The Winn Parish Police Jury will meet for a public hearing Monday, August 15, 2022, at 4:55 PM in room 112 at the parish courthouse.

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA

I. Call to Order.
II. Adoption of Agenda.
III. Announcements & Comments.
IV. BUSINESS:

–To obtain views on the housing and community development needs and to discuss submission of LCDBG 2023 application. 

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

The Winn Parish Police Jury will meet for a regular meeting Monday, August 15, 2022, at 5 PM in room 112 at the parish courthouse.

I. Call to Order.
II. Invocation and Pledge.
III. Amendments or deletions.
IV. Adoption of Agenda.
V. Adoption of Minutes-July 18, 2022-Regular Meeting and July 20, 2022-Budget Committee Meeting.
VI. Announcements and Comments.

1. Mr. Perry Holmes, Road Superintendent-to give a road update.

VII. GUESTS:

(1) Sheriff Cranford Jordan-To discuss prisoner costs.

VIII. BUSINESS:

(1) Mr. Kirk Miles-Motion to approve monthly invoices. –Motion of Intent to reduce the speed limit on Pierce Rudd Road to 15 mph.
–Motion to award bid for roadway reconstruction on Lum Fox and Zion Hill Church Road to Regional Construction, LLC. in the amount of $786,815.40 (base bid) contingent upon Facility Planning & Control concurrence.
–Motion of Intent to remove the 1.06 mile section and a connector road (0.12 mile long) at Weyerhaeuser Plant off Hwy 167 north of Dodson.
(2) Mrs. Tammy Griffin-Motion of Intent to reduce the speed limit on J. Hobdy Road to 15 mph.
(3) Mr. Phillip Evans-Motion to extend the lease on small Kenworth dump truck for 24 months at $2,150 per month. –Motion to declare items as surplus (See attached list)
–Motion to adopt a Resolution to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Atlanta to install culverts and do street work.
(4) Mr. Joshua McAllister-Motion to Adopt a Resolution to cover all costs, inclusive of construction cost over State Funds for roadway reconstruction on Williams Loop, Oak Ridge and Pine Ridge Drive.

IX. Announcements and Comments:

Former Mayor George Moss spoke to the Kiwanis club about his tenure as Mayor of Winnfield. He learned that you could not please everyone. There were many issues when he became mayor. Those included the ground water storage tank, sewer and water lines, and the electric grid. City hall was full of mold, and the human resources department was a disaster. Files for employees were piled in boxes and not filed.  At the Allen Building, the front wall was unstable, and there were other problems. The fire and police departments were out of date. The recreation program was having problems and the roof leaked at the Civic Center. Last but not least was fluctuating electric rates.

It cost $1 million to replace the groundwater storage tank. They are still working on the ozone plant. The water is very good but is brown because of the tannin levels. They replaced sewer lines where they could be found. Maple Street was one of those places, but they had to wait to repave the street until they could fit it in with another job because of the price of asphalt. In City Hall, they removed floors and ceilings and sealed off the back, which previously had been the jail, to remove as much mold as possible. Tina Williford did a good job in Human Resources, getting employee files correct and working with payroll, time cards, etc.

What most people don’t realize is that the mayor can only do what the council lets him do. There was a problem with audits when Mayor Moss took office, not that there was anything illegal but that they were not filed on time. When audits are not filed on time, it affects grant money and money you can receive from the state. He changed CPAs and got the audits filed and under control. This resulted in state money that renovated the Allen Building. Police and fire vehicles were bought with a deal from Enterprise-14 cars for $72,000. All were able to be purchased from PK Smith Motors. He tried to enter into a deal with Nexterra, the largest power provider in the country, but the council would not vote to leave LEPA. However, this did allow him to negotiate new rates with LEPA.

Another thing that was done was to hire Jesse Phillips as a community liaison to promote cooperation between departments.

Other problems during his tenure were the Covid shutdown, Hurricane Laura, and the ice storm. Hurricane Laura caused $3 million in damage. There were 5.5 million feet of power lines down after the storm. FEMA paid back 80-90%, but we had to pay the money first.

