Melrose, Louisiana – April 1, 2024 – Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 50th Annual Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, taking place on April 20th from 9 am to 5 pm and April 21st from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures crafted by talented artisans.

Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts. Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite pottery, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, timeless iron creations, delectable desserts, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something special, there’s something for everyone to discover and cherish at the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival.

Visitors can also indulge in delicious treats from food trucks while exploring the myriad of artistic offerings.

“This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 50 years of creativity, community, and craftsmanship at the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival,” said Leah Dunn Witman, Executive Director. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend filled with artistic inspiration, lively entertainment, and the joy of supporting local artisans.”

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate five decades of artistic excellence at the 50th Annual Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!

For ticket information and event updates, please visit https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts

Media Contact: Leah Dunn Witman, EmailMelrosePlantation@gmail.com

About the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival is an annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 50 years, the festival has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate half a century of artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.

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C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have previously been awarded an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell Rating Service which is the service’s highest possible designation of professionalism and ethics. This rating was generated by a survey of Harrington’s peers and only 10% of attorneys across the United States receive this coveted designation.

Martindale-Hubbell is widely recognized as the world’s most respected service for rating attorneys. They have been conducting and publishing attorney ratings for over 130 years and are regarded the “Gold Standard” of attorney ratings.

Now, the Harrington Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney C. Rodney Harrington and the firm have also been awarded by the same rating service the highest possible distinction by the judiciary.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have added to their previous award the Special Edition Judicial Award which is especially noteworthy because it is based upon the confidential opinions and recommendation of members of the judiciary familiar with Mr. Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm. The Judicial Edition Award indicates perfect ratings from the judiciary on the attorney’s legal ability and ethical standards.

According to Harrington, he is particularly proud of this recognition because it is based upon reviews from other attorneys and area judges who are familiar with his and the firm’s legal standards and professional ability, and not some “Buy an Award” marketing ploy.

“We’re a small, family law firm in a small town and we strive every single day to be ethical and professional in the representation of our clients,” said Harrington. “That’s why it’s so gratifying to learn that we have received the highest possible rating by our fellow attorneys and now by judges as well. We must be doing something right.”

C. Rodney Harrington has been practicing law in this area for over 45 years and his son and partner, C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington for over 14 years.

The Harrington Law Firm handles a wide range of cases, but primarily all types of personal injury, including Automobile, Motorcycle, and Big Truck Wrecks and Medical Malpractice, along with Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability Appeals, and Wills and Estates.

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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.

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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.

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Martha Johnson
June 14, 1947-April 3, 2024
Service: Funeral services for Mrs.Johnson were held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Christian Fellowship Church. Burial took place in Zion Hill Cemetery, Tannehill. 

William Calvin “Billy” Phelps
December 27, 1959-April 5, 2024
Service: Funeral services for Mr. Phelps took place on Monday, April 8th at First Baptist Church. Interment took place in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. 

At $30 million, the three-story, 52,000 square foot Winn Community Health Center (or “Trinity” as it’s known in its multi-parish service area) will be an impressive addition to West Lafayette Street.

And following the groundbreaking ceremony that was held Tuesday, April 2, local residents can expect to see a lot of construction activity on the site over the next 18 months, the projected time for construction.  TBA Studio Architecture of Bossier is the project architect while Ratcliff Construction of Alexandria is the general contractor.

Despite rains that fell in the morning and during the opening portions of the 11 a.m. ceremony, a good crowd gathered under the large canopy set up in front of the Health Center office.  CEO Deano Thornton welcomed the crowd to the “historic occasion” and Rev. Joel Hines echoed those thoughts in the opening prayer by saying it marks “a new chapter in health for many.”

Thornton who has worked in a number of community roles including mayor described this as the most complicated (financial) packages he’s ever worked on when it came to putting together money with bank loans and the leverage of state and federal tax credits to come up with the high dollar funding.  “I believe this building…with elevators and escalators…will be here to serve our community for many years beyond us who are here today.  Our mission is to provide access to quality healthcare despite one’s ability to pay.”

