News

Will Dearmon, a native of Winnfield, has been announced as Louisiana Tech’s new chief development officer. Dearmon will oversee the University’s development operations, leading strategic and comprehensive fundraising initiatives to ensure the growth and sustainability of the Foundation.

Dearmon is a 2013 graduate of Louisiana Tech and went on to earn his master’s degree in public service and administration with a concentration in higher education administration from Texas A&M University in 2016. He has an extensive background in corporate strategy, fundraising, communications, operations, and higher education partnerships.

“I never met a man I didn’t like,” Will Rogers was quoted as saying. It’s likely that Leroy James never met a piano he didn’t like. Leroy, who will be the Grand Marshal of the December 6 Christmas Parade in Winnfield, has been known through the years to sit down and begin playing anywhere he saw a piano, perhaps Lynda’s Country Kitchen or Pea Patch.

Folks enjoyed it and those lining Main Street the Friday night of the parade will hear the Grand Marshal playing his Grand Piano as his float moves slowly along the route. He has had a love of music since a young age and comes from a “musicallyinclined” family.

Born March 15, 1945, in Gaars Mill, Leroy continues to serve his community well with his engaging musical talent. He has sung to bless people at the nursing home, comforted families in loss of love ones (singing at funerals), and played and sang at different churches. This affable gentleman never meets a stranger.

Members of WPFD along with the WPSO and Winnfield Kiwanis teamed up to collect funds for Toys for Kids at the annual boot drive this past Saturday. Pizza Hut made sure those giving of their time to collect donations were fed. Winn Parish citizens showed once again that they have a giving heart as passerby’s stopped to put monetery donations into the boots that volunteers held out as they stood in front of the Walmart intersection.

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).