News

Since her initial arrest on February 16, 2022, a subsequent investigation led to more charges against, Allie Joyce Wilkerson, 50, of 404 South Jones ST, Winnfield LA 71483, when warrants were obtained by the WPSO Narcotics Investigator.

While in the WPSO Detention Center on the two original charges, Wilkerson was arrested and charged with the following additional charges:

Warrant - Distribution of a controlled dangerous substance – Morphine Warrant - Distribution of a controlled dangerous substance - Hydrocodone

Total bond for the four charges has been set at $600,000, however, more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

Winn Parish PreKindergarten registration will be held in place of Round Up from March 5, 2022 through June 24, 2022. Beginning March 5, 2022, registration information for PreK for the 2022-2023 school year may be obtained at the following locations: Atlanta High School, Calvin High School, Dodson High School, Winnfield Primary School, and the Winn Parish School Board Office. All students must be four years old on or before September 30, 2022 to enter the four-year-old program. Information required for registration includes: 1) the completed Winn Parish Early Childhood Application 2) income verification 3) copy of child’s social security card 4) copy of the child’s birth certificate 5) up to date immunization record and 6) parent/caregivers’ proof of residence.

Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District is an organization with a mission to help promote conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education. The District hosts different projects each year to help people of Winn, Jackson and Caldwell Parishes understand how to put conservation on the ground and to better educate students about conservation.

Each year DSWC hosts a Tree and Shrub Sale. This fundraiser is their largest fundraiser and all proceeds are used to help sponsor area projects such as the Feral Hog Control Program, Forestry Awareness, and Restoration of Wildlife Habitats. This year Grace Wins Food Truck will be set up at the location as well. It will be held on Hwy 167 South next to the old Sonic in Winnfield.

At their February meeting, the Winn Retired Teachers Association honored in a candlelight service four members lost in 2019-2020: Ethel Lea Peters, Melba Bradford Little, Mary Kirkendall, and Anne Duke.

Dr. Durwood Duke spoke of Ethel Lea Peters and her life which include 40 years of service in the educational field. He spoke of her dedication, loyalty, and friendship during her years in our school system.

Sheila Causey then memorialized Melba Bradford Little. Mrs. Little taught high school English for 30 years. Her standard of excellence, love of students, and dedication to her work and coworkers made her the “consummate professional of her time.”

To honor Mary Lee Kirkendall, Ethel Howell reminded us of Mary’s talents and commitment to the Lord, her education and her 30-year career in teaching. Mary was a sister and a friend to Ethel and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

The WSHS Powerlifting Team participated in the Darbonne Woods Charter School competition on February 5. The team came home with several awards including Kaleb Womack placing 3^rd in the 275 lb class, Clayton Chandler placing 3 rd in the 198 lb class, and Travon Nichols placing 1 st in the 198 lb class and voted Outstanding Lifter of the Heavy Weight Division with a 600 lb Deadlift.

The Family Dollar store in Winnfield has temporarily closed after the FDA reported over 1000 dead rodents were discovered at the franchises Arkansas distribution center. More that 400 Family Dollar stores have been closed due to the finding. The infestation has been an issue dating back to at least 2014 after a downtown Memphis location because of the smell of “dead rats” in the facility. In 2019 a health inspection report noted rodent droppings on store shelves at a Hickory Hill, Illinois Family Dollar.

Residents of Autumn Leaves Nursing & Rehabilitation Center participated in game night on Super Bowl Sunday and had a SOUPer time including .

. The residents also recently participated in an immersive version of the Price Is Right. The activity department of the facility makes sure to keep residents entertained and involved with events being planned frequently.

The 1 ^st Annual Krewe of Rex Court has been named. With much excitement, the Winnfield Animal Clinic would like to present King Rex and Queen Dot, along with their Court. Dukes: Snoopy, Cricket, Theodore, Duchesses: Alice Joy, Lu, Gracie, Princes: Ace, Artie, Oakley, Bingo, Cooper, Spot, Beaux, Princesses: Dinah, Prissy, Cleopatra, Nela, Bella, Sassy, Macie Ray.

Jamie Mayo, former Mayor of Monroe who is with M5 Consulting was at the February 8 meeting of the City Council and gave an update on strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the city. The consulting firm signed on with the city seven months ago. Mayor Mayo stated that his firm has been working with state and local officials on different projects and addressing challenges that the city faces. He added that the drainage issues in Winnfield are at the top of the priority list. Some of the other issues within the city include housing and public safety. Winnfield is still on the financially distressed list but no longer on the non-compliance list. Mayor Mayo offered feedback and actionable strategies to the council. Winnfield has signed up with the National League of Cities, which is an advocacy organization comprised of city, town and village leaders that are focused on improving the quality of life for their constituents.

Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan announced last week the early payoff of the $7.5 million Winn Parish Detention Center on Horseshoe Road resulting in a savings of nearly $1 million dollars to the parish taxpayers.

A USDA loan was approved for the Sheriff ’s Office with a 40-year payment plan to construct the Detention Center and the first note was paid in March of 2019. In June 2021, a lump sum of three million dollars was paid on the detention center note.

Then on January 28, Sheriff Jordan drove to Monroe to hand deliver the final payoff in the amount of

$3,737,743.54. With that payoff the Sheriff ’s Office completely paid for the detention center in three years rather than 40 years.

Sheriff Jordan said the taxpayers of Winn Parish were saved almost $1 million dollars in interest by pay ing off the note.