Winnfield Police Department Arrest Report

Date: 9-14-23
Name: Evelyn Coleman 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 64
Charge: Probation revocation (10 days)

Date: 9-16-23
Name: Natasha Washington
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black 
Sex: Female 
Age: 35
Charge: Simple battery, Resisting an officer 

 

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.


Out of Africa

Journal Readers:  Sorry to have been out of the editor’s chair for so long.  We’re back.  When my older brother suggested a year ago that we four Holeman boys and our wives ought to go on safari, I wasn’t so sure.  Just now getting over jet lag from our South African return, I’m a believer.

We are blessed here in rural north Louisiana with an abundance of wildlife.  But let me try to describe to you the paintbrush of color, power and beauty God used to create the landscape and creatures of the sub-Saharan African savannah.  

In rugged, open four-wheel-drive vehicles, we hunted wildlife through the viewfinders of cameras or iPhones rather than guns.  Sometimes that lens set on panorama would see massive herds of elephants, Cape buffalo and impala move down from the dry hills towards the few remaining watering holes and shrinking rivers during the dry African winter.

Sometimes the lens is set close-up when a lion or leopard passes within a heartbeat of our vehicle.  Or when elephants stop face-to-face with our tracker, Lucas, who is perched on the vehicle’s fender (remember John Wayne in “Hatari.”)  Rhinoceros, hippopotamus, giraffe, hyena, vultures and eagles…all right there in front of us instead of on the TV screen when Marlin Perkins used to bring us old-timers “Wild Kingdom.”

Bill met our guide Leslie when he and his wife Torie made a trip to the Holy Land.  Leslie coordinated our tour which began in Johannesburg, some 25 hours flight and wait time from Austin.  Given a rest day of light sight-seeing, we flew out the second morning for Botswana where we’d safari in Chobe National Park, some by land, some by river. 

Leslie explained our safety, despite proximity to the wildlife, by saying the creatures perceive the vehicle as a single unit rather than a moving lunchbox.  That is, he emphasized, if everyone sits still and doesn’t cry out.  Standing up for a better camera angle is not a good idea.  Since the vehicles always travel through the wildlife areas without hunting, the animals don’t recognize them as predators.  And vehicles seem too big to be prey. They’re just units.

We know we’re not in Winnfield anymore as we sit as a “unit” and watch a lion pair track a Cape buffalo and calves, then we hold on tight as the driver speeds to a second vantage where we see the big cats take down their prey.  We watch a female elephant kick grass roots loose from hard-packed soil so her calf will have an easy meal.  We watch antelope of all sizes walk, graze and bound, with the seemingly endless supply of impala the most plentiful.  Their brothers spotted along the way included kudu, waterbuck, sable, nyala, roan, steenbok, bushbuck and the not-so-graceful wildebeest. 

Cruises on the Chobe River afforded a different view of the animals, allowing close sightings of the water creatures like crocodiles, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo and yes, elephants.  Boats of tourists like us positioned as herds of elephants, led by their matriarch, gathered at the bank.  Not until she had thoroughly tested conditions would she give the OK and the family would begin slowly, carefully, first walking then dog-paddling through the deep.  It was amazing to watch the huge bulk of the pack disappear below the surface with only the tips of their heads and their trunks held aloft like snorkels.  No child was left behind as adults would shove any struggling calf onto the back of another adult.

A two-day change of pace came with a drive to Zimbabwe to view Victoria Falls which were really impressive though not in full force during this dry season.  Next destination was Kruger National Park, South Africa.  Actually our lodge was at Inyati, a large private game preserve tangent to Kruger with no fences between so that animals move back and forth freely.  One difference is that thousands of tourists on Kruger must stay on the roads.  At Inyati, the trained drivers take off-road driving seriously.

