Date: 4-25-25 Name: Brandie N Mendieta Address: Montgomery, LA Race: White Sex: Female Age: 41 Charge: Failure to Appear (warrants) (x7)
Date: 4-25-25 Name: Willie Henson Address: Atlanta, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 25 Charge: Failure to appear (probation and parole)
Date: 4-25-25 Name: Kent Jordan Address: Winnfield, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 67 Charge: DWI 92nd), Tail Lamps
Date: 4-27-25 Name: Michael Statham Address: Dodson, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 20 Charge: Criminal Damage to Property
Date: 4-28-25 Name: Charlene M Harper Address: Campti, LA Race: White Sex: Female Age: 42 Charge: Failure to appear (x2)
Date: 4-29-25 Name: Byron O Luc III Address: Homeless Race: White Sex: Male Age: 59 Charge: Vagrancy, Prohibited Acts (x2), Possession of Synthetic Cannabis
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: 4-22-25 Name: Tyron Raybon Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 23 Charge: Direct contempt of court
Date: 4-22-25 Name: Harry McKinney Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 64 Charge: Direct contempt of court
Date: 4-23-25 Name: Phyllis Beard Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Female Age: 54 Charge: Theft (warrant)
Date: 4-24-25 Name: Peggy Brown Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Female Age: 64 Charge:Aggravated Domestic Abuse Battery, Contraband, taking to and from Penal Institutions
Date: 4-24-25 Name: Dejoe Kimble Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 56 Charge: Aggravated Domestic Abuse battery
Date: 4-25-25 Name: Glenard T Jules Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 49 Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery, Child endangerment
Date: 4-27-25 Name: Elbert Higgs Address: Dodson, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: N/A Charge: Operating a vehicle under the influence, No Seat Belt
Date: 4-28-25 Name: Christopher Kelly Address: Marianna, AR Race: White Sex: Male Age: 45 Charge: Criminal Trespassing
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Donnie Lee “Red” Bonnette November 26, 1940 – April 21, 2025 Service: Funeral services for Mr. Bonnette took place Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM within Southern Funeral Home. Mr. Bonnette’s remains will be interred at Sanders Chapel Cemetery at a later time.
Linda Lou Dunn Barton August 27, 1941 – April 22, 2025 Service: A memorial service for Mrs. Barton is planned for Sunday, May 4, 2025, starting at 2 PM, within Beech Creek Cemetery. A confirmed date and time will be shared by the family once finalized.
Melinda Ruth Garrett June 26, 1944 – April 23, 2025 Service: Funeral services for Mrs. Garrett was held at the First Baptist Church Calvin, Beginning at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 27, 2025. Interment followed in the Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.
Claudia Connor Machen McBride February 24, 1939 – April 24, 2025 Service: Funeral services for Mrs. Machen-McBride took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Winnfield, at 2 PM. Interment followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Bud McFarland January 17, 1950 – April 26, 2025 Service: Funeral services for Mr. McFarland took place at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Tannehill. Interment followed in Zion Hill Cemetery.
Eugene Dale Skains, Jr., passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, of pancreatic cancer. He was born September 22, 1961, in Winnfield, LA, and was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Dale Skains, Sr., and Barbara Arakaki Skains, as well as his wife, Annette Brigance Skains.
Eugene was talented, loyal and passionate in many areas and his life journey was marked with intelligence, humor and compassion. He approached life with honesty and integrity. In early adulthood he worked at upscale restaurants and discovered a lasting passion for cooking that brought him much joy. He delighted in nourishing others while making them smile and laugh. And if you ever tasted his dishes, then you have experienced his love.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Winnfield and was of service as a handyman to help support the good works of that community. Eugene was also a devoted member of the MC Confederates motorcycle club and held leadership positions to promote the rights of motorcycle riders and to share camaraderie and love for riding and the open road.
Those who loved him deeply and miss him greatly include his son, Steven Skains and wife Britney of Malvern, PA, his grandchildren, Xander, Aniken and Zenna, his great grandchild, Jeriah, his siblings Russ Skains of Bossier, LA, Peggy Skains of American Canyon, CA, Fran Kilburg of San Diego, CA, Mary Munsinger of Berthoud, CO, Linda Fitzgerald of Winnfield, LA, his cherished partner Dee Carpenter, eight nieces and nephews and his best and devoted furry friend, Moe.
