Date: 5-6-25 Name: Lori D. Broadway Address: Calvin , LA Race: White Sex: Female Age: 44 Charge: Direct Contempt of Court
Date: 5-6-25 Name: Christopher Jefferson Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 17 Charge: Theft, Prohibited Acts Schedule 2 (x2), Possession, Distribution
Date:5-7-25 Name: Shawn Lee Smith Address: Joyce, LA Race: White Sex: Male Age: 57 Charge: Direct Contempt of Court
Date: 5-7-25 Name: Michael D. Wells Address: Winnfield, La Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 68 Charge: Violation of Protective Order
Date:5-9-25 Name: Corey Williams Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 26 Charge: Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by Felon, Resisting an Officer
Date:5-9-25 Name: Ty’ Kerious Tyrell Holden Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 17 Charge: Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed, Resisting an Officer, Illegal use of Weapon, Possession of Schedule 1
Date:5-10-25 Name: Deangelo Dumars Address: Winnfield ,LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 27 Charge: Direct Contempt of Court
Date:5-10-25 Name: Decortez Staves Address: Winnfield, LA Race: Black Sex: Male Age: 26 Charge: Simple Criminal Damage to Property, Felony Hit and Run, Accident Reports
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.
Carol Jean Brewton Brooks September 16, 1938 – May 5, 2025 Service: A graveside service for Mrs.Brooks took place May 10th, 11AM, within the Garden of Memories cemetery of Winnfield.
James ‘Leon’ Carter March 23, 1942 – May 9, 2025 Service: Services for Mr. Carter took place Monday, May 12, 2025, at 2:00PM at Midway Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Louisiana.
Marlene Guiles Perow October 14, 1933 – May 12, 2025 Service: Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Perow will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Bethlehem Cemetery. Interment will follow under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.
Huey D. Caskey, Sr December 9, 1932 – May 9, 2025 Services: Funeral services for Mr. Caskey was held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Antioch Community Church, Brewton’s Mill, Louisiana. Interment will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.
The City of Winnfield has posted a Public Notice on its Facebook Page indicating a Sunday Water Main Replacement, Road Closure and City-Wide Water Shutdown. It reads:
“The City Water Department will begin work to replace an 8-inch water main in front of 415 S. Bevill Street this Sunday, May 11, starting at 6:45 a.m.
“Road Closure: S. Bevill St. will be closed from the intersection of East South Ave. and S. Bevill St. to the intersection of S. Bevill St. and Front St. from 7 a.m. Sunday until the work is complete.
“City-Wide Water Shutdown & Boil Advisory: Beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, a city-wide water shutdown will occur until early Monday morning. A boil advisory will also be in effect until further notice once the water is shut down.”
The 28th annual Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival is this weekend and the organizers are calling it the biggest and best ever.
“We’ve already sold more advance tickets than we’ve ever sold at this point”, said festival Chairman Rodney Harrington, “many purchasers are from hundreds of miles away!”
According to Harrington, the excitement stems from the fact that country music superstar Gretchen Wilson is headlining and going to be appearing Saturday night, but also there’s lots of interest in the legendary funk-R&B pioneers Bar-Kays out of Memphis, TN and many of the other acts that are going to be appearing.
“People love the diverse and eclectic variety of the music we present”, said entertainment committee member Greg Burke, “from Bluegrass to gospel, country, to rock & roll, soul, blues, and of course jazz and R&B, we have it all!”
The town is also abuzz about Friday night’s “Tribute to Legends” lineup. Which includes the iconic Bon Jovi tribute band, Bad Medicine out of Atlanta, Georgia, followed by the Amazing Taylor Swift tribute out of Dallas, TX, “Lovers: An Eras Tour Experience”.
In fact, there is going to be a Taylor Swift “Taygate” at Flying Heart Brewery Thursday evening beginning at 6:00 where participants will be able to play Swift related games, sing songs, and participate in other Swifty activities, costumes are encouraged and there will be a costume contest with prizes awarded.
