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.

Brenda Slayter Wise
November 1, 1961 – April 10, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mrs. Wise took place at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Hurricane Grove Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Hurricane Grove Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Dorothy Lee Johnson
September 22, 1944 – April 8, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mrs. Johnson took place at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Southern Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.

Flora Bell Bates
November 20, 1937 – April 10, 2025
Service:  Funeral services for Mrs. Bates took place at 11:30 AM in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Sanders Chapel Cemetery.  

Wesley Leo Crawford, Jr.
May 28, 1947 – April 12, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mr. Crawford will begin at 2:00 PM on Wednesday at the Southern Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Sanders Chapel Cemetery.

Randell Wayne Kelley
May 15, 1970 – April 6, 2025
Service: A private ceremony will be held for family and loved ones at a later time. Thank you. 

The impact of the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, housed in the museum on Winnfield’s Main Street, was verified Saturday night when literally busloads of visitors arrived for an early reception at the museum, then moved on to the Winnfield Civic Center for the annual banquet and induction of the seven newest members of the Hall of Fame.

The vast room was set elegantly to seat the estimated 300 guests who had traveled here to view the museum and honor the 2025 inductees.  Those seven bring to a total of 222 who now have their names and memorabilia enshrined in the Hall.  While the venue of the annual banquet has rotated, the first held in 1993 was in this same Civic Center with the likes of Gov. Jimmie Davis and Gov. Edwin Edwards taking part.

With the introductions, video presentations and acceptance talks, a lot of political insight was imparted on the audience, as well as praise for the local museum.  Of particular interest were the two local inductees, Winnfield native Max Kelley and “adopted” Winnfield native Carolyn Phillips, both instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Hall of Fame.

Excellent video presentations on each of the honorees were produced by Brent Chandler with audio easily heard throughout the building.  The clip of Kelley showed the young mayor standing in front of the tattered old L&A Railroad depot which had just been transported  from the south side of town to its present location.  He described his vision for this hall as it has now grown to be three decades later.

Appointed by Mayor Deano Thornton in 1993, Phillips served as the longtime director of the Louisiana Political Museum and described the up and down funding trials and battles to keep the institution afloat.  This was among the many hats she wore here, promoting tourism to promote Winn.

The largest entourage Saturday night belonged to Judge Marion F. Edwards, a Monroe native who ended up making a law career in Jefferson Parish.  He vocal supporters totaled more than 65.  Some humor was injected into his video presentation that included an old campaign clip when camera crew members asked, “Aren’t you Edwin’s brother?”  His short reply, “No, I am not.”

Also inducted were longterm 11th Judicial District DA Don M. Burkett; pioneer in Louisiana politics and public affairs Jimmy Foster Harris; political reporting and media advocacy journalist Marsha Shuler; and attorney Charles Weems for shaping the state’s legal, educational and civic landscapes.

Sometimes described as a “local treasure hidden in plain sight,” the museum housed in the old  L&A depot at 499 East Main Street has grown from its scant 1993 launch (Huey P. Longs 100th birthday celebration) to an overflowing showcase today.  A $1.2 million project soon in the works will combine the depot with the adjacent brick building into an impressive single facility.

Officials invite local residents, students and visitors to come tour the museum’s collection.

“Winn Main Street” thanked the many who contributed to the Inaugural Uncle Earl’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 held Saturday, March 22.  It was deemed a huge success, and such a fun-filled day.  

Each contestant was given 10 hot dogs to start off with. They had 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible and were required to eat them as a whole not separately. Fans gathered around the table to cheer on their favorite hot dog eating contestant. There were over 30 contestants competing between the different categories. The competition brought competitors from all over. This event is one that Winn Main Street hopes to make a tradition for years to come to coordinate with Uncle Earls Hog Dog Trials.  Those who have never been to the Hog Dog Trials, have missed out. This event is amazing with a fun-loving family atmosphere.       

 “We would like to give a shout out to Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trial, Inc. and Jake Loiacano for allowing us to work alongside their team to make this event part of a tradition,” organizers said. “We look forward to carrying on the tradition with you in the years to come! If you have never been out to Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials, put it on your calendar for next year because it’s something you don’t want to miss. Thank you to Sheriff Josh McAllister for being our announcer and David Loftin for capturing these moments for us. We would also like to thank Winnfield Physical Therapy and McManus Timber Co., Inc. for their donations toward the event. To the many volunteers who came out and helped set up the competition, sign up competitors and anything else that was needed…Thank you! It was truly a team effort that made this day special. Thank you, Nurse Kacie Smith, for being there to make sure all our competitors were safe. BJ Davis, thank you for cooking the hot dogs so our contest could be top notch! You did a jam-up job for us! Big shout out to Winn Parish Medical Center and Autumn Leaves Nursing Home for supplying the Hot Dogs. Sheaux Time Branding and Apparel we can’t say enough about the amazing Uncle Earl’s Hot Dog t-shirt. Thanks too to the Winn Parish Journal for this coverage. You guys took every idea we had and made it a reality! Of course, we can’t forget our competitors and their sponsors – without you there would have been no contest! Thank you to everyone for a great day!” organizers said.

