Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

Name: James Lamar Kelly
Date: 7-20-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 70
Charge: Terrorizing, Criminal Trespass

Name: Dale Erwin Keeney
Date: 7-23-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Charge: Identity Theft, Forgery

Name: Cheyenne Halford
Date: 7-24-21
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 29
Charge: Failure to Appear

Name: Joshua K Meche
Date: 7-25-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 40
Charge: Reckless Operation W/Acciend, Hit and Run

Name: Chinna Laue Thompson
Date: 7-27-21
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Charge: Driving While Intoxicate 1st Offense w/o Test

Name: Daniel McHenry
Date: 7-27-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Charge: Theft of a Motor Vehicle X 2, Theft X 2

Name: Maci Hannah Ross
Date: 7-28-21
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Charge: Possession of Schedule II Drugs


4th Annual Back to School Bash Today 9-1

The Winn Parish Healthy Initiative Coalition is happy to present the 4th Annual Back to School Bash today, at the First United Methodist Church of Winnfield from 9a.m. to 1p.m.

The Back to School Bash is held each year to assist children of Winn Parish with their back to school needs. Each child is given a book that resembles a passport. They visit each station and participate in an activity that the vendor has. Then their “passport” is stamped then they continue to the next station. When the book is filled up, the child receives a lunch, and a bag of school supplies they can use at home.

Many of the vendors are resources for parents who may need help not only getting their child ready for school but also for things throughout the year. Community service organizations also participate and provide information on the services they can offer to the community. Door prizes are given away throughout the event.

This event is free to children as well as vendors. If you would like more information on your child participating or about becoming a vendor, you can contact either Kimberly Bruce at 318-413-0040 or Kimberly Nation at 318-729-6756.


Winn Community Healthcare Center – School Based Healthcare Provider Spotlight – Julie Evans

Julie was raised by Christian parents and their faith, morals and Christian values were implemented at an early age. Julie proudly carries this set of standards with her as she provides counseling services, and emphatic care for her patients. Julie was born in Winn parish, and raised in the small town of Goldonna LA, where she still lives today. Julie retired from Winn Parish School Board to pursue a college degree. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Addictions with a minor in Psychology from Northwestern State University in May 2012. Julie continued her studies to receive a Master’s in Counseling from Northwestern with a concentration in school counseling in December of 2014.

Two years later she received her state license as a Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC). Julie began her second career in Red River parish, working as ninth and tenth grade counselor where she provided academic, personal, social, and family counseling to her students and their families, as well as many other duties with her position at Red River high school. With a desire to offer counseling services full time, and be closer to her grandchildren, Julie gained employment with Winn Community Health Center as a full time clinical Behavioral Health counselor. Julie is an active member of the Louisiana Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 3:00pm During the school year

For appointments, call 318-302-3263

Patients can be seen at the Winn Community Health Center when school is not in session.
Cost
There is no charge to the student for services. Medicaid and other third party insurers are billed, if available. The cost of services not provided on site at the school-based health center, such as some lab tests, x-rays, specialty consultations, and prescriptions, are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Services Provided
• Sick and urgent care

• Routine physical exams, including sports physicals

• Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and injury

• Vision, dental and blood pressure screenings

• Immunizations

• Basic dental screenings and cleaning

• Mental health services

• Routine lab tests

• Prescription medications

• Health education, counseling and wellness promotion

• Fitness and nutrition education and counseling

• Referrals for healthcare services not provided at the clinic

• Transportation provided as needed


Remember This? The Last Request

By Brad Dison

On Wednesday, June 19, 1957, workers drilled, moved and crushed the earth at the Rattlesnake Uranium Pit Mine, 37 miles north of Monticello, Utah. 46-year-old James W. Rodgers normally worked outside the open pit mine and had only been moved inside the mine that very day to help in drilling operations. 33-year-old Charles “Chuck” Merrifield operated a power shovel, a bucket-equipped machine used for excavating earth or fragmented rock. June 19 was the first day that James and Chuck worked together.

