Meteorologist Nick Mikulas

A strong cold front will plow through the area this morning, taking temperatures from the mid 70s to the mid 50s in an hour or less. That’ll happen in the late morning, and we could see some upper 40s by late in the afternoon. So your pro tip for the day is to bring a jacket. Everyone will be impressed with your foresight. Most of us will see rain, with average totals in the 1/2 to 1 inch range. Someone might see a storm today and tomorrow that pushes them to near 2 inches, but I don’t see a flooding issue. The most likely scenario is a couple reports of strong, or damaging wind, and perhaps a little hail. Fortunately this will happen after we wake up, and hopefully the big news will be when someone looks at you and says “I didn’t know it was going to be chilly this afternoon”, and you just smile and say “I did” like some terrible commercial for Mentos.

Nick Mikulas is a former on air meteorologist for KALB in Alexandria LA, who now keeps all things meteorology updated on the social media side for Central Louisiana.

Lake Wind Advisory

LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM
CDT THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…North winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph
expected.

* WHERE…Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast
Texas.

* WHEN…From 10 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will
create hazardous conditions for small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds
and rough waves can overturn small craft.

Allergies & Pollen

Pollen concentrations for Wednesday will be falling in the low range. This lower level is caused by falling temperatures and heavy rains in the afternoon which tend to wash pollen out of the air. The lower pollen levels are significant and should help allergy sufferers to cope today.

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The Winn Chamber of Commerce and Tourism hosted a grand opening ribbon cutting at the Barn Door Boutique’s new location in Winnfield on Friday, March 26th.

The Barn Door Boutique is owned and operated by Winnfield native Logan Elliott. It offers an assortment of affordable fashion-forward apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women.

Chamber board members Shonna Moss, Kristen Green, June Melton, Kim Bruce, Tami Harrel, Wynona Harrell, Karla Wrote, Jodi Taylor, were all in attendance to welcome the Barn Door Boutique to its new location, 217 E. Main Street in downtown Winnfield.

Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5:30 PM and Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM.

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The Community Easter Event is returning this year! Saturday, April 3, 2021, from 11:30 AM – 1 PM at the Earl K. Long Park located at 1401 Maple St. in Winnfield. 

Don’t forget to bring an Easter Basket for the Easter egg hunt that begins at 11:30 AM. Other highlights of the event include a scavenger hunt (from now until the event) a free bagged lunch, inflatable obstacle courses, and a cakewalk.

This community event is sponsored by the Winn Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Winnfield City Council, Winnfield Rotary Club, Winn Parish Journal and area churches. 

Each edition of the Winn Parish Journal will feature a clue for the scavenger hunt that will take place from now until the event. Use the clues to figure out the location of the prize eggs. There will be six in all.

The bunny inside of an egg hidden at each location will reveal the prize information.  Please bring your prize-winning card to the Earl K. Long Park at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 3rd to receive your gift!  If you are unable to attend the event please contact the Chamber of Commerce between the hours of 8:30 AM and noon at 318-628-4461.

Clue #1 – He stands in Washington DC, Baton Rouge & in Winnfield – Previous Clue (egg has been found)

Clue #2 – He is resting OK – Previous Clue (egg has been found)

Clue #3 – The Greyhounds were there – Previous Clue (egg has been found)

Clue #4 – He helped Laurel reach new Heights, was super in his intendant, wore a black robe for 31 years and is related to the current Mayor. Previous Clue (egg may have been found)

Clue #5 – A walk on the memorable bricks

Check the Friday edition of the WPJ for clue #6 the final clue!

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The Rotary Club of Winnfield (the club) is excited to announce that the club is accepting applications from high school seniors for its two scholarships.

The club is pleased to offer two $1500 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary studies at a university, community college or technical college.

The scholarships are the Lawrence I. White Rotary Scholarship, offered solely to WSHS seniors, and the Thomas H. Harrel Memorial Scholarship, available to seniors parish-wide.

WSHS seniors may use the WSHS-Scholarship Packet to apply for both scholarships. Seniors at Dodson, Calvin and Atlanta High School please use T.H.-Harrell-Scholarship Packet to apply.