The Hot Dog winners were as follows: Colton Boyce (12-15 year olds): 8 hot dogs – won Hot Dog Eating Championship Belt & $100; Cedar Dean Brister (16-18 year olds): 6 hot dogs – won Hot Dog Championship Medal & $150; Scott Lenard (Business – Big Easy): 9 hot dogs – won handmade wooden Hot Dog Trophy build by WSHS FFA; Michael Langley (Open Round): 13 hot dogs – won $500 and a year worth of bragging rights.

The committee also noted, “Thank you to everyone that submitted posters to our poster contest. We have some talented artists throughout Winn Parish.  We appreciate the parents who came out and brought their children to receive their prizes during the hot dog eating contest. We know it was hot, but y’all were a great crowd. Everyone who participated will receive a certificate for their poster and posters will be delivered back to their schools.”  The winners of the poster contest are as follows:

1st place: Hallie Jo Hubbard, Chloe Sierra, & Demontrez Sapp;  2nd place: Catherine Shell, Rylee Ingles, & Karmen Jewitt;  3rd place: Cooper Guilliams, Caroline Guilliams, Iris Rockett.

The Winn Parish School Board continued to move forward on two separate election issues through their actions at their regular April session Monday night.

The board will come together in a special-called meeting on Monday, April 14, to name an interim to serve in the District 6 seat until a special election is held this October. The resignation of member Michael Riffe was announced last week during the board’s committee session. The board is currently accepting letters from anyone interested in holding that temporary position but Supt. Al Simmons reported that none had been received prior to the meeting.  Submission deadline is tomorrow, April 10.

Discussion indicated that the board has no hard and fast policy on naming an interim member other than they “shall” appoint one by a 20-day deadline, Simmons said.  In the absence of board action, the governor would make that appointment.  President Joe Lynn Browning asked if the board would be bound by the submitted applications or could members make their own recommendations.

District Attorney Chris Nevils stepped in to suggest that in such situations, it’s not likely that there will be a number of interested parties and the board would do well to select someone who expresses their interest to serve.  But he agreed that as there is no firm policy, the board could handle the matter as seen fit.  The DA pointed out that if the issue ends up on the governor’s desk, he’d probably call the local superintendent for a recommendation.

The second election issue discussed involved the introduction of a resolution to call elections for the New Calvin School District and the Consolidated School District No. 12 (Winnfield and Atlanta), read aloud by Business Manager Jennifer Vidrine.  Monday’s action was the introduction with the election call to come at the board’s May 5 meeting.  If called, those elections would come in October.

Discussion showed that that no additional information on the proposed projects, costs or millage amounts were available at that point other than Vidrine’s report that the purpose of the elections would be to levy ad valorem taxes to service general obligation bonds.

And the board acted on the topic discussed a week earlier in committee on parishwide lawn care as the office will receive informal quotes for the ongoing maintenance work, likely to come in for specific properties rather than a single, parishwide estimate.  Simmons had been quizzed previously why these are considered “quotes” rather than “bids.”  He replied that the term “bid” is normally assigned to a large scale item or project.

Thanks to Kevin C. Shannahan

Longtime Winn parish civic leaders, the late James Maxwell “Max” Kelley and Carolyn Phillips, were among the seven honorees from throughout the state inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in its 33rd annual induction ceremony Saturday, April 5, at Winnfield’s Civic Center.

Winnfield’s Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame tells the story of the state’s oftentimes colorful political history with historical artifacts and memorabilia. The Hall of Fame honors those politicians and civic leaders who have made a particularly noteworthy mark on our state’s leadership scene. 

A Winnfield High School and NSU alumnus, “Max” Kelley was tirelessly dedicated to improving his hometown of Winnfield and preserving its unique place in our state’s history. At the age of 29, he became the youngest person to be elected mayor in Louisiana to that time. He was to leave a legacy of service and accomplishment. He played an integral role in founding the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and Museum, not only celebrating the city’s political heritage, but also preserving the Winnfield train depot. Maxwell co-chaired the 1993 centennial of Huey P. Long, perhaps Winnfield’s most well known resident. His promotion of Winnfield to filmmakers led to the 1988 filming of the movie “Blaze” in Winnfield. 

Much like her fellow inductee Kelley, Carolyn R. Phillips led a life of selfless service to her community that continues to this day. A resident of Winnfield since 1962, she served for 31 years as the 4-H agent and home economist with the LSU Cooperative Extension Service, enriching the lives of generations of young men and women. She also was a driving force behind the revival of the popular Louisiana Forest Festival and served as director of Winnfield’s Main Street Program. 

Phillips was chosen as the first executive director of the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and museum, a post she held for 28 years. It is no exaggeration to say that her leadership and personal sacrifice were integral to the museum’s survival and growth. 

This pair of community leaders has left an eclectic and lasting legacy to our region. They are eminently deserving of induction into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame.