At about 3:30 p.m., Dee Gardner, a truck driver at the mine, saw James walk from the pit to the red pickup truck assigned to James for working in the mine. The truck was owned by the mining company and painted a high-visibility red for safety. James told Dee and other workers nearby, “I guess I’m going to have to kill him (Chuck) before I leave this job.” James retrieved a .38 caliber revolver from the truck and headed back into the pit. James walked back past Dee and toward Chuck’s power shovel. Another mine worker told Dee, “I guess Rodgers is going to scare Chuck with a gun.”

At the power shovel, James motioned for Chuck to get off of the machine. Chuck stood up, put one foot down out of the cab, and James began firing his pistol. The first shot was not aimed at Chuck and hit the ground. A split second later, James aimed the pistol at Chuck and fired until the revolver was empty, with each shot taking effect. Chuck fell to the ground. Dee was afraid to move because he “felt Rodgers didn’t like [him] either.” James turned to Dee and other witnesses and said, “Well, I guess that takes care of that.” James put the pistol back in his belt and walked toward the pickup truck. He passed another mine worker as he neared his truck. James calmly told him, “Well, he asked for it and he got it.” James got into the pickup truck and drove away. Chuck died within a few short minutes.

Law enforcement officers in Utah set up roadblocks on the main roads in the area but James had taken a back road into Colorado. Utah law enforcement officers notified Colorado police near the Utah line of the shooting and told them to be on the lookout for the bright red mine truck. A policeman near Cortez, Colorado, about 100 miles east of the mine, recognized the vehicle immediately and initiated a traffic stop. The officer told James that a lot of policemen were looking for him, to which he replied, “Yes, I guess you are.” The officer arrested James without incident. He was armed with a .22 caliber rifle and the .38 caliber pistol he used in the shooting. James reassured officers that he “wasn’t going to shoot anybody else.” While in custody, James eagerly confessed to killing Chuck.

When questioned about the shooting, James told reporters, “I can’t tell you why I did it. He’d been getting on my nerves for some time, and I knew it was going to lead to serious trouble… But I just can’t explain why I did it. He came at me one time with a wrench in his hand and I thought he was going to hit me. He didn’t, but I felt he didn’t like me, and he kept on needling me. Not anything in particular, but all the time. I just couldn’t take any more of it. But I can’t tell you why I shot him.”

In court, James pled not guilty by reason of insanity. His attorneys argued that James was suffering from Syphilis which impaired his mental processes. The disease, his attorneys argued, had deteriorated his brain, which affected his thinking and reasoning capabilities. After two trials and a host of appeals, James was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad.

In the early morning hours on March 30, 1960, Sheriff Seth Wright and prison warden John Turner sat with James and waited for daylight, the time of his execution. The sheriff held a black hood that would be put over James’s head during the execution. James looked at the hood and asked the sheriff, “What you got there?” Sheriff Wright replied, “something to keep you warm.” “Don’t worry,” James answered, “I’ll be where it’s warm pretty quick.” When it was time to go to the prison field, Sheriff Wright asked if he was ready. James quipped, “Yes, give me an hour’s head start.” Just before the five riflemen “blasted him into eternity,” Sheriff Wright asked James if he had a last request. “Sure,” James replied, “how about a bullet-proof suit?” His request was denied.

Sources:

1. The San Juan Record (Monticello, Utah), June 20, 1957, p.1.

2. The San Juan Record, December 12, 1957, p.1.

3. Deseret News (Salt Lake City, Utah), December 9, 1958, p.21.

4. The Ogden Standard-Examiner (Ogden, Utah), March 30, 196


Angler’s Perspective – Women And Bass Fishing Part I

Today’s article may get me trouble but here it goes. Why are women not more prevalent in the bass fishing tours and why hasn’t their own pro tour taken off. Can women really compete on the pro tour with the men? Boy, these are some interesting questions that I’ll try an answer for you today and hopefully I won’t get myself in a pickle with all my lady friends.