The application deadline is April 16, 2021. Applications can be turned into school counselors or submitted via email to rotaryclubwinnla@gmail.com.

For more information, you may contact the Rotary Club of Winnfield President Jodi Taylor at 832-573-5085. 

Download applications and information here – 

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Name: Shirley C. Desadier
Date: 3-23-21
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 43
Charge: Failure to Appear

Name: Caterrius T. Latchie
Date: 3-23-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 24
Charge: Failure to Appear

Name: Jashawn Duane Latchie
Date: 3-23-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 24
Charge: Failure to Appear, Introduction of Contraband – Penal Institute, Possession of Schedule I Drugs

Name: Katrina Goins Rowell
Date: 3-23-21
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 37
Charge: Failure to Appear

Name: Deborah O’Neal Nay
Date: 3-25-21
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 66
Charge: Possession of Schedule III Drug W/Intent to Distribute

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ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A POWERFUL IMPACT? 

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for a Hydraulic Technician to join our growing operations at our Winnfield, Louisiana location.

YOU

This is an entry level driver position whose responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Delivering parts orders to customer facilities,
• Off-loading, stocking, picking and staging of equipment and parts
• Providing professional quality customer service to all internal and external customers.

MOST IMPORTANT QUALIFICATIONS

• Capable of operating TAMS point-of-sale system and cataloging.
• Able to use adding machine and process cash, check, and credit card transactions.
• Visually capable of recognizing and distinguishing letters and numbers and remembering their sequencing.
• Able to speak clearly and listen attentively.
• Able to work on feet (stand and walk) for entire assigned work shift.
• Capable of lifting and moving parts and boxes of up to 60 pounds.
• Able to repeatedly bend or stoop to floor-level shelves and able to reach upper shelves (eight feet) with use of stool or ladder when necessary.
• Able to turn brake drums and rotors, and repair/make up hydraulic hose assemblies (if appropriate).
• Able to move engine blocks, core barrels, and other heavy equipment with moving aids designed to move such items, including hand trucks, barrel dollies, hydraulic lifts, etc.

JOB FACTS

• Will require physical movement as listed in the job description

SAFETY IN ALL WE DO

• We require strict compliance with PPE (personal protective equipment) safety regulations
• We maintain compliance with all Federal, State and Local safety and company regulations
• All employees must follow all Company Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) procedures
• Louisiana Cat is a drug-free workplace

WHAT WE OFFER:

We are proud to offer our full time employees a benefits package that speaks for itself and sets us apart from our competition. Benefits options include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Policies
• Wellness programs
• Corporate Discounts
• Generous 401K Plan
• Paid Holidays & Vacation
• Credit Union
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Training & Advancement Opportunities

WHY PEOPLE JOIN LOUISIANA CAT

• We are known for service quality and unsurpassed customer relationships guided by our strong company values, culture and safety standards
• We have energy, focus and passion delivering results because what we do impacts our customers each and every day
• We work across Construction, Electrical Power, Forestry, Governmental, Heavy Equipment, Industrial, Landscaping, Marine Engines and Oil & Gas industries
• We invest in training and development programs for our employees to build their toolkit and career paths here at Louisiana CAT
• We offer competitive pay and benefits, paid holidays and vacation, employee incentive programs and 401(k) company match programs to meet family and work lifestyles

Apply Here

WHO WE ARE

Louisiana CAT is the only authorized Caterpillar Dealer for the state of Louisiana. We provide Caterpillar Equipment, Service, Parts and Engines to customers across a wide range of industries. We are guided by our strong company culture, safety standards and activities in the communities in which we operate. We seek out employees who are inspired by our timeless values, thrive in growing company environment and want to become a part of a dynamic company backed by 85+ years of success. We have 23 locations across Louisiana and the Gulf South with Corporate HQ located in Reserve, LA and Power Systems HQ located in New Iberia, LA.

