Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 is voting day for Open General/Congressional/RSCC Election. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. All voters in line at 8 PM have the right to vote.

Get Prepared and Geaux Vote!
Be prepared to show a photo identification card with your photo and signature or a United States military identification card that contains your name and picture when voting. If you do not have a photo ID, you may obtain a free Louisiana special identification card by presenting your voter registration information card to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or you may vote by affidavit after correctly answering identifying information before voting.

 If you have misplaced your voter information card, contact the Winn Parish Registrar of Voters office located at 119 W. Main St. #105 Winnfield, LA 71483 (318) 628-6133 for a new one or print your own by logging into the Louisiana Voter Portal as a voter. Click the ‘Voter Registration’ tab at the top then click the ‘Print Voter Information’ link located on the ribbon on the left-hand side.

Should any problems or questions arise, the principal office of the Winn Parish Registrar of Voters will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on all Saturday.

Never wear any campaign shirt, hat, and button or pin when voting. All polling places have a 600 foot campaign free zone.

Where to Vote
Use the Louisiana Voter Portal to find where you vote on election day, or call Winn Parish Registrar of Voters office at (318) 628-6133. Your voter information card received by mail lists your polling place. Please pay special attention to make sure you go to the correct polling place.

Winn Parish Ballot:

U. S. Representative — 5th Congressional District
Runs in multiple parishes
Lance Harris (REP)
Luke J. Letlow (REP) 

Constable — Justice of the Peace Ward 11
Brian Scott Jordan (REP)
Mitchell Miles (REP)

Winn Parish Early Voting Results

Total Votes	In Person	Absentee (Mail)
453	359	94

Democrat	Republican	Other
150	227	76

White	Black	Other
399	53	1

Male	Female
202	251

By Reba Phelps

I wanted to take a brief moment, if you will, to remind you that you are an amazingly strong person who matters and God chose you to be a parent. I know you probably feel alone at times and without help, especially during the midst of the holiday season.

The holiday season tends to have a more complicated set of single parenting issues. Navigating the murky waters of holiday visitation schedules to satisfy both parents and sets of grandparents can sometimes be a Christmas miracle in itself. Try to stay positive and put the children first. You can never go wrong when you put their needs before your own.

Children grow so fast. One Christmas you are changing diapers and hanging the “Baby’s First Christmas Ornament” and before you know it they are driving away. Christmas memories don’t always have to be made on the 25th of December. You have thirty other days in the month to make Christmas magic with your children.

Christmas happens when you have everyone together. If it is not your year to have your children for the holidays, make the most of it. Plan ahead and spend time praying asking God to fill the lonely place in your heart with his love and peace. Visit with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while. You can even volunteer to help the less fortunate or serve at your church.

Sometimes Christmas church services will cause us to lose our joy as well. It is completely unintended but it still happens. Stay strong and focus on the true reason for the season. Try your best not to focus on the perfectly nuclear families with coordinating clothes sharing the pews with you or lighting the Advent Candles. The Advent is supposed to symbolize hope, love, joy and peace.

These are the exact feelings that Jesus wants all of us to feel during the Christmas season. Anything outside of this is not ordained by him. Don’t let your loneliness or bitter feelings steal the real meaning of Christmas from you or your children.

The holiday season offers no shortage of ways to feel downtrodden about your circumstances. My hope is that we will find it in our hearts to count our blessings and not focus on the anxiety of parenting alone and itemizing the things we do not have.

God has also called you to be the leader, and spiritual leader, in your home. He truly does not give us more than we can bare. You can do this. Challenge yourself to capture every negative thought and transform that into thoughts of our savior being born.

As a single parent you are pulled in many different directions. Socially and in your career. Feel free to say no to things during the season that do not bring you complete joy and peace. This year it is actually socially acceptable to say no or take a step back.

He has called you and equipped you to make tough decisions, and they will not always have a perfect outcome. You will not always be popular with your children. But, you must not give up because you have small people living with you that will forever be shaped by the decisions you make and the words that come out of your mouth.

So, when you are up late at night during Christmas holidays putting together a doll house all by yourself, or staying up all night wrapping presents alone, and even stressing out over holiday expenditures….remember, that contentment is a choice. Choose to stay positive. Choose to stay prayed up. Choose to lean on others when you need to. Take someone up on the help they offer. You are not alone. You are loved and you are important enough that God sent his son to all of us.

“Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.” – John 14:1

The Winn Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is excited to announce The Winn Chamber Tree Lot!

The Christmas tree lot is located in the empty lot across the street from the post office!!