He went on to say that the groundbreaking was “a big day, marking a 20-year journey for me, while July 1 will be the 15th anniversary for the Health Center itself.”  Starting small in Winn, the center has grown to include Grant, Bienville, Lincoln, Rapides, Avoyelles and perhaps another soon.  Thornton mentioned 130,000 patient visits and 39 school-based clinics. 

Board chairman Ellen Russell credited the accomplishments to a “labor of love” by Thornton.  As a retired educator, she focused on the 39 school-based clinics that provide not only routine healthcare for children but also dentistry, behavioral health and looking to expand to other areas.

Mayor Gerald Hamms expressed his appreciation to the Health Center team for putting together this package then seeing it through.  “It’s something definitely needed as we don’t have to put people in harm’s way on the road to find service.”

TBA Studio Architecture Bossier VP Lisa Peddy Frontaura observed that “there is something special about a small town.”  The Winn native added “it has been a pleasure to be part of this project where often you can get things done quickly.  Working with Deano and Ratcliff Construction has been a collaborative effort.”

Robert Ratcliff, chairman of the board for the general contracting firm, has seen many projects all over the south through his years.  (One early work by his father was the old Winn Parish Courthouse in 1927).  He described this as “state of the art, a vision beyond what I’ve seen before that is perhaps the future of rural health care.”

Members of the WCHC board are Ellen Russell, Kaye Pyles, Katina Smith, Stanley Kind, Brent Hubbard, Michelle Carpenter, Lanika Walker, June Melton, Andre Bass, Glenda Melton, Toni McAllister, Brenda Jones and Cindy Jamison.  LCHC boards also included Josh McAllister, Jerald Hamms, Katie Parnell, Matt Walton and Mallorie Garner.

Thornton summarized that “good things happen when you surround yourself with good people.”  By this time, the rains had passed and the sky was clearing as the groundbreaking team made their way out to where 20 shovels awaited some ceremonial photos.  Then the CEO called to the Health Center employs and, surrounded by these good people, he posed for another picture.

The city’s newest fire engine has been delivered to the Winnfield Fire Department and Chief Brian Montgomery announced that a traditional dedication ceremony has been set for Saturday, April 27.

The truck, described as a pumper engine, arrived at a cost of $585,000 and once it was fitted out with all necessary equipment, the tab rose to $630,000.  By way of demonstrating escalating costs, Montgomery said that the last pumper engine the city bought in 2007 cost $330,000.

The engine will replace the 1979 model Mack engine that the city also purchased new.

“This Spartan-manufactured engine comes with all the necessities as we continue to work through this year towards our goal of lowering our insurance rating from a Class 3 to a Class 2,” said the chief.  “It carries 1,000 gallons of water and has a slightly shorter wheel base which will improve negotiating any tight turns through our streets.  LED lighting is also a safety factor.”

The department will continue working in efforts to earn the improved rating for the City of Winnfield in the upcoming grading cycle.  This city will be graded during March 2025 and should learn the results later that year.

The acquisition will give the Winnfield Fire Department a fleet including four pumper engines (the number required for the lower insurance rating), a ladder truck with a 75-foot ladder, a reserve ladder truck, a heavy rescue vehicle and an EMS quick-response vehicle.

Chief Montgomery said an Open House will be held Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. to celebrate the arrival of the newest engine.  Included will be hotdogs and refreshments as well as activities for children.  Dedication of the new truck will begin at noon.

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The grounds of First United Methodist Church were covered with multi-colored Easter Eggs this past Saturday morning.  Organizers of the Community Easter Egg Hunt estimated there were 11,000 of them.  But when “3-2-1-Go!” was called out at 11 a.m. sharp, little hands swiftly transferred the candy- and toy-filled treats into their Easter baskets.  Before long, the lawn was grass again once more, with just a few hints of plastic or escaped candy about.