Advanced ticket purchasers to this weekend’s festival will be included in a Steel Magnolias Getaway Giveaway drawing, the winner of which drawing will receive 2 nights at the Steel Magnolia House, along with meals, a Riverboat ride, gift certificates and much more, a value of over $1,000!
All advanced ticket purchasers will be included in the drawing. For a full lineup and ticket information go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com
The three seniors on the Calvin High School Lady Cougars Class C State Champion softball team are Kyleigh Blundell, Mattie Barnes, and Haley Martin.
The Calvin High School Lady Cougars rallied late in the game for a 2-1 comeback win over Claiborne Christian in Sulphur to clinch their seventh Class C state championship in the Sunday, May 4, final.
The win capped a “really good season” for the players, the school and the community, assistant coach Brian Griffin told the Journal. “We overcame injuries but were a 9-seed going into the tournament. We hadn’t even won district and they called us a ‘Cinderella’ team. But we never believed that. We had the right material.”
Griffin explained that especially in the second half of the season, the Lady Cougars had depended on their hitting. En route to the finals, they had to defeat the No. 1 ranked team, Family Christian of Baton Rouge…and did so. In the semifinals, they put 6 runs on the board but that was enough to eke out a 6-5 win over Summerfield.
In the Championship game, however, Calvin faced the best pitching they had come up against all season. Calvin had actually faced this pitcher during the Quitman Tournament back in March and had hit her for 10 runs. However their hitting didn’t show up on Sunday. But the team’s determination did show, said Griffin, with “tremendous defense, 15 strikeouts of our own and only one error that didn’t harm us.”
Even so, as the Lady Cougars came to bat in the 6th inning, they trailed 0-1. “Coach Cody Martin changed our strategy and we went to ‘small ball,’ or bunting. We were able to tie up the game 1-1 in that inning.”
Calvin continue that strategy into the 7th and final inning of the game. A popup put a runner on base and batters bunted her home for their 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the 7th, CHS pitching struck out the side and that 2-1 lead turned into a 2-1 win and another State Championship for the Ladies.
With the CHS Cougar mascot are coach Cody Martin and assistants JoAnn Taylor and Brian Griffin.
Calvin High School Lady Cougars, 2025 Class C State Champions
On April 22, corrections staff at the Winn Parish Detention Center successfully intercepted a package containing contraband that was intended for delivery to an inmate.
During routine inspection procedures, staff observed signs that the package had been tampered with. Upon further examination, approximately 15 Suboxone strips were discovered concealed within the contents. Suboxone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, and possession without a valid prescription is a felony offense.
The introduction of contraband into a correctional facility is also a felony under Louisiana law. Following the discovery, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the origins of the package and the individuals responsible.
Sheriff Josh McAllister praised the vigilance and professionalism of the detention center staff:
“I want to commend our corrections personnel for their attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment. Their diligence continues to play a critical role in protecting the welfare of both inmates and staff. Every attempt to smuggle illegal substances or contraband into our facility will be fully investigated, and those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
The Winn Parish School Board used Winnfield Middle School as its site for the Employee Retirement event held Monday. They stayed there in the library for their regular monthly meeting.
Following hours of questions and debate around the meeting table, first in committee session a week earlier then at their May session Monday, the Winn Parish School Board has drawn up a wish list for the superintendent, asking for 10 additional educators for Winn schools this fall.
And while all parties seemed to agree with the prospect of granting principals all the teachers they want, discussion around the table perhaps paralleled the adage of “an irresistible force meeting an immovable object.”
The cost to the Winn district of each teacher would run $50,000 once salary, retirement and insurance is added in, Supt. Al Simmons informed members. “Where are we going to get the money?” asked President Joe Lynn Browning. “We have a broke budget. Somebody’s got to pay for it.”
Simmons said that “somebody” is not going to be the State of Louisiana. All Winn will receive is the annual Minimum Foundation monies which are not growing. Steve Vines who had brought the issue before the board Monday said that surrounding parishes which also operate on MFP monies have better student/teacher ratios in the classrooms.