At the time he left office, they were working on renovating the mini-park into a Veteran’s memorial. Collins subdivision and Thomas Mill road were annexed into the city. Sewer lines were run out to Hwy 156, and anyone hooked on to the sewer line was automatically annexed into the city. The 84 West Water system is a joint venture between the city and the parish. It will cost $1.9 million to fix. We received a bond, the state fixes, it is given to the city, and the bond is forgiven. A lot of street repairs were done, and more needed to be done.

Last but not least, the red lights on Main Street had their control boxes rebuilt, and they are now working properly.

The Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will host a Dash and Dine event Thursday, August 18th from 11 AM – 1 PM at the Allen Building in Winnfield.

SaveCenla, a nonprofit organization focused on providing the public with information and events that will promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention, is hosting a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) interactive workshop on August 22-23, 2022 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM day 1 and 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM day 2 at CLTCC in Winnfield located at 5960 US-167, Winnfield, LA 71483. There is no cost to register. 

ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan to support their immediate safety. Although healthcare providers widely use ASIST, participants don’t need formal training to attend the workshop—anyone 16 or older can learn and use the ASIST model.

​Since its development in 1983, ASIST has received regular updates to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice. As a result, over 2,000,000 people have taken the workshop. In addition, studies show that the ASIST method helps reduce suicidal feelings in those at risk and is a cost-effective way to help address the problem of suicide. 

Saving Lives from Suicide

Thoughts of suicide are surprisingly common. At any given time, around 1 in 25 people is thinking about suicide to some degree.

For most people, thinking about suicide isn’t about wanting to die. Instead, it’s the tension between their reasons for staying alive and their desire to escape from the pain that feels unbearable.

Within this tension lies the risk of death and the possibility of intervention, hope, and life. This is where someone with the right skills can help tip the balance and change a life forever. This is where LivingWorks training comes in.

For more information on the ASIST two-day training, click here.

Register for the two-day workshop in Winnfield, La here.

Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge exists to provide men and women with an effective residential, biblically-based solution to life-controlling problems. Our purpose is to produce graduates who function responsibly and productively in society, and who have healthy relationships in the workplace, family, church and community.

Adult & Teen Challenge is one of the largest and most successful accredited programs of its kind with over 1000 residential locations worldwide. Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge was founded by Greg and Abigail Dill in 1987. Over the last 35 years, we have grown to 8 campuses statewide, with the ability to accommodate men, women, and women with their children.

WHAT IS STUDENT SPONSORSHIP?

Students often come into Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge with little or no hope in life. They have burned every bridge and lost almost everything due to drug abuse and other crimes. Most times, they have little outside help supporting them during this time; therefore, we do not charge a monthly tuition. If you would like to help offset these costs, you can sponsor a student for as little as $35 a month. You can also sponsor a child that is enrolled here with their mother for an additional $15 per child. Your sponsorship means that they have someone who cares and is invested in their success!

As a monthly sponsor, you can expect:

• A packet with information about your student
• Monthly updates
• The opportunity to write letters to your student
• The opportunity to send care packages to your student
• You can pray for them
• You will receive a personal invitation to attend their Graduation Ceremony

For more information about becoming a sponsor visit https://www.louisianateenchallenge.com/sponsorship/

WINN:
Harold Aston
May 16, 1934 – August 10, 2022
A celebration of life will be held at the Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield, Louisiana, in the coming weeks.

NATCHITOCHES:
Helen Milligan Nielsen
February 1, 1923 – August 9, 2022
She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who were fortunate to know her.

Marvin F. “Mickey” Gahagan
August 28, 1932 – August 10, 2022
A private memorial service will be conducted by a personal friend, Very Rev. Craig Scott. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches on Saturday, August 20, 2022, between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at a later date at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans.

Velma Jean Turner (Jeannie)
April 9, 1958 – August 8, 2022
Visitation: Tuesday, August 16 from 9-11 am
Funeral Service: Tuesday, August 16 at 11 am
Interment: Nativity Catholic Church in Campti, LA

SABINE:
James L. Carter Sr.
May 31, 1940 – August 6, 2022
Service: Friday, August 12 at 10 am at Sardis Cemetery in Atlanta

RED RIVER:
Ricky Wayne Maloch
December 27, 1955 – August 11, 2022
Service: Wednesday, August 17 at 10 am at Fairview Baptist Church

In light of recent weather and several near accidents, this is a reminder to all Winnfield residents—especially those who frequent Main Street—the City of Winnfield repaired and uncovered the traffic light system (as of May 2022) for our direction and use. We are no longer heeding the two-way stops initially put into place during repairs.