The event that included a hot dogs and chips luncheon following the hunt was made possible through the participation of local churches, clubs and organizations, providing a lot of fun not just for the children but for their parents and grandparents who brought them.  Different egg-hunt areas were provided for the various age groups of the youngsters so that toddlers were not competing with the pre-teens.

An emergency siren was heard off and on throughout the morning event, not because of security problems but because the Winnfield Fire Department provided a fire truck complete with firemen to take excited children for a ride around the block.  The siren added to their adventure.

In the middle of Main Street between the church and the Farmers Market where food was being served, blocked off from traffic for the duration was a large circle of chalk numbers where, as music played, a continuous ring of children followed each other in a cake walk.  When the music stopped, so did they, they, hoping they’d be standing on the number that would win them one of 25 homemade cakes that had been baked for this game.

For the younger participants, a special guest arrived just before the hunt began.  The Easter Bunny, all white and ready to pose for pictures in an equally white booth with a sign boasting carrots for a nickel.  And for the older children, bounce houses provided some additional entertainment.

As an old-time newspaper article might conclude, “A good time was had by all.”

A familiar headline for a newspaper feature has often read “Hometown Boy Makes Good!”

With the groundbreaking this week for three-story, 50,000 square foot Winn Community Health Center complex, a twist of that headline might now read “Hometown Girl Makes Good.”

Lisa Peddy Frontaura, 2000 graduate of Winnfield Senior High School and daughter of Darrell Peddy amd Jan Starks who grew up in Tannehill, is the vice president of operations for TBA Studio Architecture in Bossier.  She is the lead architect in this grand addition to Winnfield.

Her career path to architecture wasn’t a lifelong dream, she told the Journal.  It wasn’t even hatched in high school although counselor Ernie Bamburg provided some direction when he advised students that if they liked their parents’ lifestyle, they would have to work hard to achieve the same for themselves.

“I loved to be creative but I could never draw with my hands,” she mused.  “Finally when I was a sophomore at Louisiana Tech, the light bulb went on when I realized that I could have that through architecture which Tech offered.  It was just as well that I came up with a plan for my folks were starting to worry.”

Tim Brandon, an experienced architect, had recently launched his own business, TBA, in West Monroe and gave Lisa an internship.  When she graduated two years later, he offered her a fulltime position and she’s been there since.  But there’s more.

“Tim gave me the opportunity to open our office in Bossier.  I started it by myself.  Ten years later it’s quite a success.  I’m vice president of operations there where I run the Bossier operation.  This success was due in large part to my first hire in Bossier, Megan Young, who has been integral in helping me grow and establish this office.  Dedication and teamwork has led to us being where we are.

“There are now five in the office, with three drawing on this Winnfield design:  myself, Megan and Trinity Smith…all women.  Also in that office are Don Young and Angie Parish.  We try to use our job to be good stewards for our clients, creating space that impacts lives in a positive way.”

Lisa is excited to be able to do just that in her hometown.  “I didn’t think I’d be able to do this in Winnfield.  It’s a pleasure to be involved.  At TBA, we do anything, big or small.  We’re not too big for our britches.  Through small jobs, we can build relationships.”

In fact, it was that relationship that helped bring the architectural firm and Winn Community Health Center with CEO Deano Thornton together for this major project.  “We’ve done some other projects for Deano on school-based clinics plus the clinic in Ruston.  He reached out to us in the very early stages.  Other cool projects from the Bossier office include the NSU Health Performance Center and the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Center in Caddo Parish.”  

As the architect’s role oversees a project throughout its construction, Lisa should be seeing more of her hometown over the months to come.

This licensed architect married Pablo Frontaura, her “college sweetheart” and they have two sons, Alexander, 9, and Christian, 6.

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Low voter turnout in the recent Presidential Preference Primary may have indicated voters believed that matter was not important.  But voters will decide some important local issues on the Saturday, April 27, ballot when the School Board and Police Jury are asking continued tax support in specific areas.

