The Winn Parish School Board has rejected a proposal from the City Police Department of place speed cameras inside school zones. The action took place Monday during the board’s July committee session.

Supt. Al Simmons said Assistant Police Chief Charles Curry had contacted him four or five weeks ago, requesting to make the presentation. Responses from several members indicated there was resistance to the offer from the outset.

The School Zone presentation came in light of the state legislature Act 107 in spring session outlawing the use of fixed-mounted cameras to monitor vehicle speeds.  That law goes into effect August 1.  In the local cases, the license plate information was transmitted to Meta Traffic, a Harrisonburg-based company, with the results reviewed monthly by the local department before the company mails out bills.  The company kept a share and the department received a share.

The exception in the legislation allows the speed monitoring practice to continue for safety purposes within school zones only, with approval from the local school boards.  Monday night’s proposal to the board was an offer to the board a percentage of the fines received.  That amount was not insignificant in that Curry said the department since mid-October last year had received $270,539 after Meta had taken its portion.

During that time, some 27,383 speed violations were detected by the Meta devices.  However, that information comes back to the department for review and just 14,662 citations were sent out.  Another 2,000 were waived and 6,897 rejected.  “We didn’t want to trouble the elderly, disabled, medical personnel or first responders,” Curry told the Journal.  There were 4,943 citations paid.

“We’re using the money to update the department’s equipment and more to bring us into the 21st century,” the assistant chief said, explaining that the revenues weren’t simply being stockpiled.  He reported that the two monitoring devices (one on the five-lane near the donut shop to the north and the second near the tire store to the south) have slowed traffic and reduced accidents.  “Ours are for safety.  Unlike some villages, we don’t do this just for the money.”

But questions from members indicated they might not be on board, despite revenue possibilities.  Lance Underwood questioned why sheriff’s deputies were handling traffic control at the high school when that had been done by the city.  Curry replied that manpower and city funding are part of the problem that the fines help offset.

Joe Llaine Long questioned Curry’s point that if the board didn’t agree to the revenue sharing by okaying the School Zone plan, the department could set up the speed monitors regardless.  District Attorney Chris Nevils, present at the superintendent’s invitation, objected by noting “the law specifies that municipalities cannot do this without a school board’s approval.”

He said he attended the City Council meeting a year ago when Jeremy Fuqua of Meta made his first presentation on the speed monitoring program.  He advised against this third party arrangement, saying district attorneys across the state have viewed studies and concluded that the camera-control methods with the delayed billing involved and a complicated and review-free process does not impact speeding.

He told the board that while the system is not illegal, he did use the term “scam, a tax on older people who are scared of the government.”  He added that the bill itself is so confusing, his office is “buried by calls, estimating a monthly cost of $10,000 to $20,000 lost in employee time.  He suggested that those calls would begin coming to the school board.  He did laud Curry’s efforts in reviewing Meta’s filings.

With a motion by Dan Taylor and second by Harry Scott, the board voted not to enter an agreement with the City Police Department.

---

A tax issue for school improvements at Calvin High School will likely be part of the business action of the Winn Parish School Board when they meet in August session next Monday.

The matter was discussed in general terms this past Monday in committee session when members were given figures that could determine how they might wish to move forward, perhaps at 20-years for “30ish mills” or 10 years at 20 mills.  Those details would be part of the regular meeting action while discussion of how that money would be spent would later be detailed for the public.

But discussion turned when Joe Llaine Long suggested that perhaps the tax call should be postponed until the new superintendent is named and the board understands his vision for Winn’s school district.

But Joe Lynn Browning countered that “No, it’s the people in the Calvin School District who’ll make that decision.”

Long wondered aloud that if the multi-year tax passes but then if the board later on decides to close Calvin High School, taxpayers in the district would be bound to continue that tax until it is paid out.

Although there was no outstanding tax in the Atlanta District when Atlanta High School recently closed, there was in Sikes and people paid if off, noted Lance Underwood.  “The folks in Calvin are aware of all this and they support it.”

Generally quiet, Dan Taylor spoke up, asking, “Why can’t we get behind our schools and support them for unity? I’m tired of hearing people talking about closing Calvin. They closed down Atlanta and that wasn’t a savior. I’m getting phone calls.”  He suggested that the amount of the tax, regardless the long-term of the school, is not too much.  “Let’s support our schools.”

Committee chairman Lacey McManus looked at Supt. Al Simmons then said, “There will be no action tonight. This is just information.”

