With a little over half of the registered voters going to the polls Saturday, Oct. 14, or voting early, Winn Parish voters sent sheriff Cranford Jordan and challenger Josh McAllister into a runoff in the Nov. 18 general election, while returning assessor Lawrence Desadier to four more years after a challenge from Chet Atkins.
McAllister, with 36%, outpolled incumbent Jordan’s 35% by 42 votes, 1,640 to 1,598. A strong third place finish was mounted by Dylan Womack who garnered 1,352 votes for 29% of the 4,590 total turnout. More votes were cast in the sheriff’s race than any other single race.
For the assessor’s post, Desadier received 2,480 votes for 56% while Atkins received 1,958 for 44% of the 4,438 votes cast
The four police jury districts where elections were held also saw voter turnout better than 50%. District 3 will see a runoff between Kevin Pharr who had 41% of the vote with 278 and Darrell Franks who had 40% with 269. Running third was Bryan Price with 19% and 129 votes. Turnout was 57%.
District 4 saw challenger Stanley Garrett outdistance incumbent Tammy Griffin by a 61% to 39% margin. The vote was 482 to 311. Voter interest at 60% was the highest on Saturday’s ballot. District 5 winner was Kyle Potts with 74% on 517 votes. James Jones had 26% with 177 votes. Voter turnout was 56%. District 6 incumbent Author Robinson won re-election with 60% on 388 votes. Challenger Larry Glenn gathered 40% with 260 votes. Turnout was 55%.
In statewide races, Winn gave Jeff Landry 66% for governor and he won his bid outright in a field of 15. Winn supported Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser 64% as he also won outright. Winn supported Mike Francis with 27% for secretary of state. He ran a close third with 18%. Winn supported Liz Murrill with 42% for attorney general. She polled 45% statewide and will run against Lindsey Cheek in November.
Winn supported John Fleming with 61% in his bid for treasurer. He got 44% statewide and will run against Dustin Granger in November. Winn supported Stacey Melerine with 47% for BESE board District 4. She also received 47% in the district and faces a runoff with Paige Hoffpauir. In Senate District 31, voters in western Winn were evenly split between Mike McConathy and Alan Seabraugh, with Seabraugh getting 8 votes more locally. He also won the election with 54% of the votes.
Louisiana Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, in part of his statewide tour of schools in review of literacy efforts, paid a visit of Winnfield Primary School on Tuesday, Oct. 17.
In his 45-minute stay at the school, the superintendent met with parish supervisors and superintendent to express his views and to hear their opinions on how the current literacy strategy is working. He also went into five different classrooms to personally observe teacher/student interactions and was quietly able to get input from several students themselves.
In an effort to improve literacy skills in students across Louisiana, the state launched a program entitled “Reading Revival.” Brumley, in his discussion with supervisors, explained that the initial program did not include math so a new component to the literacy initiative has been incorporated, called “Math Refresh.”
As the superintendent views classrooms around the state, he hopes to see both Reading Revival and Math Refresh in action.
In an effort to better understand Winn’s situation in relation to other Louisiana schools, Brumley asked principal James King if his school is fully staffed. “Yes, fully staffed, though maybe not fully certificated,” replied King. In perhaps a surprising response, the superintendent said, “That’s not necessarily bad. It’s a trend across the state.”
Then Brumley heard that the newer teachers effectively receive in-house in-service training from veteran educators to aid them in their professional training and goal-setting skills. Should issues arise, King suggested, “We will help them solve problems.” There are 519 students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 4 at WPS.
At the conclusion of his classroom visits, Dr. Brumley again met with supervisors for quick observations. “I saw that teachers are engaging the students,” he observed. “I feel that in our drive for literacy improvement, we’re moving in the right direction.”
The superintendent headed next to Natchitoches Parish.
Dr. Jerry Williams who logged 64 years of service as an optometrist here in Winnfield was surprised and pleased when his name was called out for the Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce & Tourism “Distinguished Achievement Award” by president Kristan Green.
The Winnfield Civic Center was the scene of celebration of accomplishments of businesses and contributions to the community by individuals as the Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce and Tourism held its 2023 awards banquet Oct. 12.
Describing the Chamber’s role, president Kristan Green explained that while there is a large and active board, “anyone can be involved in the work in a community-focused atmosphere.” Looking at the list of nominees, she added that “It’s good to have young men and women interested in putting in new businesses.” The president also outlined the Chamber’s recently launched website with a user-friendly platform that individual may use to add upcoming community events.