Please exercise caution and awareness for yourself and others while driving in impaired weather. We want to add that according to Louisiana Traffic Laws (RS 32:301), “all Louisiana drivers must turn on their lights between sunset and sunrise when there is low visibility due to poor use.” So if you’re using your windshield wipers, turn on your headlights. Safe driving!

The Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will host a Dash and Dine event Thursday, August 18th from 11 AM – 1 PM at the Allen Building in Winnfield.

The City of Winnfield Recreation Department will be conducting regular registration for its Flag Football League now until the deadline Friday, Sept 9th.

Regular registration fee for this league is $40.00. Boys and girls ages 4-12 are eligible for this exciting program.

Don’t let this deadline pass you by. Sign your child up today.

Late registration will begin on Monday, September 12th and conclude on Friday Sept. 16th. There will be a $10.00 late fee assessed on each application received during this period.

Tryouts will be held on Saturday Sept.10th at the Grove St. Rec. Center on Field #2. The times for each age group will be released in that weeks Winn Parish Enterprise.

More information concerning Flag Football, contact the Recreation Dept. at 628-3413. 

The Winnfield Kiwanis club will host Winnfield native Dr. Marcus D. Jones, 20th President of NSU as their guest speaker on Tuesday, August 30th at 12:30 PM. 

The Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday for a lunch meeting at the Pea Patch Café.

Anyone may attend the meeting at noon as a guest of a Kiwanian or attend the presentation at 12:30.

For more information, please contact  Dr. Bill Gaddis at 628-2781 or cell 318-413-0596.  

By: Dr. James Lee

Last week we discussed GERD, this week we will discuss one of the leading causes of GERD. Hiatal hernia describes a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest. The diaphragm is the muscle that allows us to breath and separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. In the back center of the diaphragm is an opening called a hiatus which normally allows major blood vessels, esophagus, and some other structures to pass through the diaphragm normally.

There are two types of hiatal hernias: sliding and paraesophageal. Paraesophageal hernias are uncommon and are more likely to require surgery due to the risk of twisting of the stomach and compromising the blood supply. For this article, we will be discussing the sliding type hiatal hernia which represents 95% of all hiatal hernias. The incidence of hiatal hernia increases with age. Approximately 55-60% of individuals over the age of 50 have hiatal hernias. It is more common in women than men, perhaps due to the increased intrabdominal pressure that results during pregnancy. Other risk factors include obesity, COPD, constipation, and prior trauma.

The primary symptoms associated with hiatal hernias are the same as those for GERD including heartburn and indigestion. Sometimes with more advanced disease, regurgitation and trouble swallowing can be seen. Some patients with more advanced disease will also present with asthma or chronic cough if the reflux is severe enough to cause airway irritation.

The reason patients with hiatal hernias have GERD has to do with the differences between the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The abdomen has positive pressure. That is the contents of the abdominal cavity put pressure on the portion of the esophagus that is normally located in the abdominal cavity. This compresses the esophagus and helps prevent material inside the stomach going back into the esophagus. In the thoracic cavity, there is negative pressure, or a vacuum. The diaphragm acts as a bellows, creating a vacuum that allows us to inhale air into our lungs, then relaxes to allow us to exhale. When the end of the esophagus and a portion of the stomach is in the chest, they too are subject to the negative pressure vacuum and stomach contents can be pulled up into the esophagus.

Diagnosis of hiatal hernia is done primarily with endoscopy, passage of a scope through the mouth into the stomach. Other tests that can see hernias include CT scans and contrasted x-rays, but these do not allow the same degree of evaluation as endoscopy. Endoscopy can distinguish paraesophageal and sliding type hernias.

Many people who have hiatal hernias are not even aware of the condition. The main symptoms are GERD symptoms and treatment is with acid reduction and lifestyle changes like those discussed last weeks article on GERD. These include weight loss, avoidance of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, chocolate, and peppermints, as well as avoiding eating within 4 hours of lying down and sleeping with the head of the bed elevated. For most, this results in the relief of GERD symptoms and no further treatment of the hiatal hernia is necessary.

