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Josh Velasquez, the Northern Louisiana Protective Security Advisor with the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) spent several days in Winn Parish recently working with law enforcement and the parish schools preforming a walk through and security assessment. Velasquez stated that he has been working with all schools in the district and “Winn Parish is leading North Louisiana so far.” He also stated that Sheriff Jordan has “been a role model to other parishes.” Once he connected with the sheriff he immediately had him locked in and scattered throughout the parish. Sheriff Jordan responded by saying that he is thankful for the good working relationship he has with other agencies and officials in the city and parish. He also added that during these times of tragedies in our schools, prevention is his goal.

An Inaugural Ceremony was held on July 1 at the Winnfield Civic Center to swear in the elected council members, chief of police, and mayor. District Judge Anastasia Wiley opened the ceremony by introducing guest pastors and speakers. Pictured are from (L-R) City Judge Keith Gates, Mayor Gerald “Scooter” Hamms, Councilwoman Teresa Phillips, Councilman Matt Miller, Councilwoman Chiquita Caldwell, Councilwoman Ada Hall, Councilwoman Erikia Breda, and Chief of Police Johnny Ray Carpenter. Mayor Hamms spoke of the importance of letting God lead him and his council. He was emotional and thankful for everyone in attendance, including his family and friends. Mayor Hamms also stated that he felt “gradification” in his new position as mayor. There was a room full of citizens of Winnfield there to congratulate and show their support for all of the elected officials. See more photos on page 12.

WPD Officer Dustin Davis was booked into custody on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 on charges of sexual battery and malfeasance in office.  According to arrests records, Davis was booked in at 9:25am on warrants signed by Judge Peters.  He was released on a $15,000 bond.

Mrs. Chiquita Linecum Caldwell has been part of Bank of Winnfield for 34 years. She has now officially retired. Her Bank of Winnfield family, as well as her own family and friends celebrated her retirement on June 24 with a reception. She will be enjoying her retirement and assume her position as Winnfield City Councilwoman. Pictured above is Mrs. Caldwell with her cake made by Angie Johnson. Pictured below is Mrs. Caldwell with Mr. Buddy Heard, bank President.

Dorian LaChance will be performing at the Winn Parish Library as the wrap-up performer of the 2022 Summer Reading Program. Magician Dorian LaChance presents 20,000 Laughs Under the Sea, a magic show that features amazing magic, hilarious comedy, and some really funny puppet friends. There will be lots of surprises as Dorian and Finn the Shark tell you about life and adventure under the ocean! Come visit the library and participate in a show that is fun, encouraging and inspirational. The times and dates of the performances are: July 6 ^th , 2022 – Calvin Branch Library at 10:00 and the Dodson Branch at 2:00, July 7 ^th , 2022 – Atlanta Branch Library at 10:00 and the Main Branch Library at 2:00.

On Oct 24, 2020, the Winnfield Police Department arrested two suspects, Edward D. Powell, and Christopher Bryant. Bryant was charged with open container, aggravated assault, resisting by flight, and possession of firearm with obliterated serial number. Powell was charged with open container and aggravated assault with firearm. At the time of the arrest the WPD took into custody a .22 caliber bold action rifle and a high point .45 caliber handgun. The handgun had the obliterated serial number.

Going forward, the Winn Parish DA’s office began processing and preparing the case, which included picking a jury for trial. A week before the trial was to begin, District Attorney Chris Nevils requested the two weapons be brought out of the evidence locker. The weapons could not be found. Mr. Nevils office was told by the evidence custodian at WPD that the weapons were never placed into evidence.

Frank & Tammy will be performing at the Winn Parish Library as part of the 2022 Summer Reading Program. Frank and Tammy combine puppetry with magic and comedy to inspire everyone to visit the library and read. Come visit the library and participate in a show that is fun, encouraging and inspirational. The times and dates of the performances are: June 28, 2022 – Atlanta Branch Library at 10:00 and the Main Branch at 2:00, June 29, 2022 – Dodson Branch Library at 10:00 and the Sikes Branch Library at 2:00.

On July 1, Mr. Gerald “Scooter” Hamms will take his seat as the newly elected mayor of Winnfield. With that position c o m e s many goals and much determination. Hamms states that he wants to “gain the trust of the citizens and incorporate everyone working together for one common goal.” In that, he wants to bring local and parish offices to work together to better the city. One of those things is city cleanup and better the quality of life for everyone. In doing that he hopes to bring in more industry and businesses.

Dr. Jerry Pikes and Winnfield 1 ^st Baptist Church have been on a mission to reach out to those in Winnfield and Winn Parish. Dr. Pikes are offering a gift from WFB to every family in the community by having a “Family & Fireworks” day on July 4 from 7pm-9pm.

There will be a live band, inflatable jumpers, burgers and hot dogs, and lots of things for the entire family, all free to the city and parish to come together and celebrate the birth of our country. Once it gets dark enough, there will a fireworks display.

Dr. Pikes states that the fireworks display will be “unbelievable and will rival that of the river front in Shreveport. He also shared that the company that is coming in to handle the display is one of the best in the country.

Update - The Natchitoches Police Department was notified that Dave Bigord, the suspect, was pronounced deceased from a single selfinflicted gunshot wound after being transported to a hospital.

Original Story - The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a homicide that took place Sunday afternoon on North Melrose Avenue.

On June 19, 2022 around 2:13 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded to the 100 block of North Melrose Avenue in reference to gunshots in the area. Upon officers arrival they located LaDarious Scott (B/M, 22 y.o.a. of Winnfield) who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. LaDarious Scott was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries.