News

A person walking along US Highway 167 North was struck and killed by a motor vehicle in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 23rd. The accident was reported at approximately 3 a.m. Lacey Allen, age 54 of Jonesboro, was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial investigation indicates that Allen was walking southbound on the improved shoulder, on or close to the white line, when he was accidentally struck by a northbound 2006 Mazda SUV driven by Crystal Harstad Layfield, also of Jonesboro. Ms. Layfield had just left her place of employment when the accident occurred.

No foul play is suspected. No charges have been filed as of today as the investigation is continuing. Routine toxicology and autopsy results are pending.

The Winnfield Police Department urges those who walk on or near streets to wear bright clothing. Reflective vests are even better. Always walk facing on-coming traffic. It is illegal to walk on a roadway when sidewalks are available.

Winnfield Police Department Officer Cassidy Martin received certification as a Special Weapons And Tactics, (SWAT) Officer this past week, November 10-15. Officer Martin, who has been with the police department since 2006, attended and graduated from the 27th Basic SWAT Operator School located in Lafayette. The 60-hour course included intense physical fitness testing that involved runs with and with special gear, weapons training, obstacle courses, and live scenario practices that used simulation rounds.

How many of your prayers have been answered?

We ask; God answers. Yet, far too often we neglect to thank him.

“On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?’ Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well (Luke 17:11-19 ESV).”

Give Thanks!

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

Tuesday, November 12th Phyllis Holmes from The Family Jewel Box spoke to the Kiwanis club. They belong to a buying group for independent jewelry stores and went on a buying trip to Germany; Antwerp, Belgium and London. There was a lot of work for her on the trip but there was also free time. In Idar-Oberstein, Germany they went to a small family business (Rolf Muller), which collects stones world wide then cuts and sells them. They only sell color stones, no diamonds. Phyllis sees them twice a year at their shows in the states. In Germany their show room is in a castle. The people who work in this company are mostly family.

On Monday, November 11, Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office received reports of a person shot on Lum Fox Road in Winn Parish. Deputies responded to the call at 614 Lum Fox Road and found Jacob Wise suffering from a gunshot wound.

Through eye witness statements and statements made by the victim, investigators determined Thomas Justin Wise Jr. was the suspected shooter. Investigation revealed that an altercation occurred between Thomas Justin Wise Jr. and Jacob Wise at the residence on Lum Fox Road. During the altercation, Thomas Wise Jr. produced a handgun and fired several rounds at Jacob Wise.

Jacob Wise was struck in the back at least one time from the gunshots. After the shooting, Thomas Justin Wise Jr. fled the scene in a vehicle. A warrant was obtained for Thomas Justin Wise Jr. for Attempted Second Degree Murder. (Other charges or upgraded charges could be pending).

The 2024 Winnfield Christmas parade has been scheduled for Friday, December 10 at 6:00 PM. Pines and Peppermints is the theme this year and the Grand Marshal will be Mr. Leroy James. Entry forms are available at The Louisiana Political Museum, Winnfield City Hall, The Pea Patch and Mama’s Iron Skillet.

A special Veterans Day luncheon was held to honor local veterans on November 11 at CLTCC Huey P Long campus. The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Josh McAllister hosted the event. There were over 200 in attendance that included veterans, their families, and volunteers. NSU ROTC Color Guard were also in attendance and presented the american flag as well as the state flag. Mr Houston Polson, who served in the Air Force spoke to the crowd, as did Mr Tommy Harrel who served in the Marine Corps. Those also in attendance who also spoke were Mr George Moss who served in the Navy, and Mr. Tommy Franks who served in the Army. An update was given by Michael Durbin and Shannan Chevallier on the Veterans Memorial Project that is in the works.

Early Voting will be held in the Registrar of Voters office in the Winn Parish Courthouse Friday, November 22 through Saturday, November 30 ( closed Sunday, November 24, Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29) from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM. Enter through the Main Street entrance. The election will be Saturday, December 5.

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, December 6. The deadline to request an Absentee by Mail ballot is December 3, 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.