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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James E. Brinson Sr.
May 7, 1951 – May 8, 2024
Services: Arrangements for Mr. Brinson has yet to be finalized, please check back for an update. 

Kimberly Renee Austin
May 25, 1993-May 3, 2024
Services: Funeral services for Miss Austin were held in the chapel of the funeral home on Friday, May 10, 2024. Interment will follow in Sardis Cemetery Winnfield, Louisiana.

Nina Bonita Martin
July 10, 1936 -May 11, 2024
Services: Funeral services for Mrs. Martin will begin with public visitation at First Baptist Church of Calvin on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 10:00 AM. Service will follow at 11:00 AM, also at First Baptist Church of Calvin. Interment will take place at Sanders Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Winnfield Police are investigating a shooting that left two dead in the Hatfield section of town on May 1. An investigative team was immediately dispatched upon confirmation by the shift supervisor.

Initial findings indicate an apparent murder/suicide incident as it has been determined that the male subject had fired several shots from a handgun striking the female subject, then turned the gun on himself. After interviews with family members and close associates, police have been unable to determine a motive for this tragic situation. Neither victim had any prior dealing with police.

They are identified as Amyria McDonald, age 20, of Winnfield, and Virgil Smith, Jr., 21, of the Natchitoches area.

Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter stated, “Our hearts go out to these families and friends. This has affected an entire community for such a senseless tragedy to these young people who had their whole lives ahead of them.”

Pending final testing and autopsy results, this will be classified as a murder/suicide incident.

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The age-old debate over teacher numbers and central office staff continued at the May meeting of the Winn Parish School Board as members looked as to how to proceed into the upcoming school year.

At issue was the position of Chief Technology Officer which was listed on the agenda as “Consider Elimination.”   Amy Seward who holds that post is retiring, with her last day being July 22.  The board in committee session a week earlier had discussed the possibility of cutting that position and distributing the responsibilities among central office supervisors.

The board asked Seward to explain the role of the technology officer.  She pointed out that the trend over the past decade is towards all-technology.  “When I began 12 years ago, tests and work was all done on paper.  Today none is.  Every student uses a Chromebook.”  She went on to describe the myriad of equipment parishwide that she has to oversee and ensure maintenance.  If all is not working correctly, serious problems can occur (she cited nonpayment of TOPS monies, as an example).

She confirmed that she is retiring at the end of this year.  She mentioned that should the board decide to farm out the duties of the one officer to various central office staffers, it was their choice.

Joe Llaine Long emphasized “We need a technology person.”  Joe Lynn Browning added “I think this is one position the board doesn’t need to cut.  This is not a supervisory position.”

Lance Underwood complained “We can’t cut our teachers” (to stay within budget). Long came back that teacher numbers are dictated by student numbers which continue to decline in Winn.  Supt. Alfred Simmons agreed that it is the number of students enrolled that generates the money that the district runs on.  “It’s a brutal process.”

The board agreed to table the issue on eliminating that position until more information is available.  But when Long brought up a question of advertising for a new Chief Technology Officer, discussion again debated the hiring practices policy now on record placing that duty with the superintendent.  The board has asked for a rewritten policy.  Browning asked Simmons the status of that and heard it is being written for board consideration.

In other action, the board approved action to advertise for sale the vacated Winnfield Primary School buildings which they’d previously declared “surplus.”  They also declared the Atlanta High School complex as surplus and agreed also to advertise it for sale.  Simmons pointed out that there is a legislative process for such public sales that includes minimum bid percentages at each step of the way.

In a roll call vote, the board unanimously agreed to join in support of the State of Louisiana in its lawsuit opposing the controversial “Final Rule” of Title IX regulations of the U.S. Department of Education.  That federal rule is entitled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.”  The board believes this Final Rule will be detrimental to students, parents and employees as well as running contrary to both state and federal law.

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The morning of May 2 broke rainy but it wasn’t enough to keep about 30 pastors and other believers from gathering under the Farmers Market pavilion here in Winnfield to observe the National Day of Prayer.

Initially planned for the courthouse corner, the location shift was brought about by the weather forecast.  Bro. Craig James, director of missions for the North Central Baptist Association, called this shelter from the rain a “tabernacle.”  He explained the purpose of this annual event:

“In 1952, a joint resolution of the United States Congress established a National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Reagan set that day as the first Thursday in May.

“On this day, Americans from all walks of life join together around the country to call out to God for Him to work in and through our country.

