Date: 6-11-24 Name: Taylor R Law Address: Natchitoches, LA Race: Black Sex: Female Age: 29 Charge: Injuring public records, Fraud (insurance and vehicular related)
Date: 6-12-24 Name: Dustin V Lasyone Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 33 Charge: Identity theft
Date: 6-13-24 Name: Randall N Vines Address: Dodson, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 45 Charge: Possession of a schedule 2
Date: 6-13-24 Name: Leonard Leroy White lll Address: Hodge, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 30 Charge: Warrant
Date: 6-14-25 Name: Jeremy S Powell Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 38 Charge: Warrant, Illegal possession of stolen things
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: 6-13-24 Name: Christopher Caballero Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 22 Charge: Theft (<1,000)
Date: 6-15-24 Name: Gary S Lang Address: Homeless Race: White Sex: Male Age: 47 Charge: Theft (<1,000)
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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.
Jackie Lynn Johnson August 10, 1965 – June 7, 2024 Service: Services for Mr. Johnson took place Friday, June 14, 2024 at 2pm in the chapel of Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home (117 MLK Dr. Winnfield, La 71483). Interment held in the Winnfield City Cemetery.
Irene Austin Creasy February 18, 1930-June 11, 2024 Service: Services for Mrs.Creasy took place Saturday, June 15, 2024 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel. She will be laid to rest in Ferguson-Dennis Cemetery in Leesville among family.
Emile Joseph “Pat” Tinnerello, Jr. August 19, 1947-June 11, 2024 Service: The funeral services for Mr. Tinnerello took place Friday, June 14, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Pat Tinnerello will be laid to rest at the Garden of Memories.
Edna Lucille Wright Barron September 5, 1930-June 13, 2024. Service: Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Barron took place Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Zion Hill Cemetery. Interment will follow under the direction of Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield.
Dr. Frank Mobley December 29, 1934-June 12, 2024 Service: Funeral services for Mr. Mobley took place Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the First Baptist Church (of Winnfield). Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories.
Here is the 1982 team.Bottom: Perry Myles, Coach Joe Dosher, Head Coach Doug Moreau, Coach Herschel Machen, Marcel Mills, Rodger Williams, Roy Williams, Kevin Collins. Middle: Chester Brinson, David Foster, Benny Mitchell, Jon Zeagler, Jay Crooks, Coach Allen Parker. Top: Thomas King, Todd Wold, Coach Tony Acosta, Steve Canerday, Coach Andy Pyles, Johnny Williams.
Winnfield Senior High School has a proud history of winning football. And while teams have often mused, “We ought to get back together,” that hadn’t happened until last Saturday, June 8, when players and coaches of three teams that played in the Championship Game and the fourth that “slayed the giant” to claim the crown returned to WSHS.
Through the impetus and organization of Eddie Jenkins and Andy Pyles, working together with others with a vision of such a get-together, some 180 gathered in the WSHS activity room for an afternoon. Those teams were 1971 under Coach Joe Dosher, 1976 under Coach Larry Dauterive, 2011 under Coach Andy Pyles and the state champion team 1982 under Coach Doug Moreau.
There were a lot of handshakes and hugs and back-patting as players and coaches greeted one another, perhaps for the first time in decades. They’d gone through school together, bonded through this team sport and many had remained in or returned to their home community. But many others had followed their careers to other parts of the country and had a lot of catching up and “remember whens” with their old teammates.
WSHS Principal Chase Bartlett called the gathering “an amazing turnout, with so many represented across the years, over the miles. Players, coaches, principals, teachers…all part of one big family in Winnfield.” He also recognized “those who are no longer with us who helped in building Winnfield football to what it is now.”
Touching on the significance of the reunion, Bartlett noted that players grow and develop over their playing years to become a team. “But after football, life happens. We spread out over the country.” Still there’s a bond. “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.”
As part of the ceremony, each team gathered on the stage to pose for a photo, then made a presentation to their coach of a football commemorating their historic game and year that had been signed by all of the attending players.
A special presentation was also made in honor of two individuals whose lives played a large impact on Tiger Football. Those were Jerry Bamburg, with Jeanette Bamburg attending to accept the award and Randy Poisso, with Pat Poisso attending to accept the award.
Here is the 1971 team. Bottom: Hal Hickey, Randy Parker, Eddie Jenkins, Head Coach Joe Dosher, Leonard Jones, Gary Jones, Dr. Mark Shelton, Alan Carter Top: Dr. Paul Larson, James “Shoehorn” Johnson, Tucker Watts, Steve Adams, Claude Smart, Lionel Johnson, John C. Jones, Allen Berlin, Deano Thornton.