To BE The Best…We HIRE The Best. POWER UP and Click RED button “APPLY For This Position” on our Louisiana CAT Careers Page https://www.louisianacat.com/careers to be considered for open roles at Louisiana CAT and affiliate companies. #LouisianaCATCareers #NowHiring #HiringOurHeroes #HiringTheBest

Pre-Employment drug screens and proof of employment eligibility (E-Verify) are required for any position offered.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

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By: Brad Dison

It was the largest ship afloat.  At over 800 feet in length, nearly three football fields long, it was a floating city.  Its engineers used cutting edge technology in every facet of its design.  It was considered to be the fastest and safest ship afloat.  Each officer aboard the ship was hand-picked based on his prior service record and on a rigid seamanship examination which focused on sea currents, tides, geography, and wind.  Its crew was also hand-picked based on the strictest of criteria.  The ship boasted two brass bands, two orchestras, and a theatrical company.  It had a company of physicians and fireman in case of emergencies.  

Engineers designed the ship with nineteen water-tight compartments which could be closed in thirty seconds by simply turning a single lever.  Engineers designed the doors of the water-tight compartments in such a way that they would close automatically if they came into contact with rushing water.  The ship could stay afloat even if as many as nine of the nineteen compartments flooded.  Many people, including its designers, builders, and owners, considered the ship to be unsinkable. 

Engineers designed the ship specifically for passenger traffic with every known convenience and comfort imaginable.  Every possible amenity was made available to first-class passengers, fewer amenities for second-class passengers, and even fewer for third-class. The likelihood of the ship being destroyed by fire was unimaginable because the ship would not transport combustible cargo.  Due to all of the ship’s safety features which rendered it practically unsinkable, the ship carried only twenty-four lifeboats, the number required by law.  Cumbersome lifeboats detracted from the travelers’ views of the ocean.  Similarly, the ship carried only the number of cork lifejackets required by law.  Only about two dozen circular life-buoys decorated the decks of the ship.  The buoys were almost considered decorations rather than life-saving devices. 

Engineers determined that the ship was safest when traveling at full speed whether in calm waters, in fog, or during storms, for at least four reasons.  First, if the ship struck another vessel, the force of the impact would be distributed over a larger area if it was traveling at full speed.  Due to the strength of the ship’s construction, the other vessel would sustain the brunt of the damage.  Second, due to the ship’s speed, weight, and construction, it would almost certainly destroy the other vessel, probably cut it in two, if traveling at full speed while only receiving damages that could be easily remedied with a paint brush.  Traveling at only half speed, the ship would sustain more damages to its bows.  Third, at full speed the ship could more easily steer itself out of danger than at half speed.  Forth, in case of striking an iceberg, the ships bows would only be crushed in a few feet further at full speed than at half speed.  At most, only three of the water-tight compartments would flood, which left six to spare before the ship was in danger of sinking.     

On a cold, April night, the ship sailed at full speed in a dense fog in the North Atlantic Ocean.  In the bowels of the great ship, members of the black gang, crewmen who garnered the nickname because they were covered with sweat and coal dust, moved coal by shovel and cart into one of the numerous furnaces. The passengers, oblivious to the workers toiling away below, enjoyed a variety of music, food, and other forms of entertainment.  Some passengers sat in steamer chairs along the decks in the chilly, salty air.  

In the crow’s nest, the highest lookout point on the ship, a single crewman struggled to spot any sign of danger in the thick fog.  Most of the passengers were well asleep by this point.  “All’s well,” the crewman shouted from the crow’s nest at exactly 1 a.m.  At 2 a.m., the crewman in the crow’s nest called out “All’s well,” again.  He yelled the same at 3 a.m.  A few minutes after 3 a.m., the crewman in the crow’s nest yelled that there was something ahead that he was unable to make out.  In the thick fog, the crewman could only make out the faintest outline.  He yelled to officers below that it must be another ship.  The crewmen tried to turn the ship to avoid a collision, but it was too late.  Then the crewmen saw that it was not another ship but a large iceberg.  The ship made only a slight shudder when it struck the iceberg.  Most of the passengers were unaware that they had struck anything.  The ship’s crew was only slightly concerned because the ship was unsinkable.