“We as God’s children must call upon Him to intervene in a mighty way. Our communities, parish, state, and nation are in desperate need for God. We have strayed a long way from God! We are no longer ‘One nation under God.’ We are a nation under many gods. We need help! We need God! We need a change in the direction of our nation and communities. Our only hope is in Almighty God. He is the only One that can change us. We are limited as mankind, but God is not limited. He has All Power and Authority! Jeremiah was a prophet in Israel during a time of wickedness and idolatry. God spoke to Jeremiah and said, ‘Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?’ (Jer. 32:27). Then later God spoke again to Jeremiah in 33:3, ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

“The North Central Baptist Association organized two places of prayer, in Winn Parish and Jackson Parish. At 9 a.m. we gathered together at the Farmer’s Market on Main Street and were led in scripture by Bro. Mitchell Miles. Bro. Mac Brunson prayed for our parish. Bro. Danny Keyes prayed for our state. Bro. Billy VerHoef prayed for our nation and world.

“I would like to thank everyone who showed up on a rainy day to pray. Many prayed at the Farmer’s Market, and others prayed where they were who could not be with us. But my plea is, please do not stop praying. We must pray daily. We must pray often. We must believe and trust our God when we pray. He is Able!”

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Sheriff-elect Josh McAllister shared his plans for office with the Winnfield Kiwanis Club at its May 1 meeting.  McAllister will take on his new role July 1.

The incoming sheriff told Kiwanians that he will take his oath of office in ceremony June 29 in the Winnfield Civic Center.  With him last week at the Kiwanis presentation was Mike Gilliam who will serve as the office’s chief deputy.

“I have a vision for Winn Parish,” McAllister said.  “Our parish would have been in good hands, no matter who had won.”  A leader will succeed if he has good people around him, working as a team, he suggested, adding that while he won’t micromanage their work, he will have standards and expectations for their performance.  “It’s not my office.  It’s yours, the people of this parish.  Everyone who works for me will know that.”

He said he will have a drugs task force, pointing out that 80% of the crime in this area is drug-related.  But it will take time to see a difference.  He pledged to have a school resource officer at all of the schools.  Related will be police escort services for school sporting events, without cost to the schools.

McAllister said his team will step into the Sheriff’s Office at midnight June 30 and will have a budget that “is totally transparent,” noting he hasn’t had access to some of the current information so will see the office’s standing at that point.

Lower jail costs will be passed on to the Police Jury, giving the parish more resources for work within the community, he said.  “If we don’t work with other entities, our parish will continue to dwindle and die.”  And he will encourage the public to communicate with his office.  “If we don’t hear about the problems out there, how can we fix them?”  Other programs he touched on include those to protect the elderly, a parish animal control program that cooperates with other local groups, and improved technology.  

Despite its small population, Winn is one of Louisiana’s largest parishes in size and McAllister told the members that he plans to hire officers from all over to provide for faster response to on calls.  The officers will be trained and updated, capable even to give life-saving aid.  

In response to questions, McAllister said many of the employees currently working with the Sheriff’s Office plan to remain with the new administration and interest is good, with officers being among the highest paid in the region.  Gregg Davies “will likely be our lead investigator,” the speaker said, commenting on Davies’ “vast institutional knowledge of that office.”  Police Jury-appointed Cindy Tilton will continue in her role as director of the local Office of Emergency Preparedness to serve the entire parish.

He responded that he looks forward to assuming the responsibilities of working with Winn Correctional Center, now a federal facility managed by LaSalle Corrections.  Warden Keith Deville was a guest at the May 1 meeting.  “Not to mention the employment that means to our parish, the ICE facility brings in about $1 million to the Sheriff’s Office each year.  I’ll never come to you and ask for a tax increase.”

McAllister concluded with an observation he’s made since beginning his campaign.  “Many politicians make promises that go away when they take office.  I filed my Position Papers before I started and they will be posted at the door of my office so you can make sure I’m doing what I said.  I don’t see myself as a politician but rather a man trying to do the best for this community.”

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Nina Sue Underwood Simmons, 85, of Winnfield, died May 4, 2024, at Autumn Leaves Nursing Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, and from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, May 9, at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield. Services will follow at 1 p.m., in the chapel. Burial will follow at Siloam Baptist Church in Gansville.

