News

The Winn Parish Police Jury met on July 17 at 5:00 pm for their regular monthly meeting. Road Superintendent Mr. Perry Holmes began his road update by telling the jury members that he had good news in that they are grading and ditching every day between rains along with pot hole patching. He stated that if anyone knew of holes that needed patching, please let him know. Mr. Holmes also shared that the grading and rock needed on Caney St in Sikes has been completed. The culverts are in on Beulah Road and they are finishing up the last road project under Hurricane Delta, which is Peppers Road.

Auditor Nicholas Fowlkes with Kolder, Slaven & Co. was present to share the good news with the jury that the WPPJ audit for 2022 showed no findings. He reviewed the audit with the jury and stated that it was a clean audit.

It’s become a bit of a tradition for local businesses in Winnfield. The annual “Sip & Shop” was held for the third year with shops opening after hours with refreshments, great sales and lots of positive energy. Those that participate each year work hard weeks in advance to stock new inventory and also price sale items.

Small businesses are the bread and butter of our economy. They may be considered the underdog next to big businesses, but the pros of supporting locally run businesses pack quite a punch.

When you support your local business, it stimulates local economy. The tax revenue made through sales taxes from local businesses support the local government.

Also, shopping local saves gas. The money you spend traveling to larger city’s quite often depletes the money you think you’ve saved.

“I started working in the library at age 14, while I was in high school, continued during my college years and have altogether worked in the library field for 26 years. I love sharing resources with the community!” says Priscilla Massey, director of the Winn Parish Library system, to members of the Winnfield Rotary Club at the regular meeting on July 19, 2023.

In its second year, the Rose “Sug” Wells Spay & Neuter event continues to help unaltered animals across central Louisiana.

188 cats and dogs were altered during this event across 6 clinics that returned this year to help with procedures.

Odom Veterinary Hospital in Farmerville took 31 appointments to help, Kees Park Animal Clinic in Pineville took 27, Jonesboro Animal Clinic in Jonesboro took 30, the Magnolia Spay Neuter in Alexandria took 20, and Natchitoches Animal Hospital in Natchitoches also took 20. Winnfield Animal Clinic took most of the burden again this year, assisting in 60 procedures.

A special fundraiser was held on Friday, July 14 to raise fund for Tiffany Warren and her husband JohnDavid, who are both battling cancer. Tiffany is a former employee of Winn Parish Enterprise.

Through the efforts of many, the fundraiser drew in a close to $7,500 for the couple as they face time away from their jobs, travels to and from dr.s appointments, and just life expenses during this difficult time.

A total of 576 BBQ plates were sold during the fundraiser with many volunteers on hand to deliver from Campti to Natchitoches, Winnfield to Dodson, and all surrounding areas.

“Excel” was the theme for 4-H University, held on June 19th-23rd on Louisiana State University’s Campus. Twentynine Winn Parish youth participated in this annual event. Over 1000 4-H members came together from across Louisiana and spent the week participating in state level competitions and educational programs.

If you do a bit of research, you will find that one thing is clear: School closures threaten the well being of rural communities and one of the biggest downfalls is the loss of jobs for those that are employed there. According to Superintendent Al Simmons with the WPSB, this will not be the case for Atlanta and their beloved high school. Teachers will have the choice to move to the Winnfield schools. One of the most astounding remarks made at the last school board meeting, was by board member Steve Vines, who stated that during last school year there were over 30 teachers on staff at WSHS. At this time, there are only 15 going into the 2023-24 school year.

At least 50 people showed up to celebrate Independence Day at Goldonna Baptist Church. Folks were served hotdogs, homemade ice cream and treated to a beautiful fireworks display.

The Winnfield 7-year-old boys coach pitch team has claimed the District 8 Championship title this year, a feat that hasn’t happened in quite some time. This group of boys has dedicated many hours to practicing in the weeks leading up to the tournament. They powered through some hot evenings and tough practices and their hard work has certainly paid off.

The transferring of students from Atlanta High School to Winnfield schools was the main topic up for discussion at the recent committee meeting of the Winn Parish School Board. “We have some serious problems,” stated school board member Steve Vines. “I’ve talked to some of the principals. At WSHS we have 365 students with 22 teachers, if the facts that I looked at were right. In English I they’ve got 89 kids signed up, English II 100, English III-62, English IV- 50, with 2 teachers on staff. They have only 2 English teachers at WSHS and 3 math teachers. That’s ridiculous,” stated Vines. He continued on with stats of class sizes at the local schools. “Something’s got to be done to meet these needs,” added Vines.

The big concern at this point, according to several members of the school board is that school will resume in five or six weeks and principals and teachers don’t know what they are supposed to do to prepare.