Kristan Green also announced the winner of the Distinguished Achievement Award as Dr. Jerry Williams. At the time of his 2022 retirement, Williams was recognized as the longest-serving optometrist in the nation. He had been in Winnfield since 1958, for 64 years of service, with two years in practice prior to that time.
Sondra Walker made the presentation of the People’s Choice Award, with the winner being a local restaurant that started out as a food truck before moving to its present West Court Street location, Chaddy Shack. On hand of accept the award was co-owner Kim Vines. Mrs. Walker explained that there had been a large public response to the category, with five other businesses selected for consideration. Named were Geaux 318, Lagniappe Bingo, Scentsational Scents by Jennifer (Gaudy Gals), Vintage Belles Boutique and Winn Parish Medical Center.
A special bouquet of flowers was given by Winona Harrell as “Recognition of Years of Service to the Chamber” to Jane Purser.
Amanda Taylor gave the presentation for Business of the Year, with the winner being Bank of Winnfield which has served the community since 1901. Accepting were president Buddy Heard and senior vice president Kim Nevils. Also nominated were Winn Parish Medical Center and All Hours Fitness.
Dwayne Kilpatrick made the presentation for the New Business of the Year Award. That honor went to Winnfield Physical Therapy, with Ashley Britt accepting. Also nominated were Family Eye Care and Precious Moments Children’s Shop.
Gail Shelton made the presentation for the Business Person of the Year Award. The winner was longtime pharmacist Steve Shelton. Also nominated in that category were Tony McManus and Teddy R. Price.
Logan Elliott gave the presentation for the Volunteer of the Year Award. That honor was given to Karly Stewart. Also considered for the award were Mary Lou Blackley and Kristan Green.
The “Spirit of Myrtis Allen Award” presentation was made by Kim Futrell. That award was won by the “Crazy Catholic Ladies” that has expanded to a group of 39 of different faiths. A representative group stood to accept the award. Also considered for the honor were Shannan Checallier and the Winn Parish Library.
Guest speaker on the night was Shane Smiley, president of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.
Accepting the Spirit of Myrtis Allen Award at Oct. 12 Chamber of Commerce Banquet are Chris Walker, Dona Gresham, Vicki Rockett, Rita James, Kim Futrell (background) , Sara Mercer, Laure Derr, Reverend Louis Sklar, Sharon Yannarella, Katherine Daughtry and Pat Poisso
By Laure Derr
Where do I even begin to tell the story of the CCLM? I’m not sure anyone even remembers. I am sure the seed of giving was planted many years ago when the good Lord sent a group of Catholic ladies to live in Winnfield to attend the little Catholic Church-Our Lady of Lourdes.
Not many people from Winnfield were Catholic—we were all “foreigners.” We formed a bond rarely found in society today—always helping each other through difficult situations and most of all praying together. Years passed by and as our children grew up and moved away, we grew even closer. We started a prayer chain and if someone needed prayers—we all passed the word and prayed.
Then Facebook was brought into the scene. People found out about our prayer group and the prayers really began pouring in. One week there was a large group of people on our prayer list. We decided to take meals to the 35 people we were praying for. Bo Walker decided to make a big pot of soup. Vicki Rockett and I delivered all the meals. We put a little prayer card in each and told the recipients we were praying for them.
When the prayer group found out about it, they all decided they wanted to be a part of it. The CCL was born. We called ourselves the Crazy Catholic Ladies. We were all crazy about serving Jesus. As the ministry grew, more and more ladies joined, many of different faiths. The group decided a new name was needed, so the CCL was renamed to the “Caring Christian Ladies.” We are proud to say there are 39 people in our group—people of different races and creeds. About a month ago, Rayford Riley expressed an interest in joining—so we became CCLM—Caring Christian Ladies and Man. Then Our Lady of Lourdes received a new pastor, Rev. Louis Sklar. Father Sklar is a hard worker at every Meals on Wheels—so now we are the Caring Christian Ladies and Men.
We now deliver almost 100 meals on the last Friday of the month. Usually there are about 15 ladies cooking, packing, and delivering meals. One of the most important aspects of the delivery is the visiting. Many people live alone and look forward to a friendly face with a hot meal. Through the years we have lost people through death but every month there are new names added. The good thing is that some have regained strength and health and no longer need meals delivered. We make sure they know we are praying for them.
