News

Winn Parish – On September 7, 2024, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 499 north of Louisiana Highway 34. This crash claimed the life of 34-year-old Dustin M. Pickron of Winnfield.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by Pickron, was southbound on Louisiana Highway 499. For reasons still under investigation, Pickron’s vehicle left the roadway, traveled down the ditch embankment, and struck several trees.

Pickron, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Russell Jones, retired assistant police chief of the Winnfield Police Department and current pastor of Winnfield’s Christ Wesleyan Fellowship, was special guest and speaker at the Winnfield Rotary Club’s meeting on August 21, 2024, at the request of Rotarian of the day, Kim Futrell.

Jones was raised in Calvin and upon graduation from Calvin High School, he joined the United States Navy. He trained and served as an electronics technician, travelling all over the world working in that capacity. After serving his six-year term in the Navy, Jones returned to Winn Parish, where he made a connection with local law enforcement in martial arts class. He was hired by Winnfield’s police chief at that time, Cranford Jordan, and spent 43 years on the Winnfield Police force, working his way up from an entry level position to assistant police chief, the first non-caucasian person to have done so.

A brand new specialized unit of Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehabilitation held its grand opening on Tuesday, August 27. The Memory Care Unit is designed to provide a comfortable, supportive environment for those living with memory loss. This is a newly renovated area in which residents can live each day to the fullest, with the help of an experienced, specially trained staff, personal attention and small group activities.

Alzheimer’s and dementia are both very difficult not only on the patient, but also on those that love them. While the challenges that accompany such a diagnosis cannot be prevented, the special staff of The Tapestry can help to ease the burden and improve quality of life for residents.

The Memory Care Unit offers unique features including: A secure unit to provide safety for residents with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.

16 beautifully decorated bedrooms with private bathrooms.

Specialized Memory Care training for unit staff.

The City of Winnfield Recreation Department has distributed registration forms to all Winn Parish schools. Be sure to check your child’s backpack for the registration form.

The age groups are as follows: 4-6, 7-9, & 1012 year olds The cost (per player): $40.00 Due no later than Friday, September 13. There will be NO signups on tryout day. NO EXCEPTIONS!

You must have your registration form and fees paid by Friday, September 13th for your child to participate in tryouts on September 14th. The Grove St. Gym will be open until 8 p.m. daily to accommodate anyone needing to come after working hours. The season will run from Oct – Nov. The dates of the games will be announced the week after tryouts. With questions please call 318-628-0246.

The Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office will be sponsoring a Hunter Safety Class on Saturday, Sept-ember 7. This is a full 10 hour class and lunch will be provided for free. Class will be from 7am until 5 pm. It will be at the Winn Sheriff ’s gun range on Old Alexandria Rd. Please go online at Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries web sight to register for the class. If you have any questions or need directions, call 318 628-4611.

Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New DARE Officer

A St. Maurice man is in jail facing multiple charges following his arrest early Friday morning in a wooded area near his home.

Marvin Ray Evans, 41, was arrested on warrants from Grant and Winn Parishes.

Winn Parish Sheriff, Josh McAllister, stated that Evans fled on foot from his residence around midnight while Winn Parish authorities attempted to serve the warrants.

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Chase Team deployed and captured Evans within about 30 minutes in a wooded area about 150 yards from his home.

Evans allegedly fired upon law enforcement during flight. The Sheriff stated that no one was injured.

On the evening of August 23 WPFD was dispatched to Zion Hill Church Rd in reference to a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with with a single wide manufactured home that was approximately 40-50% involved. Also involved was a Dodge Ram pickup truck. Upon inspection a service line was observed arcing on the ground. A 100 lb freestanding LPG cylinder was also observed near the structure. The valve on the cylinder had been compromised and the vapor had ignited creating a torching effect on the side of the house. Firefighters were notified of the hazards that were present and also notified Entergy to disconnect electrical services to the residence. Firefighters were able to gain control of the leaking cylinder and removed it from the area. Also during this time contact was made with WFD to send additional manpower. Advanced ambulance was also requested for standby.

Winn Parish District Attorney Chris Nevils presented a very interesting program to the Kiwanis club, Tuesday, August 20th. He gave each member a handout that he received from the Natchitoches DA Billy Harrington. The first page was about domestic violence and the second page was the 2024 Legislative session highlights.

Covid greatly impacted the criminal justice system in Louisiana as well as other states. Because of people being forced to stay at home there was an increase in domestic violence involving family members. The Legislature passed a law that enhanced the sentencing range due to choking. Previously if one person tried to choke another person their sentence was the same as if they just punched the other person. Domestic violence is hard to prosecute for many reasons including the fact that the abuser brings in the money so the victim is not willing to prosecute.

Well known author Ms. Reggie Ann Walker Wyatt of Shreveport will be bringing lots of beautiful antiques, collectibles, heirloom quilts, Vera Bradley goodies, and so much more to her family home in Winnfield for the 2nd Annual Sales Along 84 event that is to be held September 5, 6, and 7. Pictured above are just a few of the items that will be on display. Ms. Wyatt along with her daughters are geared up to visit, offer great deals, and you may be able to convince Ms. Wyatt to offer some of her books to purchase.

This will be the second year for the Sales Along 84 event that will cover over 110 miles of no less than 196 vendors of yard sales, flea markets, antiques, handmade items, collectibles, sidewalk sales, food, and lots of fun.

The Pea Patch in Winnfield is excited to participate in this year’s Sales Along 84 along with other local businesses. There will be yellow balloons used to signify vendors who are participating in this 3 day event.