Winnfield Infant Death Ruled Homicide – Update

Update 12-29-22

According to sources the juvenile arrested was not the sibling of the infant. Multiple sources have confirmed that at the time of publishing the juvenile is no longer in custody.

Winnfield Police Department Press Release

Winnfield, LA—-On the morning of Monday, December 19, Winnfield Fire & Rescue along with EMS responded to Louisiana Street to a 911 call concerning an infant not breathing.  The child was taken to the Winn Parish Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased by the attending physician.  Subsequent investigation by Winn Parish Coroner, Dr. James Lee, determined the infant had suffered from blunt force trauma to the head and body area that resulted in her death. 

An investigation by the Winnfield City Police, assisted by deputies from the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, resulted in the arrest of an 11-year-old sibling.  The juvenile’s name cannot be released publicly but he is currently in custody awaiting a judicial hearing scheduled for December 20.  

Other arrests in connection with this are Jakeithra Starks, age 26; Laquetta Thomas, age 36; DeKarian Starks, age 24; and Malia Snowden, age 19, all charged with 2nd Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile.  They were all booked into the Winnfield City Jail then transferred to the Winn Parish Dertention Center awaiting bond hearings.


WYBL 2023 Youth Basketball Tryouts this Saturday

TRY OUTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022
(GROVE ST. RECREATION CENTER GYM)

9:00AM–4-6 YR OLD BOYS AND GIRLS (Co-Ed)
10:00AM–7-9 GIRLS
10:30AM-7-9 BOYS
11:00AM–10-11 GIRLS
ll:30PM–10-11 BOYS
12:00PM–12-UP GIRLS
12:30PM–12-UP BOYS

WHAT EVER AGE YOUR CHILD HAS ATTAINED ON FEB 20, 2023 IS THE AGE AT WHICH THEY WILL PLAY THIS SEASON.

**COACHES SHOULD MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO ATTEND TRYOUTS DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU WILL BE GRADING AND PICKING YOUR TEAMS. EACH LEAGUE WILL BE PICKING TEAMS IMMEDIATELY AFTER TRYOUTS CONCLUDE.

TRYOUTS ARE MANDATORY!


Blessed: Christmas Cup

Christmas 2022 was going to be an epic one for the books. It was going to be the first time we forwent the traditional Christmas presents in exchange for a trip filled with precious memories to last a lifetime. My youngest daughter was not so thrilled. She always enjoyed a “Christmas Haul”. Tons of gifts wrapped in beautiful packaging under a perfectly lit tree.

Her Christmas Cup should always be overflowing with gifts.

This year I wanted to trade all of it for airline tickets to see my oldest daughter in Idaho. I didn’t want a repeat of last year‘s Christmas without having both daughters under one roof. In reality, I know that life is ever changing and not all holidays will look the same. Especially while your children are growing up and finding their own way in the world.

My Christmas Cup is a little selfish too, it should always be filled to the brim with my children, on Christmas Day in matching pajama and tons of laughs and memories.

We started planning in October by purchasing the airline tickets and a meticulously chosen route to ensure a holiday trip to remember. We originally planned to fly to Idaho then take a lovely drive to Banff, Canada. Passports, tickets, rental vehicle and rooms were all secured. Nothing to do except wait for Christmas Eve so we could fly out.

Unless you have been hiding under a large, quiet rock, then you are aware of the Polar Vortex that hit the entire country and wrecked travel plans for millions of people. This made my Christmas Cup a little less full. I was beginning to worry.

I had been watching my United Airline app like a hawk. I checked it daily until our trip and everything was reported as “On time No Delay”. I’m the midst of watching the app, I was also stalking the Montana roads update on their website. Before we left our house it was deemed that Canada wouldn’t happen due to blizzard like conditions and road closures. The rooms were cancelled.

My Christmas Cup was draining little by little.

As Christmas Eve approached we made our way to the airport only to sit there through nine grueling delays. As strange as it may sound there was some comfort found in the camaraderie of all the other travelers. While we were all exhausted, drained, sad, and hopeless; we still felt joy when someone finally got to board a plane or when someone’s name was called who had been on standby.

We ended up missing a whole day of travel and had to spend the night in a town that was still an hour away from our destination.

My Christmas Cup was virtually empty and almost bone dry.

Even being a Christ follower who is full of faith, love and constant joy, it is so easy to be blindsided by our cup being empty. Several times during our travels I had to literally stop and remind myself that I am saved, sanctified and Jesus would not want me acting in a way that would land me on the evening news.

All through the holiday season our cups are filled and emptied with all of the ups and downs that life throws our way. I have learned through my own comedy of errors that my cup drains quickly when I am not putting Jesus first. It drains dry when I am not saturating myself with his word and reminders of why we even celebrate Christmas at all.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2


Winnfield Fire Department Responds to Camper Fire on Christmas Day

Christmas Day 2022 started off early for the Winnfield Fire Department when police dispatch notified fire personnel of a camper fire off of Patton St. Engine 1, Engine 3, Ladder 1, and Support 2 responded with 9 personnel. Command arrived on scene and advised of a fully involved camper trailer. Engine 1 deployed front bumper attack line for fire suppression.
 
Fire fighters were challenged with a hydrant at the intersection that was not in operation but were able to contain and extinguish the blaze with the tank water off of Engine 1. Fire fighters extinguished the fire and commenced overhaul procedures. There was light damage to another travel trailer next to it but luckily fire fighters were able to get a quick knock down on the fire. The owner was not home at the time and was given assistance to American Red Cross.
 
Great job to all personnel who showed up on a cold Christmas Day away from their families!

Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

Date: 12-24-22
Name: Lindsay Brooke Dunlap 
Address: Dodson, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 36
Charge: Driving under suspension, Expired vehicle license, Speeding 

Date: 12-27-22
Name: Denilson Perez
Address: Hondurus
Race: Hispanic 
Sex: Male 
Age: 22
Charge: Speeding, No drivers license 

Date: 12-27-22
Name: Irene Wendy Shell
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female 
Age: 53
Charge: Possession of schedule 2 (meth) with intent to distribute, Prohibited acts (paraphernalia), No license plate light 

Date: 12-29-22
Name: Bobby J Randall
Address: Jackson, MS
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: N/A
Charge: Driving under suspension, Speeding 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


LA Department of Insurance Offers Tips to Stay Safe on Road, at Home New Year’s Eve

The Louisiana Department of Insurance Offers Tips to Stay Safe on the Road and at Home This New Year’s Eve

After the New Year celebrations end at midnight, many revelers will be leaving bars and parties to make their way home. The increased number of travelers combined with an inevitable increase of impaired drivers makes for a highly dangerous time to be on the road. The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) offers these tips to help ensure you have a safe celebration and a happy year to come.

Staying Safe on the Road

When out and about for New Year’s Eve:

  • Avoid driving between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. if possible.
  • Stay at or near your location overnight, designate a driver, or take a cab or ride-share service.
  • Be a good friend and make sure no one gets behind the wheel while intoxicated.
  • Be the responsible one on the road by not speeding, following too closely behind other vehicles or driving distracted. Go one step further by making a New Year’s resolution to stay off the phone while driving.

Auto Safety

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the number of vehicles stolen in the U.S. is expected to surpass 1 million by the end of the year. In addition, News Year’s Eve and Day are the holidays when car thieves are most active. The Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA) offers the following advice:

  • Make your vehicle less of a target by parking in well-lit areas and keeping belongings out of sight. Keep windows rolled up and always lock the doors. Never leave your vehicle running unattended and make sure you keep the keys or fob with you. If property is stolen from your vehicle, it may be covered under your homeowners/renters policy or your auto policy. Check with your agent to learn more.
  • Use anti-theft devices such as car alarms, steering wheel locks and car wheel clamps.Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who use anti-theft devices.
  • If your vehicle is burglarized or stolen:
    • Report it to the police and contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
    • Keep a record of your license plate number, vehicle identification number and a copy of your registration to help identify and locate your vehicle after a theft.
    • Depending on your coverage, your insurance may cover a rental car while you are looking to replace your stolen vehicle.
    • If your vehicle is recovered, insurance may cover the impounding and towing fees.

Fireworks Safety

If fireworks are legal where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow these safety tips:

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks, and older children should only use them under close adult supervision.
  • Avoid handling fireworks while impaired.
  • Do not ignite fireworks in your hands or in a make-shift container.
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak malfunctioned and used fireworks in water before discarding.
  • Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks and to use in case of a fire.

If you have questions about what is covered in your insurance policy or have issues with an insurance claim, contact the LDI at 800-259-5300 or find more information online at www.ldi.la.gov.


Register Now – For Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Interactive Workshop in Winnfield January 18-19, 2023

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 Jan 18, 2023, 8:00 AM CST – Jan 19, 2023, 4:00 PM CST  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.


Angler’s Perspective – The Truth of Where We Are In America Today?

Today, I’m venturing away from my fishing stories by wrapping up 2022 and taking a hard look at where we are as a country. In so many ways 2022 was a great year, as we finally returned to a sense of normalcy. It seems like years ago that we were under mask mandates and trying to figure out the facts and fiction of Covid-19. It truly rocked our world like nothing ever has in my lifetime of 61 years. We’re still trying to make sense of what this disease brings with it and the lasting effects it could have for generations.
 
But for now, I am going in a different direction as I reveal my observations on where we are as a nation. First, politics has come to the forefront now that Trump is no longer in office but has declared he’s running for office again in 2024 as we’re halfway through the Biden years. Never can I remember in my years of living in this great country the political and moral division that exists today. America has truly lost her mind! Can I say that America is considered she or am I being sexist?
 
The 1960s might be the closest era we’ve seen that is similar to now. For one thing, we have allowed the minority groups and I don’t mean minority as in the African Americans, Mexican Americans or Italians, or any other demographic group that makes up this great nation. I’m talking about the one or two people in a crowd that don’t want the prayer or national anthem recited at a public event. Those that don’t want their kids exposed to Jesus in any shape or form.
 
So, who’s responsible for our nation turning its back on Jesus? EVERYONE!!! No one political party can excuse themselves from the plain and simple fact that we are a nation divided. Republicans and Democrats and their leadership from within are all guilty of fueling the flames of this division. I guess you could also say, we the people are to blame as well since we are the ones who voted these people into office. Yes, Trump had a hand as well with all of his idiotic Tweets and trying to communicate with Americans through social media…something no other President has ever done. While a lot of his policies were for the good of America, his mouth was nothing but pure venom and created a “pick a side” mentality.
 
As a church-going member of the First United Methodist Church, I’ve seen a decline in the number of people attending church. Recently I counted 24 empty pews out of 40 during a church service. More than half of the churches or churches all across this country are empty. People have walked away from the church but more devastating, they’ve walked away from God. Our schools and state officials have also taken God out of the equation with no one willing to challenge the powers that be to bring this one saving grace back.  
 
The family dynamic has all but disappeared from the American landscape which used to be our foundation for what was right with this country. Divorce attorneys are in high demand and single-parent dwellings are on the rise. People no longer see the importance of family structure and the stability it brings to the younger generation. One common quote I hear so often amongst couples is, “I’m not happy.” I’m sorry, but I don’t recall seeing anywhere in my Christian upbringing where the good Lord promises happiness. But he has given us the tools and the playbook (Bible) to follow and work things out and to do what’s always in the best interest of the family and the children.
 
Kids need a mom and a dad under the same roof. This is critical for their total development as a boy or a girl. We have kids today who are so confused about who and what they are. Really?!!! This is a total lack of parenting and not being exposed to the Word of God.  Do you remember the slogan a few years ago for educating our children? “No child left behind.” Well, we have left the children behind, and they will turn in whatever direction they can to get the answers they’re looking for. The problem is they’re turning to the wrong people and looking in the wrong places.
 
People have become so consumed with their own selfish needs that they have forgotten what’s really important. Couples’ ability to communicate effectively and fight hard to save their marriage no longer exists. It’s easier to give up and just get a divorce.
 
Meanwhile, our churches are empty, and we have turned our back on God, and we wonder why we are in the shape we’re in. If this one concept of getting back in the church does not return to the American landscape, we are doomed to fall not only from God’s grace but as a nation as well. We must start to rebuild our church base and bring back the family dynamics that are missing today. We must elect officials who have the same moral compass as the church. Know what and who the people you’re voting for are and what they represent. If we as Christians don’t rise up and redirect our nation, we will be at a point of no return and I’m not so sure we’re not already there.
 
