News

Winn Parish, LA – January 9, 2025 – Winn Parish Detention Center officers discovered contraband being smuggled into the facility after intercepting a package intended for an inmate. The package, which had been mailed from an individual in South Louisiana, was flagged for inspection by correctional staff prior to being delivered to the inmate. Upon opening the package, officers discovered a folding knife, two large plastic bags containing suspected marijuana, a plastic bag containing suspected Ecstasy pills, a plastic bag with suspected Fentanyl pills, Suboxone strips, and a cell phone with charger. Winn Parish Sherif f ’s Office detectives were immediately called to the scene and have launched an investigation into the attempted delivery of illegal contraband into a penal facility. The Sheriff ’s Office has also contacted the U.S. Postal Inspector to assist with the investigation.

The Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office is pleased to announce the recovery of a stolen horse trailer, valued at $45,000, along with the arrest of a suspect in connection to the crime.

Detectives with the Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office received information regarding a stolen goose-neck horse trailer, originally reported stolen from Pratt, Kansas. The trailer, which was also carrying valuable equipment, belonged to a student attending Pratt Community College. The total value of the trailer and its contents was approximately $45,000.

Upon receiving the tip, Winn Parish detectives launched an investigation and were able to locate the stolen horse trailer at a residence on LA 1232. The homeowner granted detectives permission to inspect the trailer, and it was quickly determined that the trailer had indeed been stolen from Kansas.

The Louisiana Department of Education has announced the 2025 Students of the Year Regional Honorees. Included in that list is Winnfield’s very own Emily Nevils. Emily is a Senior at WSHS.

The 2025 Students of the Year Honorees are a list of outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to the school and community through the Students of the Year Program.

Finalists will be announced later in the school year and celebrated at an award ceremony where the overall honorees, one per grade level, will be named. Congratulations Emily!

July 17, 2024

Winn Parish Enterprise held a special reception on July 10 to celebrate its 100th birthday. The local paper has been serving the community by providing news and information for a century. Over 50 people stopped by to enjoy cake and punch and share stories.

July 24, 2024

The Winn Dixie Youth tee ball “SweeTees” had a busy summer playing in both the district and state All Star tournaments. The district tournament was the first time this group of girls had played any games together as a team.

July 31, 2024

The Louisiana Department of Education released the LEAP test results for the 2023-2024 school year and Winn Parish was recognized as a top system for growth among all public school systems in Louisiana. Calvin High School was likewise recognized as a top school for growth.

August 7, 2024

The Grant Parish Sheriff ’s Office investigated a shooting in the Packton community, resulting in the arrest of two people.

The shooting stemmed from an argument, leading to Nathaniel McAllister shooting a man, twice. After shooting the man, McAllister took the man’s vehicle.

The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment and the injuries are not life threatening.

Nathaniel McAllister, 23 years old, of Winnfield, was arrested for Attempted Second Degree Murder and Carjacking.

Sarah Heath, 37 years old, of Winnfield, was arrested for Accessory After the Fact and Issuing Worthless Checks.

Sunday night, December 29th, Laurel Heights Baptist Church honored Bro. Jimmy Yocum for his 90th birthday (December 31st) and his retirement as our interim with Fifth Sunday singing and a birthday party. The singing included songs by Mary Lou Blackley, Gary Busby and Margaret Coon from Laurel Heights. Bro. Jimmy and Miss Florence also sang “It Is Finished” with daughter Tammy Bumgardner playing the piano. Their daughters Beverly Taylor and Tammy Bumgardner are both talented musicians and they also sang and then Tammy played a song on the autoharp with Beverly accompanying her. There was also congregational singing. Bro. Craig James, the Director of Missions for the North Central Baptist Association, spoke a few words from Matthew 25 about the good and faithful servant. Bro. Jimmy has been and will continue to be a good and faithful servant. He has been preaching for over 60 years.

Milestone anniversary to be commemorated with $75,000 fundraising campaign

In 2025, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini celebrates 75 years of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ across the Central Louisiana community. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation aims to raise $75,000 in 75 days, honoring 75 years of dedicated service to Cenla.

“We invite everyone touched by the Sisters of Charity and CHRISTUS St. Frances to consider donating $1 or more a day for 75 days to support the vital, lifesaving care at our hospital,” said Ashley Walker, executive director of philanthropy, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation. “While our fundraiser will officially launch on Jan. 7, we welcome donations at any time to help us continue our mission.”

With fireworks tents and stands starting to see more sales following the Christmas holiday, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to encourage all Louisiana residents to not only be safe when using fireworks, but knowledgeable when buying them.

More than 300 retail fireworks permits have been issued for this endof- the-year season, as it is state law for wholesale and retail fireworks business operators to be appropriately licensed by the SFM, in the parishes and municipalities where they are legally allowed. The sales season extends through 11:59 p.m. on January 1, 2025.

Kiwanis November 2024 Terrific Kids