Here is the 1976 team. Bottom: Carl King, Jeffery Anderson, Head Coach Larry Dautrieve, Principal Hershel Machen, Coach Ricky Jordan, Bruce Holden, Lyn Bankston. Middle : Marty Harrell, Keith King, Steve Barnes, Charles Smith, Steve Cockerham, James Austin, Ricky Chatman. Top: Todd Roberts, Rankin Curry, Terry Joe Ramsey, George Moss, Kevin Poisso, Oberal Barnes, Gerald Hams, Buck Carter, Donnie Purser.
Here is the 2011 team. Bottom: John Shelton, Shelby Jones, Principal Jane Griffen, Thomas Little, Head Coach Andy Pyles, Coach Lyn Bankston, DeAndre Harden. Top: Coach Justin Durban, Coach Chase Bartlett, Coach Tommel Hamms, Chris Bush, Coach Scott Green, Taylor James.
Jerry Bamburg was honored for his contributions to Tiger Football through the years. Receiving a team-signed football from Coach Andy Pyles in Jerry’s honor is Jeanette Bamburg.
The gathering also honored Randy Poisso for his contributions to WSHS Football program. Receiving the honorary team-signed football from Coach Andy Pyles is Pat Poisso.
Monday morning on June 3 just after midnight, it was discovered that the old Creosote Plant Environmental Clean-up Project site, located on Front Street, had been entered through a gate that had the lock cut. It was further discovered that one of the clean-up companies on site was missing a Kubota industrial Off-Road ATV they had rented from HHR Services of Natchitoches. The estimated value of the equipment was approximately $20,000. Officers searched throughout the remainder of the morning with no success of finding the Kubota.
Sgt Brian Glenn of the Winnfield Police Department, night shift supervisor, had remained after shift change and was still searching the area after daylight when he came across a car that appeared wrecked and stuck on Howard Loop Road. As he drove up to offer assistance, the driver, a black male he knew from previous dealings as Joe Anderson Jr., ran into a wooded area. This was about the same time as the morning shift officers were responding to a call of a stolen car from the Winn Dialysis Center on West Court Street.
As a patient who had arrived to receive her dialysis treatment was being assisted into the facility by her son who had driven her there, an unknown person got into her vehicle and drove away. As officers radioed the information, Sgt Glenn realized he had driven upon the stolen vehicle. He called for assistance from the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Winn Chase Team. The dogs with the Chase Team led officers to the suspect’s location in the Briarwood apartments where he was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation that followed led to video footage that showed the suspect stealing the car at the dialysis center. Further investigation led to the recovery of the stolen ATV. Joe Anderson, Jr., of Winnfield was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Possession of Stolen Things valued over $5,000, less than $25,000. Both charges are major felonies punishable by up to 10 years at hard labor each. Anderson is on probation on past charges. He is currently being held in the Winn Parish Detention Center. No bond has been set as of this time.
Coaches of the four spotlighted teams are, from left, Doug Moreau (1982), Larry Dauterive (1976), Andy Pyles (2011) and Joe Dosher (1971).
When a roomful (180 folks by count) of former players, coaches, teachers, administrators and friends covering a four-decade range of WSHS football history, there’s bound to be some reminiscing. That happened June 8 when teams that played for the state championship in 1971, 1976, 1982 and 2011 gathered.
The Winn Parish Journal wandered through the crowd, asking individuals what “Tiger Football” had meant to them through those years. Readers may be interested in what they had to say:
Thomas King (1982). We had a winning history to protect. It was all about pride and discipline. Coach Moreau, he was the greatest coach. The team, we played together. We jelled with team spirit, with history and tradition. In 1982 we won the Championship. We went down and slayed the giant…John Curtis.
Marcel Mills (1982). I’d say teamwork and dedication. This isn’t just football, it’s life values…how to get along with people, how to make good decisions and do the right things. I went on to play ball at McNeese then had a 25-year career in law enforcement and corrections. Now I’m in the trucking business.
Johnny Williams (1982). Retired two and a half years ago, something I highly recommend.
Allen Berlin (1971). I was a sophomore on the 1971 team. They were a heck of a lot better than me. When you grow up in Winnfield, you don’t know anything else but football. Then you get to play ball with the people you grew up with. It was great.
Buck Carter (1976). I started playing in 7th grade under coach Machen and in 8th grade. In high school, Coach Dosher was our varsity coach. Through teamwork, we learned life lessons that I bring into my workplace today. To keep it all going, you have to work together. You’ve got to have a plan. You can never give up.
