News

The Grand Marshal of this year’s “Whofield” Christmas parade is Winnfield’s very own, Steve Vines. Having the opportunity to meet with him and talk about his life and career leaves one with a feeling of thankfulness and a bit in awe. He stated many times that his life has been blessed. From a young boy growing up in Winnfield, to returning here in 1971 to fulfill a forty-nine year career as a teacher of Agriculture is quite impressive. As he talks about those years teaching and mentoring, his eyes light up.

A series of eight public hearings in five days on the state’s plan for highway construction plan next year will begin December 1.

The Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee will conduct the meetings. The purpose of the hearings across the state is to review highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2022- 2023. A copy of the Preliminary program for the state’s next fiscal year are available for review at LADOTD Headquarters, 1201 Capitol Access Road, Room 200U, in Baton Rouge. You may also review the plan at www.dotd.la.gv/inside_LaDOTD /Divisions/Multimodal/Transpo rtation_Planning/Highway_Prio rity/Pages/defaullt.aspx.

There will two hearings per day on Dec. 1, 2, 7 and 8. The meeting on December 9 will be held in Baton Rogue.

It’s easy to overlook Thanksgiving because of the excitement of the Christmas season. This year maybe more than any other because of the COVID 19 epidemic that seemed to dull the spirits of most last year and brought so much heartache and worry to individuals. Although Christmas is an exciting time, we must remember to be thankful for the things we have been given. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and a time to give thanks.

The monthly meeting opened with prayer and the pledge then led into the business of adoption of the agenda. The new owner of the Midway RV Park and Marina in St. Maurice, Mr. Randy Stone, asked to talk a little about his background and what his goals are for the taking over of the business. His family is from Port Vincent and they currently own an RV park there. He stated that the plan was to not change much but to upgrade the Midway RV Park. There was a motion to approve the beer permit for the RV Park for the remainder of 2021 and also a motion to approve the beer and liquor permit for park on the agenda. Jury President opened the floor for any discussion. Jury member from District 6, Author Robinson asked why Mr. Stone would want high volume alcohol. Stone explained that there has been a lot of requests for daiquiri machines and that would require a high volume content permit. Mr. Phillip Evans from District 1 asked what the content was for those types of alcoholic drinks. Mr.

The spirit of Christmas arrives early in Winnfield. The excitement of Christmas Open House can always be felt throughout the town. This year’s was no less exciting. Every shop that participated was decorated perfectly, refreshments were in good supply, and chattering of the customers could be heard as browsed through the shops. You could hear the live music from David Procell, Mike Roberts, and the Comeback Kids even from a block away. This event signifies the beginning of Christmas season here in Winn Parish.

The professional background of the new Northwestern State University President is quite impressive. He is the 1 ^st black president in NSU’s 137 years and is the 20 ^th president to lead the university. UL System President, Jim Henderson praised the selection and stated that Jones is a leader and a visionary. “Marcus is an authentic leader of character, integrity, and vision. His familiarity with the community, his passion for student success, and his commitment to excellence will advance our alma mater for the next generation,” Henderson stated according to the Associated Press.

The Winnfield Tigers will make a repeat trip to Moreauville this year when they face Avoyelles High School in the second round of the State Class 2A playoffs.

The Mustangs finished third in District 4 A losing only to Many, the defending state champs, and Red River of Coushatta. They are 9-2 on the year and host a 4-2 league slate.

Winnfield and Avoyelles met in week five of the 2021 season. The Mustangs claimed a 40-12 victory over the Tigers. The only other District 4A teams still in the playoffs are No. 1 Many who is facing No 17 East Feliciana and No. 8 Red River is taking on No. 9 Rosepine.

Avoyelles enters the game ranked fourth in the state while Winnfield is ranked 13 ^th .

They won their first round game against Bunkie, another district foe, last week by a 42-7 score. When Avoyelles and Bunkie met in district action earlier this year, Avoyelles came out on top 54-13.

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By Amanda McElfresh, amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

Winnfield Primary School would like to invite the veterans in our community to participate in a parade through the campus of Winnfield Primary School on Wednesday, November 10 ^th at 9:30am. The students want to show their love, support, and appreciation to the men and women who have served or are currently serving in our military.

Veterans will ride in their own vehicles and lineup will begin at 9:00am starting at the corner of Allen St. and S. St. John and will wrap up at the playground.

Although all veterans are welcome to ride through the parade this is a closed event and NOT open to the public. This is to protect our students, faculty and staff.

The Winn Parish School Board met for their monthly meeting on Monday, November 1, 2021. All board members were present except Browning and Clingan. At the meeting were children representing Winnfield Middle School 4-H. They presented information on their activities and one student demonstrated the difference in turkey calls and sounds. Atlanta High School 4H offered a video presentation that included their participation in wood skills competition in Springhill.

Two resolutions were passed. The first being district reapportionment and also continued employment of special counsel.

Superintendent Simmons offered comments on the lifted ban on mask requirements within the schools but stressed that school bus transportation still required masks. He also reminded everyone of the Veterans Day programs that will be coming up soon.