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November 8, 2016 was a record-setting election day for the United States, and perhaps for Winn Parish. The televised presidential debates of 2016 were record shattering, with all-time audience highs. Ironically, some news outlets reported that voter turnout dipped to nearly its lowest point in 20 years. The number of voters is the lowest in a presidential election since 1996, when 53.5% of votingage citizens participated in the election process. The highest voter turnout was in 2008, when almost 64% of voting age citizens cast their votes. NBC called the election “one of the most bitter and wildly unpredictable campaigns in the nation’s history.” That it was. Based on social media posts, there were many people stunned by the results. Some were celebrating the win, while others took to the streets to protest the win. When President-Elect Donald Trump declared victory Tuesday night, he told supporters, “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division.

It’s a long way from the Wheeling Community to the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame, but one man has made that journey. Nat Keiffer grew up about five miles south of Montgomery and began his education in a three-room schoolhouse. He grew up learning to plow behind mules with his Grandfather Brown, but dreamed of owning a horse of his own. By the time he got to high school, he had saved $25 to buy a horse, but his mother insisted that any horse had to be ‘broken to pull a plow to work the garden’. Young Nat Keiffer had heard that a man across the Nantachie Creek had a Cane River Mustang mare for sale, and that’s how he came about owning Maude. After graduating from Atlanta High School in 1947, Keiffer went to college and received a B.S. in General Agriculture from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette in 1952. He then joined the U.S. Marines and spent two years active duty, followed by five years in graduate school, where he earned a M.S.

On Saturday, November 12th, the Winnfield Police Department held their First Annual Motorcycle Fun Ride to benefit their Christmas “Shop With A Cop” Program. The department had this to say about the day. “Today we prepare to give back to this community. For what we anticipate will be an Annual Fundraising Event, the Winnfield Police Department sponsored a Motorcycle Fun Ride to raise funds for our Christmas “Shop with a Cop” Program. This is not limited to cops, but includes all first responders. Active participants are the Winnfield Fire Department and the Winnfield City Marshal’s Office as well as the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan first designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Over 5million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and by the year 2050, as many as 16 million will have the disease. Nearly one in three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or dementia. In2013, Alzheimer’s disease was the 6thleading cause of death in Louisiana, with 1,505deaths being attributed to the disease. That was an 86%increase from 2000.

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.