Mrs. Simmons was born in Shreveport Jan. 30, 1939, to Clayton Garland Underwood and Nina Roberta Taylor Underwood who were both members of pioneering families in Winn Parish. The family lived in the Cedar Grove area of Shreveport, and she attended schools there. In 1953, the Underwoods moved to Gaar’s Mill in Winn Parish near where her parents had been born and reared. She attended Dodson High School. During her high school years, she was sponsored by the American Legion to attend Girls State at Louisiana State University. She was a member of the 1957 graduating class of Dodson High School. She began college classes at Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, later Louisiana Tech University, in Ruston. She contracted Asian Flu during the pandemic of 1957-58, and vividly recalled hallucinating in the college infirmary. She was graduated cum laude May 30, 1960, with a bachelor of science degree in home economics. She also received departmental honors from the School of Home Economics. 

Jan 30, 1960, she married Kermit M. “Mickey” Simmons at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. The couple met in high school and continued dating through college. The newlyweds moved to Shreveport in 1960. March 1, 1963, the Simmons family–which now included Kermit Mixon Simmons, Jr.,–relocated to Winnfield. 

Nina Sue became active in Winnfield’s First Baptist Church. She was on the budget committee for several years and taught nursery, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School classes. Later she became a devoted member of Faith Sunday School Class. She was an accomplished seamstress who also enjoyed painting and collage. She created gorgeous quilts including many that she hand-pieced and hand-quilted. Mrs. Simmons pieced several quilts that were delivered to wounded service members across the country. She was a dedicated member of Kisatchie Quilters for years. She was a keen bridge player and avid reader who delighted in making presentations as a member of Reader’s Review. She was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Winn Parish Library System and taught literacy programs at the library. Genealogy was a particular interest of hers. She cherished tracing her family history and being a Daughter of the American Revolution. She was regent of the Spicer-Wallace chapter for several years. 

Nina Sue loved dogs. She doted on a mixed breed puppy Prissy she adopted early in her marriage, and raised seven Labrador retrievers over more than 40 years. She also enjoyed watching birds, particularly hummingbirds. She was diligent about keeping the neighborhood birds fed. 

She faced her final illness bravely and with unwavering faith while encouraging her family to be strong. Mrs Simmons was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Kermit Carson and Mamie Mixon Simmons, and her brother-in-law Harry Simmons. She is survived by Kermit M. Simmons, her husband of 64 years; and children Kermit M. Simmons Jr., of Winnfield, Susan Mador (Robert) of Oak Harbor, Wash., and Alfred (Lesley) of Winnfield; grandchildren Megan Geter (Jay) of Madison, Miss.; Daniel Simmons, David Simmons, and Micah Simmons; and great-granddaughter Olivia Geter. Her brother, Philip Underwood (Jerri Lynn) of Ruston and sister-in-law Grace Simmons of Shreveport also survive her, as does her uncle Paul Underwood of Maurepas. Another survivor, Ann Mayes Golias, a beloved cousin, of Beaumont, Texas, was like her sister. The girls spent summers and holidays in Sikes with their grandparents, Elmer Lamar and Maude Gates Taylor. Several nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins, plus Brittany Johnson, who was a loving companion and assistant, also survive her. Blue, her five-year-old Labrador, mourns Nina Sue’s death. 

Pallbearers will be Daniel Simmons, David Simmons, Micah Simmons, Robert Mador, Jay Geter, Clay Underwood, and Mason Garfield. Named honorary pallbearers are Beth Smith, Gloria Hickey, Reggie Lou Straughan, and Helen Lynn Bankston, along with neighbors Diane Heard, Jan Beville, Diane Holeman, Ellen Russell, Melissa Flurry, and Jennifer Frederick. Memorials are suggested to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, Samaritan’s Purse, or any other children’s charity.

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The Winn Parish School system this week honored 13 employees who are retiring after a collective 330 years of service to the students of this parish.

During a reception May 6 at Winnfield Middle School, just five of those honorees were able to attend but their principals had kind words to share with the gathering for all of those who are leaving at the end of this year.

Dodson High School principal Wendy Miller, speaking of Atlanta High School employees, explained that these retirees together with the rest of the AHS staff were welcoming when she arrived 13 years ago. Ruby Sapp was a dependable employee, working on the custodial staff for 26 years. Karen Sapp was always pleasant in the 20 years that she served as a lunchroom worker. Carolyn Evans made a difference to the school and community in her 28-1/2 years as a classroom and special education teacher and mentor in church.

Calvin High School principal Justin Tinsley told the group that Jessie Canerday influenced many lives in her 31 years of service as a paraprofessional, with 3 of those years at Winnfield Intermediate School and the balance of her career at Calvin High School.