Conditions on the ship quickly spiraled out of control.  Water quickly filled one water-tight compartment after another.  The ship began to list.  Passengers were awakened by the numerous sounds of plates, glasses, and a host of other items as they crashed to the floor.  They scurried to the ship’s decks to see what had happened.  Few passengers donned life jackets, and even fewer made it into the less-than-adequate number of lifeboats.  The ship sank slowly into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.  Most of the passengers and crew perished in the sinking of the unsinkable ship.       

People around the world know the story of the Titanic, and how the ship sank after it struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean with an enormous loss of life.  However, the story you read above was a work of fiction, a novella by Morgan Robertson.  The name of the ship in Robertson’s novella was not the Titanic.  The fictional ship he created was called the Titan.  His book, originally entitled Futility, seemingly recounted the events of the wreck of the Titanic.  However, Robertson’s Futility was published … in 1898, fourteen years before the Titanic sank.  

Source:    Robertson, Morgan. Futility. Rahway, N.J.: The Quinn and Boden Co. Press, 1898.

The Goldonna Community Egg Hunt will be held Saturday April 3, 2021 from 10:00am until 1:00pm at the City Hall. This event is free and open to the public. The children will be broken up into 0-3, 4-6, and 7-12. There will be a scavenger hunt for the children 13 years and above. Prize eggs will be hidden as well. The event will have games, food and pictures. This is the first annual community egg hunt but they are hoping to make it an annual event that all of the residents look forward to.

If you see a committee member be sure and thank them for their time and efforts, they are very excited to share this event with the community. Rebecca Harrison, Briannia Bedgood, Brittany Bedgood, Cynthia Bedgood, Karsyn Sanders, Nichole McGee, Stephanie Goss, Tyrie Coleman and Reba Phelps.

This year I wanted to reach out to some the area residents and share what they love most and cherish about the Easter holiday. I had the great pleasure of speaking with this amazing group of eager celebrators and I am so grateful they took the time out of their day to share with me.

Gayle Cloud
“My favorite thing about Easter is to attend sunrise service to celebrate the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us, and then to spend the day celebrating with my family”.

George Procell
“The most important thing about Easter for me will always be celebrating the resurrection of our savior. Not a bunny or colored eggs. Just Jesus”

Kami Bedgood Dobson
“My favorite thing about Easter is sunrise church services. I have always loved them!”

Mayor Jennifer Smith
“I love seeing the joy on the children’s faces and the excitement of them seeing what the Easter Bunny has delivered to them through the night. But more importantly, how my Savior gave his life for me! His sacrifice made it possible for me to have eternal life with him. His amazing love”

Boogie Bedgood
“One of my most memorable Easters was certainly last year. We had Easter as never before. The churches were closed. Families were all at their own homes due to Covid. I had always been very involved in my church this time of year as well as getting together with friends and family. Last year was very different. There would be no learning of new Easter songs, no new Easter “frock” no huge gathering of friends and family no big fixing of Easter lunch etc. There were none of the “frills”of Easter past.

This was a day that was set aside to reflect on the true reason we celebrate this most holy time. We sat in the quietness of our home and read The story of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and shared our gratitude for what Jesus had done and continues to do in our lives. We prayed and was so thankful that in such a dark time in our country we still had ‘The Light.” My heart felt something different that day. I suppose it was the joy of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ! What a day! You know it just doesn’t take much to celebrate if what you are celebrating is worth the celebration!”

The community churches will all be having Easter Sunday Services on April 4. The Goldonna Baptist Church will have a sunrise service that begins at 7:00am with a breakfast to follow and an egg hunt for the young children. The Easter service at River of Life Church will begin at 10:30am. The Goldonna Assembly of God Church will have their Easter service at 11:00. If you schedule it just right (leave early or show up a little late) you may be able to make all three services!

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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By: Royal Alexander/Opinion

The latest legal challenge concerns a New York law governing licenses to carry concealed handguns in public but there are potentially a host of others as well

The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to strengthen and expand 2nd Amendment rights after a decade of no action on the issue. The Court has several current opportunities to further address the scope of its Heller decision that generally pose one legal question: how far may states go in restricting the individual right to carry guns outside a home.

These various legal challenges have worked their way up to the Supreme Court and now require at least four members of the Court to vote to grant the application to hear the cases.
These challenges include the New York law as well as multiple other cases nationally presenting distinct legal issues.

