News

NATCHITOCHES – The 15th annual NSU Louisiana High School Essay Contest is open for submissions until June 1. The essay contest is open to all Louisiana students in grades 9-12 regardless of type of school institution, including students in all types of private educational environments, as well as home schooled students.

The 2023 Contest theme is “Louisiana Futures.” Entrants are invited to address the following prompt: “Imagine yourself in twenty years. What is your occupation? How does your work improve Louisiana?”

To the citizens of Winn Parish, After careful consideration and prayer, I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Winn Parish. My wife, Starr Hanna Womack and I have one son Walter. I grew up in Sikes, attended Dodson High School, and I am a homegrown product of this parish. I believe I know what the citizens expect from their Sheriff ’s Office; to be humble and respectful, available when called upon, and to be diligent in working their cases.

Andrea Poisso said when she saw that today was “National Compliment Day” she was excited because that is what Hope4Winn is all about emphasizes kindness and giving compliments to others to help them feel better about themselves. There have been a lot of losses in our community in the last 3 – 4 years, young and old, as a result of suicide. Mrs. Poisso told the story of her son who took his life in March of 2020. She said she was fortunate because her son did talk to her about his problems and she did all she could to get him help. Some parents are blindsided because they have no idea something is wrong. After his death due to something on his phone they realized that he was battling with a demon. The psychiatrist told her that the week before he died he had said that he was hearing voices. After wallowing in pity for several months Mrs. Poisso realized that she had to do something to help this problem.

Winnfield Middle School Softball opened the 2023 season up on January 19 as they traveled to Montgomery to take on the Tigers in the season opener. The Lady Tigers of Winnfield made a strong statement in all three phases of the game, defense, pitching and hitting with a 10-0 win over Montgomery. Lady Tigers getting hits in the game were Kaylie Callender, home run by Anna Claire Bartlett, Kristen Phelps, Macey Anderson.

– On January 28, 2023, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 125 at Louisiana Highway 124. This crash claimed the life of 68-year-old Julia Walker of Winnfield.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2018 Toyota Rav4, driven by 70-year-old Faye Johns of Winnfield, was preparing to turn at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 124 and Louisiana Highway 125. For reasons still under investigation, Johns turned left onto Louisiana Highway 125, but failed to yield to a southbound 1999 Kenworth commercial vehicle. As a result, Johns’ vehicle was struck by the Kenworth.

Johns and her passenger (Walker), who both were restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. At approximately 10:00 p.m., Troop E was notified that Walker had succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Kenworth, who also was restrained, sustained no injuries.

Whitetails Unlimited is a Grassroots Program that provides the primary financial support for conservation projects funded by Whitetails Unlimited, and to date over $116 million has been expended on program services that enhance and foster their mission. Also, they currently have more than 114,000 members, volunteers, and corporate sponsors.

Whitetails Unlimited has earned the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating its resources to the betterment of white-tailed deer and its environment.

The Winn Parish Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will hold a banquet at Winnfield Civic Center, 2000 Jones St, Winnfield, on February 23. Games, raffles, and social hour will begin at 6:00pm with dinner being served at 7:00pm.

Kiwanis December 2022 Terrific Kids

WPPJ held their regular monthly meeting on Jan 17. In attendance was Sheriff Cranford Jordan, who stated that he wanted to follow up on the concerns on the public safety costs to the police jury. Sheriff Jordan stated that he wanted to publicly thank DA Chris Nevils as well as Judge Wiley for getting the cases moved through the court system. There was a sharp increase in 2021, due to COVID. The cost in 2021 was $847,015.00. The cost for 2022 was $507,878.06. He gave each member a copy of the jail costs each year beginning in 2012.

Sheriff Jordan also thanked Mr. Josh McAllister for allowing him to share his concern about Kratum, a supplement that is being sold in area stores. Both Grant and Rapides have passed an ordinance banning the sell of kratum in their parishes.

Scenes From Jan 16, Martin Luther King Day Events