Winnfield Primary School assistant principal Resa Johnson spoke well of paraprofessional Vergina Dudley, both for her service at Winnfield Kindergarten and Winnfield Primary schools. She worked in the system for 17 years and served as a role model for many.

Winnfield Middle School principal Brian Savelle said that Larry Booker was a great person to be around, a man who touched lives every day. Booker served as janitor for 25-1/2 years. Gena Hatcher logged 33 years in education and was his “go-to person on technology issues.” Teaching social studies and computer classes, she went on to guide gifted classes parishwide. Stacey James had a career of 32 years, coaching at AHS and teaching adaptive PE parishwide, with a positive impact on students every day. Bus driver Winnie Dianne Powell got children safely to and from school for 12 years, with Savelle calling her “dependable, taking care of business.”

Winnfield Senior High School principal Chase Bartlett said of Gloria Brock’s 46-1/2 years in special education that her service was an “inspiration of love, compassion and dedication.” Joyce Jordan’s service spanned 23 years and it wasn’t easy as lunchroom manager where “she never let chaos affect her work day.” As many, Carla Kay Lasyone wore several hats during the 29 years she was at WSHS, including teacher, librarian and counselor.

Supt. Alfred Simmons spoke for Mark Maxwell, retiring maintenance manager for the school system. With so many moving parts, “there’s always something that needs fixing.” Maxwell responded each time when called.

Simmons noted that we see less and less these days employees like this (notably within the field of education) who stay so long at their original place of employment for 30 or 40 years before going home. Those honored Monday “gave long, long service to Winn…they wanted to be part of their community.” He thanked them for their service.

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Winn’s Seniors Scholars, graduating seniors who have maintained at least a 3.5 GPA throughout their high school career, were honored by the Winn Parish School Board in a reception held April 30 in the CLTCC, Huey P. Long Campus, multipurpose room.

There were 30 students who received this recognition for Calvin High School, Dodson High School and Winnfield Senior High School.

Students from Calvin are Lilly Barnes, Emma Canerday, Brandon Cawthon, Kayden Corbitt, Callie Lang, Ja’tavious Means and Halle Roton.  

Students from Dodson are Renae Adams, Kyle Brown, Allison Frisby, Dakota Glaze, Madison Harris, Dakota Thomas, Hayden Vines and Anna Worthington. 

Students from Winnfield are Karlee Abels, Olivia Busha, Mackenziw Green, Jacob Jones, Jeremiah Laughlin, Bailey Lenard, Eli Little, Ala’Zea McMiller, Madison Nelson, Bricen Page, Lauren Rouse and Josey Stark, Alyssa VanBlaricum, Alexia Weston and Kerrigan Worsham.

Giving the presentation was Supt. Alfred Simmons with principals Justin Tinsley (CHS), Wendy Miller (DHS) and Chase Bartlett (WSHS) introducing their students.

The program was sponsored by Bank of Winnfield.

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Graduation season is upon us and Goldonna Elementary Junior High has set the date to honor those celebrating milestones in the 23-24 school year. The kindergarten class will graduate Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00am. The 8th grade class will graduate May 21 at 6:00pm.

Dust off your dancing shoes and grab your dressy clothes! There will be a 7th and 8th grade Prom on Friday, May 10th from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Students must have no major referrals in last 9-week grading period to be eligible to attend.

End of the Year Awards will be held for 1st -7th grade on May 21st at 1:00pm.

The school will also be hosting Field Day on May 20th. They will have their 4th Annual Wildcats vs Lady Wildcats softball game with the winner playing the faculty and the parents.

The Goldonna Baptist Church will be hosting a Wiffle Ball Tournament on July 20th to helped support their Operation Christmas Child Mission. More details will be forthcoming once they are finalized. If you want to help with OCC efforts please contact Pastor Ben Dupree.

Goldonna Assembly of God Church would like to remind everyone about the Blessings Box located in front of The Stand Coffee Shop. Inside this box you will can goods, personal hygiene items and inspirational materials. These are for anyone in need. Of course, if you have an abundance, please do not be shy about adding items for others in need.

The Pastor of River of Life Church, Reverend George Procell, would like to thank the community of Goldonna for coming together to help provide a lovely fellowship meal for the family of longtime member and former Mayor, Jenny Garner Smith. “During times like this, we all mourn together and it really shows what a tight knit community we are. We are grateful for our area church families.”

If you have news to share, please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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Dugdemona High-Twelve Club #711 held its annual Scholarship Awards Friday, May 3, at noon at the Lodge on Beville Street in Winnfield. The Club is an appended body of the Eastern Star Lodge Number 151 and the Grand Lodge of the state of Louisiana.