Coach Doug Moreau (1979-84). I’m thankful for Tommy Bankston for hiring me. I had a losing record at Marksville. He hired me despite that when I told him I wanted to go where people want to win state championships. (Moreau spoke of players stepping into leadership roles and through their attitude, guiding the players to perform as a team rather than individuals). Understand that regardless what you’ve achieved, your spiritual life is eternal. The most important thing is your relationship with the Lord. Material things in life drift away.
Steve Adams (1971). To me, this event is great. I’ve seen my own team, either they live around here or at our class reunion. But this is a chance to see the younger players, the guys who came after me. I know their names but hadn’t really seen and met them. I enjoy seeing everyone together, mixing and talking, Not knotting up in their own groups. Camaraderie.
John Zeagler (1982). I played in middle school and high school. Great teachers and coaches instilled in us a great culture of winning. There was a sign on the wall: “God First, Team second, Self Third.” I use that in my business. I also coached baseball for 11 years and used it there.
Chester Brinson (1982). Playing as a Tiger to me meant teamwork. That’s helped me in life. If you’re playing as a team, you always wanted to put everyone else first. I’ve worked as a mechanic at the Alexandria Post Office for 27 years.
Kevin Collins (1982). Winnfield football meant the world to me. It gave me ambition, like a job it game me something to focus on. It was my family when I needed one. I lost my father and went through a pretty bad depression. Winnfield football saved my life. I went to Northeast then finished at Grambling in Communications. I work with Fox TV.
Coach Larry Dauterive (1976). This was the best job I ever had. Winnfield has a great program. A small school yet we had four players at LSU at one time. (1979 Ricky Chatman, Jeffery Dale, Tommy Campbell and Kevin Poisso). Certificates fade. Trophies tarnish. Follow your voice.
On May 29 Officer Ashley Carpenter of the Winnfield Police Department, while making a traffic stop for an equipment violation, made an arrest for possession of illegal narcotics. While identifying the driver and explaining the reason for the stop, Carpenter became suspicious of the occupants and called for a K-9 unit. While awaiting for a K-9-unit, Officer Carpenter, along with her back up officer, Pedro Reynoza, were notified that one of the occupants, Robet Snelling, was wanted by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office for outstanding warrants.
Once Sgt Brian Glenn arrived with his K-9, he conducted an open-air sniff with the dog alerting on the driver’s side. This gave officers probable cause to search the vehicle. Discovered during the search was marijuana and methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia. There was another white, powdery substance that could not be identified initially, and with the threat of fentanyl that is available, it was secured and sealed for crime lab submission. The driver was also found to be in possession of containers of pills identified as Trazodone and Buspirone, both requiring a prescription to possess.
Tiffany Harrington Hale of Winnfield was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Legend Drugs without a prescription. She was sent to the Winn Parish Detention Center. Robert Snelling, also of Winnfield, was turned over to Winn Parish Deputies for their outstanding warrants.
The School Board will buy property east of Dodson High School for parking, following approval by the board at its June 3 meeting. The possible purchase had been discussed previously by the board. Supt. Alfred Simmons told members that appraisals on the land had been received at $50,000 and at $39, 000 and a negotiated price of $45,000 had been reached.
Discussion indicated that the area would be used for parking, both for students and for school activities. Money from the recently-approved bond sale will be available as soon as July and site improvements can begin. All funds for the project will come from the Dodson maintenance tax.
The board heard a report on the system’s revised consolidated budget for 2023-24 and accepted that budget. Business manager Jennifer Vidrine explained that it’s good news when a public body hears that the final figures are positive. The budget-planning process always has some educated guesses in their development, including putting together a year-end report when there is still a month remaining on the calendar.
This very issue came to discussion when the superintendent advised board members that the 2024-25 should be ready to view by July or perhaps August. Member reaction seemed to indicate they’d hoped to see numbers sooner. Simmons responded that no solid state funding figures will be available until school begins this fall and actual student attendance is verified. Accordingly, each school system must make an “educated guess” of what those figures will be.
“I’d love to believe our figures will be up,” Simmons said. But the truth is that statistics show a continuing downward trend. Only in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the 2005 northbound push of evacuees did Winn see an upward tick. His realistic anticipation is for fewer students (and less state Minimum Foundation funding) when school opens this fall.
Board members viewed one more uncertainty with a 2024-25 employee list in their folders. While certified teachers within the system were shown, blank spaces were in places where uncertified teachers had filled those spots this past year. The superintendent explained that school districts are mandated to try to fill all posts with certified teachers. However, if certified personnel cannot be located by school’s start, those uncertified may be hired. This could well be the same individuals who had those classroom places before, especially if requested by the principal.