Here we saw up close leopards, even closer lions, and our first rhinoceros.  Drivers kept in touch by radio with other drivers, reporting any special sightings.  Since they generally talked to the others in isiZulu, we’d not know our target.  When a call came in, our pace would simply increase but we’d know there was a sense of urgency when driver Diff would turn his head to us and say, “Hold On!  We have something.”  We were then on a “Ferrari Safari” as we tore down trails, through ditches and along dry creek beds to some new sight worth the drive.

Those “worth the drive” sightings included a female leopard caring for her injured cub or parking in the midst of a large pride of lions with nine wandering cubs.  But maybe more about that another time.  I’ll just say this was a magnificent opportunity to see more of God’s handiwork in its natural setting.

                                                                                 


Clear Bag and Metal Detection Policy Announced for WSHS Athletic Events

“School sporting events are a thrilling display of teamwork, talent, and school spirit,” says WSHS principal Chase Bartlett.  “Yet to ensure the safety and security of athletes and attendees, many educational institutions have implemented clear bag policies and the use of metal detection devices.”

Those policies have now been adopted for WSHS.  The clear bag policies require spectators to carry transparent bags when entering stadiums or athletic venues.  The use of metal detection devices require all spectators to walk through an open-air metal detection device. 

What does that mean?  Bags can be no larger than 8.5″ x 11″, clear totes no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, diaper bags (with child), binoculars, cameras (lenses no longer than 4″), seat cushions (not more than 16″ wide), jackets, blankets, and items related to a medical condition.  Note that Halloween costumes may be worn, but the costumes must be able to fit into a normal seating space and must be of an appropriate nature. No additional carry-ins are allowed as part of a costume.

“At Winnfield Senior High School, it is the belief of the administration that the safety and well-being of our student athletes as well as the fans should be at the forefront of our planning process. In an abundance of caution, the Winnfield Senior High School administration will implement the following rules and regulations pertaining to athletic events.”

In addition to the new clear bag and metal detector standards, all persons and their belongings will be subject to search as a condition of entry into any WSHS athletic event.  WSHS will enforce a strict “No Re-entry policy during games.

State law and School District zero-tolerance policies will be in effect concerning alcoholic beveranges and controlled substances.  The use of cigaretts and vaping devices is strictly prohibited on all school properties and inside athletic facilities.

Confetti, balloons or similar items requiring detailed clean-up are not permitted inside athletic facilities, nor will outside food or drink will be allowed our outside sound systems be allowed.

No spectators will be allowed on the track at any time during athletic competition nor will spectators be allowed to throw objects of any kind during games.  Abusive, foul or disruptive language will not be tolerated while attending an athletic event.

Specifically, here are some items specifically prohibited:  Bags larger than 8.5″ x 11″ (including backpacks), food, beverages, containers, drones, laptops, video recorders, monopods, tripods, selfie-sticks, laser pointers, weapons, banners, flags, signs, noisemakers, inflatables, strollers, or any items deemed dangerous or inappropriate.  (Storage facilties are not available for checking prohibited items).

ENHANCING SAFETY and SECURITY

The primary objective of clear stadium bag policies is to enhance safety and security within the venue. By restricting the type of bags allowed inside, schools can mitigate potential risks and maintain a controlled environment. Clear bags provide transparency and enable security personnel to easily inspect their contents, thus reducing the likelihood of prohibited items entering the facility.

EFFICIENT BAG CHECK PROCESS

The implementation of clear bag policies has significantly expedited the bag check process at school sporting events. In the past, security personnel had to manually inspect each bag, leading to long lines and potential delays in entering the stadium. With clear bags, the contents are easily visible, enabling quick visual inspections. This not only saves time but also ensures a smooth entry process for attendees, allowing them to focus on enjoying the event.

PROMOTES EOUALITY AND INCLUSION

Clear stadium bag policies contribute to fostering an inclusive environment. They eliminate any ambiguity or suspicion regarding what attendees may be carrying inside their bags, thereby reducing the potential for discrimination or profiling. Everyone is subject to the same guidelines, ensuring that all spectators are treated fairly and equitably. This creates an atmosphere of unity and equality, aligning with the values of educational institutions.

PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED ITEMS

The implementation of clear stadium bag policies acts as a deterrent for attendees attempting to bring unauthorized items into the venue. By limiting the size and type of bags allowed, schools can prevent potential threats, such as weapons or dangerous substances, from entering the sporting event. Clear bags eliminate the element of surprise and help maintain a safer environment for everyone present.

IMPROVED EVENT EXPERIENCE

In addition to enhancing security, clear stadium bags also improve the overall event experience for spectators. These bags are designed to be compact, portable, and easy to carry. They allow attendees to organize their belongings efficiently and locate items quickly when needed. Moreover, clear bags are waterproof, reducing the risk of items getting damaged due to unexpected weather conditions. With these features, clear stadium bags provide convenience and peace of mind to spectators, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in the excitement of the game.

COMPLIANCE WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS

The adoption of clear stadium bag policies in school sporting events aligns with a broader trend in the sports industry. Many professional sports leagues and concert venues have Implemented similar policies to ensure the safety of their fans. By Implementing these policies at the school level, educational institutions prepare students for future sporting events they may attend, reinforcing the importance of safety and security.

USE of METAL DETECTION DEVICES

Until just a few years ago, airports and some government institutions had been the only facilities familiar with the use of metal detectors. The process of emptying your pockets and placing any metal objects in a bin is a memorized routine for the frequent traveler. Stadiums and now some Universities, on the other hand, are still getting used to the “inconvenience” that a metal detector may represent.

While many fans are not comfortable with the intrusiveness and the added delay to the already long lines in the stadium, metal detectors provide venues With many benefits.

DETER AND DETECT WEAPONS

Walk-through metal detectors can assist security personnel in detecting the presence of concealed weapons. Wave technology allows metal detectors to sense ferrous or non-ferrous metal objects. In many cases, an alarm or light strip will activate, thus letting guards know an item has been detected.

ENTRY AND EXIT AGILITY

Walk-through metal detectors, in particular, can enhance the quick inspection of large numbers of people. New advancements in technology are providing metal detectors with the ability to tell the difference between keys, cellphones, weapons, etc.; which could contribute to creating a safer environment without the long wait times.

PROTECT PEOPLE

By deterring weapons from entering the stadiums, sports arenas can avoid many other violent events that could harm people and premises like theft, attacks, sabotage, and other threats.


Tammy Griffin Announces Candidacy for District 4 Police Juror

Campaign announcement 

My name is Tammy M Griffin. 

I am a born and raised native of Winn Parish. I am the youngest of three children born to my parents Charles and Doris Martin.  My dad was a Preacher. 

My family and I have lived here all our lives. My husband, Jerry and I, have two children, Jennifer Griffin Smith and Dusty Griffin and they blessed us with six precious grandchildren. 

I am a contract insurance agent and proudly the Police Juror for Winn Parish District 4!  I’ve served as Police Juror for District 4 in Winn Parish for the past 4 years and have several projects completed and in the process. 

I serve my community as a board member for the Tannehill Water System, 911 Committee and the Winn Fire District 3. 

I’m an active member of Calvin First Baptist and love to visit our sister churches on occasion to share in their worship. 

I am on call at all times for my community.

Before being elected as the Winn Parish Police Juror District 4, I served our community as Justice of the Peace for 23 years. I am always active in community activities and making sure raising my children and being a good wife come only second to loving my Lord.  I’ve always heard and do believe, if you want someone that will work hard, find someone that works.

I love my community, Parish, State and Country! I will always do my best to serve each of these. 

Being a responsible and knowledgeable Police Juror is vital to our parish, knowing how the budget is divided and allocated and searching for ways to improve all of our community assets and infrastructure. This includes ROADS, rural fire departments, rural water systems, fellow governmental agencies, schools, rural municipalities, libraries and the list goes on and on. 