Simmons countered that these others have mills or other tax factors providing a funding base for addition hire. Winn has two sales taxes dedicated primarily to benefit school employees but they are for existing employees rather than new hires.
Vines had opened discussion by asking for three additional teachers at WSHS and WMS. He read through numbers suggesting top-heavy employment at the Central Office while the high school has seen three teacher slots eliminated since 2021 (with maybe another cut next fall), despite maintaining student enrollment around the 350 level. He contended that this is a “need,” not a “want.”
“We’ve hired this man (the superintendent) to run the system,” said Browning. “We can’t mandate him to hire unless we can find the money.” Underwood agreed that if the board puts its budget in the red, “the state will be up here.” Dan Taylor came back with “we’ve got to sit down as a board to look at the budget to see what we, as a united body, can do.”
“The most important thing we can do is staffing,” said Lacy McManus. “Make the money work for our students.” Michelle Carpenter observed. “Something has to be done but right now, we don’t know what.” She added for educators and staffers in attendance, “We are listening.”
Members agreed that they should start now, “not waiting until September,” to look at and understand the system’s monies and budget. The board has previously heard that its legislated responsibility is to produce a balanced budget annually.
The board voted to add three teachers are WSHS, three at WMS, two at WPS, one at DHS and one at CHS.
Deputies with the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael D. Shows, a resident of Montgomery, LA, on Wednesday, April 30, after pursuit through the woods with K-9 units. Shows was wanted on multiple felony warrants including Domestic Abuse with Strangulation, False Imprisonment, and Terrorizing.
The Sheriff’s Office received information that Shows was operating a motorcycle in the St. Maurice area. Deputies responded to the location, and upon observing law enforcement, Shows abandoned the motorcycle in a ditch along U.S. Highway 71 and fled into the nearby woods on foot.
Deputies from the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to assist, along with members of the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Chase Team. After a brief search using K-9 units, Shows was located in the woods and taken into custody without incident.
During a search of the suspect, deputies discovered suspected methamphetamine in his pocket. Shows was transported to the Winn Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on his outstanding warrants in addition to new charges of Resisting Arrest by Flight and Possession of Schedule II Narcotics.
Sheriff Josh McAllister praised the cooperation between agencies, stating, “It’s vital for surrounding agencies to collaborate to ensure public safety. Since taking office, we’ve worked closely with neighboring parishes to apprehend numerous suspects involved in criminal activity.” He thanked the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and all officers involved for their swift response.
The most recent addition to the City Police traffic photo enforcement program has been placed near the south entrance to town
About the time local drivers have gotten used to the City Police Star Wars “Strider” style speed-monitoring device on Hwy 167 on the north side of town, they’ve found he has a coworker on the south end.
City police have reported fewer accidents between Donut Palace near where the speed limit slows from 45 mph to 35 mph and the lighted intersection of Hwy 84 at McDonald’s since the traffic camera was installed.
Now the second traffic camera has been installed on Hwy 167 on the south end of town near the former Delta Tires location at the bottom of the overpass bridge. Hand-held monitors operated by police officers continue to be used on Grove Street around the City Recreation Center.
Advisory signs cautioning motorists devises are in use are posted in all three locations. The department cites safety as the driving force behind the program.
The speed-monitoring camera at the north end of town is more familiar to drivers
Signs advise drivers where photo enforcement is employed
Honored retirees are seated Trena Short, Dana Grant, Anita Edwards and Margie Joe. Standing are Lyn Bankston, Tammy Martin, Margaret Reed and Jeannie Byon. Not shown are Pamela Cheek and Anna Martin.
Educators, friends and family gathered Monday afternoon at Winnfield Middle School to celebrate careers spanning 274 years of what Supt. Al Simmons termed “the entire spectrum of education” at the annual Employee Retirement reception.
Simmons noted that in a work environment today when employees generally work through several different jobs during their lifetimes, it’s rewarding to see those in education who have stayed the course for 20, 30 or 40 years, many here in Winn’s district.
