News

The Winnfield Fire Department is proud to announce that several of its members recently obtained several certifications through LSU Fire and Emergency Training. FF/OPRS. B Murphy and M Harrell received their Fire Fighter II certifications after taking their practical and written exams back in July. Probationary FF/OPR. D Lundy received his Fire Fighter I certification that same day then he obtained his Fire Fighter II in September. These certifications will better prepare each member for emergencies they may face and better protect the citizens of Winnfield.

Michael Kyle is a recovering addict. Through his recovery and his love for the Lord, he has had a deep passion to help women that are downtrodden, helpless, or even forgotten. It doesn’t have to be from drug use, domestic abuse, or even homelessness. His call is to reach anyone that is in need.

Dr. Mohammed S Aziz has joined the staff of Winn Parish Medical Center’s Winn Wellness Clinic. Dr. Aziz has primarily specialized in Internal Medicine for over 11 years.. For those who aren’t aware, an internist is a primarycare doctor who performs physical exams and treats a wide variety of common illnesses.

Dr. Aziz received his medical degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011. He has recently been practicing at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital EMR and is affiliated with Chistus Saint Frances Cabrini Hospital and Christus Dubuis Hospital of Alexandria.

When asked what his hopes are for Winn Parish, Dr. Aziz stated that working more in rural areas, he has seen many patients wait to be treated for medical situations and end up hospitalized. His hope is that by establishing relationships with patients early on, this can be prevented in most cases.

Faced with an ever-growing threat of an active shooter situation at a school or business, law enforcement has had to improve its training/tactics and equipment. The Winnfield Police Department recently purchased two pieces of equipment that will better protect its personnel during an active shooter/tactical situation. The police department purchased two ballistic bulletproof shields from Battle Steel Inc. in Las Vegas for its special response team. These shields will better protect officers during high-risk incidents such as an active shooter, terrorist incident, barricaded suspect, hostage situation, search warrant, drug raid, or any other situation where there is an armed suspect or suspects. These shields will be used by SRT officers and stored in their units for any responses inside the city of Winnfield and other locations if requested or needed.

Mr. Dudley, a resident of District 1 in Winnfield, was a guest at the City Council meeting this month. He stated that the loud music in his neighborhood has gotten out of hand and has been going on too long. Mr. Dudley added that after some research he has learned that this has been going and has been a complaint for over 30 years.

Dudley added that he has spoken with the Chief of Police as well as the Assistant Chief of Police about the matter and they feel that the problem lies within the court. He feels that it will be a conflict of interest for Mr. Castete to represent any offender because he was part of the application of the ordinance. Mr. Castete replied that he does not represent anyone that that would pertain to. Mr. Dudley then added that the WPD should be able to write those tickets and they be upheld. Mayor Hamms thanked Mr. Dudley for his input and discussion.

Per Winn Parish Ordinance 003 of 2006, I hereby declare a BURN BAN on all outside burning in Winn Parish effective at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, 5 October 2022. It shall remain in effect until further notice.

The BURN BAN shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a “generally accepted agriculture practice” as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Violation of this BURN BAN may result in a $500 fine and/or six months in jail.

Harry Foster Fire Chief Winn Parish Fire District #3

On October 5, 2022, the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame was the site for the very first visit of our United States Representative for the Fifth Congressional District, Julia Letlow. Congresswoman Letlow was invited to Winnfield by Rotarian Bob Holeman, who orchestrated the special luncheon meeting with his usual efficiency and attention to detail.

An excited crowd gathered to welcome Congresswoman Letlow, who was elected to Congress in a special election a year and a half ago, to Winnfield. One of the first to welcome the Congresswoman to Winnfield was president of Winn Parish’s fourth grade 4H club, Mia Whisonant, who presented a card and gift prepared by her club to the guest of honor. Other 4H members of the high school club attended to help serve lunch and hear Mrs. Letlow speak.

The Calvin High School Blue FFA Forestry team won third place at the Area II Forestry competition, which was held at the Briarwood Nature Preserve in Saline. This competition consists of six parts, including tree identification, saw log estimation, compass and pacing, disorder identification, equipment identification, and map practicums. The Blue team consisted of Gunner Yocum, Kate Dupree, Wyatt Bedgood, and Emma Canerday. Gunnar Yocum placed 15th, Kate Dupree placed 11th, Wyatt Bedgood placed 20th, and Emma Canerday placed 1st. Emma Canerday, a junior, also won high individual overall and placed first in tree identification, and won high individual in saw log estimation. She will receive a scholarship for a thousand dollars to Louisiana Tech University. This team consists of four hard working high school students who will make their way to the state competition on October 5th in Woodworth, Louisiana. We wish the team good luck as they compete for first place at state.

Kadence Raylynne Blundell had just turned 16. She was a stunning young lady with a head full of beautiful blonde hair and a smile that would brighten up a room. Kadence was a devout Christian who was at church any time the doors were opened. She had a beautiful voice and often sang specials on Sunday morning. She had a sweet spirit and a heart as big as Dallas. Kadence loved her little brother Jace. He affectionately called her “Sissy” and she doted on him. She also loved her dog Jack very much. He followed her everywhere she went. Her parents, Jason and Sandie, have always been centered around raising their family When Kadence passed away on 4/16/2021, their world was ripped apart and the void has been irreplaceable.

Jason and Sandie had no clue of what was ahead. There were no signs, no bouts of depression, no conversations. Kadence was a light everywhere she went and a joy to be around. She is missed terribly by her family and thought of every minute of every day.