---

Three applications were received by deadline and the Winn Parish School Board set Thursday, August 7, as their date for interviewing all three hopefuls to fill the position of School Superintendent to replace Al Simmons who will retire December 31 this year.

It is unclear if the board will name that successor the same night or even if any will be accepted, as member Harry Scott asked some “What if” questions to board attorney Jon Guice who advised the members on steps of this process.  All three candidates are qualified, Guice said, that matter having been verified by a third-party (Ouachita School Board).

Guice of Catahoula Parish said he understands the workings of a small school district like Winn.  He confirmed that there is indeed a re-do process that the board could follow should none of the candidates be acceptable but his focus Monday night was looking ahead to the three prospects in hand.

As to time, the board cannot legally hire the next superintendent before August 2 (a 30-day lapse following the final legal notice in the official journal) and that individual would not become “superintendent” until after December 31.  But the board might want to have the superintendent-elect hired for a time to work in tandem with Simmons to begin to learn how the Winn system works.

For fairness to the process, all applications remained in a sealed mailbox until after the deadline.  No late applications will be considered.  The board agreed to Guice’s suggestion of interviewing all applicants on the same day, drawing lots to determine sequence and asking each the same questions “to compare apples to apples.”

Since each interview is expected to take from an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, they determined that 5 p.m. would be a suitable start time on this.  After some discussion, they decided that Thursday, August 7, (the first day of school) would be good.  Guice strongly encouraged an open, public process so the initial interviews will be open to the public although each applicant will later be taken into executive session where other personal subjects might be broached.

The final vote will be made by signed, written papers which will be folded, turned in then read aloud in public session.

The three applicants are:  Dr. Troy A. Bell of Winnsboro who is assistant superintendent of operations and federal programs director plus supervisor, principal and classroom teacher through the years; John Thompson of Atkins, AR, who served as superintendent of the Dardanelle School District for 25 years as well as having been principal or assistant principal at each Atlanta, Dodson and Sikes High Schools plus classroom teacher and coach; and Denise Young of Winnfield who serves as a Special Education supervisor for Grant Parish as well as assistant principal and principal at Atlanta High School plus classroom teacher at WSHS, Calvin and Dodson.

---

Beverly Taylor, Principal at Magnolia Bend Academy, spoke to the Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, July 29. 

In the summer of 2023 when the Atlanta school was closed people in the community approached Sardis Baptist Church about maybe having a school. The members of Sardis agreed and Beverly Taylor agreed to be the principal. Magnolia Bend Academy has several different campuses and is an approved home-study program. 

They use Abeka which is Back to Basics reading, writing and arithmetic in a Christian setting. History and science are taught with a Biblical basis. Their goal is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible is taught daily and Mrs. Taylor teaches some of the Bible classes. 

They began at Sardis on September 5, 2023, with 40 students and 6 teachers. All of the teachers are retired with 30+ hours except for 2 who are ABEKA certified. This coming year they will start with 50 students. The teacher to student ratio in lower grades is 1:10 and the ratio in upper grades is 1:15. Some of the classes are combined. 

They go to school Tuesday – Thursday from 7:45 AM to 2 PM. They have clubs such as BETA and 4H. The graduates of Magnolia Bend Academy get a state approved diploma and are eligible for TOPS. They also have access to dual enrollment. There were 2 graduates in 2025. They have partnered with the Winn Parish Library, the fire department and sheriff’s office and other people who have skills to share such as Mitchell Miles. The students have awards day as well as many other fun activities.

Teachers at the school are Carolyn Lang, Leah Price, Sarita Horne, Susan Horne, Penny Horne, and Beverly Taylor. 

Members thanked Mrs. Taylor for a very interesting program about something that they knew very little about.

---

Operation Christmas Child West Central Louisiana Area Team Coordinator Jeanine Ford traveled to Romania in May to participate in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts.   

Jeanine Ford will be sharing her Romania story on Tuesday, August 5, at 6 p.m., at Welcome Home Baptist Church, 3778 Highway 34. Everyone is invited to this special event.

---

For thousands of Americans each year, applying for Social Security Disability benefits becomes a frustrating, confusing, and often disheartening process. Many who are physically or mentally unable to work find themselves buried in paperwork, unsure how to move forward after being denied. But in Natchitoches, one law firm has built its reputation on standing beside those individuals, step by step, appeal by appeal.

“We meet people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives,” said attorney Eddie Harrington. “They’re hurting, they’re unable to work, and they feel like the system has forgotten them. We are honored to be able to help folks through that.”