A hall full of 4-H families and supporters filled the Civic Center with talk and personal energy Saturday night for the Winn 4-H Outdoor Skills Banquet.
Latecomers to Saturday night’s annual Winn 4-H Outdoor Skills Banquet had to look around to find a place at a table. Yes, there were empty chairs here and there at tables that filled the Winnfield Civic Center but no empty tables.
“I was moved to see the crowd that turned out at the banquet Saturday night, considering the way our economy is,” said county agent Donny Moon on Monday morning after the dust had settled. “The support for our local 4-H program is outstanding. Now these are Donny Moon’s words I’m saying when is tell you I thank God that I’m in a parish so supportive of this program of our youth and adults involved. Give the good Lord His due.”
This event is the one major fundraiser that helps keep Winn’s 4-H program at the top level in the state of student participation. The money is used for transportation, meals, in-state and out-of-state travel for student activities. “If a child needs help, the money is there,” says Moon. “If a kid in Winn Parish wants to go to an event but doesn’t have the means, we’ll make it happen thanks to the support this community shows.”
Moon launched the evening by thanking the 4-H staff, the students and their parents, the businesses and community for making the 4-H program here what it is. Then special presentations were made when two “Friends of 4-H” were awarded to families in honor of two individuals who made a positive impact on the program. Those individuals were Herman Castete and Chad Taylor.
In the fundraising effort, a row of tables running down one wall of the Civic Center was lined with beautifully decorated homemade cake, each with a bid sheet drawing names and increasing prices. Along the opposite wall another table was stacked with silent auction items that were also attracting a lot of interest.
At the end of the room nearest the kitchen, one last row of tables was loaded with the evening’s barbecue dinner: generous amounts of chicken, pork, sausage, baked beans, potato salad and dessert. As they say, “Anyone who left hungry had only themselves to blame.”
Winn’s 4-H members and leaders strive To Make the Best Better.
The family of Herman Castete gathers on the stage to receive the “Friends of 4-H” Award.
Onstage is the family of Chad Taylor as they accept the “Friends of 4-H” Award.
“Maggie’s Lemonade” was one of a number of youth-driven lemonade stands at Saturday’s Dugdemona SummerFest, vying to see who was the best in both taste and presentation. “I made it myself,” smiles Maggie.
Saturday’s sky was clear and the temperature had climbed to 95 degrees when the 8th annual Dugdemona SummerFest kicked off at 4 p.m. on Saturday. With all the brick and asphalt and concrete to focus the sun’s heat, it was pretty toasty around Main and Bevill streets where the band stage was set up yet folks were determined to have fun.
Shade was at a premium so it was no surprise that the Cornhole Tournament, mostly in the shadow of the tall Gates Building, drew a nice crowd. Cold lemonade from the numerous young vendors taking part in the Lemonade Stand Contest not only refreshed but made a little income for the youthful entrepreneurs.
Some of the more enthusiastic kids even brought cakes or cookies out to the street with hopes of selling to a passerby with a short sales pitch and a winning smile.
Vendors with traditional festival foods and crafts lined the streets and while the temperature finally cooled down some as the day wore on, exciting music from the soundstage continued to entertain, with Spencer Brunson, Deep Water Rehab, Josh Love Trio and La ROXX playing their sets.
The festival came to a close with its always-popular fireworks display. “And a good time was had by all.”
Structured game activities are available weekdays for children at the Moss Street Gym from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Summer Feeding Program is also available at the nearby Community Center.
Winnfield’s summer recreation and feeding program got underway this week for children ages 5 through 12 and will continue through July 26, according to city officials.
Although this has been a traditional part of the city’s summer activities, things got off to a rocky start when the City Council learned at its May meeting that Pine Belt Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency which has provided funding for the feeding program through the years had made a last-minute announcement they were pulling out.
Pat Bell and A.B. Hall made the report of Pine Belt’s decision to the council in hope that the city would fill that void. While Pine Belt had provided funding, activity coordination had been local.
The Recreation Program will be carried out weekdays at the Moss Street Gym from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. under adult and youth supervision. A variety of activities will include Arts & Crafts, Water Games and Fun Sports. Summer jobs are also available to graduating seniors.
Related is the Summer Feeding Program which offers breakfast from 8 until 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the nearby Community Center (Tommy G. Hamms Center, 703 Moss Street). While participating children are likely involved with Summer Recreation, it is not a requirement. There is no cost to the children.
