer.

The annual Kiwanis Scholarship meal will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Winn Farmers Market on Main Street. The menu will consist of Boston Butt steak, potato salad, green beans, bread and dessert. It is take out only and pickup is 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Delivery is available for large orders. Tickets are $10 each and available from any Kiwanis member.

This scholarship meal funds our scholarships for at least 2 high school seniors in the schools of Winn Parish, which includes Calvin, Dodson and Winnfield Senior High School. We would also like to give a scholarship to the Central Louisiana Technical College in Winnfield. We appreciate all the support we get from the community with our projects that help the children of our community.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Please be advised of road closures during the Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials being held March 17th through March 23rd at the Winnfield Fairgrounds. Country Club Road and Orange Street will be closed at the fairgrounds. The only way to access the fairgrounds will be from Hwy 34. (emergency vehicles and school busses will be allowed access). We are sorry for any inconvenience during this week but these measures gives the vendors more room and helps to keep everyone safe as they attend the Hog Dog Trials.

Willie Doherty of Joyce recently received from Rusty Reeves, deputy director of Louisiana Rural Water Association, the prestigious 2024 H.M. “Skeeter” Vickers Award for “Outstanding Dedication to the Water Industry.”