News

The highly anticipated 2024 Miss Louisiana’s Teen Competition is set to take place from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7, hosted at the prestigious Brown Auditorium on the University of Louisiana Monroe Campus. Noteworthy this year is the substantial increase in scholarships, totaling $15,000, underscoring the commitment to empower young women through education.

There will be 20 candidates from all over the state contending for the title of Miss Louisiana’s Teen. “Miss Louisiana’s Teen 2023, Laura Jane Kilpatrick, is set to crown her predecessor after a year of exceptional work in the community. Her platform, Leave Your Mark, has encouraged Louisiana residents to make positive impacts. Laura Jane states, “I want to encourage others to fell they are made for a purpose, and they need to use that purpose to leave their mark on others.” Laura represented the state well at the Miss America’s Teen Pageant in January and continues to be a role model to other young women.

Ms Annie Goods, the new DART Advocate for Winn Parish was present at the regular meeting of the WPPJ recently. Ms. Goods addressed the jury and discussed the servuces that DART provides. DART stands for Domestic Abuse Resistance Team. The organization spans over 7 parishes across North Central Louisiana providing multiple services for victims of domestic abuse. Some of those services includ legal advocacy, safety planning, shelter and individual counseling. Ms Goods gave pamphlets to each jury member. Her office is located at 301 W Main St. Winnfield, Ste 216.

Jury member, Mr. Phillip Evans addressed the jury as well and gave an update on the recent Road Committee Meeting. He stated that one of the items discussed was chip sealing. Mr. Phillips added that he is still checking into prices but believes that it is still cheaper than asphalt. Mr. Stanley Garrett added that the sealing would be cheaper than asphalt.

The Winnfield Fire Department participated in the downtown Easter egg hunt and fun day for the kids and community. The event wa hosted by several local churches and community organizations. Kids were treated to a ride in the new fire truck.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, UA Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at the university and in the community.

The next Woman to Watch at UA Little Rock of 2024 is Dr. Constance Meadors, interim director of the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

Local funeral director with Southern Funeral Home, Bryan Price, recently entertained both Winnfield Kiwanis Club on February 27 and Winnfield Rotary Club on March 13 with the history of Southern Funeral Home, as well as his writings and poetry reflecting on life, death and memories.

Rodeo is one of America’s fastest growing sports and is a way of life for those who choose that lifestyle. One local 15 year old cowboy, Kayson Lasyone of Winnfield, just realized a dream recently that many his age can only imagine. With God and his big brother’s help he pulled off a huge win!

Kayson, a freshman at Magnolia Bend Academy in Coushatta has been involved in rodeo since birth. As a member of a rodeo family, Kayson is carrying on the traditions started by his great grandfather, grandfather, dad and siblings. Kayson has competed in big rodeos in many states and has qualified multiple times for Jr. High Nationals, Little Britches Rodeo Nationals, Vegas Tuffest Rodeo and is currently sitting first in the state in team roping in LA high school rodeo.

Winn Parish High School Fishing Team members Denver Blackman & Mason Green (left) have qualified for the state tournament with a 7th place finish in the 2024 LHSAA Tournament Qualifier 2 at Toleda Bend Lake with a bag of 8lbs 3oz. They will compete on March 21 & 22 at the state tournament. TJ Allen & Liam Weaver also competed. Although they came up short to qualify, many memories were made. Congratulations to you all.

A Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held on March 30 beginning at 11am at Winnfield First United Methodist Church.

Several organizations and churches have collaborated together to put on this special event and would like to extend an invitation for everyone to join in the fun.

There will be hotdogs, chips and drinks after the egg hunt. There will also be a cakewalk and a photo area where children can get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny on the day of the event. A scavenger hunt will be held the week prior to the event with the award for the winner of the scavenger hunt being awarded after the Easter egg hunt at about noon on the 30th.

There will also be an Easter Bonnet Pageant sponsored by Bank of Winnfield.

Brad Cooper, Winn District Ranger, spoke to the Kiwanis Club, Tuesday, March 12th. Cooper grew up in Idaho. He has been here for 5 years coming from Phoenix, Arizona where he was a deputy ranger.