Calvin High School Principal Justin Tinsley praised the 33 years that Tammy Martin invested in the safety, nurturing and career-building of young students at the school in which she gave them the opportunity to grow. With degrees from NSU and La Tech, she not only taught but led the 4-H Junior Club for 25 years. In all, she taught under six different principals.
Dodson High School Principal Wendy Miller regretted that Pamela Cheek was unable to attend the event. She retired in August after 30 years of service. Hers was a “heart of gold,” said Miller, always punctual, having missed only one day last year. “She was there for the kids and everyone who needed her.”
Winnfield Primary School Principal James King said Dana Grant loves children and family. She retired with 36 years in teaching, with 22 here after beginning her career in Caldwell Parish. Hers was a real passion that King described as “100-to-nothing to ensure that Winnfield Primary and its students are where they should be.”
King also boasted on Margaret Reed who worked 33 years as an educator in special education, starting in Bossier but mostly here. She carried her passion to summer where she worked 10 years with Special Olympics, 10 years as coordinator. “She was always early, arriving at 5:45 every morning. She let in the Orkin man.”
Winn Middle School Principal Brian Savell described Lyn Bankston as professional, a man who takes care of business. He had two careers, coming into education 15 years ago. “Since he decided to get his teaching certificate, it has been great for our students. When Coach Bankston talks, people listen. He has touched student lives.”
Savell said Anna Martin was unable to attend Monday but that in her 27 years of service, “she wore many hats. She will be missed.”
Aaron Durbin spoke for the faithfulness of school bus drive Trena Short who, stationed out of the Winnfield Middle School pool, “always took care of arrangements whenever she couldn’t come in.” She safely brought children to and from school for 15 years.
Winnfield Senior High School Principal Chase Bartlett called Monday a “remarkable milestone” for Margie Joe who was “more than a custodian but a friendly face that brightened the hallways, ensuring that our environment was both clean and welcoming. She touched lives with a word of encouragement, a smile, a sense of community.”
For the Central Office, Simmons explained that Jeannie Byon was always upbeat at work, no matter what may have been going on around her. With nearly 30 years in education, she began as a paraprofessional at Atlanta High School, she moved into Special Education then into the Federal Program at the Central Office, always “encouraging people to be the best they can be for the Lord.”
Simmons said that Anita Edwards, with a 30-year career as a speech and language pathologist, was unchangingly pleasant and cheerful. “She gave her attention to the children who need it, always willing to work, always happy about what she did.”
Winner with Campbell family, from left Micki Campbell Batlett, Tenna Campbell, recipient Joseph Wheelus, Patrick Campbell and Pam Campbell.
The first order of business of the May 1 meeting of the North Louisiana Vintage Tractor Club was presentation of the club’s annual scholarship, triple their traditional amount plus a packed-house attendance because the 2025 scholarship was awarded in memory of charter member Bill Campbell.
President Barry Howard explained the club was formed in the fall of 2003 by a group of people who had a common interest in restoring, preserving and showing vintage tractors and equipment. The club has grown to have members not only in North and Central Louisiana but other states as well. Family-oriented, offering good clean fun and fellowship for all, this regional club is a member of Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association.
“We are Branch #179,” said Howard. “Our mission is to educate the general public of Vintage Tractors and Equipment, while safety is our priority. Bill Campbell passed away September 24 last year. Bill was a charter member and served as Vice President for 17 years. He served many years as Safety Officer and was very good mechanic, mentor and active member until his health failed.”
Campbell’s family was present for the presentation of the scholarship. His wife Tenna lives in Colfax. Daughter Micki Campbell Bartlett, son Patrick and his wife Pam drove down from Sheridan, AR, for the occasion. “It was a real tribute to their Dad,” said Howard.
The 2025 North LA Vintage Tractor Club scholarship in memory of Bill Campbell was awarded to a Ruston High School graduate, Joseph Wheelus. Joseph has completed 5 semesters in the school’s FFA Ag shop learning to troubleshoot and rewire control panels. He will be attending Northwest Louisiana Community College in Minden where he has set his sights on a degree in electrical automation and instrumentation. Joseph said that he doesn’t start something that he doesn’t finish.