Surgical treatment of hiatal hernia is primarily for those patients with persistent symptoms despite medical treatment, or those who have severe injury to their esophagus like ulcer, strictures, or a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where normal intestinal cells migrate to the esophagus to protect it from continued acid reflux. The issue with Barrett’s is that these cells are unstable and can become abnormal, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer.

Often further tests are done before surgery to ensure that the esophagus is functioning properly and that the symptoms relate to periods of high acid content in the esophagus. The surgery to treat hiatal hernia is called fundoplication and can frequently be done laparoscopically through small incisions. This involves three parts: the stomach and end of the esophagus are brought back into the abdomen, the defect in the hiatus is repaired, and the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the end of the esophagus.

If you have GERD and continue to have symptoms despite treatment, have a discussion with your physician about other treatment options.

Dr. James Lee serves as the Coroner of Winn Parish. He is a General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist who has been practicing in Winnfield for over ten years. Dr. Lee attended the University of Colorado for his medical degree. He completed his residency in Surgery at the University of Oklahoma before completing a fellowship in Surgical Oncology and Endoscopy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. Dr. Lee and his wife Scarlett live in Winnfield with their son and are active in the community.

By: Glynn Harris

The folks at the TV station had cautioned us about the possibility of thunderstorms in our area one morning a year or so ago. Okay so we had been warned so while we kept our eyes on the skies, life around our house was continuing as normal.

As rain began falling, I made sure our garage door was closed and I settled down with my morning coffee inside rather than taking my usual treasured spot on the back porch. Kay was folding laundry as we watched the rain and the sky darken and periodic flashes of lightning and accompanying thunder drew closer.

Without warning, it was like a bomb detonated inside our house. The explosion was ear splitting and with all the tall pines around our house, we knew that a bolt had to have struck one of them.
Recovering from the blast, I cautiously stepped into the garage to begin assessing the damage. Strangely, the garage door I had closed only moments ago had opened by itself. Hitting the switch to close it, nothing happened; the bolt had knocked out the remote control.

Next, I checked our alarm system; it was also dead. The biggie though was when we activated the central air system and it was inoperative.

The sum total of damages resulted in replacement and repair costs approaching $2000. Fortunately, home owners insurance paid a portion but we had to pay the difference.

I began a search later that day for the tree that lightning had struck to cause such damages to our home. It was not until several weeks later that I noticed the tell-tale results of a dying tree, the little white globs of resin that begin showing up once a tree begins it demise. Bugs had started working on the tree that lightning had struck, a tall pine that stood within ten steps of our garage.

Lightning is something that can be deadly according to a source I found. A typical lightning flash is about 300 million volts and about 30,000 amps. In comparison, household current is 120 volts and 15 amps. Wow, no wonder we experienced damage when it hit a tree so close to our house.

When lightning strikes a tree, water in the cells instantly begins to boil, creating steam and the expanding steam can explode, cracking or stripping off bark.

Another source said that lightning is one of the leading weather-related causes of death and injury in the U.S. Did you know you can be struck by lightning when the center of the thunderstorm is 10 miles away?

Several years ago, I witnessed the aftermath of a lightning strike on a big oak at Lincoln Parish Park. The tree was virtually blown apart with strips of bark catapulted several yards from the trunk.

On another occasion, hay was being baled in the pasture across the road from our home with round bales on the ground waiting for pick-up. A bolt of lightning struck one of the bales and I watched in amazement during a heavy rainstorm as the bale had caught fire and was burning.

This is the time of year when folks are out on the lake fishing, boating or skiing and it’s also the time when thunderstorms can crop up quickly. If skies darken and the rumble of thunder is heard, it’s time to leave the water and seek shelter until the storm passes.

Lightning can be deadly and can do strange things, like causing a garage door to open by itself or setting a hay bale on fire.

By Steve Graf

Before I give my unsolicited opinion, understand one thing; I love that high school bass fishing is really taking off. I think it’s great for the sport and these kids are the future of bass fishing! These young anglers today are quick learners, especially when it comes to the electronics side of fishing. These mini-computers on bass boats today are information superhighways and shortcuts on how to catch bass. Operating these units is second nature for the up-and-coming generation of young anglers.

