News

One of the things that excites me about working for the newspaper is getting to meet people in our community. Each day our paths cross with people, and each person has a story. It’s my goal to share some of these stories with you, and my hope that you’ll share your stories with me. Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Cliff Magee, who many of you will remember from his time as a Winnfield Senior High School football standout. Cliff has literally been half way around the world, and has returned to his roots, to give back to the youth in our community.  

By Emily Frame

Winn Parish Fire District 3 has adopted a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and a new SOP manual effective immediately. After approving the agenda for the Monday, July 11 meeting, Chief Foster introduced the new Standard Operating Procedures manual. 

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By Emily Frame

Last week, Sheriff Cranford Jordan accepted a bid from Pat Williams Construction company out of Leesville, Louisiana for the construction of a new parish jail. Five companies submitted bids in the same price range, but Pat Williams Construction bid lowest at $6.77 million for the project. The Sheriff’s Office was given approval to borrow up to $10.1 million from the Bond Commission. Sheriff Jordan predicts the structure will take about 18 months to complete once they break ground. The facility, which has been in the works since 2013, will house 150 and include two offices. 

By Emily Frame

The City Council voted at the July 12 meeting to lower the speed limit on N. King St. to 15 mph. Councilman Matt Miller proposed the motion, but Councilwoman Sarah Junkin made the motion in Miller’s absence. Regarding sales tax revenue, Councilman Gerald Hamms rescinded his earlier approval of the funds. Hamms noted that 48.5 percent of the sales tax revenue is undesignated and needs to be labeled for use. City Attorney Herman Castette agreed to look it over and make sure it complies with the requirements. 

Dr. Bill Gaddis attended the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) President’s Party/ LSU School of Dentistry Alumni Reception, which was held in conjunction with the 2016 New Orleans Dental Conference and LDA Annual Session. Pictured left to right: Katie Kelley, Coordinator of Information and Publications, LSUSD; Dr. Henry Gremillion, Dean, LSUSD; Dr. Bill Gaddis and Mrs. Jackie Gaddis. Dr. Gaddis, a 1976 graduate of the LSU School of Dentistry (LSUSD), celebrated his fortieth class reunion this past spring. Katie Kelley, Winnfield native, works for the dental school in alumni relations and enjoyed visiting with Dr. and Mrs. Gaddis during the conference in New Orleans.

The leaders of two parish offices were officially sworn in for four year terms on Friday, July 1. Sheriff Cranford Jordan officially began his second term with a “High Noon” ceremony at the Central Louisiana Technical College Campus in Winnfield. Jordan had a large turnout and reception for guests, as well as two guest speakers. District Judge Jacque Derr noted that Jordan was the first Winn Parish Sheriff since Reconstruction to run unopposed.

In June, students from Winnfield Middle School travelled near and far to compete in national level competitions for the National History Bee and the Junior Beta Club.

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by Charles Crain 

The Winn Correctional Center has had its share of ups and downs since it opened in March of 1990. The hard work to have the facility built in Winn Parish was the end result of a lobbying effort on behalf of then state Representative Mike Tinnerello and state Senator Don Kelly. It was a bumpy road from the start.

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