Money has never been a problem. No money is ever accepted from the people we deliver meals to. Donations just seem to pour in from everywhere. The membership dues are $5 a month, but no one keeps records—if you pay you pay. It has been unbelievable how the community supports our projects through donations. Each member finds her place in the group—some pray, some donate money, some bake, some pack and some deliver. There are some that do it all!!!
Although we are famous for our Meals on Wheels, we really do so much more. Of course –praying for others is Number One. We also work to raise funds for autism, FARA, Women’s Resource Center, Presbyterian Church and we prepare snack bags Winn Community Food Pantry. We try so hard to be Jesus’ hands, feet and voice in Winn Parish–and to think it all started with a pot of Bo Walker’s soup.
At the City’s Hammy Award presentation Oct. 10 are council members Chiquita Caldwell and Matt Miller, recipient Jane Purser, mayor Gerald Hamms and council member Ada Hall.
Mayor Gerald Hamms presented its annual “Hammy Award” to Jane Purser during a special presentation at its Oct. 10 meeting.
“This award is meant to recognize special citizens who care about the City of Winnfield,” the mayor said. “Our recipient is most deserving. Anyone who know Jane Purser will hear the statement ‘I love Winnfield’ in every conversation.” He cited her ongoing work with First Presbyterian Church, Huey P. Long Technical College, literacy and the Food Pantry, to name a few.
Hamms said he was delighted to learn that the committee had selected Mrs. Purser for the award. “I’ve know this young lady for a long time. I know she puts herself behind all that she does for the city, putting others first. I am honored to present this award.”
Given the opportunity, Mrs. Purser had a few words in response. She had been presented not only with the Hammy Award but also with a decorative cupcake marking the eve of her 90th birthday. She attributed her longevity to “love.” She added that a former mayor once said that she and late husband Don “hung our hats here. That’s what we did. You don’t know what this means to me.”
In other business, the council approved an amendment to Civil Service Ordinance 7.23, pending approval by the city’s CPA, a pay raise of $2 per hour for starting police and fire department personnel.
Mayor Hamms finally noted that server in the room were wearing pink as the city recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He said it is also a month in which Domestic Violence is recognized to which he commented it is sad to realize that this is a problem, even here in Winnfield, larger than many realize.
Amanda Taylor (center) gave the presentation for Business of the Year, with the winner being Bank of Winnfield which has served the community since 1901. Accepting the award were president Buddy Heard and senior vice president Kim Nevils.
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The Bank of Winnfield was named “Business of the Year” during the Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce & Tourism during their October 12 annual banquet. Who are we?
The Bank of Winnfield opened its doors in 1901 – serving the Winn Parish community during an era most people can hardly imagine today. The bookkeeping was done by hand with pen and ink, and the bank was lighted using kerosene lamps. From those humble beginnings and throughout more than a century of social, political and economic upheavals, the Bank of Winnfield has persevered to serve our community. We take pride in that.
The bank was organized by S.W. Smith, Jr. of Shreveport, who served as its first president. Other officers were George P. Long, vice president; J.T. Wallace, second vice president; and Henry T. Pye, cashier. The Capital stock was listed at $50,000. Succeeding Mr. Smith, the following served as president in the order named: George P. Long, Henry T. Pye, Bryant W. Bailey, J.E. Carter, Joe R. Heard, Richard Cooper Heard, Richard Charles Heard, and Robert P. Heard. In addition the bank has had many long term, devoted officers, employees and boards of directors.
Over the years, the Bank of Winnfield has gained attention throughout the U.S. for our black cat logo which can be found on our stationery and checks. There is an interesting story behind this symbol of a hump-backed black cat. Around 1907, when J.R. Heard became associated with the bank, it was decided the bank should adopt a logo.
Mr. Heard and bank president H.T. Pye were experienced lumbermen and members of a national lumberman’s association called the “Concatenated Order of the Hoo-Hoo” (which still exists today). The emblem of the group was the famous Hoo Hoo Cat which was adopted as the bank’s official symbol. The now famous crouched cat is still a fixture at the bank.
We serve a primarily timber-related economy and are focused on promoting its growth as well as the financial well-being of those who earn a living from this industry. We are dedicated to serving Winn Parish, its citizens and businesses.
The main office of the bank has occupied its present location since 1961. We have also added a Northside branch location to better serve our customers. We have built a bank that is financially strong, and we also draw great strength from our most valuable assets – our people. At the Bank of Winnfield, we pledge to continue serving you with superior financial services for many years to come.
