News

Winnfield, LA – The facility located deep in the piney woods of Winn Parish—now known as the Winn Correctional Center and currently housing about 1,400 ICE detainees—was the topic of discussion Tuesday, September 30th, as Sheriff Josh McAllister and LaSalle Corrections Warden Eleazar Garcia Jr. addressed the Winnfield Kiwanis Club. The two leaders spoke on their long-standing partnership and the facility’s operations.

Warden Garcia brings a wealth of experience to the facility, having retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He also worked at the Pollock Federal Prison north of Alexandria. While living in Central Louisiana, he met his wife, making the area his home.

(StatePoint) Among the many implications of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law this past July 4, are cuts to health and nutrition benefits for millions of Americans, which could have significant negative implications for babies and children, according to the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT).

“This far-reaching legislation will have effects on every aspect of American society — from schools to businesses to hospitals to food pantries,” says Sadaf Knight, CEO, Florida Policy Institute. “Most babies born this year will lose thousands of dollars over their lifetimes due to these combined factors, and the impact will grow for future generations.”

Kiwanis August 2025 Terrific Kids

Rose LeBlanc Odom was guest speaker for the September 16th Kiwanis club meeting. She is the owner of Screen Saver and Phone Repair shop that is located on Main St. She moved to Louisiana in 2016 and lived in Natchitoches for a few years before her family moved to Atlanta. She has been in the “tech” business since I phone 3 and now we are up to I phone 17. There are two Screen Saver stores-one in Winnfield and one in Natchitoches and there are plans to open one in Many, La.

Her associate Cassie Mosley accompanied her to the meeting. She also has another associate named Ethan who is in Natchitoches. In addition to the screen saver portion of the business they also repair computers, phones, Ipads, Mac books, game boxes, etc.

On Sept 2, the Winnfield Fire Department visited Winn Council on Aging and spoke about fire safety and fall prevention in the home for seniors. Fire Department personnel talked about the importance of smoke detectors, having a clearly marked address, and being cautious in daily life. The class was taught by Firefighter John Hurt, Captain Philip Wilkerson and Part Time Firefighter Cody Lockridge. Reminder if you do not have smoke detectors in your home please call 318-628-3923.

Union Baptist Church will be holding its annual revival on September 21st through September 26th, 2025. Bro. Shad Tibbs will be bringing the message each night. Services on Sunday the 21st will start at 5:00 that evening. Monday through Friday the services will begin at 6:30. Come and join in each night in fellowship and worship. The address is 336 Old Union Baptist Church Road Winnfield, Louisiana, 71483. Physical location: located on highway 499 outside of Joyce, Louisiana (the Sikes highway) follow the signs.

A free program for students that provides homework assistance, enrichment program, tutoring, recreation and an evening meal and snack will kick off on Sept 16 at 703 Moss Street in Winnfield. This program will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm – 5pm.

Parents may register their child at the Winnfield After School Enrichment Center, Tommy G Hamms Memorial Center or for more information, call 318-209-4009 or 318628-0273.

There will also be a monthly math lab with Madison Foster and hands on science fun designed to spark curiosity and make learning exciting.