Each thing I have listed is a priority to our parish.

I’m asking for your support for re-election to the Winn Parish District 4 Police Juror seat, to continue helping our parish and searching for better ways to help us grow. 

Please Re-elect Tammy M Griffin #55 on your ballot! 


Jordan Cites Restored Integrity in Sheriff’s Office in Announcing Re-Election Bid

As I announce my re-election bid to continue as your sheriff, please know it is with gratitude and humility that I thank you for allowing me to serve you the past eleven years.  Good people live in this parish and deserve an experienced, responsible and accountable sheriff’s office.

In 2012, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office was operating on borrowed money and was required to file a monthly financial report with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.

The financial stability of the office was the first priority when I assumed office.  I instituted a purchase order system and reduced all expenses.  The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office gave me all of their old uniforms and we wore them for 2 years.  I obtained used vehicles from other sheriff’s and swapped parts to keep the fleet running.

In 2014, the citizens were gracious enough to grant the office a ½-cent sales tax.  I was then able to purchase uniforms, vehicles and other items necessary for the office.

The second priority was to get a new jail to replace the old one on top of the courthouse.  I secured a $6.7 million loan payable in 40 years from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.  The new detention center was opened in October 2018 and in January 2022 the loan was paid off.  A million dollars in interest was saved.  I restored honesty and integrity back to the sheriff’s office.  

Another accomplishment has been that the pay and benefits for the deputies has almost doubled since I took office.  They are provided body cameras and bulletproof vests.  Each deputy is required to complete 20 hours of training each year. 

Our fleet is constantly updated, and each unit is equipped with a camera and global positioning system to protect the deputies. 

During the past few months I have sponsored active shooter classes for all first responders in Winn Parish.  I hope we never have an active shooter at any of our schools, but we much be prepared.

Since the loan for the detention center has been paid off, I’ve accomplished my goal of placing a school resource officer at each school in Winn Parish.

I humbly ask for your vote and support so I may continue to protect and serve you in Winn Parish.


Leadership, Management Skills Vital Assets, Says McAllister in Announcing for Sheriff’s Post

 Campaign announcement

Josh McAllister is a candidate for Winn Parish Sheriff.  Josh, along with his wife, Toni McManus McAllister and their son, Landry Cole (11) are lifelong residents of Winn Parish and members of New Jerusalem Baptist Church.  McAllister is a 2002 graduate of WSHS and married his high school sweet heart, Toni McManus in 2004.  McAllister then worked his way through Northwestern State University, graduating with a degree from the college of business with a minor in Political Science in 2009.  

After a brief stint in the oil and gas industry, McAllister began working for his family’s logging business in 2006.  McManus Timber Co., Inc. was started in 1983 by Tony and Liz McManus.  In 2011, McAllister became Vice President of McManus Timber Co., Inc. and has played a vital role in the company’s expansion and growth.

In 2016, McAllister was elected to the Winn Parish Police Jury, District 3, where he served as VP of the WPPJ for his first term.  In 2019, Josh went in unopposed and in January 2020 was elected president of the WPPJ.  

A Proven Leader, Josh has successfully navigated floods, tornadoes, a pandemic, an ice storm and a hurricane during his leadership at the WPPJ.  These events showed the citizens of Winn Parish what we can accomplish if we all work together.  

McAllister has filed his position papers with the clerk of court. As an overview, McAllister will establish a drug task force working with outside entities.  Place a trained member of the WPSO at each school and have a training for all prior to the school year.  Hire and retain officers from all parts of the parish.  Hire officers that are trained paramedics so that life saving aid can be administered by first responders on the scene.  All sporting events will be escorted by a member of WPSO. Rehabilitation and work force development training will be provided in our jail.  We will work with all governing entities of Winn Parish through cooperative endeavors.  WPSO will work with the Heart of Louisiana Humane Society to find a solution to animal control in the parish.  Set up an advisory board with members from throughout the parish.  Keep the finances of the WPSO transparent so that the citizens of Winn Parish can see how their tax dollars are being used.  To get a full look at Josh McAllister’s position papers please go to www.winntogether.com or Facebook at “Josh McAllister for Sheriff” 

Josh McAllister knows that one is only as good as the people that he surrounds himself with, that is why McAllister has formed a great team that will round the sheriff’s office out.  With Mike Gilliam signing on as chief deputy, they will form the perfect team for administration and policing.  

