The Louisiana State Police Troop E website posted that on June 20, at approximately 5:30 p.m., detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a deputy-involved shooting that occurred on St. John Street in Winnfield. 

Detectives are working to process the scene and gather further information.

One subject was shot and then transported to a local hospital. No deputies were harmed during the incident. This is an active investigation.  Further information will be released when it becomes available.

Anyone with related information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

In a significant crackdown on the local drug trade, the Winnfield Police Department executed a search warrant that led to the arrests of Christopher Hoskins Jr.,32, and Antonio Moore, 36, both of Winnfield. During the operation, officers recovered 264 grams of marijuana laced with fentanyl—a dangerous and often deadly combination—along with a firearm found in close proximity to the drugs.  

The seizure underscores the dual threat of armed drug trafficking and fentanyl contamination, a crisis that has claimed far too many lives in Winn Parish. Authorities warned that the presence of a weapon with illicit drugs significantly escalates the danger to the community.  

“This isn’t just about drugs—it’s about armed dealers pushing lethal substances onto our streets,” said officials. “Too many families have suffered tragic losses, and we will not stand by while this epidemic grows. Today’s operation is the first of many to come.”  

The Winnfield Police Department expressed gratitude to all officers involved, commending their bravery and commitment to removing illegal drugs and guns from the community.  Hoskins is charged with Possession of CDS 1 with intent to distribute, 3 counts of Illegal Use of CDS in the presence of persons under the age of 17, and Obstruction of Justice.  Moore faces charges of Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS and Resisting an Officer.  More charges are pending at this time.  Both are jailed at the Winnfield City Jail awaiting bond.

Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement as efforts continue to combat the drug crisis.  

On Monday, June 23, Winnfield Fire Department personnel conducted a live fire burn on Brown Street. 

Fire personnel used several hose lines, deck gun, and a device called a water curtain. The water curtain kept the fire from spreading to a nearby shed. The hoses and deck gun were used to keep the fire from spreading from the original area. 

The home owner had contacted the fire department earlier this year to allow for a live burn with the structure. This burn was used to allow department personnel to practice smoke reading, fire extinguishment, hazards associated with fire ground operations, apparatus placement, and other fire ground operations. 

The department thanked the home owner for the donation of three cases of bottled water and for allowing the fire department the opportunity to conduct the live burn on this property.

Property owners who have an older abandoned building that they think the Winnfield Fire Department may be able to do a live burn on are invited to contact the department by calling (318) 628-3923.

In light of the age-old issue of heavy trucks causing damage to parish roads, especially during wet conditions, the Winn Parish Police Jury in its June session took another look at an ordinance that’s been on the books since 1998 entitled “Abusive Use of Parish Roads Prohibited.”

Bringing up the discussion matter was President Frank McLaren who noted that the existing ordinance that states “road abuse” by vehicles is prohibited, outlining permits, rules and regulations for logging contractors.

This has always been a two-sided issue as the jury does its best to maintain road access for the public while logging of pine timber here is vital to the economy of Winn.  Juror Darrell Franks, himself part of that industry, pointed out that “instead of picking on just loggers,” the jury should include oil field, rock hauling and solid waste vehicles in its discussion.

Road Superintendent Perry Holmes observed that while loggers and oil field vehicles fall in the “permitted” category, the solid waste trucks are considered a service to residents and don’t required permits.  He went on to say that the problem is not across-the-board.  “There are good loggers and there are bad loggers.”

Juror Author Robinson, also in the logging business, agreed when he observed that “loggers have got to use some common sense.”

Franks added that “this is something we need to look at.  We need to keep our roads passable.  Folks here have to travel.”

Secretary/Treasurer Karen Tyler said that while some loggers clean up the site after job is completed, “some loggers abandon the site when they’re done, leaving the staging area a mess.”

There was no specific action from the discussion other than to remind haulers of the permit requirements of Ordinance 1 or 1998 and to encourage special care during wet road conditions.  Lawmakers did take the opportunity to thank the road crew for doing its best to keep roads up after damage occurs, whether manmade or weather-related.

Rotarian of the Day, Jennifer Vidrine, presented local Rotarians with representatives of NSU and the Louisiana School for Math, Sciences and the Arts [LSMSA] to inform them about a new project in Natchitoches called Innovation Park. Jill Leo is the Associate Director of Innovation at Northwestern and Dr. Steve Horton is the Executive Director of LSMSA as well as a member of the NSU faculty.