The Lot will be open Friday – Saturday 1 PM – 6 PM.

5 Ft. Tree	$40
6 Ft. Tree	$50
7 Ft. Tree	$60
8 Ft. Tree	$70

12 Inch Wreath	$20
14 Inch Wreath	$25

Small Tree Stand	$15
Medium Tree Stand	$20
Large Tree Stand	$30

By Steve Graf, Owner/Co-host: Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show

Bass fishing has come a long way since the 1940’s. A time when there was only a hand full of legitimate lures that were truly designed to catch bass. One of those was the plastic worm. Crème Lure Company was founded in 1949 in a basement in Akron Ohio and they revolutionized the soft plastic industry with the Wiggle Worm. These worms were sold in a pack of 5 for the grand total of $1. Little did they know at the time that 70 years later, anglers would still be buying Creme Lures.

No other bait has been as effective at catching bass than the plastic worm. Other companies took note and by the 1970’s, several companies had their own version of a plastic worm. Curly tail, straight tail and auger tail worms hit the market faster than a backlash as anglers demanded something different. So, manufacturers got creative and made worms with lots of action built into the worm. Then they got even more creative and started making worms that imitated crawfish.

In the 1980’s, Gene Larew hit the market with the Salt Craw. A bait that not only looked just like a crawfish, but was injected with salt, selling anglers on the concept that if your bait has salt in it, bass will hold the bait longer allowing you to catch more bass. Then in the 1990’s things got a little crazy as anglers pushed companies for something more. They wanted a bait that was different, something new, something the fish had not seen before, a bait with even greater action. That’s when the “creature bait” craze started with the invention of the Brush Hog. This bait hit the market hard and fast as anglers started winning tournaments. The word spread like wildfire about the Brush Hog and makers were scrambling to keep up with production. It opened the door for numerous companies and expanded the soft plastics industry to another level.

Even today, companies are still trying to create something new and different as anglers demands continue. As companies continue to use their imagination, the sky is the limit on what can be done with the soft plastics industry. But one thing is still clear, the straight tail plastic worm is still the go to bait for a lot of the top name pros and weekend warriors. It’s still considered to be the greatest bass catching bait of all time. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook!

The following positions are currently open at the Winn Parish Police Jury. Applications may be picked up at the Winn Parish Police Jury office.

Job Title: Dump Truck Driver:
Department: Highway Department
Description: Under direct supervision of Road Superintendent, operates trucks and other light equipment used in construction and maintenance; performs a variety of manual tasks in connection with such operations; and performs other duties as required. This is an entry-level job.
Examples of Work: Equipment Operation-Drive or operate such equipment as 5 yard dump, stake, and flatbed trucks, small farm type tractors with blade or bush hog. Provides routine maintenance on equipment, assists in mechanical repairs, performs physical labor as required; maintains simple records of equipment operations; may operate less complex equipment as needed; and services assigned equipment daily. 
Minimum Qualifications: Training and Experience -Three (3) months of experience operating one or more kinds of equipment specified for the class, OR six ( 6) months to one (1) year of experience in general labor or maintenance work.
Licenses and Certificates: Must Possess CDL license. 

Job Title: Utility Workers
Department: Highway Department
Description: Works under supervision of Road Superintendent. Must have the knowledge of operating a variety of complex and specialized equipment. Must be able to perform work as required and perform any duty as required.
Examples of Work: Drive or operate equipment such as pot hole patching truck, small farm type tractors with blade or bush hog. Provides routine maintenance on equipment, assist in mechanical repairs, performs physical labor as required; maintain simple records of equipment operations and services assigned equipment daily. 
Minimum Qualifications: Training and Experience -Three (3) months of experience operating one or more kinds of equipment specified for the class, or six ( 6) months to one (1) year of experience in general labor or maintenance work.
Licenses and Certificates: Must possess CDL license.

One of Winn Parish’s most beloved eateries is offering letters to Santa this year. Children can write a letter to Santa and Grantadams Dairy Made will forward it to Santa for them. Letters can be dropped off or mailed to Grantadams located at 1601 E. Lafayette St, Winnfield, LA. Letters will be collected 11/23/20 – 12/17/20. Please include child’s name and return address.

Santa has assured Grantadams that he will respond to every child that sends a letter!