The Supreme Court has not directly addressed the issue of gun rights since its landmark rulings in 2008 and 2010.  The 2008 Heller decision held that the right to keep and bear arms was both a collective (military and law enforcement) right as well as an individual right. The 2010 McDonald decision simply held that the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment extended to the states and municipalities the 2nd Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms.

Several months ago, the Court considered a different prohibition by New York City that kept gun owners from transporting firearms to ranges or second homes outside of the city but then decided not to hear the case after NY City officials repealed that prohibition, rendering that case moot.

During its 10-year break, the Court’s inactivity allowed a number of questionable gun laws and regulations to be passed and then remain law.  These included, for example, a suburban Chicago ban on semi-automatic weapons, a variety of prohibitions across the country against carrying guns in public, age limits for carrying guns in Texas and requiring citizens to disable or lock up guns when not in use in San Francisco.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, as a federal appeals court judge, dissented from a 2019 opinion that banned convicted felons from owning a gun.  That Kanter case involved a man, Rickey Kanter, who had pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. Judge Barrett wrote in her dissent that the gun ban went too far because it was being applied to someone who had not been convicted of a violent crime, only mail fraud.

In her dissent, then-judge Barrett wrote that “history is consistent with common sense: It demonstrates that legislatures have the power to prohibit dangerous people from possessing guns. But that power extends only to people who are dangerous. Founding-era legislatures did not strip felons of the right to bear arms simply because of their status as felons.”

Still other gun rights issues now pending before the Supreme Court involve a Pennsylvania man who pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in 2005 who is challenging the ban on purchasing or owning a gun.  In another, a Pennsylvania woman who pleaded guilty to making a false statement on her tax returns sued over the ban.  Also, the frequently reversed U.S. 9th Circuit recently upheld a Hawaii gun regulation that limits the ability of citizens to openly carry guns in public.

Further, in yet another New York State case, two residents sought a license to carry guns outside their home but were denied because they supposedly didn’t meet the state’s requirement that they have a “special need for self-protection” above and beyond what’s required by the general public. (That standard is so broad I doubt many of us could meet it but undoubtedly our right to self-defense is a “special need” for millions of us!).

Our Constitutional rights are rights that are “fundamental to the Nation’s scheme of ordered liberty and deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition.”  None of those rights are more important than the 2nd Amendment and the Court should strive to further enshrine and protect 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 is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be hosting the 10th annual “Boating Education Lagniappe Day” on April 24 at eight different locations across the state.

During Boating Education Lagniappe Day, LDWF will provide instructors for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course, NASBLA boating education certification, food and drinks, giveaways and door prizes all free of charge to the public.

LDWF urges the public to register quickly as most places have limited spaces available and registration is on a first come first serve basis.  To register for one of the eight April 24 classes, please visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/boater-education and click on the link for “Find A Course Near You”.

The in person classes will follow all local COVID protocols and procedures.

Anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 must complete a NASBLA approved boating education course and carry proof of completion to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower.

The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements and equipment requirements.  The course also covers many navigation rules and charts, trailering, sailboats, canoeing, personal watercraft and more.  Completion of the course will result in the student being issued a vessel operators certification.

Below is the list of lagniappe class locations:

Webster Parish
LDWF Region 1 Office
9961 Hwy. 80
Minden, LA 71055
Sponsors include Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Marine Specialties of Louisiana and Shreveport, The Boat Shop of Shreveport, Bayou Outdoors of Bossier City, Ace Hardware of Minden, Tractor Supply of Minden and BMS Supply of Minden.

Ouachita Parish
Academy Sports and Outdoors
111 Constitution Dr.
West Monroe, LA 71292
Sponsors include Academy Sports and Outdoors and T.P. Outdoors of West Monroe.

Avoyelles Parish
Cottonport Bank Camp
1055 Old River Road
Mansura, LA 71350
Sponsors include Cottonport Bank and Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association.

Lafayette Parish
LDWF Lafayette Office
200 Dulles Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70506
Sponsors include Deano’s Pizza of Lafayette, Redmond Marine of Lafayette, The Prop Shop of Lafayette, Austin’s Outdoors of Opelousas and Action Specialty of New Iberia.