For those of you that have made a point to acknowledge my articles this year, I say, “Thank you!” It always makes my day to know that what I’m writing has touched someone in a good way. I’m always very appreciative of the kind words you’ve sent my way in person, by text, or by email. I hope each of you has a healthy and prosperous 2023! See you on the other side! Until then, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
 
Steve Graf  
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down

Show & Tackle Talk Live


The Evolution of the Deer Hunter

By: Glynn Harris

On November 24, 1967, I went deer hunting for the first time. My venture with friends to Summerfield in Claiborne Parish resulted in my downing the biggest buck, antler points wise, I have ever taken. Bill Bailey’s hounds pushed a 10 point buck past me and I got him. I have killed bigger deer since but none with more points.

So much has changed since that day more than half a century ago when I was introduced to hunting deer. Back then, it was “bucks only” hunting and it mattered not if the buck had a nice rack or sported a pair of spikes on its head; to down a deer with any headgear, no matter how small, was quite an accomplishment. Sometime later, a “doe day” was added which allowed hunters to take a doe on that one day.

There were few if any hunting leases back then and all you had to do was receive permission from a property owner to hunt his land or hunt one of our wildlife management areas. Still later, owners of large parcels of land, mainly timber companies, were paid by groups interested in having exclusive rights to the property.

My first experience with a hunting lease was a sweet deal. The owner of 500 acres was a friend and he approached me with an offer I couldn’t pass up. Get a group of my hunting buddies together to help him keep an eye on his property that had been abused by having fences cut and trash dumped in exchange for exclusive hunting rights free of charge. We enjoyed several years of hunting, taking quite a few deer, including my personal best 140 inch 8 point.

After the property owner’s death that eventually led to us losing our hunting rights, I joined another club. After having rather loose restrictions at the outset, as to what deer we could take on that club, we eventually adapted a minimum size for bucks; it had to have at least 6 points with a 12 inch inside spread.

By allowing bucks to get more age on them before being targeted, our club of roughly 1000 acres evolved into one with a growing number of mature bucks above the “6-12” limit.

Gordon Whittington, retiring editor of North American Whitetail, one of this nation’s highest rated deer hunting magazines, recently shed some light on what he has noted among the deer hunting populace across the country.

“Back in the early 1980’s, deer hunters had the “if it’s brown, it’s down” philosophy, sort of a meat hunter mentality,” said Whittington. “People might want to down a big buck but nobody was managing for them and they weren’t being very selective. Today, there has been so much of an evolution of being more selective, realizing what the potential is for growing big deer.”

Whittington noted that the increased use of trail cameras has allowed hunters to gain knowledge of just what is out there on their club, allowing them to be more selective, letting young bucks that are showing potential be bypassed with the aim of their becoming trophies.

“A problem may be that some are getting heavy-handed when somebody shoots a young buck, especially when it’s a kid or new hunter, with criticism that has the potential of turning off these hunters and driving them away from the sport” said Whittington.

No doubt, today’s deer hunter is a far cry from the hunter of half a century ago, one who was dressed in jeans and flannel shirt, wearing an Army surplus jacket and sporting a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot with an eye out for a deer, any deer.

Thinking back, I think it may have more exciting and enjoyable back then.


Notice of Death – December 29, 2022

NATCHITOCHES:

Glyndal Elizabeth Berry Gandy
October 14, 1934 – December 20, 2022
Service: Saturday, January 7 at 2 pm at Marthaville First baptist Church
 
William Loyd Antee
March 11, 1938 – December 27, 2022
Service: Saturday, December 31 at 10 am in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
 
Jim Toney
January 8, 1951 – December 22, 2022
Service: Friday, December 30 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
 
SABINE:
 
Dale Gordon Britt Sr.
February 7, 1935 – December 27, 2022
Service: Saturday, December 31 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

Winnfield Police Department Arrest Report

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Jakeithra Starks 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female 
Age: 24
Charge: Second degree cruelity to juveniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Laquetta Thomas 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female 
Age: 38
Charge: Second Degree cruelity to juviniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Dekarrian Starks 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 24
Charge: Second Degree cruelity to juviniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Malia Snowden 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 19
Charge: Second Degree cruelity to juviniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Paul Magee Jr.
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 47
Charge: Hit and run driving 

 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Window to Winn with Bob Holeman

(Bob Holeman conducted this series of interviews with local World War II in 2011-12. Most of those 34 American heroes have passed away in the decade since).