WINN:
Tommy Ray Horne
October 26, 1967 – November 25, 2020
Service: Saturday, December 5 at 2 pm at Atlanta Baptist Church Family Life Center

GRANT:
John Carol Brossette
June 9, 1933 – December 2, 2020
Visitation: Friday, December 4, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville
Service: Friday, December 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville
Interment: Will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball

NATCHITOCHES:
Herbert Dickens
December 3, 2020
Arrangements TBA

O V Jackson-Hall
December 1, 2020
Arrangements TBA

Jewerline Duncantel
December 1, 2020
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Julius Sepulvado
April 11, 1941 – December 2, 2020
Service: Monday, December 7 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Shirley Self Bugg
March 1, 1938 – December 1, 2020
Service: Friday, December 4 at 2 pm at Ft. Jesup Cemetery

Eula Dean Ross Corley
January 23, 1930 – November 27, 2020
Service: Saturday, December 5 at 2 pm at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery

The Winn Parish School Board met for a Special Board Meeting Monday, November 30, 2020. The sole item on the meeting agenda was a recommendation by Superintendent Steve Bartlett that the WPSB declare a local state of emergency. The state of emergency would go into effect immediately and stay in effect until January 4, 2020.

According to Bartlett, the WPSB’s auditor recommended that the WPSB declare a state of emergency to expedite the awarding of contracts above $250,000 to contractors for roof replacements due to damage from Hurricane Laura. Bartlett explained that the WPSB’s legal counsel had been contacted and advised that the declaration would be within the law. 

The WPSB’s insurance company has agreed to pay for all roof replacements minus deductibles of $100,000. The deductibles should be reimbursed to WPSB by FEMA.

A motion was made to declare a state of emergency. The board unanimously approved the motion.

The WPSB immediately went into committee meetings. 

The Academics and Instruction Committee meeting discussed:

1. Virtual Instruction/Face to Face Instruction
2. COVID19 Report

Bartlett reported to the committee that:

• All grades were back in class on Monday. 
• They have a system that is working; although not perfect, it is as effective as it can be under the circumstances. 
• There are currently a few more than 200 students attending virtually. 
• Accountability Standards are still in place, and they do not expect any waivers.
• WPSB is still operating under phase 3 guidelines since the governor made no mention of school systems in his proclamation, moving the state to phase 2. LDE/BESE are not sure what the governor’s order means for schools in the state. 
• As of 9 AM on Monday, 14% of students were absent (293 students)
• 65 people are in quarantine
• Bartlett had a meeting with all high school principals regarding basketball season. Principals believe they can handle having basketball season.
  • WPSB will have high school basketball season with restrictions
  • No more than 25% capacity at each game
  • Must be seated 6 ft. apart.
  • Masks are mandatory (principals will be expected to enforce)
  • The fire marshal will closely monitor capacity.
  • No concessions

Maintenance and Building Committee discussed:

1. Storm Recovery Update
2. Insurance and FEMA Update

All matters for this committee were discussed in the special meeting concerning the state of emergency declaration.

The meeting was adjourned.

A fatal accident occurred on Hwy. 84 in Winn Parish on Sunday. The accident killed 21 year old Jacob A. Patton of Many, LA and severely injured his beloved one year old dog Blue.

Caitlin Hemphill with the Heart of Louisiana Humane Society in Winnfield received a call from Christy Harrell stating that her son Winn Parish Fire District 3 firefighter Matthew Harrell was on scene at a car accident that involved a critically injured dog. 

Caitlin and her mother Jennifer Clark immediately made their way to the site of the accident where they observed a heart wrenching scene.  In thirteen years of helping animals we have never received a call like this, the vehicle was unrecognizable,” stated Hemphill. According to reports Patton and Blue had to be cut out of the vehicle that hit a tree. Blue had been pinned in the floorboard.

According to Hemphill, Blue was in shock from blood loss when they arrived. Louisiana State Trooper Brian Coghlan had placed Blue in his unit with the heater on to try to warm him up. “It was heart warming to see him petting and comforting the injured dog,” said Hemphill. On a post on Hemphill’s Facebook Hemphill stated “We were overwhelmed by the compassion the State Police Officer on scene showed. His words were “there is so much loss already, but if the dog dies, I want him to be held, loved, and warm.”

Hemphill and Blue were driven to Crossroads Animal Emergency Clinic in Alexandria by Cameila Shelton a Heart of Louisiana Humane Society volunteer. Although Blue’s initial prognosis was grim he has started to improve and even stood up and took a few steps on Tuesday. 

We don’t normally take on pets that have owners but in this case we want to do everything possible to save this dog for the family of the man who passed away, stated Hemphill. Patton’s father has been to visit Blue at the animal clinic and took a t-shirt with his owner’s smell to comfort Blue during his recovery.