Early voting is Sept 30 – Oct 7

Election day is Oct 14

Please consider voting for Josh McAllister for Sheriff #47

McAllister for Sheriff Headquarters are located at 301 E. Main St. in Winnfield, La 71483

Call with any questions 318-332-9699


Voters Asked to Strongly Consider Supporting Josh McAllister for Winn Parish Sheriff

Paid Advertorial

McManus Timber Co., Inc. Encompasses 40 year milestone

Liz and Tony McManus would like to thank the people of Winn Parish for the help and support received over the past 40 years.  We know that without it, McManus Timber would not be what it is today.  I want to thank our employees for their work and dedication, especially through these hot summer months.  Hopefully the worst is behind us and cooler temperatures are close.  As our company has aged so have our workers.  Several of our great friends are no longer with us.  To those men’s children and family, McManus Timber is very grateful.  To all the support companies that supply the things necessary to keep the wheels turning, a very big THANK YOU.  

Our hope here at McManus Timber Co., Inc. is that with continued cooperation among each other, that Winnfield and Winn Parish will stop losing population and start thriving once again, and that our children will be able to stay here and find good jobs if they desire.  

That is why we would like to ask the voters of Winn Parish to Strongly consider supporting Josh McAllister for Winn Parish Sheriff.  It is a fact that Winn Parish has been in decline for a long time.  Many of my friends and your children sadly have moved away to find better careers.  Liz and I were blessed to have settled here in “timber country”, and have been sustained by this industry.  But most people that chose a different path could not stay here.  

Six years ago a group of Louisiana Loggers decided to send Josh and my daughter, Toni, to Baton Rouge to try to help change things in our industry.  As with most new endeavors, it was slow at first, until they learned the ropes and met the people that have the ability to direct the help in our direction.  I would like to report the phenomenal success that has been achieved, through legislation proposed by Josh and Toni that was passed into law.  Loggers like us are reaping the benefits on every load that we haul and Winn Parish has also benefited from them! 

Since Josh was elected to the jury in 2016, our parish has experienced several major natural disasters.  As parents and citizens of Winn Parish, we are very proud of our children.  When trouble came, they went and found the help needed for many that were effected.  Some people make claims about Josh’s lack of law enforcement experience.  Did you know that some of Louisiana’s best sheriffs came from a business background?

Successful companies know how to surround themselves with the people that excel in whatever they want to accomplish.  Law enforcement is no different.  We think that Josh will make a great sheriff because of his police jury experience and his many years at McManus Timber managing personnel and cost issues of equipment and payroll.  He and Toni have learned how to navigate through the process and will hopefully be able to get support for our parish from his many friends made in the house and senate.  Let’s give Josh a chance.  We can not settle for business “as usual” and expect a different result.

Sincerely,

Tony and Liz McManus


Womack Highlights Youth and Hands-On Solutions in Announcing For Sheriff’s Race

Campaign announcement 

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my beautiful family and tell everyone what has driven me to run for the position of Winn Parish Sheriff. My name is Dylan Womack. I grew up in Sikes and attended Dodson High School. My interest in law enforcement started with my job at the Winn Correctional Center where I worked for two years before taking a position at the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2014. I attended the North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy, graduating in 2016. I then went on to become a certified K9 handler at the Tarheel K9 School in Sanford, North Carolina. I worked at the WPSO until 2023, when I left to pursue the position of Sheriff. I married Starr Womack in 2021, and we welcomed our baby boy, Walter Womack, in 2022. I chose to run for sheriff for many reasons, but I will highlight the most important below.