The club works tirelessly year-round to raise these funds to support the young people of Winn Parish. This year, 11 scholarships were given out. A meal of ham, potato salad, green beans, cake, and banana pudding were enjoyed by all who attended. 

The ceremony was open by President Rusty Russell, prayer led by Gary Foster, and the Pledge of Allegiance recited by all in attendance. Member Gregg Davies, opened with an explanation of the tenants of Masonry and that on the lodge altar is the Holy Bible. Davies then recognized all the teachers in attendance and then the Masons who made this possible.

This year’s recipients are:  Halle Roton, Karlee Abels, Emma Canerday, Mason Carter, Bailey Lenard, Ala’Zea McMiller, Eli Little, Alon Bilyeu, Lauren Rouse, Gibson Russell and Bricen Page. 

After the ceremony the recipients were allowed a tour of the lodge room where pictures were taken.

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The City of Winnfield has announced a photo shoot today on the grounds of WSHS by Stokes Walker Stadium as a reenactment of the 1980’s poster created during the term of former Mayor Max Kelley.

Mayor Gerald Hamms has asked citizens of Winnfield and all of Winn Parish to join in for the shoot today, Wednesday, May 8, at 2 p.m.   The theme of the original poster read, “Why Winnfield Means Business.”  With Mayor Hamms’ goals and expectation of the growth of the city, he is asking everyone “Why Not Winn.”  

Invited are all business owners, citizens, students and staff of the Winnfield Middle School and Winnfield Senior High School, school board staff to meet us a Stokes Walker Stadium.

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Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was atop Mystic Dan at Churchill Downs, moving in the pack of thoroughbreds, aggressively watching, and with a plan.

The pair was on the inside on the second turn, just sitting there, going with the flow of things, waiting for a spot to open.

It did.

And Mystik Dan shot through it. 

He’s not overly anything for a thoroughbred except athletic and smart. And he’s plenty of those. 

Suddenly the crease was there and Hernandez and Mystik Dan poured themselves through it, and when they did, things went up a notch at the Shreveport home of Wayne and Kim Smith. 

That was only a few days ago — the first Saturday in May, a pretty big day the horse racing world — and the feeling hasn’t left since the moment Kim and Wayne and two other couples, all close friends, saw with their own eyes and hearts that Mystik Dan, a sort of relative to them all, was going to make a legit run for the roses at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. 

Which he did. A photo finish champion. Winner’s Circle. Garland of roses. 

Winner winner chicken dinner.

“We’re still on cloud nine at the Smith house,” Wayne said. 

“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” — and counting. Because Saturday, everything came up roses for Smith’s sister Sharilyn and her husband Brent, co-owners with a tiny group of partners of Mystik Dan, the Man and the Dan of the hour.

“Such a neat story,” said big brother Wayne. “(Sharilyn and Brent) own the mom; they bred her four years ago and now here we are, four years later, and they’ve got the winner of the 150^th Kentucky Derby. Incredible.

“When I think about Brent and Sharilyn, just how humble they are and how genuine they are … they’re givers and for this to happen for them, it just makes me so proud of them and happy for them. At the end of the day, it couldn’t have happened to a better group (of owners).”

Sharilyn is a Captain Shreve High and Louisiana Tech business graduate (1989), a former Tech College of Business Distinguished Alumna of the Year and a valued member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Wayne graduated just a few years earlier, and if his name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the Tech Basketball program’s leader in assists for more than 30 years, a four-year starter at point guard on teams that went to a pair of NCAA Tournaments and an NIT.

Those old competitive juices were flowing Saturday when Mystik Dan headed down the stretch, stride for stride with Sierra Leone and Forever Young. It doesn’t matter that the next time Wayne Smith gets on a horse will be the first time: competition is competition.

“Lot of excitement,” he said. “I thought about when we won at Lamar (in 1984) to end their (homecourt) win streak (at 80 straight) and win the (Southland Conference) tournament, and then Reunion Arena (a loss in the Regional Semi-Finals in 1985). I guess for Mystik Dan, it’s like winning the national championship.

“You can only dream of something like this happening, and when it does, you’re grateful knowing it couldn’t have happened to a better team,” he said. “The Smith Family didn’t have a lot when we were growing up; I was born June 29, 1964, and Sharilyn was born June 28, 1968. She was my birthday present back then.”

And now, little sis has given him another present. One that he can’t open, but on that can’t ever be closed, either.

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