Jefferson Davis Parish
Lacassine Community Center
312 Community Center Road
Lacassine, LA 70659
Sponsors include the Lacassine Community Center and the Beauregard Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited.

Assumption Parish
Assumption Parish Community Center
4910 Highway 308
Napoleonville, La 70390
Sponsors include the Assumption Parish Community Center and the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association.

Tangipahoa Parish
Manchac Fire Department
30221 Hwy. 51
Akers, LA 70421
Sponsors include the Manchac Boating Club, Brandon Supply of Amite and the Manchac Fire Department.

St. Tammany Parish
Castine Center
63350 Pelican Drive
Mandeville, LA 70448
Sponsors include Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association.

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Some restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including strict occupancy restrictions for bars and restaurants, will be eased this week following sustained improvements in COVID-19 hospitalizations and vaccinations, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on March 30. Social distancing of six feet will still be required in businesses and Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate remains in place.

“At this point in the pandemic, our three best tools for slowing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our hospitals operational are vaccinations, masks and distance,” Gov. Edwards said. “Right now, we have fewer people hospitalized with COVID-19 than we did this time last year, and we have a greatly improved supply of three highly effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines, which are available to everyone 16 and older in Louisiana. While COVID-19 and its variants remain a major public health risk, using the tools of vaccination, masking and distancing, we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. At least 20 states and one region of Louisiana are experiencing an increase in cases and hospitalizations, likely because of the U.K. variant. We aren’t yet out of the woods.

“Vaccination is the best way we have to put this pandemic in our rearview mirror. While we work to vaccinate even more of our neighbors, now more than ever it is critical that people wear facemasks when they are in public and keep six feet of social distance between them and anyone who isn’t in their immediate household,” Gov. Edwards said. “Today we are taking an important step forward, but all of us play a role in making sure our cases don’t spike again. Get your vaccine now that it’s your turn and help your friends and family members get their shots as well. Working together, we can bring back Louisiana.”

The Governor’s updated public health emergency order keeps requirements for six feet of social distancing in all businesses, as well as other mitigation measures deemed necessary by the Louisiana Department of Health and the State Fire Marshal.  The order runs for 28 days and expires on April 28, 2021.

The Governor’s updated order removes the limitations on when bars and restaurants may serve alcohol, defaulting to local ordinances. People younger than 21 are still not allowed inside bars and bars are only allowed to provide patrons with socially distanced seated service, under the new order.

Salons and beauty shops, gyms and fitness centers, malls and casinos also will not have capacity limits, though social distancing and the mask mandate remain in place along with any other additional measures that may be required by the State Fire Marshal.

Businesses and venues that host larger gatherings, like reception halls, will remain capped at 50 percent of their capacity, with a maximum gathering size of not more than 500 people indoors and strict social distancing. Outdoor events will be capped at 50 percent capacity and social distancing is also required. Some events may require prior approval by the State Fire Marshal. 

Indoor and outdoor sporting events will be limited to 50 percent of their capacity, with social distancing. Masks are required under all circumstances.

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Virtual Application Period Will Run in Two Phases Beginning April 5, Will Follow Alphabet Schedule

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has received federal approval to begin virtual Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) operations in 23 parishes severely affected by the winter storms on Feb. 15-18, 2021. The application process will run in two phases between Monday, April 5, and Saturday, April 17, 2021, and will follow an alphabet schedule according to applicants’ last names.

DSNAP provides food assistance to eligible households who do not receive regular SNAP benefits and who need help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster. The state must request that the federal government initiate DSNAP but can only do so after the president activates the Stafford Act and approves the parish for Individual Assistance (IA). Each IA-approved parish must also request DSNAP before the benefits can be provided to eligible residents of that parish.

The 23 parishes that requested and were approved for federal Individual Assistance and DSNAP due to extensive power outages, water outages and other damage from the February ice storms are: Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll and Winn.

Residents who received SNAP benefits in February 2021 are not eligible for DSNAP and should not apply. Residents who began to receive SNAP benefits after February 2021 may be eligible.