Times were tough in the late Depression years when he graduated from high school in Shepard, TX, recalls Warren Coolidge Burrell who said he immediately joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He worked there only 18 months before joining the Army in 1940, beginning a 30-year association with the military.

Although the Japanese had not yet bombed Pearl Harbor, war in Europe had the United States military machine in readiness. Private Burrell was shipped to Fort Huaca, Arizona, for basic training, then got his first taste of Louisiana at Camp Claiborne where he took part in the Louisiana Maneuvers.

Burrell was serving at Jackson Air Base in Mississippi in late 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He had been assigned to the 93rd Infantry Division, attached to the 20th Airborne where he was a truckmaster in the “all-colored” outfit. The armed forces didn’t integrate until 1953,” he recalled. They were a support squadron, loading planes with bombs that were destined for Japan.

The Army then sent Burrell to Kessler Field in Biloxi, then on to Fort Bragg, NC. “They were training young men from Tuskegee as pilots…basic training for fighter jets. I was a platoon leader. I weighed about 220 pounds at that time so I was too heavy for the jets but did have about 20 hours flying time in the larger B-25 Mitchell bombers.

“I left there in 1942 and went to CBI…China Burma India…still with the 20th Airborne, that group that was flying the Hump to China. It took us 30 days by ship to go from California to Bombay. We were responsible for loading supplies and ammunition onto trucks and planes that were going to our forces in China.”

An NCO at the time, Burrell was in command of his group. He recalls that “Flying the Hump” did not refer to flying over the eastern Himalayas, for they are too high. The planes would fly through the valleys between the mountain peaks, a danger because of Japanese emplacements on the mountainsides.

In 1945 when the war ended, Burrell found himself sitting in Burma where he’d been assisting troops by sending supplies by way of the Burma Road. “I’d accumulated enough points to go home,” he said. He boarded the USS Callendar, bound for New York, and was pleasantly surprised to meet his brother George aboard as well. George had served with the 352nd Engineers in Iran. Burrell then headed back to east Texas for his discharge.

The young man who’d known the Army most of his working life decided it might not be a bad career choice and after a 30-day break, “I re-upped. I went to Fort Dix in New York with the 365th Infantry where I learned a little bit of everything. Cooking, baking, beef-cutting, police academy, military police, judge advocate. I went to NCO school for leadership. From 1952-56, we went over to Germany where I was a mess steward and inspector. Winter was hard in Germany…we were on the border with Russia.”

The soldier returned stateside to the more familiar climate of Fort Hood in Leesville, LA, where he was stationed when he retired in 1960. A few years earlier, he’d met Pernessa Pope who ran a place of business there in Leesville. She says, these many years later, “In his uniform, he looked good to me.” (“Oh, Lord! I wasn’t even 40 back then,” he added.) They married in 1958. After his retirement, they moved to her hometown, Winnfield.

Burrell logged an additional 10 years with the Army Reserve and worked a number of jobs here, including Esso, Mobil, Sabine State Bank and more. Starting with those 18 months with the CCC building bridges, roads, and roadside parks, planting trees and fighting fires, he figured, “I’ve been working all my days.”

Born July 25, 1923, this veteran is 88. The interview ended, the writer stepped towards the door to leave. Burrell quipped, “My wife is 104.” I smiled, assuming a joke as he looked at the spry young lady who’d added comments throughout the interview. “Yes, I was born in 1907.” Remarkable.


What’d we do in ’22

In good ol’ 2022, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Love Languages, a lady named Amy earned $1 million-plus and made the Jeopardy! TV game show cry “Uncle!”, LSU’s football team won more games than even the Tigers’ most loyal and optimistic fan thought possible, and Port-O-Lets again made their presence known during Mardi Gras as one of the best inventions since indoor plumbing — which turned out to be heavy plastic outdoor plumbing.

Good times.