A celebration of life will be held on April 26th at the First Presbyterian Church located at 302 S Bevill in Winnfield at 2 p.m. with Dr. Elizabeth Foy officiating. In lieu of flowers please bring humorous stories and warm remembrances to share about Eugene.
The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrests of three individuals in connection with the recent homicide of a Winn Parish resident.
On April 9, deputies responded to a residence on Seay Road, where they discovered the body of 41-year-old Randell Kelley. Following an intensive investigation, investigators identified three suspects and obtained arrest warrants.
On April 17, Winn Parish Sheriff’s Deputies traveled to Morgan City where they apprehended the suspects without incident. All three individuals were transported to Winn Parish for booking.
The suspects are identified as:
Christian Campbell, 22, of Welch, LA.
Charges: First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and two counts of Obstruction of Justice.
Status: Booked into the Winn Parish Detention Center.
Amaney LaBouve, 19, of Welch, LA.
Charges: Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder, Accessory After the Fact to Attempted First Degree Murder, and Failure to Report the Commission of Certain Felonies.
Status: Booked into the Winn Parish Detention Center.
Matayla Jordan, 22, of Welch, LA.
Charge: Failure to Report the Commission of Certain Felonies.
Status: Booked into the Winnfield City Jail.
Sheriff Josh McAllister confirmed that the investigation remains active and that additional charges may be forthcoming.
“This case has been a priority for our office, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served,” said McAllister. “We thank the Morgan City Police Department and all assisting agencies for their cooperation in the apprehension of these suspects.”
Rotarian Scarlett Lee, left, brought guest speaker Dr. Bethany Citarella to the April 16 Rotary Club meeting.
Rotarian of the Day Scarlett Lee favored local Rotary Club members with special guest Dr. Bethany Citarella at their meeting on April 16. Dr. Citarella is a young and enthusiastic family medicine practitioner who sees patients at Winn Wellness Clinic housed in Winn Parish Medical Center.
Staff at Winn Wellness in addition to Dr. Citarella are Dr. Mark Shelton, general surgeon Dr. James Lee, Dr. Iglesias and podiatrist Dr. Cameron McMahen. Specialty services in the areas of wound care, nephrology, podiatry, cardiology, general and colorectal surgery, as well as pediatrics are available through the clinic.
Dr. Citarella sees patients of all ages and with all types of complaints. She also does hospitalist duty, emergency medicine and intensive care. Dr. Citarella also performs dermatological procedures. She is especially excited to announce that her offices, as well as those of the pediatric Nurse Practitioner, are moving from the hospital to 639 West Lafayette Street, offices previously occupied by Dr. Eric Dupree.
Citarella will be expanding her area of practice to include a focus on women’s healthcare with an emphasis on the patients’ overall health rather than just treating a single illness as it occurs. This is a type of functional medicine with the aim of helping patients improve their overall condition. The emphasis in functional medicine is often keyed on weight loss and improvement of physical condition, and developing individual programs to help patients improve chronic conditions.
Another particular concern she has is for people in the community who suffer from co-existing drug addiction and mental health problems, who need consistent and frequent follow-up as well as mental and physical therapy, and multiple social services.
This pile of scrap metal is what remains of the former railway warning signals by the Depot on Main Street.
Once there were two railroad crossing warning signals on Main Street by the Depot (Museum). Now there is just one.
This may not be a “fond loss” as residents may recall times that the warning bells would sometimes ring annoyingly for days on end when no train was in sight. This photograph appears in the Journal today because your online journal saw the pulled-up and discarded pole as creating an interesting photo opportunity.
Several weeks back, when rains were heavy and winds high, staff at the museum reported a vehicle that was apparently repeatedly running into the warning light pole (or the barricade protecting it) on the westbound lane of Main Street. City Police responded to the call but couldn’t find damage either to the pole or any vehicles involved.
The Journal is unclear of what happened in the interim. This scene is the result.