The School Board is seeking approval of a 9.25-mill parishwide maintenance tax to support school operations throughout the parish.  This represents a 1.1-mill increase from the 8.15 mill ad valorem tax that people have been paying for the past 10 years and even that is not enough to catch up with inflation over that decade, officials have stated.

Officials explain that the self-described maintenance tax is used exactly for that purpose, to maintain operations in the parish school system, all manner of things from air conditioning to routine maintenance and supplies. 

There will also be a renewal of a 15-mill ad valorem tax for Consolidated District 11 (the Dodson/Sikes area).  This question will appear on the ballot for voters in that district only.  This renewal has been on the books for 20 years and April 27 will be another 20-year call.  This issue brings in about $6 million annually and desired projects include lighting on the baseball and softball field, improved parking and air conditioning improvements.

Police Jury won approval for a half-cent sales tax in 2015 to support their road maintenance efforts.  The parish governing body seeks a 10-year renewal of that tax which is set to expire June 30, 2025.

Monies are used to maintain, repair and improve public roads and bridges here.  Included have been lease and purchase of equipment (plus its maintenance) and purchase of materials like fuel, gravel, dirt and asphalt, culverts and street signs.  Tax revenues from the half cent have grown from $900,000 annually to $1.3 million through those years but so have costs, say officials.

Local residents who wish to take part but are not registered to vote may do so, only online, through this Saturday, April 6.  This resource is available through the Secretary of State’s app Geauxvote.

Early voting will be held in the Clerk of Court’s Office in the Courthouse from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. from April 13 through April 20 (except Sunday, April 14).

Absentee ballots may be requested until 4:30 p.m. April 23 and must be turned in by 4:30 p.m. April 26.

Election Day is Saturday, April 27, when traditional polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

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Kiwanian Troy Rogers gave an interesting talk to the Kiwanis club on trains at the March 26 meeting. Troy said he has 2 passions -the fire department and trains. When he was a boy he used to ride his bicycle to the train depot as often as he could. He had pictures of trains and model trains on display for the members to see. 

In his introduction Dr. Gaddis had mentioned the Golden Spike which was where the west coast railroad met the east coast railroad in Utah when it was completed. Troy was working a couple of states over at the time that the 150th anniversary was celebrated and was able to go over there. He had a picture of the Big Boy Steam Engine at the celebration and some of us remembered that it had been in Natchitoches on tour not too long ago. 

Rogers began his working life in the state Fire Marshal’s Office. Then he taught at a fire course at LSU-Eunice for a year. Then he saw an ad for Sperry Rail Service in the Alexandria Town Talk and applied for the job and got it. This was in November 1996. He began as a driver. The trucks drive on the railroad tracks and use an ultrasound to look for flaws, defects and weak spots in the tracks. Before he retired a few months ago he had worked in all 48 lower states and 6 provinces in Canada. 

He was interrupted numerous time with questions about trains in Winnfield, length of trains, trains that are still operating and trains that are no longer operating. The average train that goes through Ruston and Monroe has about 100 cars. The Kansas City Southern which was a train we are all familiar with was sold to a Canadian company and is now known as CPKCS. 

Tracks for passenger trains are inspected every 30 days, HAZMAT train tracks are inspected every 6 months and train tracks in Winnfield only have to be inspected every 3 years. Some people in Winnfield remember a train called the Doodlebug which went to El Dorado but you could catch the train and go to Dodson or Jonesboro and then catch it back. The Doodlebug is now being restored at the Southern Forest Heritage Museum. 

Rogers is very knowledgeable about trains and model trains. He is very interested in starting a Model Train Club here in Winnfield along with some others who are interested in model trains. If you would be interested in this club you can let him know. 

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Area residents are reminded of two fundraiser meal opportunities set for Monday, April 8, distribution.

Kiwanis will have its annual scholarship meal that Monday with distribution at the Winn Farmers Market on Main Street. The menu will consist of Boston Butt steak, potato salad, green beans, bread and dessert.  This scholarship meal funds club scholarships for at least 2 high school seniors in Winn Parish schools. 