Their fellow 2025 inductees were: Judge Marion F. Edwards, Jimmy “Jim” Harris, Charles S. “Charlie” Weems, Marsha Shuler, and Don M. Burkett. 

Josh Brister and Randy Harlan have successfully completed the Rapides Correctional Academy, reported Winn Parish Sheriff Josh McAllister. Over the course of an intensive 11-week program, both deputies demonstrated dedication and skill in their training which covered defensive tactics, firearms, legal protocols, chemical spray techniques, and physical fitness.

Throughout the academy, deputies Brister and Harlan excelled in each phase of the training, achieving the designation of “POST Certified Basic Correctional Peace Officers.” This certification signifies their preparedness to serve and protect, with the necessary expertise to carry out their duties effectively.

McAllister noted that one of his top priorities since taking office has been to quickly certify all deputies. In alignment with this goal, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office currently has two additional deputies undergoing training at the Alexandria Police Academy, with their graduation scheduled for May of this year.

The sheriff stressed the importance of a trained and qualified law enforcement team. He congratulated Brister and Harlan for their hard work and achievement, saying, “Their dedication to their training sets an outstanding example for us all, and I look forward to seeing them continue to excel, as with the entire department, in their commitment to the citizens of Winn Parish.”

Central Management Company, Lagniappe Rehabilitation and Lagniappe Homecare have announced their 16th annual Run for Your Life 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.  

On Saturday, May 3, they will host our annual run at Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site located at 135 Riverfront Street in Pineville.

Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Beginning in 2016, this group of community leaders began raising money and bringing awareness to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.  With last year’s donation, they have raised $101,000 to date for St. Jude and this year is promising to be our best year yet.

They encourage local participation by saying, “We would love for you all to join in our effort to make a difference in the lives of children and their families that are fighting against pediatric cancer!”

Join us, April 14-18, from 11:30am-12:30pm, at the First United Methodist Church of Winnfield (located at 300 W Main St) to share in the time of reflection, sacrifice, and renewal during our second annual Holy Week event.

Guests can expect to enjoy a soup, salad, dessert and fellowship followed by a different local pastor delivering a daily devotional prayer each day of the week.

Monday, April 14th: Father Louis Sklar-Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Tuesday, April 15th: Brother Shaun Garner-Winnfield First Assembly of God

Wednesday, April 16th: Brother Russell Jones-Christ Wesleyan Fellowship Church

Thursday, April 17th: Brother Mike Carpenter-Yankee Springs Baptist Church

Friday, April 18th: Brother Bruce Weatherford-New Jerusalem Baptist Church

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to receive reports from residents regarding scams targeting this community. Recently, there has been an uptick in scammers using a method that the office warned about last year. 

These scammers are posing as law enforcement officers and demanding that victims send money to avoid being arrested. In some cases, the scammers are utilizing caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though the call is coming from WPSO or other law enforcement agencies.

“Please be aware that the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office will never call and demand that someone pay money over the phone,” officials advise. “If you receive a phone call from a number that appears to be from the local office and are suspicious about the nature of the call, we strongly encourage you to take the following precautions.”

1. Ask for the caller’s name and their department.

2. Inform the caller that you will call them back.

3. Hang up and call the WPSO number to speak directly with the employee in question.

Officials urge you to remain skeptical when dealing with anyone who demands money from you over the phone. This is a common tactic used by scammers to pressure victims into paying money quickly.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office has received reports of scammers requesting payment via cryptocurrency or electronic funds transfers, such as Walmart or Western Union. These payment methods are highly irregular and would not be accepted by law enforcement offices. If anyone—whether an agency or debt collector—asks you to pay through these means, it is likely a scam.

If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam or have received a suspicious phone call, you are encouraged to contact the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately to report the incident. Your vigilance is vital in helping the Sheriff’s Office protect the residents of Winn Parish from fraud and deception.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and stay safe.

Goldonna Elementary Junior High School is proud to announce their Spring Honor Roll

Principal’s List

Layla Desadier

Saydee Flack

Piper Killingsworth

Amy Lee

Paul Zalien

Brinley Sampey

Awnah Schmidt

Devin Smith

Dillon Tebbetts

A Honor Roll

Haiden Black

Levi Brown

Silas Collinsworth

Anna Cotton

Jase Cotton

Brentlee Desadier

Willis Freeman

Zayden Marshall

Jaxon Martin

Shelby Persilver

Hunter Quinn

Stella Roseburg

Charles Sharrow

Ayden Smith

Victoria Stewart

Todd Lani

Karsyn Winn 

B Honor Roll

Alyssa Barbo

Henry Barnum

Kayden Bedgood

Siegen Bedgood

Nathan Black

Bryson Carter

Branson Choate

Daisy Choate

Eli Coker

Mackenzie Dodge

Brookelyn Garner

John Johnson 

Jace Lee Johnson

Aiden Leone

Carlee Martin

David Quick

Posey Riddle

Johnny Stewart

Waylon Tyler 

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

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.