But I’m tired of watching YouTube videos where the dad, uncle, or professional fishing guide tells them where they need to fish and what bait they should tie on. The sport has become who can hire the best pro or guide for their kid’s team. This is not good for the sport down the road and it’s simply not a level playing field!

Here’s what I question about high school tournaments on tournament day: Are kids being taught the right way? Are they being taught the ethics of fishing bass tournaments? Are they being taught how to find fish rather than a boat captain telling them where they need to make their next cast? Are they netting their own fish or is the boat captain? Are they making the decisions on tournament day or is the boat captain making them?

First, let’s look at this from my viewpoint as a self-taught angler that has fished tournament trails since the early 1990s. This viewpoint is not only mine but many other tournament anglers all across bass fishing. One thing that’s really starting to get under my skin is how parents or grandparents are employing pro anglers or fishing guides as their kids’ boat captains. So, if you’re the parent of a kid who wants to fish in high school tournaments, please stop doing this! I understand boat captains can be hard to find and I appreciate anyone who volunteers to be a boat captain and take kids fishing.

I look at boat captains the same way I look at Dixie Youth or Little League coaches. Some have no clue on how to teach or play the game of baseball, but they are willing to volunteer their time for the sake of the kids. I applaud all volunteers who do this! But the purpose of the boat captain should be to drive the boat and make sure the kids are safe on the water, not to take kids out and show them exactly where the fish are! Baseball coaches can’t hit or pitch for their baseball teams, then why should a boat captain make decisions or net their kid’s fish?

The toughest thing to learn as a bass angler is how to find fish. So, when a pro guide or a seasoned tournament angler shows them exactly where to cast and how to catch the fish, then the kids haven’t learned anything. I’m not against the boat captain explaining why the fish are there after the kids have found them, but the teaching part should be done during the practice session…not on tournament day!

Next, the boat captains should not be allowed to net the fish the high school kids are catching. This too is part of the learning curve all young anglers need to learn to master along with bait tying, bait selection, map reading, and how to cull their catch. These are TEAM tournaments and I emphasize the word TEAM! Let the kids do their own netting and learn to work together. Let them learn how to read the water and know what baits they should be using based on their observations. The reward for them personally will be so much greater than having a pro/guide or boat captain doing these things for them!

While I sound a little harsh, that’s my intent! I want kids to learn on their own. This is how the two “C’s” are built….confidence and character. I want kids to be able to stand alone as an angler year from now, whether they are a touring pro or just fishing open tournaments. When you learn on your own as an angler, it makes you a better fisherman. Do I want to see these kids have success? Absolutely!!!! But I want to see them learn for themselves and make their own decisions as a TEAM with no outside influence from a boat captain. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host Hook’N Up
& Track’N Down Show & Tackle Talk Live

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to announce that the health system will be overseeing all aspects of clinical care and services for Northwestern State University’s (NSU) student health needs with the commencement of the fall semester.

“We are ready to serve the students at NSU and help them in any way needed,” explained Kirk Soileau, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “This program further strengthens the relationship between the hospital and the university. NSU is a wonderful university with a growing student body. With this new service, students will benefit from having access to a broad spectrum of care including services beyond the campus infirmary should they need it.”

Soileau noted that this service will become an extension of the NRMC Walk-In Clinic, and students will have access to care 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can also access Telemedicine services and have access to NRMC Pharmacy services. The retail Pharmacy, located in the Multispecialty Clinic on Keyser Avenue, is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.

The medical directors of the student focused service are Dr. Mary Long and Dr. Michelle Mayeaux. The clinic manager is Charlotte Rhodes, RN; Nanette Bienville, RN, oversees NRMC clinics; and Misty Lester, RN, is the nurse practitioner coordinator.

Pictured (L to R): Jessica Nash, RN Director of Health Services; Kirk Soileau, NRMC CEO; Dr. Marcus Jones, NSU President; Misty Lester, NP; Jennifer Kelly Executive Director of External Affairs; Beth Houghtby, RN; Yvonne Grant, RN; and Charlotte Rhodes, NRMC Walk-In Clinic Manager.