News

The 20th Annual Youth Fishing Derby was held on June 1st by the Winn Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest, the Winnfield Bass Club, Sheriff Cranford Jordan and the Winn Parish Sheriff ’s Office. There were 73 youth ages 2-12 who participated in the event, along with parents and others. The purpose of the event was to provide a fun, exciting, and educational experience for the youth in the area and an opportunity to experience their National Forests. The pond was stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery with catfish for the event. There was a great deal of family fun as children and youth enjoyed fishing in a beautiful National Forest setting of the Winn Ranger District. A plaque, rod and reel, and tackle box were awarded in age classes 2-4, 58, 9-12, and overall, for biggest fish and biggest stringer of up to three fish. In addition, each participating child received a free fishing rod, goody-bag, and a door prize.

Katherine Nevils, of Winnfield, LA, was named to the University of Mississippi’s Spring 2024 Honor Roll lists.

Nevils, majoring in Biomedical Engineering, was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.

To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reminding the public to take precautions against mosquito bites that can expose people to West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus.

In Louisiana, we typically see more mosquito activity in the warmer summer months, increasing the risk for mosquito-borne diseases like WNV and dengue.

West Nile virus

While 80% of human cases are asymptomatic, many people can develop West Nile fever. Symptoms of West Nile fever, which is a flu-like illness, can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and/or rashes.

The Winnfield Tigers placed six players on the Louisiana Sportswriters Association Class 2A All-State baseball teams announced last week.

The Lady Tigers’ Madison Nelson was the only first team selection on the All-State Softball Team. She was joined by three teammates on the Honorable Mention squad.

Nelson made the elite team as a utility player. She is a senior and finished the season with a .380 batting average.

Named to the honorable mention team were Raelynn Bartlett, Kylee Higgs and Riley Lawson.

The 17 member first team included 10 seniors, two juniors, three sophomores, a freshman and an eighth grader, Kenley Sonnier-an outfielder, from Catholic of New Iberia.

The Tigers didn’t land any first teamers on the All-State Baseball squad, but had two to make 25-man Honorable Mention. Those players were Canyon Compton and Jake Hemphill.

Continuing the tradition of being the Youth Sports Capital of Louisiana, the area has secured the hosting rights for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Boys Basketball, Swim, Softball, and Baseball State Championships for an additional two years. The announcement comes after a majority vote by the LHSAA, solidifying Southwest Louisiana as the premier destination for high school athletics in the state.

LHSAA Boys Basketball State Championships will take place from March 10-15, 2025, and March 9-14, 2026, at the Burton Complex in Lake Charles. The 2025 event will mark the twelfth consecutive year the championships have been held at this venue, with 40 teams competing for the title. The tournament historically draws about 18,000 attendees over its six-day duration.

The following message was distributed to faculty, staff and students Thursday, May 30 by Northwestern State University President Dr. Marcus Jones. Jones made the announcement in tandem with communication from the University of Louisiana System office.

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, and Natchitoches Community, It is with gratitude that I announce my departure as President of Northwestern State University (NSU) to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the University of Louisiana System, where I will also serve as a senior advisor to President Gallot. Serving Northwestern State University for the past 25 years has been an immense pleasure and a profound honor.

On Tuesday, May 28, Dr. Bill Gaddis led a program on Memorial Day with the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield.

He invited guests Charlie Bice and Tommy Harrel to join us and also included member Dr. Jerry Williams in the program. Tommy was in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam beginning in December 1968. He was recruited in college.

Charlie also served in the United States Marine Crops and was recruited when a junior at Northwestern. In 1959, he went to flight school at Quantico. After being sent to the West Coast, he learned how to fly helicopters. He was actually in the Marines for 20 years.

Dr. Jerry Williams was in ROTC and the National Guard and served at Walter Reed Hospital.

Dr. Gaddis was in ROTC and served in the Army. For a period of time, he was answering congressional complaints about the military and then served as MOS officer in Vietnam.

Winn Council on Aging and Hand in Hand Hospice will host a Fan Drive on Friday, June 7, from 8am-12pm at Winnfield 1st Assembly of God Church.

If anyone would like to donate fans or proceeds to purchase fans, please go by Winn Council on Aging at 200 N Church St. Winnfield. Also, you may contact one of the following: Mary Adams (318) 413-9731 or (318) 628-2186 Delores Sampey (318) 663-4584 or (318) 521-8068. Food and entertainment will be provided during the Fan Drive.

Jeff Landry recently signed into law Act 131 (HB 208) which addresses domestic violence offenses.

The legislation was passed unanimously by both the House of Representatives and the Senate to address domestic violence, including battery of a dating partner and domestic abuse by strangulation.

Autumn Leaves Residents Enjoy Cotton Candy Day