Let’s make one thing clear, without women there probably would not be professional bass fishing tours! Now why is that? Because without the ladies back home holding down the fort, the men would not be able to go fishing! To be a professional bass fisherman, someone has to take care of kids and all their needs from doing homework to dance lessons to baseball practice to piano lessons and so on. Getting the kids up every day and ready for school and making sure they are fed, bathed and ready for bed at a descent hour. Taking care of all the bills rolling in and handling everything by themselves from a leaky faucet to changing a flat tire. This routine takes place every single day by the women who take on the role of being the home CEO. Yes, it’s a tough job and if you talk to any professional angler, they will tell without the women back at home doing all these things and raising the kids, they would not be able to be successful and fish the pro tour. It takes a special lady to be the wife of a professional bass fisherman.

Why aren’t more women fishing the pro tours with the men? As I have just revealed, 98% of the wives/women take care of everything going on in the household. This means that the ladies have less opportunity to get away and go fishing. To fish the professional level, requires a lot of time away from home with speaking engagements, travel, practice days and the 3- or 4-day tournament itself. When it’s all said and done, an angler will be gone from home 10 to 14 days straight at a time; sometimes even up to a month if the schedule calls for back-to-back events. Honestly, most men are not programed to handle the daily household chores and commitments with the kids required to keep a house running smoothly. Yes, this is sad but true! Us men know our limitations!

Now let’s look at women competing against the men. This is where I might get into some hot live well water. First, yes women can catch fish just like the men do but there seems to be a disconnect with catching bigger fish which I feel comes into play because of technique. Most men tend to power fish more than the ladies do. By that I mean men like flip and punch heavy cover like hydrilla, lily pads, deep brush tops and flip bushes with jigs and soft plastic lures; they like to throw big crankbaits all day which can take a physical toll on even the most fit angler. Most of the women I have fished with, tend to be more finesse type fishermen with lighter/smaller lures. A lot of women I’ve noticed really like to use a Carolina rig which is also more of a finesse technique.

Nothing wrong with anything the women are using; it’s just that finesse style fishing tends to produce smaller bags weighed in on tournament day. Trust me, I know there are times when finesse techniques work better for the men as well. But this is not the norm with guys most of the time. Now I know I’ll hear from some lady bass anglers how wrong I am but all I have to go by is what I have observed in my 31 years of tournament experience fishing with the ladies or guiding some of the pro tour ladies for an upcoming event. It’s just like any other sport; women are going to do things a little differently most of the time than men do basically because of our physical makeup. Another thing that gives the men an advantage is the fact that men will more than likely make more casts in a day than the ladies therefore giving them more opportunities to catch more fish again due to the power fishing techniques men tend to use.

Understand, that these are general rules of thumb and there are exceptions to these so-called rules I’ve established. Next week we’ll take a serious look at some of the best women bass anglers of all time. I just want to make sure you understand that I’m not trying to slight the ladies at all, but I want people to understand the reasons why there aren’t more ladies fishing either the women’s pro tour like the LBAA (Lady Bass Anglers Association) or fishing on the men’s tours. Again, without the ladies, it would be very difficult for the men to go fishing and make a living on the pro tour. Till next week, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf

Owner/Co-host

Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live


Recent Events in Cuba Reflect the American Fight for Liberty

By: Royal Alexander/Opinion

The U.S. must take bold and concrete steps to assist these freedom seekers in Cuba, not just because that nation is 90 miles off the Florida coast but because our strong and visible support of the courage and bravery of these Cubans is a direct reflection on our own commitment to the same precious freedoms and sacred rights.

History never ceases to repeat itself. Totalitarian regimes, founded on Marxism and Leninism and employing communist government-centric models, led by dictators who are absolutely committed to an iron grip on their nations, eventually fall into chaos and strife and then fail. That is what we are witnessing yet again in Cuba.