SSI vs. SSDI: What You Need to Know

Before tackling the application process, Harrington stresses the importance of understanding the two types of disability benefits offered by the Social Security Administration: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

“SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system over the years. You earn it through your work history,” Harrington explained. “SSI is different. It’s for those with limited income and resources, even if they haven’t built up a strong work history or never paid into Social Security. It’s a safety net for the most financially vulnerable. However, in SSI your assets can affect how much you can receive in benefits.”

While the qualifications differ, both programs require proof that the applicant is unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least a year or result in death.

The Process Can Be Long—But You’re Not Alone

The application process typically begins with filing an initial claim with the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, most first-time applications are denied.

“That first denial catches people off guard,” Harrington said. “They think, ‘I’m obviously sick, I can’t work, why was I denied?’ But the SSA’s process is incredibly strict and technical. You have to meet very specific legal definitions and provide the right evidence. That’s where we come in.”

After an initial denial, applicants must file a Request for Reconsideration. If denied again, which is often the case, the next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. That hearing stage is often where many applicants are finally successful but getting there can take months or even more than a year.

“We’re with our clients every step of the way,” Harrington said. “From the first form to the final hearing, we fight for our clients like they’re family. We prepare the case, gather the medical records, build the arguments, and stand beside them when they need someone the most.”

Why They Do What They Do

For Harrington and his team, this work is personal.

“We’re proud to be part of this community,” he said. “We see the faces behind these files, these are our neighbors, our former teachers, our friends’ parents. We’re humbled to help them because they deserve dignity, support, and justice.”

Harrington adds that he often sees people give up on their claims out of frustration or fear, especially when going up against a slow and complicated system.

“That’s heartbreaking because so many of them are entitled to help, they just need someone in their corner who won’t back down,” he said. “We take that responsibility seriously. When we take a case, we treat our clients like family and fight just as hard as we would for our own.”

A Message of Hope

If you or a loved one is considering applying for Social Security Disability, or has already been denied, The Harrington Law Firm encourages you not to give up.

“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to go through it alone,” Harrington said. “Let us handle the process. You focus on your health and we’ll take care of the rest.”

For a free consultation or more information, contact The Harrington Law Firm. Help is just a phone call away.

---

Laurel Heights Baptist Church will hold its annual Homecoming Service on Sunday, August 10.

A covered dish lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. with the church providing the meat.  Worship will follow at 2 p.m.

All current and former members of Laurel Heights are encouraged to attend.  All visitors are welcome.

---

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that, due to legislation passed in the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, the Independent Party will cease to exist as a recognized political party in Louisiana on Aug. 1, 2025. Voters registered as Independent will have their party affiliation automatically changed to “No Party” in the state’s voter registration system. Affected voters will receive a notification by mail, including an updated voter information card.

The Louisiana Legislature mandated this change in Act 84 of the 2025 Regular Session to prepare for the state’s transition to a Closed Party Primary system for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Louisiana Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and Board of Elementary & Secondary Education contests. Closed Party Primaries will begin in 2026 and participation will be limited to voters whose party affiliation is listed as Democrat, Republican, or “No Party” on their voter registrations.

“Many Louisiana voters who are registered as Independents mistakenly believe they are unaffiliated with any political party, when in fact they are members of the Independent Party,” Secretary Landry said. “This proactive change will allow voters formerly registered as Independents to participate in Closed Party Primaries next year, preventing voter confusion while maximizing participation.”

Louisiana’s new Closed Party Primaries were created by the Louisiana Legislature in Act 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session. Secretary Landry encourages voters to check their voter registration information on the GeauxVote Online Registration System or free GeauxVote mobile app to ensure their information and party affiliation are up to date.

---

We have seen President Trump’s great frustration regarding Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, and what Trump insists is the stupidity and tardiness of Powell in not cutting short term interest rates.

[As an aside, let me note that Powell was appointed by Trump in his first term when Trump knew comparatively little about D.C. and relied on others for advice. He considers Powell one of his biggest disappointments. In addition, Powell has squandered his credibility with his incompetent, if not corrupt, management of the obscene upgrade and cost overrun of the Federal Reserve building itself. How can Powell be trusted to manage the monetary policy and the economic well-being of the entire American economy with 330 million citizens if he can’t truthfully and efficiently manage the upgrade of one building?]

This tension between U.S. presidents and the Fed has always existed, but the Fed has remained independent and insulated from the reach of a president. However, Congress never intended that the ‘independence of the Fed’ extend this insulation beyond the scope of public accountability to the American people whose economic interests the Federal Reserve was first established to protect.