First, I would like to address a problem at the sheriff’s office that must be remedied to achieve the other goals I have set for the Sheriff’s Department.  That first goal, is increasing patrol. While understanding the management of money is essential to running the sheriff’s office, we must also address employee management. If we are operating with an abundance of funds but can only run a skeleton crew on the road, we can not claim to be successful. If we are going to be serious about lowering our crime rate in Winn Parish we have to increase the number of deputies on patrol. In Winn Parish, there are nights with only one deputy on patrol. If the patrolling deputy is on one side of the parish, they cannot effectively and efficiently respond to a call on the other end of the parish. Not only is this unsafe for the deputy on patrol, it in unfair to the taxpayers. My goal if elected, is to have 16 full time patrol deputies. Go to 12-hour shifts and have 4 deputies on shift. That will dramatically lower our response time. Lowering response time will help with lowering the crime rates in Winn Parish.

Next, we must address how to recruit new officers and retain them. The first step in that direction is to look at is our turnover rate and try to understand how to keep our younger deputies from leaving. Having been employed by WPSO and being present at shift meetings, I have first-hand knowledge of the issues that kill morale. Eighty percent of it is easy fixes that can be made in administration.

Last but not least, we must start recruiting and sparking interest in the job with the younger generation. I believe to do that, we have to begin increasing our presence in the community and increase it positively. Increasing our presence in our schools, trying to build better relationships with our youth and educating them on what we do as police officers is the only way this will be achieved.  I have many ideas on how to do this if I am elected.

My young age has been presented as a negative to my campaign, yet Thomas Jefferson was just 33 years old when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Craig Webre in Lafourche parish was 29 when he was elected sheriff and after 30 plus years, is still the Sheriff today. Pucket Willis from Sikes was in his early 20s when he was elected as a state representative. Like these men, I will use my youth to make a positive difference in our community. As a leader, you can’t just throw your hands up and tell everyone what’s wrong with this world without a plan to fix it. If elected, I will start right away helping our parish solve the problems at hand. Thank you, and I ask you to vote for # 48 Dylan Womack on October 14th.


Bake Sale Could Be Stepping Stone to Changed Lives

A local bake sale slated for Sept. 25 through Oct. 6 is more than just a fun and games fundraiser but one of many fundraising stepping stones that could allow the daughter of Winnfield natives to receive a cure from a degenerative, life-shortening disease.

Kate Walker, 20, of Ruston is the daughter of Jason Walker and the late Rachael Walker, both WSHS graduates.  She was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) when she was 12.  FA is a rare debilitating neuro-muscular disorder that affects only about 5,000 in the USA and perhaps 15,000 worldwide.  Symptoms include loss of balance and coordination, fatigue, vision and hearing loss.  It is typically diagnosed in individuals ages 5 to 15.

While this genetic disorder has bound Kate to a wheelchair, it does not affect the cognitive ability of patients nor has it impaired the determination of Kate and her family from supporting scientific research that could lead to the treatment and cure of Friedreich’s ataxia.  The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a national public 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting this research into FA.

The Walker Family, in turn, has established its own 501(c)(3) called “Make It Happen CureFA,” also committed to finding a cure and providing assistance to those impacted by FA and rare diseases through its support of FARA.

The major fundraising effort for FARA is the annual Ride Ataxia Dallas with the next one set Nov. 4.  With three difference skill courses, the event attracts FA patients and supporters from across the nation.  With strong family support, “Kate’s Krewe” has participated in this ride for the cure for six years, raising a total of $158,000 for FARA in the process.  Their goal for 2023 is $42,000.

“They announce the top individual and top team fundraisers at the race each year,” said grandfather Bo Walker.  “Kate has been named several times in each.”  It has been the bake sales, spaghetti suppers, tee shirt sales, response to solicitations, sponsorships and other small stepping stones that have made this possible.