Many dressed in their Easter finest, hundreds of children amassed on Main Street between First United Methodist Church and the Farmers Market on Saturday, April 19, waiting for their moment to race onto the church lawn where an estimated 11,000 candy-filled plastic eggs were “hidden” for the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt.
When the word “Go!” was yelled, the stampede was on and no child went away empty-handed. To ensure the toddlers weren’t trampled in the frenzy, a special gated area had been prepared where the little ones could search with their parents and grandparents assisting to fill their bags or baskets.
The event was again termed a success, achieving that status through a real community effort. At least eight churches were all-in, including FUMC as well as South Winnfield Baptist, First Baptist, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic, Family Church, First Assembly, New Zion Baptist and Interfaith Haven. Civic organizations Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and Pilots helped out.
Activities for the children abounded in the blocked-off street and under the Farmers Market pavilion. There were Bounce Houses thanks to the Sheriff’s Office and City of Winnfield, adding to the fun. The Easter Bunny was on hand for photo opps with the children. Kids enjoyed face-painting and a seemingly-endless supply of homemade cakes kept coming in for the Cake Walk. A week-long scavenger hunt with daily clues came to a successful conclusion.
Jesse Phillips cooked lots of hotdogs and various groups provided all the needed supplies and condiments as well and chips and drinks. The event was coordination through the Louisiana Political Museum. The Winnfield Fire Department loaded one group of children after another for an exciting ride around the block with the siren sounding.
The Easter Egg Hunt brought the community together. And those involved hoped that not lost in all the scramble was the true meaning of Sunday’s Easter Day: that Christ Jesus had lived among us for a short while, had died on the Cross, was buried and rose again. All for us.
The Winn Parish Police Jury has often held that parish road maintenance is their key role. That premise was supported Monday night when much of the agenda centered on various aspects of road maintenance.
Discussion opened when District 5 resident Danny Sullivan asked jury help, reporting that a neighbor is blocking ditches (and the road) with equipment and debris, causing rain waters to flood down the road rather than the ditches. He asked that the equipment be moved from the ditches and parish graders be used to clean out the flow.
“I’d like the water to run down the ditches rather than the road. I don’t want the road to become impassible. I’m trying to do the right thing by bringing it up to you.” He cited other roads where work is needed. President Frank McLaren asked the road crew to look into the issue.
Secretary/treasurer Karen Tyler informed lawmakers that deadline on the 2026/27 Block Grant program is rapidly drawing near and while $1 million may be available, guidelines have changed so that the parish would face significant consulting and engineering fees itself. She added that another program has a later deadline that could allow demolition of dilapidated properties.
The jury approved assistance to the Village of Sikes for roadwork on a trash truck turnaround on Caney Street within the village limits. Since there was some debate on exactly where the turnaround should be, the jury agreed to first pinpoint that location.
The parish leaders also approved help for the Village of Calvin with pothole patching on Poole Street, 6th Street Loop, 7th Street and Front Street from 2nd Street to the dead end towards the east.
On another, there was discussion on how much time it would take from other roadwork but the jury did agree to help the Winn Parish School Board by cleaning out the ditch between the Middle School and the High School, running from the Technical College to behind the church on Hwy 501.
At question is the fact that the ditch is overgrown to the point that roots and entire trees will have to be moved. Jury members heard from Asst. Road Supt. Paul Hodnett that once conditions are dry enough, that work would should take only a few days.
Darrell Franks asked if an individual has the right to put a speed bump on a parish road. He heard that it is not allowed. Franks cited an instance where a road is “coming apart” after white rock has been hauled in.
McLaren added one more road issue, not so much on parish roads themselves but the problem of littering beside roads and in the woods. He reported that 22,500 pounds of litter were picked up in the recent Cleanup Day. “This amount proves the problem we have here in Winn.” He was not talking only of the occasional beer can tossed out a window but entire bags to trash thrown on roadsides and woods.
DA Chris Nevils noted that his office has prosecuted cases of “gross litter” whenever they come to court but these are often settled when the violator agrees to pick up their trash.
From left are veterans Jim Nicol, Dr. Bill Gaddis and John Bennett at Kiwanis meeting.
