News

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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Election Day is November 8th and voters are urged to make their voices heard by participating in the electoral process. 

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October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and the Winn Parish Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is working to teach the public about domestic abuse. At noon on October 21st the DART will be holding a vigil on the Winnfield courthouse square to honor and remember those who have lost their lives to domestic abuse in north central Louisiana. The guest speaker for the occasion will be Sheriff Cranford Jordan.    

On Monday, October 10, Judge Derr swore in four volunteer advocates for the Winn CASA office. These volunteers will advocate on behalf of a foster child (ren) in Winn Parish. These individuals completed an interview process, a thorough background check, and a training course prior to the swearing in ceremony.  

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