Perhaps due to the dedication of this young woman and her family, Kate was selected as one of the first people in the nation to receive treatment in July with a new drug developed by FARA and approved by FDA for individuals ages 16 and older.  Her doctor in Philadelphia included her name in his list of suggested initial patients.

Kate’s grandparents are Bo and Chris Walker and Jimmy and Helene Walker.  “Everyone who has supported our team in the past has helped make this possible.  This is just the beginning.”  Kate is a junior at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she is majoring in Supply Chain Management and Marketing.

The Bake Sale is Sept 25 through Oct. 6.  It will benefit Kate’s Krewe and FA research.  Sale items will be posted on Kim Bedgood Caldwell Facebook Messenger, cell 318-332-1794.  Pickup at Winn Family Eyecare.  (Checks payable to FARA).


Livestock Projects Play Major Role in Winn Parish Fair

 

“Welcome to the 2023 Winn Parish fair,” say its organizers.  The upcoming Winn Parish Fair has been described as “A Family Affair” while those in the local LSU Ag Center like to say that “4-H/FFA Is a Win Winn Situation!”  Their theme this year is “Proud Traditions Inspiring the Future.”

“We are looking forward to a great year,” says County Agent Donny Moon.  “We have something for the entire family.  There are livestock exhibits, canned goods, sewing, arts and crafts, crops, artwork, photography, plants and cut flowers, and school exhibits.  We have baked goods contests, a pet show and more.  Since we are opening our fair up to parishes adjoining Winn Parish that do not have fairs of their own, we look forward to exciting new exhibits like miniature cattle, pygmy goats, and an added class of swine.  Our emphasis is on keeping our fair family friendly.”  

While the 2023 fair doesn’t officially get underway until Monday, Oct. 2, folks will be interested in pre-fair activity taking place.  The annual Horse Show will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept 23, at the rodeo arena.  

Fair kickoff is Monday, Oct. 2, Entry Day for all events except the Wednesday Pet Show.  Participants will bring all animals by 6 pm.  Cut flowers and baked goods should be entered on the books Monday and brought in before 9 am on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

Rabbit, Goat, and Sheep premier exhibitor test in cattle barn begins at 5:30 p.m.  The Goat and the Rabbit show follows in Cattle Barn at 6 p.m. Sheep show in Livestock Show Arena follows the Rabbit Show, which is a hands-on show and exhibitors must be on hand to show their animals.

Tuesday, Oct. 3 events begin at 9 a.m. with Ag Awareness.  Poultry Check-in is 7 a.m. and all Poultry must be in pens by 9.  9:30 a.m. is Poultry Premier Exhibitor Exam while 10 a.m. is Poultry Judging in poultry area of cattle barn.  Commercial building inside closes at 5 p.m. and Crop Judging is 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct 4, again opens at 9 a.m. with Ag Awareness.  Cut flowers and baked goods must also be brought in by 9 a.m. (though already entered on the books that Monday).  Judging of other exhibits (clothing, canned goods, handicrafts, horticulture, baked goods) will take place between 9 and 3 p.m.  The long-popular Pet Show at Amphitheatre Stage (school age children and under, do not have to pre-register) gets underway at 5 p.m.  Premier Exhibition exam for Dairy and Beef will be held at 5:30 while the Beef and Dairy show in cattle barn will begin at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5 will being the final morning of Ag Awareness at 9 a.m.

The Premier Exhibiter exam for Swine in Sheep and Livestock arena will be held at 5:30pm when the Swine Show gets started in the Sheep and Livestock arena.

Friday, Oct 6 will see the release of livestock exhibits beginning at 9 a.m


WSHS Football Falls to Caldwell in Final Road Contest Before Home Opener

Winnfield Tiger quarterback Damascus Lewis throws a pass against Caldwell on Friday, September 8. Photo by Lainie Burdette/Tiger Snaps Photography

By: Daniel Simmons

Sitting at 0-1 after a close loss in the opening game at at Pineville, the WSHS Tigers headed to Columbia in Week 2 hungry for their first win of the season. Standing in the way of that goal were the Caldwell Spartans, who were out for revenge after losing a close one to the Tigers in Winnfield the year before. It was the Spartans who would ultimately prevail, winning by a final score of 46-19.