Ms. Leo spoke about the physical facility which will be constructed on a 12-acre site at the corner of U. S. Highways 1 and 6 near both NSU and LSMSA. The building and grounds will be a public-private investment of state, federal and private funding, and will feature the most current sustainable practices in building. They will include a conference center with a catering kitchen, art gallery, meeting rooms, lecture halls and classrooms, all available to the public as well as educational organizations.

Dr. Horton spoke about LSMSA’s plans for expanding students’ curricula by including hands-on instruction and practice for students unfamiliar with tools, construction, and the various trades we need for sustaining and improving our modern way of life. The program recognizes that children need to learn to work with their hands as well as their minds, learning to make things and repair things. Students will learn to actually build things as well as to use computer-assisted design, and to apply engineering and technology principles to making and fabricating things, tools and constructions.

Innovation Park facilities will also be available to members of the public within driving distance of the center. It will have “a small business development center on steroids,” according to Ms. Leo, as well as co-working and entrepreneurial support, career services, office spaces and collaborative spaces as well as meeting rooms available for rent by the day, week or month.

Free workshops on various business, construction and design subjects will be offered to the public as well as NSU and LSMSA. The small business center will help people plan and start their own businesses as well as help those already in business upgrade to the next level. There will also be assistance for the family business to incorporate later generations into the enterprise.

Information about Innovation Park may be found on the NSU website by clicking on the Office of Economic Development.

The annual Winnfield Senior High School reunion will be held this Saturday, June 28, reminds Jimmie Davies.

The coffee will be held that morning at the WSHS from 10 a.m. until noon. The banquet will be that evening at the Winnfield Civic Center beginning at 6 p.m. 

Saturday’s reunion activities will be hosted by the Class of 1975.

Presidential historians traditionally look for signal and defining moments in a presidential administration as a method by which to rank and place that president in history.  President Trump has just had one.

What happened?

In a secret operation that can only be described as outstanding, President Trump ordered Operation Midnight Hammer in which the U.S. Central Command conducted precision strikes in the middle of the night against three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, in order to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear program. Transporting these enormous “bunker buster” bombs that were dropped was a large B-2 bomber strike package.

 By all accounts, the result has been that the U.S. has, indeed, either completely obliterated or severely degraded the Iranian nuclear program.  

President Trump explained his decision stating that “for decades we have watched Iranian leaders and their supporters chant ‘death to Israel’ and ‘death to America.’  We have watched the Iranian government, funding its proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, deploy terrorism across the world.” Now, with the Israeli attack already well underway, the U.S. not only aided Israel, one of its closest allies in the world, but also eliminated the same nuclear threat to our own country. 

We should also recall that there is proof that Iran has tried to assassinate President Trump—that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intelligence that Iran ‘wants to kill’ Trump and was behind both assassination attempts on him.

Also, let me respectfully urge that this precise, tactical strike in Iran emphatically does not constitute embroiling the U.S. in another foreign war.  From what I’ve read, this only means that, in addition to the military equipment and intelligence with which we already provide Israel, we are assisting Israel with the use of these devastating bunker-buster bombs, reaching those deep places underground where Iranian scientists are working to enrich uranium with the goal of creating nuclear warheads.  Israel doesn’t possess a bomb with the capacity to reach that far down, and these Iranian nuclear facilities must be destroyed. 

President Trump now stands as a colossus on the world stage.  However, while he has re-asserted American military and foreign policy dominance with this strike in Iran, he also remains open to a negotiated end to this conflict.

As we watch this Iranian conflict unfold, I can’t help but recall the Afghanistan debacle under President Biden.  The arbitrary and capricious U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan stunned and angered many of our allies.  Remember, our allies over the last 20 years had made enormous investments, blood and resources, in the stabilization and peaceful coexistence of that country to prevent the very thing from happening that did happen—Afghanistan transitioning back to being a terrorist haven which threatens the entire civilized world, as well as the mass exodus of fleeing Afghans seeking emergency naturalization and settlement in the countries of our allies.  

As the Afghanistan debacle unfolded, with our government leaving billions of dollars of American military equipment behind to the Taliban, and as those huge American planes were taking off from that airport, loaded with people who were literally falling off of the airplanes as they took off, I remember thinking we are watching Afghanistan again devolve dangerously into a terrorist magnet ruled by the Taliban, and we are witnessing once again the timeless and immutable principle of history and nations that strength deters bad actors while weakness begets war.

I also recall that such an epic disaster in Afghanistan underscores the essential lesson of history that the only way to ensure peace is through strength.  As President Reagan said, “we know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak.  It is then that tyrants are tempted.” 