The family does not have the money for the extensive cost of Blue’s recovery on top of funeral costs for their son. In an attempt to help Blue, The Heart of Louisiana Humane Society is accepting donations to assist with the costs. You can donate at hlhumane.org, PayPal: hlhumanesociety@yahoo.com, mailing address: 1617 East Lafayette St. Winnfield, La 71483.

“Animal people are passionate about helping when it’s needed, I’m confident we will be able to raise the money for Blue’s recovery,” stated Hemphill.

Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its fall quarter president’s and dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).
Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Winn-                                                                  

• Atlanta: Alan M. Fitts*, Caitlyn Elizabeth Horne*, Edward Hilton Teal*
• Dodson: Gabrielle Carole Gresham, Kaylen Paige Williams              
• Winnfield: Emily Jean Barnett*, Julie Denice Bartley*, Payton Elizabeth Bates, Kaylee Elizabeth Bombard, Kiarra Grace Bombard*, Elizabeth A. Heard*, Zachary Jacob Little*, Brooklynn M. Martinez*, Cameron Thomas Moore*, Daniel Carson Simmons, Baylee N. Tarver*, Samantha Lynn Taylor, Ashley N. Thomisee, Karlie M. Zimmerman*        

Vice President Pence, who heads up the Nation’s Corona Virus Task force, decided that it was time for some fun time and decided that he was going to vacation time in sunny Florida.  However, his vacation was called off and plans were scrapped due to an approaching hurricane named Eta.   Amid virus numbers climbing as never before, Pence would find time to take a vacation as Americans are dying in record numbers.  Republican Governors like Mike Dewine, of Ohio, Larry Hogan of Maryland, are calling on citizens to control their personal lives by wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings at funerals, football games, social events, and practicing good health hygrine.  Wearing a mask and taking responsibility for what citizens do in their own personal lives is key for the nation to conquer this virus.  Someone commented that “we are fighting a common enemy and it is not Republicans, Democrats or Independents, it is COVID 19”. 

It is now past time for President Trump to accept defeat and allow the county to move forward. Political experts and commentators are warning that President Trump’s behavior is putting the nation’s security at risk  His only concern seems to be what he WANTS, not what is good for the country,

While President Elect Biden garnered more popular votes and currently has 279 Electoral votes, President Trump is contending that the Democrats stole the election from him,  and without any plausible evidence has inundated the courts with frivolous and baseless claims of voter fraud in the red states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, states headed by Republican Governors.  From all indication, President Trump has mesmerized his base to the extent that they will do almost anything to support him.  I am informed that many Republicans do not want to become engulfed in a political spat with Trump and his base that could impact their election chances in the future.  They believe that Trump’s base, which consists of over 70 million voters, could bury them alive, politically.

We are witnessing one of the most shameful and embarrassing moments in the history of the nation all while there is a legion of crises facing the nation.  It is hoped and citizens are praying that President Trump will come to his senses and for the sake of our democracy, accept  his loss and rejection by the American people and do what is right and best for the country, not what is right for Donald Trump.  This ugly fabricated crisis by President Trump must give way to the Biden elect administration which hopefully signals a new beginning for greatness in all peoples.   

Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two Winn Parish men for alleged multiple deer hunting violations and theft charges in Winn Parish on Nov. 25. Agents also cited three other subjects in connection with this case.

Agents cited Drew L. Purvis, 28, of Winnfield, and Stephen C. Young, 29, of Atlanta, for taking deer during Illegal hours, taking over the daily limit of deer, hunting from a moving vehicle, shooting a firearm from a public road, hunting on DMAP land without permission, violating deer tagging regulations, violating outlaw quadruped night hunting regulations, simple criminal damage to property, and theft.

Purvis was also cited for hunting without basic and big game hunting licenses, open container, driving under suspension and failing to use a turn signal.

Agents also cited Sierra E. Fredericks, 19, of Winnfield, and Jeremy A. Mercer, 23, of Winnfield, for possession of stolen property. Slade Anderson, 26, of Winnfield, was also cited for possession of two illegally harvested deer.

Agents received game camera photos of Purvis and Young cutting locks to enter onto private property that is enrolled in the deer management assistance program (DMAP) near Winfield. Agents also received a photo of one of the men stealing one of the 12 game cameras that were stolen from the property. Agents found Fredericks in possession of one of the game cameras and Mercer in possession of three of the game cameras.