The Tigers kicked off to start the game, and the Spartans scored a touchdown on a strong opening drive that consisted entirely of running plays, taking an immediate 7-0 lead. Jaylon Jackson returned the ensuing kickoff for the Tigers, his first appearance in game action this season after missing Week 1 with an injury. He looked good in his debut and scored two touchdowns; one rushing and another receiving, and had several nice kickoff returns. The Tigers were forced to punt on their first drive, but Ryan Davis made up for it with an excellent punt that the Spartan returner fielded inside his own 5-yard line. The returner ran backwards trying to make a big play and was nearly tackled for a safety, being brought down at his own 1/2-yard line. The Spartans managed to advance the ball away from the goal line, but eventually fumbled and the Tigers recovered deep in Spartan territory. The Tigers capitalized on the fumble recovery and tied the game at 7 with a touchdown pass from Damascus Lewis to Jaylon Jackson. 

The Tigers would make a stop in the red zone on the next Spartan offensive possession, and went back to work on offense near their own 10. However, they fumbled and the ball was kicked backwards near the goal line, and the Spartans recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown to retake the lead, 14-7. Both teams had issues holding onto the football throughout the night, as it had rained earlier in the day, and it was very humid with a good amount of dew making for wet grass.

The Tigers looked poised to tie the game again, with quarterback Damascus Lewis leading them down the field and making some impressive throws. They made it all the way to the Spartan 1-yard line, but Caldwell’s defense made a play that would end up being the turning point of the game. The Tigers attempted a run up the middle, but fumbled, and the ball was kicked back to about the 25, picked up by the Spartans and returned to midfield. They then drove down to the Winnfield 2, where the quarterback ran it in for a score, taking a 20-7 lead into halftime. However, the Tigers answered right back at the start of the second half when sophomore Craig St. Cyr received the second half kickoff and ran it all the way back for a touchdown. The PAT was blocked, making the score 20-13 in favor of Caldwell.

The Spartan offense continued to make big plays all throughout the second half, also making several long kickoff returns. They answered the opening second half touchdown quickly, extending their lead to 27-13. The Tigers brought it back within one score on Jaylon Jackson’s second touchdown of the night, 27-19, but that would be their final points for the night. Caldwell scored three more touchdowns on the evening, making the score 46-19 when the clock reached zero in the fourth quarter.

The road stretch finally ends for the Tigers this week, and they will play their first home contest of the year at Stokes-Walker Stadium on Friday. The Cedar Creek Cougars will come to town looking for their first win of the year, just like the Tigers. The Cougars sit at 0-2, most recently losing a home game to Vidalia, 14-12.


Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

Date: 9-6-23
Name: Ryan Morgan 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black 
Sex: Male 
Age: 29
Charge: Battery of a dating partner 

Date: 9-8-23
Name: Thomas Truman Burnette 
Address: Natchitoches, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Male 
Age: 29
Charge: Resisting an officer 

Date: 9-9-23
Name: Anthony Pikes 
Address: Natchitoches, LA
Race: Black 
Sex: Male 
Age: 53
Charge: Failure to appear (warrant)

 

Date: 9-10-23
Name: Ravonna R Wallace 
Address: Jena, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 41
Charge: Failure to appear 

Date: 9-12-23
Name: Stephanie H Flack 
Address: Montgomery, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 38
Charge: Simple battery, Criminal trespassing 

Date:
Name: Drexel Vercher 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 38
Charge: Simple battery, Criminal trespassing 

Date: 9-12-23
Name: Dawn Wright 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 32
Charge: Simple battery, Criminal Trespassing

 

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.