John Bennett, Marketing Representative 2, Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home, Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs spoke to the Kiwanis club, Tuesday, April 22. He was raised in Spearsville, LA.
He is U.S. Army, Chaplain Corps, Vietnam Combat Veteran and also U.S. Coast Guard Yeoman Career Field and Paralegal and a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University. The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs is Col. Carlton McGinley.
Winn Parish has 1,000 veterans which is a high percentage for a parish of middle to older size. In Louisiana there are 261, 000 veterans. Southern states have more veterans because they seem to serve more. There is the federal VA and each state has a VA. The state VAs help veterans to get benefits from the federal VA. Veterans have earned their benefits and should apply for them.
Fort Johnson, formerly Fort Polk, is still an active base. Barksdale was established in 1918 and is still going strong.
Bennett became a chaplain in the Army first and they do combat training just like all the soldiers. Instead of being sent to Fort Sill in Oklahoma after training he was sent to Vietnam with the Green Berets.
His job now is based at the Veterans Home in Monroe. He does marketing for VA Nursing Homes. If the reason a veteran needs to go to a nursing home is 70% service-connected then that individuals pays nothing. If it is less than 70% service connected then the veteran pays less than standard rates.
Louisiana has five state VA nursing homes. There are also five VA cemeteries where a veteran can be buried without paying anything. Every veteran should have a Veterans Health ID card which can get them treatment anywhere without a charge to them. The Pineville VA hospital is one of the oldest in the nation and there is no talk of closing it.
There are state benefits as well as federal benefits for veterans. Many veterans are unaware of all the benefits that are available and therefore do not take advantage of them.
Jennifer Loftin stands by a quilt carrying a history of Forest Festival tee shirt logos as part of the festival display at the museum.
The Louisiana Forest Festival will return to Winn Parish this Friday and Saturday, as organizers work to build back the event along the lines of its historic past, says festival board president Brad Cooper.
Forestry has been Winn’s top industry and its history and impact were celebrated with the creation of the Louisiana Forest Festival in 1949 when native son Earl K. Long was governor. But when state funding played out about five years later, so did the festival. It had been held in the fall in conjunction with the Parish Fair.
Local volunteers came together in 1979 to bring the festival back to life in the spring, the fourth weekend in April, and it’s been going strong since.
“We’re thankful for our many forestry-related sponsors who make the festival possible,” Cooper told the Journal. “We’re very excited to have some new sponsors this year as we focus on the 2025 theme, ‘The Future of Forestry.’ We’re bringing in sponsors, vendors and exhibitors who cater to these new trends in forestry.”
Included in the new arrivals are Crest Forestry Services and Duck Commander. Returning faithfuls include Walsh Timber, West Fraser, Weyerhaeuser, Doggett Machinery, Hunt Forest Products, Southern Logging, McManus Timber and Southern Logging Cooperative. (Cooper says a complete list is available on the Festival website laforestfestival.com).
The festival promises to offer a great line of vendors (32 in all, both food and non-food) as well as forest industry displays. And there will be plenty of fun for all.
Action opens downtown Friday afternoon when “Bed Races” will return to Main Street, brought back by the Kiwanis Club. Hoping for clear weather, planned start time is 5 p.m. The race will begin at First United Methodist Church, going down to Winnfield First Baptist then back up to FUMC. Last-minute entries may still be possible by calling Miranda Atkins at 318-548-7960.
(Look at the same time for children’s games set up at “The Stump” near the Post Office).
A 5K Walk/Run is the early morning launch Saturday to honor the memory of Chase McManus. This event will begin at the Fairgrounds Livestock Barn on Country Club Road in Winnfield at 7:30 a.m. (with registration at 7 a.m.) Registration on the day of the race will be $35 with all proceeds going to the CRM ATV Safety Fund. For details, contact Miranda Atkins at 318-548-7960.
Opening ceremonies will be held at 8 a.m. at the entertainment stage on the midway. Immediately following will be Cowboy Church at the stage.
Competitions for 4-H Woodmen’s Skills will commence at 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. (all non-mechanical). This will be followed at 11 a.m. by college competitions including Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech and University of Arkansas (Monticello) teams. The Professional Lumberjack Sports that follow has drawn 16 competitors for various chainsaw, cross cut, axe and springboard events.