These were just some of the more light-hearted and trivial happenings of a somewhat gray 2022, a year that had this One Big Thing going for it: it wasn’t 2021 or, Lord help us all, 2020, when our leaders didn’t.

I was born at night, but not last night.

Actually, I was born at 8:15 in the morning, just in time to clock in, and have been carrying my little tool box and lunch pail since. Like you, the past two years have beaten all I’ve ever seen and have tried, overly hard, to beat us down.

But here we are, still flying the flag, like the old man in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, a little thinner and gaunt, showing some deep wrinkles and splotches, some deep-creased scars, but our eyes are bright and cheerful and undefeated.

We can hardly afford to buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel apiece, but we soldier on. The world keeps spinning and we’re happy to be along for the ride into what we trust will be a more upbeat 2023.

2022 was the year that brought us Wordle. Remember last year this time when everybody was Wordleing? The fad has worn off a bit, but last spring, Wordle was almost as popular as Taylor Swift.

2022 was also the year when Top Gun: Maverick became required viewing. Is it the best sequel since The Godfather Part II?

Fair Grounds Field was demolished in 2022 — until it wasn’t. Red tape and bat poop sort of sums up the year; the higher-ups don’t want to admit a mistake and get things back on greased grooves.

Closer to home, we became grandparents in July 2022, a definite highlight. She’s a healthy five months old. Because we are good grandparents, we took her to see Top Gun: Maverick five times and sold all we have except our toothbrushes to get her a Taylor Swift concert ticket. She’ll have to go alone because one is all we could afford but the kid has got to learn to stand on her own at some point.

We did not get her a ticket to Monday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando when 9-4 LSU takes on 8-5 Purdue/Purdon’t because although we love Chees-Its, one of the highest quality dairy foods you can eat, who knew LSU could threaten a 10-win season? This is a team that started a receiver at quarterback and had 38 players on scholarship in last year’s bowl game, something called the TaxAct Texas Bowl when Kansas State beat what was left of the Tigers, 42-20.

Hat tippage to new coach Brian Kelly and Tiger fans everywhere for their expectation-exceeding results this fall.

Since this is the first time ever the two programs have met and since the only alum of Purdue people in these parts might know is New Orleans Saints forever-hero Drew Brees, you might find it of interest that the nice lady who invented Stovetop Stuffing, Ruth Siems, went to Purdue, as did Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn magnate. Doubtful that either of those things will come into play during Monday’s game — unless the Boilermakers have Stovetop Stuffing and popcorn for pregame. Then we really like LSU to cover the two-touchdown spread. Kick is at noon Monday, Jan. 2.

2023 kicks off the day before.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu


The Grinch Got Caught For Christmas!

By: Kaycie Kile
WPJ Reporter

This past week on Thursday and Friday (December 22nd-23rd, 9am-11am, 1pm-3pm) Winn residents had the opportunity to come out and see the famous green Christmas criminal, The Grinch, for themselves! 

“SHERIFF ARRESTS GRINCH 12-20-22 CHRISTMAS IS SAFE!

Children throughout Winn Parish can sleep soundly tonight.  Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan has arrested the famed Christmas thief, The Grinch.

Grinch, 56, a green male who resides on Mount Crumpit near Whoville, had been hiding in Winn Parish, waiting to steal Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations, and presents for parish children.

Sheriff Cranford Jordan said, “We received a tip from Cindy Lou of Whoville who told us Grinch was heading to our parish.  We set up surveillance and were able to spot his dog, Max, who was traveling on the shoulder of US 167 between Dodson and Tannehill.  We secretly placed a microphone on his collar and let him go.   Thankfully, he went to Grinch who was hiding in the woods near Highway 505.  Grinch tells his dog everything, so we were able to listen in on his plans to ruin Christmas.”

Once investigators had the evidence, they were able to apprehend Grinch after a short foot chase.  When told that they had listened while he confessed his plans to his dog, Grinch said, “How could it be so?  It came without ribbons!  It came without tags!  It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

“My hope is that residents of Winn Parish can now relax and have a very Merry Christmas,” said Sheriff Jordan as he booked Grinch into the parish jail.  Then he turned to the Grinch and said, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.  You really are a heel.”

Thank you to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office and all its staff for the effort and patience it takes every year to bring this holiday event to our community!