News

Winn Parish Library Director Priscilla Massey spoke to the Kiwanis Club, Tuesday, September 27th. She has been at her new job for almost 2 months and she said she felt she was settling in well. Massey said it was a great feeling to be back in the community. She has worked in Jonesboro at Jackson Parish Library for 7 years. She did not live in Jonesboro but drove back and forth but it is a different feeling to live and work in your community. She had also previously worked at the Winn Parish Library for 12 years as a technical specialist. She is currently working on the budget for next year.

Winn Correctional Center has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care by demonstrating compliance with NCCHC’s nationally recognized standards of care for correctional health services in prisons. Accreditation recognizes Winn Correctional Center commitment to providing quality health services for the incarcerated population.

To earn NCCHC accreditation, Winn Correctional Center underwent a rigorous professional assessment in February 2022. During the assessment, a team of experienced physicians and experts in correctional health care surveyed the facility for compliance with institutional- specific standards in several areas such as patient care and treatment, health promotion, safety and disease prevention, governance and administration, personnel and training, special needs and services, and medical-legal issues.

Andrea Poisso lost her son Keaton in March of 2020. She had stood by his side through the challenges he faced with his mental health. Andrea and Keaton were as close as a mother and son could be. He confided in her. He opened up to her about his struggles. Still, nothing prepared Andrea for that phone call she received while she was thousands of miles away from home. That phone call from a loved one telling her that Keaton had passed away.

After a greeting by President Melissa Trammel, Ethel Howell introduced the guest speaker for the first meeting of the new year on September 20, 2022. Dr. Marcus Jones, the new president of Northwestern State University, spoke to our organization recounting his journey through his education and career and gave a big “thank you” to his teachers in Winn Parish. We all chuckled about his “crush” on his first grade teacher, Mrs. Brenda Collins. One of his strongest points was the need for us to give back to the community and especially to remain ethical and focused as productive adults. He praised his mom for being a constant presence during his formative years and humorously admitted his bias for the WSHS Class of 1988. After hearing an overview of the NSU programs now available and after entertaining questions, the group enjoyed a lovely meal before the business session.

Four leaders of the Winn Parish 4-H along with Karen, Shirley, 4-H Associate Agent, were present at the monthly meeting of the WPPJ on Sept 19. Joy So, Gracelyn Chevallier, Lauren Poole, and Chloe Whisonant each gave an update on things happening with the program as well as sharing about their upcoming competition. The ladies will be representing Winn Parish 4-H and on behalf of Louisiana State 4-H. The basics of the competition are food and nutrition. It consists of counting calories, managing your money, safety in the kitchen, and delegating those specific parts.

Karen Shirley was present on behalf of Mr. Donnie Moon who had another engagement. She shared that there are over 700 4H members in the Winn Parish program. WPPJ President, Mr. Josh McAllister commended the girls and Mrs. Shirley for their contribution. He added that the Jr. Leaders that helped out at the Region VIII banquet did an awesome job.

The regular monthly meeting of the Winnfield City Council was held on Sept 13. There were no amendments to the agenda. The minutes from the Aug 9 were accepted. As were the Aug 22 minutes special meeting.

A Resolution was passed to declare the old trade school building as surplus. Councilman Miller added that the reason behind this is that there is an interest by a local non-profit, The Prodigal Foundation of Winnfield, to use the building as an emergency refuge shelter and transitional shelter for the homeless in the community. Pastor Shaun Garner of Winnfield 1st Assembly of God spoke of the desire to let this building be used to help the community grow as well as offering a positive change. Miller offered that there are several steps required to take to continue this venture. The next step would be an appraisal. Attorney Herman Castete explained that the city cannot donate the building. The law does not provide for that.

Most would agree that the loss of a child is the most devastating thing that can happen to a family. It’s an unimaginable torture to those that are left behind. For the parents of Emma Claire Gill, that pain is something that they wake up to each day.

Emma Claire was a stunning, vibrant, beaming light that radiated love and joy to everyone she met. She was full of life and love for her family and friends. Because of that, her parents were blindsided on Aug 8, 2021 when Emma-Claire left this earth.

Her parents, Ryan and Darla Gill, have struggled with the “why” and “did we miss the signs” since that horrible day. But, during this time they have learned these things.

* Social media and other apps are harming kids.

* Teenagers today face more than we could ever imagine.

On Sept 10, after receiving information was from a narcotics deputy concerning possible drugs at an address located at H.Y. Bell apartments, the WPSO secured a search warrant from 8th Judicial Court Judge Anastasia Wiley.

During the search, 289.4 grams of marijuana, 171 fentanyl pills, 102 rounds of AR 15 ammunition, as well as an AR 15 were seized.

Arrested were Duarte S. Marks, age 38, of 403 21st St., Winnfield, LA. Marks was charged with Possession with intent to distribute Sch I, Possession with intent to distribute Sch II, Resisting an officer by failure to identify, and Possession of firearm in presence of CDA.

Also arrested was Kristen Wood of 305 22nd St., Winnfield, LA, Wood is charged with Possesstion with intent to distribute Sch I, Possession with intent to distribute Sch II, Drugs in presence of juvenile, Firearm in presence of CDA.

The City of Winnfield Recreation Department will be conducting a registration extension for its Flag Football League; now until the deadline Friday, Sept 16. Registration fee for this league is $40.00. Boys and girls ages 4-12 are eligible for this exciting program. Don’t let the deadline pass you up. Sign your child up today. Tryouts will be held on Saturday, Sept 17 at 800 North Grove St., Field #2. The times for each age group are as follows: Ages 4-6 - 9:00am, ages 7-9 - 10:00am, ages 11-12 - 11:00am. For more information concerning Flag Football, contact the Recreation Dept. at 6283413.

The Investiture Ceremony for Dr. Marcus Jones was held on Friday, Sept. 9 at A A Fredericks Arts Auditorium on the Northwestern State University campus.

The Investiture Ceremony is one of the oldest traditions in academia. The installation of a new president is a ceremony of dignity with many academic traditions and procedures. Faculty from Northwestern State University march alongside delegations from other colleges and universities in an academic procession.

Dr. Marcus Jones was named the 20th President of Northwestern State University on November 8, 2021, by unanimous vote from the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Dr. Jones has served the institution in many ways throughout his 23-year career, most recently serving as interim president since July 2021.