News

On May 15th, Winnfield Senior High School will celebrate a rare milestone as Bella O’Bannon and Addison Barnett graduate as Valedictorians, both having maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA for their entire twelve-year academic careers. Bella O’Bannon’s journey to the top of her class is defined by a tireless work ethic and deep community roots; she has served as the President and Treasurer of FFA, President of BETA, Co-Captain of the Cheerleading team, and a Leader for Tiger Mentors. Outside of her extensive school involvement, which includes being a 4-H Reporter and a member of FBLA, Bella has spent this year waitressing at Ember’s Restaurant. Having watched the two most influential women in her life serve the community one meal at a time since she was a child, she translated that inspiration into excellence, earning the 2025 Masonic Lodge Honesty and Integrity Award and competing at the State level for the 2023 Regional Literacy Rally.

On May 2, 2026, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Everett S. Fick Unit 9, District 8, conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the Winn Parish Courthouse. The event, held at the Everett S. Fick flagpole, served as a tribute to military service members who lost their lives in the line of duty. The placement of the Memorial Day wreath was intended to bring community remembrance and honor the “ultimate sacrifice” made by United States personnel.

The ceremony was marked by a strong showing of community and civic participation. Members of the ALA Unit 9 facilitated the floral tribute, joined by their counterparts from the American Legion Everett S. Fick Post 9. Local officials and parish residents also gathered on the courthouse lawn to stand in respect. The presence of veterans, leadership, and the public was highlighted by organizers as bringing recognition to the cause of veteran remembrance.

So many races. There are various types of foot races, dog races, automobile races, horse races, rat races and even turtle races. Races are ran to see who or what might be the fastest. Races can be very exciting, challenging and even questionable. Some races are so close that a camera is needed to decide who actually won. That’s called a photo finish.

We also refer to mankind as the human race. I’m not really sure why they call it a race, but maybe, just maybe it could be because we are so competitive and seem to only want the upper hand on those around us. We seem to always be struggling for superiority. We fight for it with those who have different skin pigmentation than we have. We fight with those who seem to have more than we do, or less than we do. We seem to be constantly at odds with anyone who is different, and we may even think that they are weird. But maybe we are the weird one.

Voters registered as Republican or Democrat may only vote in their respective party’s primary. Those registered with the Libertarian, Green, or other minor parties are ineligible to vote in the Closed Party Primary races. However, they may still vote in non-partisan local races (Mayor/City Council) if they reside within city limits. Voters registered as No Party (Unaffiliated) have the most flexibility. Upon arrival, they will be given a declaration to choose a Democratic, Republican, or Unaffiliated ballot. The choice you make in May is binding; the ballot type chosen this month will “lock in” for the June run-off election.

Closed Party Primary Races Democratic U.S. Senator: Nicholas “Nick” Albares, Gary Crockett, “Jamie” Davis.

Republican U.S. Senator: “Bill” Cassidy, John Fleming, Julia Letlow, Mark Spencer.

To the Citizens of Winnfield, My name is Megan Glenn, and I believe Winnfield deserves better. For too long, we have talked about the improvements our city needs; today, I am stepping forward to turn those conversations into action. I am officially announcing my candidacy for Winnfield City Council, District 3.

I am running because I believe in a Winnfield that works for its people. My platform is built on the essential services that define our quality of life: Infrastructure & Safety: We need clean, dependable drinking water and streets that are safe to drive on and free from damaging potholes.

City Maintenance: I will prioritize routine care, ensuring ditches are mowed, storm limbs are promptly removed, and dilapidated structures are torn down to keep our neighborhoods beautiful.

Youth & Recreation: Our children need more opportunities for safe, constructive recreation right here at home.

BATON ROUGE, LA (04/07/2026)— Ashton Brinkley of Winnfield, Louisiana, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

Brinkley is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

I am honored to announce by candidacy for Council Woman of District #2 in Winnfield. As a proud mother of 5 and a grandmother of 6 and a long time member of Mt. Olive Church, I have devoted my life to serving our community and advocating for our families, our children and our future.

Through my work with CASA, the Strengthen Families Program and my service on the Winn Parish School Board and several medical and clinical boards, I have gained practical experience in leadership, accountability and listening to the real needs of our citizens.

I will continue to serve with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to progress and unity.

District #2 deserves a representative who works hard, stands firm for opportunity and brings people together. I humbly ask for your support as we move District #2 forward.

Together We Winn!

On Monday, April 13, just a few days away, the public will be able to see first-hand Winnfield’s newest, tallest building complex, the new Winn Community Health Center at 407 W. Court Street. The public is invited to the Grand Opening of the health center beginning at 11 a.m., announced CEO Deano Thornton.

Construction of the impressive three-story, 52,000 square foot structure has seen it rise over the past two years to occupy a footprint between W. Lafayette and W. Court streets. The building will house the expanded array of services of Winn Community Health Center as well as the seven-parish organizational support of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.

Kiwanian Chet Atkins, also a member of Beulah Baptist Church, introduced guest speaker Rev. Lamar Carpenter to the Kiwanis club. Rev. Carpenter graduated from Calvin High School in 1973 and obtained an associate degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Glynda Gorham Carpenter and has pastored Beulah Baptist Church for 35 years with plans to retire from pastoring in the near future. He has had a Nursing Home ministry for many years and is a chaplain for the Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Department.

Saturday, April 18th from 8:00am-11:00am starting at the Grove Street Recreation Center (800 N. Grove St.). As part of the “Love the Boot” initiative, neighbors will gather to tackle litter and make sure Winnfield remains a place of pride for all who live and work here. The city will host a free hamburger lunch at the Rec Center following the cleanup at 11:00 am. Clean-up teams must register online through the Keep Louisiana Beautiful portal. Registration Steps: Visit keeplouisianabeautiful. org/lovethe- boot/volunteer. Type in the zip code 71483. Select April 18th.