What’s interesting is that while we have seen the current Supreme Court hold that the Chief Executive may exert his presidential (executive) authority over independent agencies (like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), not so the Fed.  In fact, the Supreme Court has stated “The Federal Reserve is a uniquely structured quasi-private entity that follows in the distinct historical tradition of the First and Second Banks of the United States.”  

Why would that be the case?

Well, the Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States and was created in 1913 to stabilize the nation’s monetary and financial system. It came about due to several financial “panics” in our nation’s history which underscored for Congress the need to create a central authority to manage the nation’s money supply and prevent banking collapses.  In fact, the “dual mandate” of the Fed has historically been to pursue both “maximum employment and low, stable inflation.”   That continues and the Supreme Court has deemed it prudent to allow the Fed to do so as a “uniquely structured quasi-private entity.”

However, the Supreme Court’s legal treatment of the Fed is a very different consideration than whether the Fed—which is still a hybrid agency of the United States—should be audited.  I don’t think there is any question it should be audited.  While I recognize that the Federal Reserve does not receive funding through regular congressional appropriations, it does fund its operations from the interest earned on the huge number of securities—primarily U.S. government securities—that it purchases. (It also charges fees to financial institutions for services like check clearing). 

That, to me, provides a sufficient nexus to allow it to be audited. 

So, how would that go?

Well, U.S. Senator Rand Paul has championed this issue for many years.  However, I note that whenever the topic of “auditing the Fed” is raised, the Fed quickly asserts that it is already “subject to several levels of audit and review.”  However, the audit I seek would not be of only the Fed’s financial statements and internal controls.  While those are necessary and important, they are incomplete.  Secondly, the so-called independent auditor the Fed states that it uses is “an independent outside auditor retained by the Fed’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).”

That’s simply inadequate.  I don’t want the “independent outside auditor” to be retained by the Fed’s Inspector General. I want Congress to appoint a truly independent outside auditor.  Otherwise, there is an implicit conflict with, and bias in favor of, the Fed because the auditor chosen by the Fed is—given it is paying the auditor—beholden to the Fed position and view.

That is why I hope Congress will pass legislation recently reintroduced by Senator Paul.  The bill is the “Federal Reserve Transparency Act” better known as “Audit the Fed” requiring a full public audit of the Federal Reserve’s operations and increased congressional oversight of its decision-making.

Sen. Paul makes the point that “no institution holds more power over the future of the American economy and the value of our savings than the Federal Reserve.  It’s long past time for Congress to stop shirking its duty and hold the Federal Reserve accountable.”  Amen.

Royal Alexander

---

As athletes, and no matter what sport you play, the day comes when you must ask yourself, “Am I having fun?” At the age of 35, softball was a sport I truly enjoyed, and I was fortunate enough to play on two national championship teams while making friends for life. 

But after winning the last championship, I knew my time was up as I walked out the gate of the USSSA Men’s Softball World Series in Shreveport. I knew this because it was no longer fun. Additionally, my kids were now playing sports as well and it became my time to give back and start coaching. 

Tournament fishing is very similar in the fact that there comes a day when you are no longer having fun. Once it becomes a grind and more like work, that’s your cue to do something else.

Being competitive on any tournament trail requires commitment and time on the water, otherwise you’re just donating to the rest of the field. In today’s tournament world, the competition is so good it’s ridiculous.

Twenty years ago, out of 100 anglers in a tournament, maybe 15 were a legitimate threat to win. Today, out of 100 anglers there are probably 40 guys who are capable of winning. The competition level has totally changed with young anglers on the rise and having access to so much information while taking advantage of their ability to use their electronics so much better than the older guys.  

Then there’s the mental side of bass fishing that can really take a toll on an angler’s ability to compete. Just like any other sport, you have to believe in yourself as much as you believe in the bait you’re throwing in order to catch bass. 

There’s so much thought and preparation that goes into a tournament that it can be exhausting. The research it takes to get ready for an event can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a new body of water you’ve never fished.

That’s why for an angler, it’s important to make sure you enjoy what you’re doing. Never take an event for granted no matter how many times you’ve been to a specific body of water. Have fun and enjoy your practice days because the only way to stay focused is if you’re enjoying the process. 

When fishing becomes too much like a job, it’s time to get out and do other things with your time like playing golf or going camping. Do something that you enjoy! Do something that you look forward to and not something you dread.

For me, tournament fishing is still fun, and I enjoy the competition probably more today because at the age of 64, it’s pretty satisfying knowing that you’re beating guys half your age! But most importantly, I enjoy my time with the guys I travel with as we share our experiences on the water over a good meal. 

