News

Local artist and retired Art Teacher, Gail Shelton, loves to travel, sketch, and paint. Over decades, she has driven the highways and backroads across the United States, photographing old barns, farms, abandoned buildings and vehicles. She has put together an art show showcasing new artwork that features some of the sites and locations along the way.

“I love anything that is rusty, dusty, or weathered. So many of these charming scenes are fast disappearing, either by decay, or being torn down. I have photographed lots of these, and been able to use them as references for this new artwork. Many of the works are done in pencil, which I feel, conveys the simplicity and weathered textures well. There are also watercolors, a few pen and ink drawings, and some photographs.

Brady Fallis and Kristin Phelps were recently named Mr. and Miss Winnfield Middle School. Congratulations to these two!

The evening was all about honoring Dr. Jane Griffin, and a successful evening it was. Dr. Griffin has retired after 53 years of servicing as an educator. Fifty-three years of dedicating her career to the betterment of students and education. From family and friends, to co workers and former students, they were all there to share in a retirement reception on May 23 at the CLTCC.

Photographer Brian Lewis captured the evening perfectly in pictures. Mrs. Carolyn Lang made sure the decorations were to the T, Mrs. Linda Peavy provided the delicious food for everyone to enjoy, and Nikki Hanson worked hard to complete a special carved replica of WSHS.

It was a wonderful and deserving send off for someone who has left quite a legacy at WSHS. Those are big shoes to fill.

The purchase of the Geographic Information System from Spatial Net, Inc. was voted on and approved by the WPPJ at the May 15 regular scheduled meeting. The motion was tabled last month so that a committee could be formed to meet and talk with Winn Parish Tax Assessor, Lawrence Desadier, talk with Dr. Wu, President of Spatial Net, Inc., and also reach out to other parish tax assessors for their input.

It’s that time of the year again. Mark your calendars now for this year’s youth fishing derbies on the Kisatchie National Forest. You can visit their website at www.fs.usda.gov/kisatchie and look under “Features” to find applications and learn more information about these wonderful, FREE fishing opportunities. Below is a list of locations and dates. The times will be given closer to the dates of the events or as soon as they are determined.

Catahoula Ranger District, Stuart Lake, Grant Parish – June 3 Winn Ranger District, Bombing Range Pond, Winn Parish – June 3 Calcasieu Ranger District, Kincaid Lake (West boat ramp), Rapides Parish – June 10

Pre K teachers will have registration packets available from 1-3pm at these Winn Parish branch libraries: May 24 - Calvin May 24 - Sikes May 25 - Atlanta May 25 - Dodson Requirements for Registration:

1. All students must be 4 years old on or before September 30, 2023 to be eligible for the program.

2. Copy of original Birth Certificate

3. Copy of child's Social Security Card

4. Up-to-date Immunization Record

5. Proof of Residence in one of these forms: LA driver's license, state-issued ID card, current utility bill, current lease or mortgage statement

6. Income verification in one of these forms: SNAP/CAFE letter including the child's name with valid effective and end date OR two consecutive check stubs for every parent or caregiver (within 2 months of application).