The meal is take-out only and pickup is 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Delivery is available for large orders. Tickets are $10 each and available from any Kiwanis member.

Also April 8, First Presbyterian Church in Winnfield will hold a fundraiser event in its ongoing church support efforts.  This particular happening will be a pork loin (au jus) plate lunch including baked beans, potato salad, bread and desert at a cost of $15 per plate.

The meals will be take-out only, with pickup from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Delivery is available on orders of 10 and more.  To place orders, contact Carolyn Phillips at 318-332-0796.

April 8 is also significant in that a swath of east Texas will experience a total eclipse of the sun beginning around 1:45 p.m.  With overcast conditions currently forecast, together with only a partial eclipse here and its occurrence after serving hours, no disruption of the fundraisers is seen.

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By Jeanni Ritchie

Our Lady of the Oaks Jesuit Retreat House in Grand Coteau is offering its 3rd annual Veterans Retreat, a three-day retreat for men and women of all faiths, to the public at no charge. This year’s theme is Stand Down.

Designed specifically for veterans, the May 23-26 weekend experience is designed as a place of healing, peace, and relaxation for the men and women who selflessly served our country.

This Louisiana gem has a simple mission: draw men and women closer to Jesus Christ and His Church through retreats following the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Ignatian spirituality, first approved by Pope Paul III in 1548, helps us find God in all things and was initially given to guide lay people in their everyday life. It is the cornerstone of Our Lady of the Oaks and it is here that I recently found myself recentered after a particularly difficult time.

The grounds were immaculate, its sacred places creating the solace our souls crave. The food was delicious, their taste even better when lovingly prepared and served to you as honored guests. While the veterans’ retreat is not silent, mine was, and I both enjoyed and struggled with the silence. I am a talker.

Prayers were recited, however, the pleas and praises to God reverberating throughout the chapel. There was one line in the prayer Anima Christi that especially caught my attention:

From the malignant enemy defend me…

I knew who the enemy was. The devil had been working overtime to destroy my relationships, my reputation, and my mind. But I’d never heard the word malignant as an adjective to describe him.

I have had many friends and family members with malignant cancer. Once it spreads throughout your body it can be difficult to eradicate, almost impossible without aggressive treatment. How had I missed the malignancy of allowing Satan in my life? One little vice, one bout of self-righteous anger, one worm of unforgiveness, and his power spreads within.

An Our Lady of the Oaks retreat can be a treatment center for the cancer of our mind. The patron-sponsored Veterans Retreat is designed to help those who suffered with such internal struggles, some of it through no fault of their own.

“Come all who have served and allow God to continue to create you in His image and likeness!” Retreat Director Albert S. Cain III (U.S.M.C.) shares.

I’ve never served in the military but I have experienced trauma-based PTSD that affected my sleep for decades. Learning to slumber without sleep aids has been a lifelong battle. Yet in the sanctity of the Oaks, I was lulled to sleep with a gentle breeze and sounds of the courtyard fountain wafting through the unlocked screen door. The decision to leave my bedroom door opened to the corridor was not made lightly but the rewards were heavily. I had the soundest sleep of my life.

The freedom in my soul upon awakening is indescribable. You must experience it for yourself!

The weekend retreat for veteran men and women has a $50 refundable upon arrival deposit to hold your spot. Vacancies remain.

Additional retreats are held throughout the year for men, ladies, and married couples. Retreat offerings vary; scholarships are available. All in need of spiritual recharging are welcome, regardless of ability to pay because of the generosity of others.

To register for a retreat or support their mission, visit ourladyoftheoaks.com or email executiveassistant@ourladyoftheoaks.org.

Jeanni Ritchie is a Louisiana journalist who finds spiritual retreats to be a great resource for effectively managing mental health.

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Lily
Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Last Seen: Wednesday, March 23, 2024, Collins Road Natchitoches, LA
Color: Red Merle and White
Eyes: Different Color Eyes

And Has a Tail

PLEASE CALL WITH ANY INFORMATION

(318) 357-0377

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