We have seen images recently of brave Cuban citizens massing in streets all across that island country for the first time in more than 60 years. They risk their lives to speak in protest of the rapidly deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions including a lack of basic goods and services—food, medicine, and other staples as well as electricity outages.

These people—men, women, teenagers, children—are standing up for their basic human rights and dignity to a degree unprecedented in Cuba. In the past, under the longtime communist rule of Fidel Castro protests were virtually non-existent and they were brutally put down when they did arise. Now, however, aided by social media, these freedom fighters appear willing to stand up to the government, speak truth to power, and chant in unison, No More! No Mas!


How has the Cuban government responded? The same way dictators always respond, by brutally cracking down on the demonstrations all the while employing the same lies, doublespeak and euphemisms tyrants always use.

Cuban President Diaz-Canel dishonestly described the demonstrations as being led by a small group of “counter revolutionaries, sold out to the U.S. government” and he encouraged supporters of the government to defeat these freedom seekers. Not long after, government officials terminated virtually all communication with the rest of the world and then unleashed “security forces” across the country.

Is this not a tired, yet unsettling, refrain? This is how tyrants and dictatorships always respond.

First, employing censorship, propaganda and control these thuggish tyrants first step is to deploy all media to lie to their citizens and the world about the very existence of the demonstrations; Second, tyrants deny and suppress the deplorable human rights abuses and economic desperation that triggered the freedom fighters to risk their lives to speak out demanding change. This false narrative has included painting the uprising as an attack on the virtue and sanctity of “Mother Russia” or the challenge to a nation’s brutal tyrant as an attack on that nation’s “enlightened” way of life and the so-called “God king” leader who himself is a cult of personality.


Third, tyrants cut off outside communication of every kind. Fourth, they attack their own people to crush the resistance while labeling the uprising as involving a small group of “counter revolutionaries.” After that, “show trials” are conducted and the “guilty” are convicted, then often “disappeared” from the face of the earth. Lastly, we often see a fake, choreographed “show of support” for the regime.

Whether we are speaking of the former Soviet Union (or the current predatory territorial view of other nations Russian president Vladimir Putin might seek to conquer—like the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine); or the iron grip of the Chinese Communist Party, the brutal theocracy of Iran or the vicious tactics of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, the motives and methods of tyrants never change.

America must respond clearly and boldly and not risk further damage to our moral authority in a way reminiscent of other American derelictions like our government’s handling of the Arab Spring or our weak and emasculated response to Putin’s annexation of Crimea, or to the gassing by Syria of its own people notwithstanding the U.S.’s so-called “red line.”

The courage we are witnessing by the long subjugated Cuban people “yearning to breathe free” is a truly historic moment that cannot be ignored. Again, our commitment to this Cuban fight for freedom is a direct reflection of our commitment to our own way of life.

U.S. apologists of the Cuban government allege that these protests were caused by the Coronavirus. If so, this raises key questions about the ability of the much-heralded Cuban health care system (socialized medicine) to care for its own people without completely melting down.

Cuba’s freedom fighters confirm, yet again, that socialism—including the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (the Nazi Party; yes, Nazism was Socialism and in addition to his intrinsic evil, Hitler was a Socialist and that movement must claim him too)—maintains its perfect record of failure throughout the world, and that given a chance and time, freedom will always find a way.

It has been a source of great pride to watch freedom fighters in the streets of Havana proudly flying high the beautiful American Flag as a symbol of their willingness to fight and die for the justice and liberty and freedom that it represents to them and to the entire world.

For the same reason, it has been a source of great sorrow to recall the protests of U.S. domestic terrorists in Portland and Seattle and in numerous other U.S. cities burning, trampling and urinating on the same American Flag that, from the time of our Nation’s founding, more than 1.1 million Americans have paid the ultimate price to preserve and protect by freely giving the “last full measure of devotion” on brutal, unforgiving battlefields, and in the skies and on seas and oceans the world over—and then to reflect upon statements from Pres. Biden, AOC and many other defenders and apologists of this anti-American anarchy.