North LA Vintage Tractor Club traditionally awards a $500 scholarship annually. But this time due to the special nature of the memorial, the Bill Campbell family donated $500 more while various club members added $500, making a total of $1,500. Members wished the young man well with hopes that this scholarship will enhance his further education. The club Scholarship Committee is Jen & Jeff Stipek and Andy & Shelia Frost.
During the club’s business session, members discussed their annual Spring Tractor Ride. Howard explains, “This year we will be riding approximately 50 miles. Plans are to begin at Joel Bryant’s shop, travel to Donnie Lasyone’s camp, have a catfish lunch and head back to the beginning. Mind you, this not a straight route. We will be traveling the backroads. The reason for this is so our tractor drivers can see God’s creation. A person can see a lot by traveling in a car. But on a tractor, one can see things that you can’t see in a car, getting closer to nature and letting the wind blow against you. And then just riding and waiting to find a member stalled on the side of the road. That gives us something to talk about or rag the member. That’s what makes it good clean fun. As president of the club, I’ve been there and believe me they will their fun.”
The North LA Vintage Tractor Club meets the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Mama’s Iron Skillet in Winnfield . They encourage Winn Parish Journal readers to visit their website: www.NLVTC.net
North LA Vintage Tractor Club president Barry Howard congratulates scholarship winner Joseph Wheelus of Ruston.
Club member Joel Bryant stands by his “friendly restored” 1957 Farmall 450.
The 2025 Winnfield Senior High School reunion coffee and banquet will be held Saturday, June 28, not June 21 as was stated in the recent registration forms that went out to alumni, organizers announced this week as the popular event fast approaches.
The annual high school reunion will be hosted by the 1975 class with a coffee from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, June 28, at the Winnfield Senior High School activity room.
The banquet will be held that evening at the Winnfield Civic Center located on the fairgrounds with a social hour from 5 until 6 p.m. and the banquet itself beginning at 6 p.m.
Anyone who has not received a registration form and wishes to attend should contact Jimmie Frazier Davies at 318-628-0540 or by emailing her at jimmiedavies380@gmail.com.
Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Winnfield this year will be a western inspiration, announced Children’s Minister Theresa Creel.
With “Yee-Haw” as their theme, kids will “saddle up” for trailblazing fun. At Yee-Haw VBS, kids will kick up their heels as they stampede through the wild frontier. Leaders will venture deep into Scripture for Bible-learning that sticks long after the VBS adventure ends. Every song, game, hands-on experience, and Bible adventure points kids toward important truths from the Bible.
So, get those boots and cowboy hats ready. Yee-Haw VBS at FBC will celebrate God’s Greatest Gift from June 1 through June 4 each evening from 5 until 7:30 p.m. Children ages 3 years through 6th Grade are invited to attend.
Unfortunately, young people often don’t recognize abusive behavior, suggests Winn’s DART advocate Annie Goods.
”In fact, 57 percent of college students say it’s difficult to identify dating abuse. Abuse often starts subtly, so victims don’t realize they’re in a situation that could escalate toward violence. And even when it’s recognized, survivors don’t know where to turn, and friends don’t know what to do.”
She notes that while more than half of college women know a friend who has experienced violence or abuse in a relationship, 58 percent say they don’t know how to help. In addition, students who have experienced abuse when they were younger may find that it continues. Violence in high school relationships carries over to college.
And if violence is present in a person’s first relationships, it can present larger barriers to trying to figure out how to have a healthy relationship after that. Even more so, if it’s a first sexual relationship, that such a defining experience for a young person. They may wonder, “How do I have healthy sex with someone? How do I have a healthy relationship with someone?”
Many college students are living away from home for the first time, the advocate says. “So, they may feel isolated since they don’t have the in-person support from their family and peer group that had when they were younger. Along with fear of the abuser, college students may be afraid that their parents will find out about their relationship, their friends won’t support them or their school won’t understand.”