Visitors can look for a Farmers Market, LifeShare Bus, Let It Fly Mobile Golf, a canopy tent Kids Section, school & church fundraisers, and Fire Department ladder truck display. Daytime musical performances will be offered from the midway entertainment stage by Kevin Crawford at 11 a.m. and Dylan Johns at 1 p.m.
Nighttime entertainment will be offered, too, at the Amphitheater. Gate fee will begin at 5 p.m. Entertainment will also begin at 5 with Dallas Coleman. Back 40 Band will perform at 6 p.m. and Spencer Brunson will conclude the musical entertainment at 7 p.m. Food will be available.
Forestry Students from the Central Louisiana Technical College (CLTC) participated in a Control Burn on the Austin Tree Farm in the Tannehill Community on Wednesday, April 16.
Conducting the burn was Glenn Austin, owner of the tract and forester and real estate agent with Forestland Associates and Kevin Daugherty, forester and broker with Forestland Associates.
Working with them were Valerie West (NW Region Forestry with LSU AgCenter) and Extension Research Assistant Kana Furukawa.
Students were trained in proper planning of a control burn by developing a “Burning Plan” prior to a burn explained Austin. The burn plan includes NOAA Weather Burn Forecast information which includes wind direction, relative humidity, and mixing height of smoke. The purpose of the control burn was to reduce fuel load which could result in a wildfire and also to improve wildlife habitat.
Students learned multiple methods of control burning which included back fire, strip firing, head fire, and spot firing. The students have completed a three-day prescribed burner course, but need five control burns to become a “Certified Burner” according to Louisiana Burn Laws. This was one of the five burns they need to be a Certified Burner.”
Southern Gospel artist Miles Pike will speak and sing at Sunday’s Homecoming serve at Calvary Baptist Church.
Pastor Norris Curry and congregation extend a public invitation to celebrate with Calvary Baptist Church at their annual Homecoming this Sunday, April 27, with a Homecoming service beginning at 10 a.m.
Southern Gospel artist Miles Pike will be the special guest speaker and singer. His music is described as inspirational and uplifting. Miles’ powerful voice has amazed and inspired listeners all around the nation. Miles has a five-octave vocal range and sings all the parts, from the lowest bass to high soprano notes.
He has been a regular feature on Ben Speer’s Stamps-Baxter School of Music DVD, being chosen all eight years in a row. The first three radio releases of this young artist have all been No. 1 hits on the Christian Voice Magazine/s Country Gospel Chart. In May 2011, Miles won the “Male Horizon” award at the Country Gospel Music Fan Awards as well as the “Young Excelling Individual” award at the Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards.
Miles will share the Gospel through song and word with great vocals, honest testimonies, humorous stories, and a worshipful attitude. The concert is free but a love offering for Miles Pike Ministry will be taken during this service. Following the 10 a.m. service, a Homecoming potluck covered dish lunch will be enjoyed in the Family Life Center, with all invited to attend.
Calvary Baptist Church is located at 2888 Hwy 64, Winnfield, Louisiana (about 13 miles east of Winnfield and about 8 miles west of Tullos).
Melrose, Louisiana – April 17, 2025 – Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on May 3rd from 9 am to 5 pm, and May 4th 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/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2025. Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite pottery, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable desserts, flashy fishing lures, 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 & Crafts Festival.
While exploring the diverse artistic displays, visitors can satisfy their culinary cravings at our carefully curated selection of local food vendors. Savor authentic wood-fired creations from Cane River Pizza Co., indulge in Girline’s beloved regional specialties, or enjoy delicious delights from Morrison Family Farms. These exceptional local purveyors ensure that your artistic journey is complemented by equally inspired flavors.
“Building on our proud legacy of showcasing regional talent, we’re excited to celebrate the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival,” said Leah Dunn, Executive Director. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend filled with artistic inspiration, ambient music, and the joy of supporting local artisans who continue our rich tradition of creativity, community, and craftsmanship.”
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence at the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!
Media Contact: Leah Dunn, Email: EmailMelrosePlantation@gmail.com
About the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 51 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 over five decades of artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.