During the investigation, agents also discovered photographic evidence that Purvis and Young harvested four antlered deer, four antlerless deer and five hogs on Nov. 21 from the DMAP land. Six of the deer and the five hogs were harvested at night. Agents found Anderson in possession of the two deer that were taken during the day.

Taking deer during illegal hours brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Taking over the daily limit of deer, shooting a firearm from a public road, violating outlaw quadruped night hunting regulations and hunting from a moving vehicle carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Hunting on DMAP land without permission and violating deer tagging regulations brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense. Hunting without basic and big game hunting licenses carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail for each offense.

Theft carries up to a $3,000 fine and five years in jail. Simple criminal damage to property brings up to a $1,000 and six months in jail.

Purvis and Young may also face civil restitution totaling $13,814 for the replacement value of the eight illegally taken deer.

Agents involved with the investigation were Lt John Volentine, Corporal Joshua DiBenedetto, Corporal James Bruce, Corporal Eric Little and Senior Agent Jesse Davis.

By Royal Alexander

“…there is no world in which the Constitution tolerates color-coded executive edicts that reopen liquor stores and bike shops but shutter churches, synagogues, and mosques.”  Justice Neil Gorsuch

This Supreme Court decision involves the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and the Agudath Israel of America, an Orthodox Jewish group, and their opposition to restrictions limiting religious services to ten people in some areas and 25 people in others.  Both groups essentially argued that the new Covid-19 regulations imposed by New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, target houses of worship in a much more burdensome and restrictive manner than other non-religious, commercial facilities.  

At its core, this decision by the U.S. Supreme Court powerfully underscores the principle that a public health emergency cannot be used as a valid reason to target religious activities with draconian restrictions while allowing secular businesses and commercial entities that are deemed “essential” (and, apparently, even some favored “non-essential” businesses) to proceed in their typical fashion.   Rather, the Court makes clear that what is deemed “safe” for liquor stores, bike shops and massage parlors must also be deemed safe for churches and synagogues.

In a succinct and penetrating concurrence opinion, Justice Gorsuch reasoned his way through the issue: “People may gather inside for extended periods in bus stations and airports, in laundromats and banks, in hardware stores and liquor shops.  No apparent reason exists why people may not gather, subject to identical restrictions, in churches or synagogues, especially when religious institutions have made plain that they stand ready, able, and willing to follow all the safety precautions required of ‘essential’ businesses and perhaps more besides.”  

Hence, Justice Gorsuch continues, “the only explanation for treating religious places differently seems to be a judgment that what happens there just isn’t as ‘essential’ as what happens in secular spaces.  Indeed, the Governor is remarkably frank about this: In his judgment laundry and liquor, travel and tools, are all ‘essential’ while traditional religious exercises are not.  That is exactly the kind of discrimination the First Amendment forbids.”

It should be highly hopeful and heartening for believers to see a decision like this that resoundingly rejects an action by government that would otherwise undermine and weaken the 1^st Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty.  Even in a health emergency, core constitutional rights may not be enjoined by politicians, particularly when they, as here, are imposed in an overly broad, arbitrary, and discriminatory fashion.

However, there is a broader question presented here:  How far will this go? Where does government overreach in matters of religious liberty and freedom of conscience end? I note that the largest LGBT organization in America has already demanded that Joe Biden, if he becomes president, remove accreditation of Christian schools that teach and adhere to Biblical sexuality.

My point is that religious liberty has been under attack in this country for decades.  In this case, by a mere 5-4 decision—one vote—the Supreme Court has protected religious freedom.  However, a 5-4 decision the other way would essentially allow “public health” officials to be given preference—greater authority—over sacred, fundamental constitutional rights that have protected Americans for 244 years.  That’s worrisome and concerning. 

This decision is very encouraging but we still have a battle in front of us and we will courageously rise to meet it.

The views and opinions expressed in the My Opinion article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Winn Parish Journal. Any content provided by the authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

The final election of 2020 will take place on Saturday, December 5^th and it is important for all voters to show up and vote if you have not voted early.

It has been my honor to serve as your representative on the Republican State Central Committee – District 31C and I am asking for your vote to allow me to continue to serve as your voice on the RSCC.    

During my tenure on the RSCC, the Louisiana Republican Party has made significant progress in advancing its conservative policies for the good of our state.  Our major policy positions are pro-constitution, pro-life, pro-second amendment, pro-business, a strong national defense, and responsible healthcare for all of our citizens.

We now hold a majority of the seats in the state legislature and most state-wide offices.  In view of our success, we need to keep the team at work.

Thank you, in advance, for your support.

Very truly yours,

Rick Nowlin