In 1982, President Ronald Reagan spoke to members of the British Parliament. In the speech, he predicted the collapse of Communism and its evil twin, Socialism, saying these anti-freedom “isms” would be left on the ‘ash heap of history.’ Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, his prediction has been born out in much of the world.

Now, the U.S. government must do all within its power to ensure that this Cuban vestige of Marxism/Communism/Socialism is also buried for good. The long arc of history is said to bend toward justice and freedom and, if so, that means aiding this historic and pivotal Cuban fight for freedom now.

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.


LDWF Accepting Applications for 2021-22 Deer and Waterfowl Lottery Hunts

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is accepting applications for deer and waterfowl lottery hunts on LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for the 2021-2022 hunting season. The deadline to apply for the lottery hunts is Aug. 31.

Lottery hunts for deer and waterfowl will be held for people with disabilities, including veterans, on select WMAs; see the application for selections. A general waterfowl lottery hunt will be held on Sherburne WMA.

Lottery hunts for deer and waterfowl will be held for youth, those hunters between the ages of 10-17, on select WMAs. Note that a youth under the age of 10 may apply provided he or she will be 10 on or before the date of the hunt for which they apply.

Additionally, general deer lottery hunts will be held on select Louisiana Office of State Parks Property; see the application for selections.

All lottery applications are only available on the LDWF website at https://la-web.s3licensing.com/ . To apply click on the Lottery Applications tab, update or create a customer record similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. There is a $5 application fee and a $2 transaction fee per application. Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

These hunts offer the opportunity for selected hunters to experience an enjoyable, unique experience. Details of qualifications, application requirements, application deadlines and dates of the hunts are set forth in the application instructions for each lottery.

For more information, contact David Hayden at dhayden@wlf.la.gov or 318-487-5353.


Podcast: Marcus Jones joins Billy West LIVE

PART ONE
Marcus Jones joins Billy West Live and discusses his Interim Appointment as President of Northwestern State University.

The interview includes Marcus’ educational background and experiences teaching and in administration of higher education.

Marcus answers questions about his vision for the immediate future of NSU and increasing on-campus enrollment for Students in Natchitoches.

PART TWO

Marcus Jones answers questions related to his commitment to higher education in general and specifically related to keeping NSU competitive in Division 1 Athletics, especially football.

Marcus also discusses the position of permanent President of NSU and whether or not he will be a candidate for that position. Marcus also discusses his views on whether a terminal degree is necessary or required to be the permanent President of NSU.


Notice of Death July 29, 2021

WINN:
Douglas Couttee
July 27, 2021
Arrangements TBA

NATCHITOCHES:
Melvin Berryman
July 28, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Andrew Wesley (Lil’ Andy) Daniels
September 20, 2011 – July 24, 2021
Service: Sunday, August 1 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Bruce Clark
July 26, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Otis Lil’ Bug James Williams
October 01, 1984 – July 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Juanita Virece
April 18, 1967 – July 25, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Sam Telsee
July 22, 2021
The casketed remains will lie in state at the funeral home Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 8:00 a. m. A procession to the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery near Clarence, LA will depart from the funeral home at 9:30 a. m.
COVID19 REGULATIONS WILL BE STRICTLY OBSERVED. YOU MUST WEAR FACIAL MASKS AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Cynthia D. French
May 15, 1958 – July 05, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Ken Busby
November 18, 1940 – July 25, 2021
Service: Friday, July 30 at 11 am at Little Flock Baptist Church, located at 1805 Little Flock Road in Many


Two Members of Winnfield Fire Department Receive Medal of Valor for Heroism

The 116th Louisiana State Firemen’s Association concluded their week-long annual conference Saturday night in Baton Rouge at the Crown Plaza with a banquet.