The Wolf Creek Festival of Sikes is just days away. If you are looking for a fun family outing, organizers invite you to make plans to attend the Festival on this Friday and Saturday, Oct 20-21.
On Friday at 5 p.m. the Festival will be selling fried fish plates. Then at 6 p.m., Hurricane Junction will begin performing until 10 p.m. Several vendors that wish to set up early may be on hand for those who want to browse and shop.
Saturday, October 21, will see the gates open wide at 10 a.m. and the admission fee is $5.00 per person.
Organizers are excited about the arts and craft vendors that will be here this year. There will be plenty to see and shop. If you get hungry while shopping, don’t worry. Scrap Iron BarbQ and Cheese Louise and Angels Taco truck will be ready to serve a good lunch.
There will be a great lineup of live performances to enjoy throughout the day. At 10 a.m. the program will kick off with the Anthem and a prayer and then Karla Wroten will start singing until 11:30. KLIC, a women’s bluegrass/country band will perform from noon until 1:30 p.m. River Katz band will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. and Swampland Revival will perform from 4:30 to 6:30. To finish out the night, The Sundown Band will be featured from 7 until 10 p.m.
Organizers invite, “So come out and enjoy our live performances. You may bring your pop-up tent and lawn chairs while listening to the bands. We also have plenty of things for the kids. Included are Horse Rides, two Bounce Houses, Magic Tricks performed by Danny Barton and a Mechanical Bull.”
Family fun, food and fellowship are promised for those who come out to the Wolf Creek Festival this weekend.
After a homecoming victory over Lakeview in Week 6, the Winnfield Tigers headed west to Many in Week 7 to take on the Many Tigers for their first away game in over a month. It was a more than forgettable game for Winnfield players and fans, as they lost to Many 49-0.
Many received the ball to start the game, and scored on their opening drive with a long touchdown run from running back Jeremiah James. Winnfield’s first drive of the game looked promising to start, as quarterback Damascus Lewis had a long run before being pushed out of bounds at the 1-yard line, setting up a first down and goal with only one yard to go. Winnfield could not get in the end zone on first and second down, then fumbled on third down, turning the ball over. Many returned the fumble to their own 25, then put together a touchdown drive to go up 14-0.
From that point forward, the game was completely one-sided. Fumbles were a major theme for Winnfield throughout the game, and two of their fumbles were returned for touchdowns. Some of the fumbles came on bad snaps, as starting center Joey Carrithers suffered an ankle injury on a kickoff early in the game and did not return. Many took advantage of the turnovers and built a 42-0 halftime lead. The second half was played with a running clock, and Many only added one more touchdown after halftime, making the final score 49-0.
Winnfield now stands at 2-5 overall and 1-1 in district play. Their next contest will be another road trip, this time to Coushatta to take on the Red River Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are coached by former Winnfield and Many defensive coordinator Byron Keller, and are coming off an impressive 68-14 victory over Lakeview. This will be the second of three consecutive road games for Winnfield, as they travel to Mansfield the following week. It is also the second of three consecutive games played on artificial turf, as Many, Red River, and Mansfield all have artificial turf fields. Kickoff this Friday night in Coushatta is at 7 PM.
A one-day flu vaccination event will be held at the Winn Parish Health Unit on Thursday, Oct. 26. “Don’t let the flu ruin your plans. Get your flu shots,” remind officials at the state’s Department of Health. This flu vaccination event will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. Location is the Winn Parish Health unit at 301 W. Main Street, Winnfield (across the street from the Methodist Church). There are no out-of-pocket costs but your insurer will be billed. This event is open to the public, with walk-ins welcome. Participants are encouraged to wear short sleeves or loose-fitting sleeves. They should also bring their private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards, if available. The theme of the program is “Stronger Immunities, Stronger Communities.”
This coming Sunday, October 22, United Methodist (located on 300 West Main Street) invites the community of Winn to share in an evening of fellowship and live entertainment with plenty of sweet treats sure to follow.
Beginning at 6 that evening participants will not only enjoy the performance of Southern Plainsman Quartet, but are welcome to stay for Untied Methodist’s ‘Ice Cream Social’ directly afterwards.
There is no charge for the event, though a love offering will be made for Southern Plainsman Quartet.
If you have any questions or require more information please call the office of United Methodist at 318-628-4181 during it’s regularly scheduled hours, Monday-Thursday from 8am-2pm.