What Applicants Need to Know
Due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, DSNAP applications will be handled by phone and benefits cards will be mailed to approved applicants.

Residents in the approved parishes will be assigned a day, based on the first letter of their last name, to call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP. On their designated day, residents will call 1-888-524-3578 (select language, then press 3-3-1), between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. See Application Schedule below for assigned dates.

Translation services are available for individuals whose primary language is not English.
Residents are encouraged, but not required, to take the following steps before calling to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP:

Pre-register online first. Step-by-step instructions for this can be found at dcfs.la.gov/page/dsnap-registration.
Download the LA Wallet mobile app for identity and residency verification. 

Residents who pre-registered or applied for DSNAP since March 2020 do not need to pre-register again.
When residents call to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP, a worker will verify the applicant’s identity and residency, and obtain information about their income, resources and disaster-related expenses. Most applicants will be told on the phone immediately after completing their application and interview whether they have been approved to receive DSNAP and, if so, the amount of benefits they will receive. Applicants will also receive a letter by mail, confirming the eligibility decision made on their application.

Applicants may name an Authorized Representative (AR) to apply for DSNAP benefits on their behalf. The head of household must authorize the person to serve as AR on their behalf, and the worker will need to speak to the head of household to confirm that they agree for the AR to speak on their behalf.

Elderly and disabled applicants who cannot complete the phone application process can apply at their local DCFS office.
Application Schedule

Residents should call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP on their designated day (according to the first letter of their last name) or on the A-Z days, which are open to all residents in the approved parishes for each phase.

Phase 1
Parishes: Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, Franklin, Grant and Ouachita
Monday, April 5 – Residents with last names beginning with A-F
Tuesday, April 6 – G-M
Wednesday, April 7 – N-S
Thursday, April 8 – T-Z
Friday, April 9 – A-Z (All residents in Phase 1 parishes)
Saturday, April 10 – A-Z (All residents in Phase 1 parishes)

Phase 2
Parishes: Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll and Winn
Monday, April 12 – Residents with last names beginning with A-F
Tuesday, April 13 – G-M
Wednesday, April 14 – N-S
Thursday, April 15 – T-Z
Friday, April 16 – A-Z (All residents in Phase 2 parishes)
Saturday, April 17 – A-Z (All residents in Phase 2 parishes)

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WINN:
Mary Lee Sproles Ortego
May 29, 1949 – March 18, 2021
Arrangements TBA

NATCHITOCHES:
Barbara Ann Delphin Balthazar
January 21, 1927 – March 27, 2021
Service: Wednesday, March 31 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church

Mildred Braden Anthony
March 27, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Mary Lee Bradford
March 25, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Garry Augustus Cole
October 14, 1942 – March 25, 2021
Service: Saturday, April 3 at 1 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis

Mike McCart
April 11, 1961 – March 21, 2021
Service: Monday, April 5 at 7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Van Thomas Barker, Jr.
January 03, 1945 – December 26, 2020
Service: Friday, April 9 from 5-6:30 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

SABINE:
Hazel Mae Faircloth
April 15, 1932 – March 29, 2021
Service: Thursday, April 1 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

RED RIVER:
Edward Marion Scallion
July 28, 1943 – March 25, 2021
Service: Wednesday, March 31 at 1 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

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The Rotary Club of Winnfield (the club) is excited to announce that the club is accepting applications from high school seniors for its two scholarships.

The club is pleased to offer two $1500 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary studies at a university, community college or technical college.

The scholarships are the Lawrence I. White Rotary Scholarship, offered solely to WSHS seniors, and the Thomas H. Harrel Memorial Scholarship, available to seniors parish-wide.

WSHS seniors may use the WSHS-Scholarship Packet to apply for both scholarships. Seniors at Dodson, Calvin and Atlanta High School please use T.H.-Harrell-Scholarship Packet to apply.

The application deadline is April 16, 2021. Applications can be turned into school counselors or submitted via email to rotaryclubwinnla@gmail.com.

For more information, you may contact the Rotary Club of Winnfield President Jodi Taylor at 832-573-5085. 

Download applications and information here – 

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