The banquet includes a ceremony to recognizes firefighters who have gone above the call of duty in Louisiana. These firefighters are given the Medal of Valor which is the highest honor a firefighter can receive in the line of duty.

Captain Philip Wilkerson and FF/OPR. Ben Murphy from the Winnfield Fire Department was chosen to receive the medal at this year’s event. The firefighters were selected for their actions on 7/17/21 when they saved a disabled person trapped inside his burning home. Capt. Wilkerson and FF Murphy went above the call of duty to save a life and in keeping with the greatest traditions of the fire service and the Winnfield Fire Department.

Several members of the WFD team and their families attended to observe and show support for the honors.

WFD members who attended:
Asst. Fire Chief Martin
Captain Wilkerson
FF/OPR. Dotson
FF/OPR. Murphy
PT FF/OPR. Harrell
Vol. FF LUNDY
AND FAMILIES

Pictured above: Left Philip Wilerson and Ben Murphy


Winnfield Police Department Arrest Report

City of Winnfield Police Department

Name: Justin Foutain
Date: 7-20-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Charge: Driving Under Suspension, Security Require


Name: Sonya Carpenter
Date: 7-21-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 60
Charge: Driving Under Influence
Bond: $3,500

Name: Wilbur D. Beard, Jr.
Date: 7-24-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Charge: Obsenity, Battery of An Officer, Criminal Damage to Property, Resisting an Officer


Name: Jetta N. Holmes
Date: 7-21-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Gender: Female
Charge: Failure to Appear Arraignment, Driving Under Suspesion, Security Required


Name: Shurmichael M. McDonald
Date: 7-22-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Charge: Second Degree Battery, Criminal Damage to Property


Winnfield FFA Leadership Teams Attend Camp and Orientation

Written by: Alyssa VanBlaricum

The Winnfield FFA Chapter Officer and Program of Activities teams have been working diligently to make this year memorable.

On July 12 and 13, students attended the LA FFA Area I and II Leadership Camp, where they built friendships with fellow members and helped inspire their creativity and independence. They also took part in many team-building activities that fostered unity among the leadership teams. The experience as a whole was immensely beneficial to the chapter.

In the same fashion, students attended a three-day chapter officer orientation on July 14-16. This event centered around planning for the upcoming school year and participating in team-building activities. The officers spent most of their time brainstorming ideas for events that would benefit our community and chapter, creating solid plans for making these events a reality. The officers also “kicked off their business shoes” and engaged in exciting activities like building rafts out of cardboard, playing an oddly competitive poetry game, and trying to break out of an escape room.

Needless to say, these events were extremely valuable for our chapter and have helped the Chapter Officers and Program of Activities teams prepare for the monumental year ahead.


Rotary Club of Winnfield Learns About Pilots for Patients

Florence Bethard, a very active member of Louisiana’s Pilots for Patients, was the special guest speaker for the Winnfield Rotary Club on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Mrs. Bethard, is a Baton Rouge native and long-time resident of Coushatta in Red River Parish, was introduced by Rotarian Bob Holeman.

Mrs. Bethard spoke passionately about Pilots for Patients, which was the brainchild of Philip Thomas, a pilot living in Monroe. Bethard relayed that while working with the nationwide organization, Angel Flight Thomas observed that very few patients from Louisiana were being transported for treatment. He thought an organization of private pilots within the state would help get the service to more patients in Louisiana, so he organized Pilots for Patients in 2008, and Mrs. Bethard got eagerly on board.

Currently, Mrs. Bethard has made more flights than any other female pilot in the state of Louisiana through her service with Pilots for Patients. She received her flight jacket when she completed 50 missions and her pin at 100 missions. She believes she has about 175 missions under her belt.

She explained that any patient in the state who needs transportation for medical reasons is eligible to fly with Pilots for Patients, as long as the patient can board the aircraft on their own, does not need medical attention during flight, and has a doctor’s written approval to fly. The patient may bring a companion, and a responsible adult must accompany a child.