President Trump has seized this moment.  In so doing he has not only left a powerfully positive and indelible mark on his presidency, but he has also likely redirected the course of the world.  There is no force as great as that of unharnessed nuclear power and to allow a nuclear weapon to be developed and possessed by such a radical group of religious zealots as those that comprise the Iranian government—a weapon it would also, no doubt, share with other terrorist groups—is simply too grave a risk to the world. 

Our prayers are with you, Mr. President.  Please continue to decisively and permanently end this nuclear threat now. 

During the span of a lifetime, we are met with this question. For example, when is it time to change jobs, get married, have kids, or retire? Everyone has a different timeline for each of these questions. But the one thing we ALL want is the ability to make these decisions when we are ready and on our own terms. 

Everyone that has played a particular sport, especially at a high level, wants to walk away when they are ready, not when someone tells them they are no longer good enough. 

I’ve always wanted to be in control no matter what, and the one thing I’ve always told myself was, “When it’s no longer fun or I’m no longer competitive, it’s time to walk away.” I have applied this rule of thumb throughout my athletic career and will do so with regards to my fishing career. 

I’ve been fishing tournaments since the early 1990’s and have enjoyed almost every minute of it! Sure, there’ve been some ups and downs just like any other sport, but the friends I have made and the good times I’ve shared with so many can never be taken away. 

Another aspect I still enjoy today is trying to figure out how to catch bass. This never gets old for me. And the feeling I get when it all comes together for a tournament, well there’s just no better feeling in the world! It’s what motivates me and drives my competitive fire!

Over the years, people who don’t know or understand the sport of bass fishing think it is all luck. Nothing could be further from the truth because if that was the case, why are the same anglers always near the top of the standings?

They say luck is where preparation meets opportunity. I’m a firm believer in that saying because if you want to compete with the best anglers on any circuit, you have to do your homework and spend lots of time on the water. In bass fishing, “time on the water” is essential to being successful.

So, to answer the question of, “How do we know when it’s time?” – for me, it will be when I can no longer compete with the young guns of the tournament bass fishing world or when it’s no longer fun. 

But if all my fishing buddies continue to fish, I’ll still hang around. This has become the main reason I’m still competing today. I’ve been blessed with some of the best dudes an angler could ask for when it comes to travel partners. 

We’ve shared in some awesome times, ate some great meals and told a lot of fish stories, some true and some just pure lies! These same stories have been repeated time and time again and are told as if it was the first time we have ever heard them. But that’s ok, it’s all a part of the memories being made that make every trip special. 

One thing about tournament anglers, they are unique in many ways and are a little stingy when it comes to fishing information. We’ll try and help each other a little, but may not always reveal every detail on how we are catching fish. 

There’s also a great bond with all anglers that travel and stay together on the road. Each is always willing to help the other in their time of need, whether it’s a boat breakdown on the water or a blown trailer tire on the road. They are like the Marines; no man will be left behind!

This is why I’m still doing it at the age of 64 and will continue as long as my health is good, I can still get bites, and hopefully cash a check once in a while.

‘Til next time, here’s to wishing all anglers tight lines and good times fishing! 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.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.

Tucker Allen Higgs
June 17, 2025 – June 17, 2025

James “Jim” Woodard Barr
October 18, 1943 – June 19, 2025
Service: Services for Mr. Barr will be held at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield, LA on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Graveside service will be held immediately after at Garden of Memories (Winnfield, LA).

Barbara Louise Emmett
July 18, 1938 – June 22, 2025
Service: Services for Mrs. Emmett will begin with Visitation on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Yankee Springs Baptist Church from 9:00AM until time of services at 10:00AM. Interment will follow in the church cemetery after final services.

Parish engineer Henry Shuler reported to the Police Jury Monday major financial funding that is coming to Winn Parish, some which have been years in the making, others coming out of this legislative session.  He called this “fantastic news.  This is not normal funding.”

Shuler stressed that most of the legislative monies which will be directed at this small, rural parish is due to the efforts of Rep. Jack McFarland who chairs the House Appropriations Committee.  “This is an enormous amount of money…and it’s your tax money.  If it wasn’t coming here, it would be going to New Orleans.”

House Bill 460 has been approved by the House and Senate and awaits the signature of the governor.  Included are overlays for Cole Road ($97,000) and Mimosa Drive ($54,000).  There is also $1 million for overlay of Mars Hill Church Road, though Shuler pointed out that the road is so long that this large funding would cover just half.

A major, long-discussed project to see action due to HB460 is a pavilion to cover the Winn Parish Fairground rodeo arena ($975,000).  The engineer pointed out that while some may consider this fanciful spending, the arena is a major tourist draw, especially with Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials as well as rodeos during Parish Fair and Forest Festival.  “The facility needs work to keep it up.  If you don’t make improvements, you could lose a lot of what draws visitors to Winn.”

