News

Two new police officers will be joining the ranks of other officers as graduates of the Alexandria Regional Police Academy on November 20th, 2025. Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter and Lt Brian Glenn are photographed with the officers, Joseph Carrithers and Caden Sellers.

Training began July 27th and lasted for 17 weeks. Cadets were subject to a rigorous physical training program as well as academics consisting of criminal laws, search and seizure supreme court cases, traffic laws, defensive tactics, firearms training, and more specialized training such as DUI detection, Intoxilizer operator, high-speed pursuits, spike-strip deployment and defensive driving. They are also trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques when dealing with persons in mental crisis.

It’s always good news when new businesses come to Winn Parish. In this instance, this new business offers many services to support and serve the community and parish.

Brett Lang is a native of Atlanta, Louisiana. His parents are Joe and Lisa Lang. Brett has an extensive law enforcement background that began over 20 years ago in South Louisiana. In early 2025, he moved back to Winn Parish and has now opened Law Enforcement Services, LLC. The location is at 317 Thomas Mill Road, building B, in Winnfield.

Dr. Bill Gaddis shared his experience in the service and the Vietnam war with the Kiwanis club, Tuesday, November 11th, Veteran’s Day. After a show of hands everyone in the room has or had a veteran in their family.

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst (Matthew 18:20 NASB).”

Prayer of Thanksgiving/Lyrics by Theodore Baker/Public Domain ‘We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; he chastens and hastens his will to make known; the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing: sing praises to his Name; he forgets not his own. Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine; so from the beginning the fight we were winning: thou, Lord, wast at our side: all glory be thine! We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant, and pray that thou still our defender wilt be. Let thy congregation escape tribulation: thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!’ Free? Yes, free indeed! “So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free (John 8:36 NASB)” How many of your prayers have been answered?

We ask; God answers. Yet, far too often we neglect to thank him.

On October 31, the City of Winnfield proudly honored Margie Joe for her 25 years of dedicated service. Margie has been a valued member of the City of Winnfield team, and her commitment and hard work have made a lasting impact on the community. As Margie begins her well-earned retirement, she is celebrated for her incredible career with a special luncheon surrounded by employees, family, and friends.

The Main Street Resource Team spent this week in Winnfield, Louisiana, a community of about 4,300 residents with a proud history and a strong sense of place. During there time in Winnfield, they listened, learned, and collaborated with residents, business owners, and local leaders who care deeply about their downtown’s future. Through small group discussions and a community visioning session, we heard one message again and again: Winnfield is ready to move forward.

The Main Street Resource Team stated that, “together, we explored how design, economic vitality, organization, and promotion can work together to strengthen the heart of this historic town. Ideas ranged from storefront improvements and lighting to beautification, public spaces, and ways to celebrate local identity.”

They also offered thanks to Louisiana Main Street and Winn Main Street-Winnfield, La for hosting the team and to everyone who shared their ideas and optimism.

The Winnfield Kiwanis club enjoyed hosting their annual pancake supper Thursday, October 23rd. We appreciate those who bought tickets, those who worked and those who made any kind of donation to our fundraiser. Donors included Pine Land Title, P.K. Smith, C.C. “Buck” Carter, Winn Collision Center, James Drilling, Central Management, Sheriff Josh McAllister, Winn Animal Clinic, JKM Logging, West Fraser and Grantadams Dairy Maid. Kiwanians who stirred up pancake batter, cooked pancakes, packed to-go boxes, served those who ate in and took up tickets and money included chairman Steve Bates, Jason Tarver, Mary Lou Blackley, Lamar Tarver, Rita James, Margaret Coon, Chet Atkins, Dr. Bill Gaddis, Ethel Howell, Bryan Price, Troy Rogers and Miranda Atkins. Thanks to our community for supporting all the activities and fundraisers of the Kiwanis club.

Winnfield’s Annual Christmas Open House was held on November 13th and it was an evening of ringing in the spirit of the holidays with shopping, caroling, mingling with friends, and enjoying great refreshments.

Each year local businesses join in for this event and make it a special evening for those who are traveling from out of town, as well as those who shop local regularly. It establishment was decorated for the season and welcomed customers with refreshments, holiday cheer, and lots of good deals.

The steps of Winnfield 1st Baptist was the location for special caroling that could be heard as patrons shopped or those who chose to bring a chair to sit and listen.

Once again, Winnfield offered a great showing for the kick off of the holiday season.