Teams from rural communities at work during the Louisiana Rural Complete Streets Summit in October 2022. Photo by Ruthie Losavio/LSU AgCenter. Those attended to represent Winnfield were Shannan Chevallier, LSU AgCenter Agent, Mayor Gerald Hamms, Narvin Powell, Jr., Marcus Connella, District DOTD Representative, Lindley Howell, and Lynne Maloney-Mujica, AICP
Until this year, rural communities in Louisiana had limited options for improving sidewalks. Thanks to recent changes in Louisiana’s Transportation Alternatives Program, Winnfield has received approximately $1 million dollars to improve local pedestrian infrastructure.
(Barring any unforeseen delays, work could likely begin within the next twelve months. Please read further for more program details.)
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federally funded program administered through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) that focuses on creating “complete streets,” which address the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and people with disabilities. This includes building safe, accessible sidewalks that connect residents to everyday destinations like schools, grocery stores, parks, and libraries.
In a state with one of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities in the nation, this investment will help make transportation safer for residents traveling without a motor vehicle. Winnfield will use TAP funding for projects including rehabilitating or installing sidewalks, wheelchair ramps and overhead lighting as well as beautification projects along Downtown Mainstreet. This project will also serve for funding high-visibility crosswalks connecting other highly traveled routes to Main Street safely.
“The funding our city will receive is important because rural communities face the same infrastructure needs and challenges as larger cities. For some of our citizens, walking or bicycling is their only means of transportation. Disabled persons face huge challenges when getting around also. Streets will become accessible, safe, and secure for all users. This approach can promote health for all, adding an opportunity to be more physically active, which improves health and overall quality of life,” said Gerald Hamms, Mayor, City of Winnfield.
Before 2023, communities with fewer than 5,000 residents that received TAP funding had to contribute a 20% cash match in addition to covering Design and Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) costs, which average an additional 20% of project costs. This means that in the past, a $500,000 sidewalk project would cost a small town $200,000.
“With new flexibility allowed in the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), our LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities team and I worked with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to make TAP a feasible funding option for rural communities,” said Jessica Stroope, LSU AgCenter physical activity specialist. “As a result, DOTD lowered the required construction match from 20% to 5% for communities under 5,000 residents and will no longer charge Design and CEI costs to communities under 50,000 residents. This means that a $500,000 sidewalk project will now cost small towns closer to $25,000.”
Brian Nunes, who oversees TAP in Louisiana, made sure that the new flexibility in the law translated into real change for Louisiana communities.
“Before we made changes to the match requirements to TAP, rural communities rarely applied. The program was out of reach, and the funds were unspent. During the previous application cycle, we only received two applications from communities of less than 5,000 citizens. Of those, one was withdrawn and one was ineligible. Because of the changes and our partnership with LSU AgCenter, during the latest application cycle we received 15 applications from those same smaller communities. Louisiana is now using all federal funding designated for rural communities for the TAP program. The new flexibility in IIJA has allowed us to address previous equity issues and to reach our rural, distressed, low-income, and transit dependent communities.”
In October 2022, representatives from Winnfield attended LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities’ Rural Complete Streets Summit. The summit matched communities with mentors, including rotations with program leaders at DOTD, to help rural communities understand and navigate the funding application process. All communities who attended the summit and submitted a TAP application received funding.
Barring any unforeseen delays, work will likely begin in the next twelve months. Keep your eyes peeled and walking shoes ready for improvements in 2024. For more information, please contact Mayor Gerald Hamms at mayor1@cityofwinnfield.com.
Date: 10-12-23 Name: Daniel W.T Norris Address: Katy, TX Race: White Sex: Male Age: 42 Charge: Expired registration, Driving under suspension
Date: 10-13-23 Name: Edward Givens Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 54 Charge: Unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling
Date: 10-13-23 Name: Michael Shane Rison Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 29 Charge: Battery of officer, unauthorized MTV use, Attempted manslaughter
Date: 10-13-23 Name: Brandi Nichole Mindieta Address: Golddonna, LA Race: White Sex: Female Age: 39 Charge: Failure to appear (x4)
Date: 10-14-23 Name: Donavon DE Carries Address: Campti, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 18 Charge: Careless operation, Speeding (104/55)
Date: 10-16-23 Name: Scotty S Cruse Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 39 Charge: Aggravated Assault
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.
Date: 10-10-23 Name: Derrick W Richardson Address: Jeanerette, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: N/A Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery, Terrorizing
Date: 10-13-23 Name: Edward D Evans Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 54 Charge: Unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling
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.