A second aspect to HB460 and the Fairgrounds is a $500,000 grant to provide water, sewer and electrical hookup spaces for about 50 campers to enhance tourism.  The bill also includes $200,000 for the parish to use for infrastructure, materials, equipment and acquisition.  Discussion indicated that other parish entities would benefit including the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office ($100,000 for equipment), City Marshal’s Office ($25,000 for equipment) and Backwoods Water System ($500,000 for needed improvements).  The jurors heard that this funding packing is all-grant with no required parish match.  

Other funding sources were also named by the engineer.  In the wake of Hurricanes Laura and Delta, the parish sought help for generators in key facilities across the parish.  That has finally come through after four years from FEMA through the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security for Hazard Mitigation with a $1 million package.  Included are generators for the courthouse, health unit, parish road barn, Winnfield booster station, Tannehill water system, Wheeling (booster and well), Dodson, Calvin, and Sikes (fire station and water treatment). 

Shuler reported that three bids came in for this multi-site project and one is within budget.  “I think we’re in good shape.”  The jury awarded the project to Hendry Electrical Services Inc. in the amount of $941,600. He added that residents can’t get their hopes up for a quick remedy, however.  Even though the bids are in-hand, it could take fully another year for delivery and installation.  “Another winter.  Another hurricane season.”

Another longstanding project is on the cusp.  Taylor Spangler reported for Swyft Fiber that the laying of fiber optics across Winn is in the near future.  This state-funded project targets small rural area to provide internet coverage where it hasn’t been before.  “We’ll be going down dirt roads where maybe there’s only on house at the end.”

He explained that Swyft is going through the permitting process and is open to communication from jurors and individuals as they move forward.  “We want to make sure we do things right.  This will start soon but AI can’t say exactly when.  We’re in the design phase.  But soon we’ll have boots on the ground.”

Secretary-treasurer Karen Tyler questioned the location and safety of waterlines during this boring process.  Spangler noted that some lines are so old that those who put them down are gone and there are no records.  “We’ll be counting on the water systems and individual homeowners to mark their lines.  He told the group that Swyft would bore the lines 10 feet.

“I’d like to add that we’re excited to be in Winn,” lawmakers heard.  “I want to point out that the ‘Big Boss’ (VP of Construction Jason Williams) is from here so we’ll make sure to do it right.”

Winn’s Police Jurors received a report on efforts to control the invasive giant salvinia on Saline Lake, part of which included the news that the drawdown, one of the control measures, should be about a month shorter than usual.  Dates for that were announced for July 7 through October 1 due to current conditions.

Kane Funkbeiner, aquatic plant control biologist manager, advised that the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries is using “all tools available” to control this unwelcome intruder.  They spray chemical controls as often as possible and have used contract applicators at times.  They also employ biological control, having introduced giant salvinia weevils about 10 years ago.  “They are not the ‘silver bullet’ but are providing some control and seem to have some impact.”

The department is also using mechanical control by placing control booms in some areas most prone to salvinia congestion such as boat ramp sites.  The booms help redirect the plants’ growth that would otherwise clog access for boats.  The final plan is the drawdown that attempts to disrupt the growth cycle.  Because of sportsmen, this option, while effective, is “the most contentious,” the biologist admits. 

The aggressive plant is difficult to control, ranging over 1,500 to 2,000 acres of lake’s 8,400 acres.  Part of the problem is difficult access in reaching isolated areas that need treatment.  Juror Stanley Garrett asked if boat lanes couldn’t be cut through the cypress to gain that access.  Funkbeiner replied that unlike clearing trees from land which could actually generate revenue, clearing from lakes is completely different and too costly to be feasible.

Juror Author Robinson asked about chemical control sprayed from helicopters.  He heard, too, that this is ineffective because most of the spray ends up in treetops or dispersed, with only a small percentage reaching the salvinia.

In other action, District Attorney Chris Nevils supplied jurors with his 18th annual audit report and was happy to announce maintaining a perfect record of “zero financial findings.”  He added “the Jury has always worked well with my office.”  He noted that while his Eighth Judicial District Office has lost some 99% of the monies that were available through the COVID years, “we have built back up to being in the black, mostly by cost cutbacks.  We appreciate your efforts to fund our needs.  I know that every penny you don’t have to spend on the DA’s Office you can spend on roads.”

Lawmakers also agreed to renew a five-year agreement to support and administer the Louisiana Cooperative Units off-campus.  “They do a good job down there,” observed president Frank McLaren.