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and happy times! Make sure to stop me and say hello when you see me at a boat ramp or on the lake. 

---

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.

---

---

Marshall G. Harris
March 6, 1958 – July 22, 2025
Service: Services for Mr. Harris took place Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Winnfield, LA. Interment followed in the Winnfield Cemetery.

Lorean Stephens
October 18, 1927 – July 27, 2025
Services. Services for Mrs. Stephens are in development, please check back for any updates. Thank you.

Marsheila Renaie Howell Shuler
April 8, 1974 – July 21, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mrs. Shuler took place at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025, at First Assembly of God Church in Winnfield. Interment followed at Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Debra Kay Johnson
October 22, 1958 – July 21, 2025
Service: Par Mrs. Johnson’s wishes she was cremated and there are no final services as of now. Thank you.

Roger Joseph Lacoy
August 28, 1943 – July 22, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mr. Lacoy took place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Goldonna Assembly of God. Interment followed in Goldonna Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Rodney Wroten
September 17, 1951 – July 26, 2025
Service: Graveside services for Mr. Wroten Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10 a.m.at Hart Cemetery in Sikes, Louisiana. Interment and services are under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Tommy Richard Chandler
September 17, 1952 – July 27, 2025
Service: Service for Mr. Chandler will take place August 1st, 10 am, at the Gloryway Church
(1194 Hwy 505, Dodson, LA 71422). Interment will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

The Winn Parish Police Jury received the good news of a “clean audit” for 2024, delivered by auditor Nicholas Fowlkes of Kolder, Slaven & Co. during their July meeting on Monday.

The audit showed that the money coming in and the spending going out were in line, with his observation that the figures as presented could be relied upon.  In the same manner, the auditor had looked at the jury’s internal controls of its financial operation and found no issues.  He did qualify the duties of an auditor, explaining that one can’t view every action that takes place but just expresses an opinion.

Because of the amount of federal revenues that passed through the parish government, Fowlkes explained that a separate audit is necessary but that too brought an unmodified opinion, with no issues in the way the jury expended those funds.  Jury president Frank McLaren thanked the auditor for a good report.

Matthew McKee was on hand Monday night to introduce himself as Winn’s community liaison for Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana’s District 4 Congressman.  “If you have any federal issues, please contact me for help,” he told the jurors.

Winn has benefited from two volunteer organizations and received a pledge of support, as needed, from each.  Representatives from each the Red Cross and Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief gave reports to the jury.

In the past year, Destini Kirkland said Red Cross responded with assistance to 10 house fires; worked with the Office of Emergency Preparedness on 4 shelter surveys; assisted Fire District 3 making 15 homes safer with installation of 45 smoke alarms; cooperated with the City of Winnfield with training of volunteers for shelters (15 attended); and conducted 4 “Pedro” presentations at Winn Parish Library branches where they educated young children on tornado, hurricane and fire safety.  “There were no storms but we were ready.”

Bubba Kirkland called Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief a “quiet, large army available to help a community for manmade or natural disaster.”  He described an array of services through units including some that provide feeding for victims and volunteers to others that provide showers and laundry services.  Nearby is the Rolling Hills unit that can put out an amazing 30,000 meals a day during major disasters.

As an example of this “army’s” size, he indicated that 12,000 volunteers were on the ground to help following Hurricane Helene.  Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief is third in size after the Red Cross and Salvation Army.  He pointed out that in times of disaster, “we’re available.”  He emphasized that those wanting to volunteer are invited to come.

Road Superintendent Perry Holmes reported that road grading is going fine although it is interrupted by frequent rains.  Bush hogging is also going well but they run one tractor at a time due to the age of the equipment.  A track hoe has been working on the WSHS grounds and has nearly completed the requested cleanout of the ditch separating WMS grounds.  He also reported that because of an issue at the turnaround on Cane Street in Sikes (too many property lines involved), that work is on hold.

The jury agreed to a motion by Kyle Potts to assist the Village of Sikes by bush hogging along Cane and Second Streets.  They also agreed with Stanley Garrett to assist the Winn Parish School Board with asphalt repairs of the driveway entering Winnfield Middle School.  Perry responded that the jury has not done asphalt work there before, using iron ore instead which keeps developing potholes.  “This will be a $5,300 fix and will be permanent.”

Author Robinson commented at the meeting’s conclusion that he will retire effective August 1, allowing him more time or jury work.  “I won’t be late for meetings.”

---