As of today, Pilots for Patients has flown close to 7000 missions, logging 2.3 million nautical miles, transporting patients anywhere they can reach with a small plane, or as far as the pilot is willing to go. In addition, there is no charge for the service, which significantly reduces the patients’ travel time and fatigue.

Mrs. Bethard said Pilots currently has 110 volunteer pilots from Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, who fly their own planes and provide the fuel for the flights of patients to medical appointments for doctor visits, checkups, treatment, any medical reason they need to travel. The organization has a website with contact information. A volunteer administrator contacts the pilots and coordinates between pilot and patient.

According to Mrs. Bethard, the flights are identified by the plane’s unique tail sign under the Medical Alliances tail sign, which alerts air traffic control that the flight has a medical patient on board, and often gives the pilots special dispensation to do things that will allow the patient to be more comfortable in flight.

Mrs. Bethard has flown children to and from St. Jude’s in St. Louis, as well as many patients to and from MD Anderson in Houston for cancer treatment, stem cell donors to the harvest site, stem cells to the location of the recipient, COVID tests to Denton, Texas, and even organs. However, most organs are transported by another volunteer organization because of the unique conditions required.

Mrs. Bethard’s highlights have been flying a 17-year-old patient from St. Jude’s to his home after he was released cancer-free from the hospital and transporting a 39-year-old patient with a 5-year-old daughter home, who was diagnosed with melanoma which had spread all over his body, to his home after a new treatment protocol at MD Anderson had cured his cancer.

Mrs. Bethard related two scares from her flight career, one when she got a little too close to a front, and the plane went out of control. She was the regulation distance from the weather system, but the front affected the flight controls anyway. Once the aircraft increased its distance from the front, she regained control, and all was well. On another occasion, her patient had a seizure during the flight. Once they landed, an EMT team on the runway treated the patient, and she made it to her appointment on time.

Mrs. Bethard flies a Cirrus aircraft equipped with a whole-plane emergency recovery parachute system, which gives the plane its nickname, the “plane with the parachute.” While the plane must be at an altitude of 800 feet for the chute to be effective, this is one of the safest and best-selling single-engine planes on the market. She said that while her plane cannot be adorned with LSU colors, it is pretty, and she clearly loves this plane.

Bethard answered lots of questions from Rotarians after which, the meeting was concluded with the Rotary motto, “Service above self.”

The Rotary Club of Winnfield meets every Wednesday at Noon for lunch at Lynda’s Country Kitchen. For more information about the Rotary Club of Winnfield, you may contact President, Jodi Taylor (832) 573-5085. You can also find club information on Facebook at Rotary Club of Winnfield Facebook Page or online at Rotary.org.

Florence Bethard with her Cirrus aircraft flew into Winnfield from Dallas to speak to the Rotary Club of Winnfield

Winn Parish School Board Special Meeting Tonight

The Winn Parish School Board will meet in special public session Monday, July 26, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. in the meeting room of the Winn Parish School Board in Winnfield, Louisiana, for the purpose of appointing a District 1 Board Member to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Durane Johnson and call for a special election. Concluding the special session WPSB Committees will meet.

SPECIAL SESSION AGENDA
Winn Parish School Board
July 26, 2021

  1. Invocation
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Roll Call
  4. Order of Business
  5. Appointment of District 1 Board Member
  6. Call of Special Election for District 1 Board Member

COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
July 26, 2021

Academic and Instruction– Long, Clingan, Howell, Scott
1. COVID Protocols 2021-2022

Maintenance and Building– Browning, Clingan, Scott, Riffe, Walton
1. Declaration of Surplus Propety
2. School Food Service Maintenance

Finance and Budget – Harrell, Carpenter, Howell, Long
LSBA Dues

Personnel and Salary– Walton, Browning, Carpenter, Harrell, Riffe
1. Promotional Contracts
2. Staffing 2021-22

Executive – Martin, Walton, Browning
1. Set Agenda