The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Natchitoches kicked off the new school year by joining Northwestern State University’s First Night Fest with a student-focused event called “Slice to Meet Ya!” Partnering with Louie’s Pizza, WRC invited NSU students to grab a free slice and learn more about the Center’s mission to support women and families in our community.

The event was more than just about pizza—it was an opportunity to connect with students during one of the busiest times of the year, NSU Move-In Day. Hundreds of students stopped by the WRC booth on Iberville Green to enjoy a slice, pick up information, and find out how they can get involved through volunteering, service projects, or community partnerships. Along with pizza and resources, students also received “a little Jesus”—a simple but meaningful reminder of Christ’s presence and WRC’s faith-driven mission. Fountain of Life Church also partnered in the outreach by handing out cold waters, helping keep students refreshed on a warm Louisiana evening.

Joining the Center were Hannah Guilliam, Youth Director of Louisiana Right to Life, and Cailey Difulco, Students for Life Regional Coordinator, who each spoke with students about the importance of promoting life-affirming resources on campus and in the wider Natchitoches community. Their presence highlighted the strong collaboration between local, state, and national partners who share a commitment to supporting young women and families.

“Our goal is to meet students where they are—whether they’re new to NSU or returning—and invite them to be part of something bigger than themselves,” said Nicole Woods, Director of the Women’s Resource Center. “Events like this allow us to build relationships, share our mission, and encourage students to get involved in life-affirming work right here in Natchitoches.”

The evening was a lively mix of community spirit, free food, and meaningful conversations. Many students expressed interest in volunteering with WRC or attending future events, while others simply enjoyed the chance to connect with peers in a welcoming and encouraging environment.

Looking ahead, the Women’s Resource Center is excited to host its Annual Gala on Thursday, September 18, 2025. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, and will highlight WRC’s new designation as a Maternal Wellness Center. Guests will also learn how the recently launched Louisiana Maternal Wellness Center Tax Credit allows supporters to give back while receiving a 50% state tax credit. The Gala promises to be an inspiring evening of celebration, community impact, and life-affirming vision.

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office will host two hunter safety classes on Saturday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Winn Sheriff’s Gun Range on Old Alexandria Road.

The classes will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will cover the full 10-hour course required for certification. Lunch will be provided at no cost.

Pre-registration is required and must be completed through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

For directions or more information, call 318-628-4611.

This past week President Trump exercised his authority to deploy the National Guard, federalize the D.C. police department, and take control of the City’s streets.  

He did so vowing to “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor—and worse.” He’s also calling up 800 troops from the D.C. National Guard to begin to return order. “Crime is out of control,” states Trump’s emergency declaration. “The city government’s failure to maintain public order and safety has had a dire impact on the Federal Government’s ability to operate efficiently to address the Nation’s broader interests.”

To do this, President Trump invoked the Home Rule Act which allows him to federalize the police in certain circumstances.  This first installment is expected to last 30 days.  AG Pam Bondi has been tasked with overseeing the City’s police department.

Knowing Trump’s personality, I think it likely that the tipping point for his deciding to take this step was the recent brutal beating of one of Elon Musk’s former DOGE staffers, Edward Coristine, who was viciously attacked while trying to defend a young woman on a D.C. street.

The Wall Street Journal has observed that “on the whole, local control of D.C. looks like a failure. The city has enshrined noncitizen voting in local elections and “sanctuary” policies to thwart federal immigration enforcement. Why should the President and Congress stand for this in America’s seat of government?” (WSJ, Aug. 11, 2025).

Even former President Biden signed a Congressional resolution in 2023, “amid that year’s murder surge, to overturn the D.C. City Council’s revisions to its criminal code, which included a reduction in the maximum penalties for carjacking and illegal gun possession. The vote in Congress included dozens of Democratic ayes.  One was Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig, who had been assaulted in an elevator at her D.C. apartment building.  Another was Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, who later that year was carjacked at gunpoint.”  (Id. WSJ, Aug. 11, 2025).  Naturally, though, now that President Trump is the one addressing the crime and dysfunction in D.C., the same individuals will likely oppose it.

In fact, national Democrats bizarrely assert “crime is down.” My response is, down from what?  Is crime down in DC because last year there were only 200 murders instead of 250 murders? How many murders are acceptable?  If D.C. were a state, it would have the highest homicide rate of any state in the United States.  (The Heritage Foundation).

Which brings me to the tragic, maddening story of Nasrat Ahmad Yar who, according to CBC, ‘survived a lifetime of war, more than a decade of work as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, a Taliban takeover, and a perilous journey to America — only to be shot and killed while driving for ride-hailing service Lyft in Washington, D.C.’

This issue is personal to me.  

I worked in D.C for nearly 8 years serving two different members of Congress from Louisiana.  During that time, the threat of crime hung continuously like a dark cloud in the air, impacting the quality of life in our nation’s capital.  I would come and go from the Capitol building and travel to different parts of the city many times.  I would often hear from colleagues and local news of violent crime occurring and was always anxious about that.  Crime and dysfunction in D.C. were my lived experience. 

(As an aside, I note that period of time in my life also finished making concrete my views in strong support of gun rights and gun ownership.  D.C. strictly prohibits firearms and as I walked or drove its streets, I, many times, thought to myself “if I’m attacked, I have no way to defend myself and the cops will never get here in time.  Great. Only the criminals have guns!”)

I close with a prediction.

Trump will be successful in this.  Crime, the homeless problem, ugly graffiti, and D.C.’s status as a “sanctuary” city for illegals are going to be reduced or eliminated.   Thereafter, the rest of the country is going to notice these improvements and Americans across the country are going to wonder why, in their crime-ridden cities like Chicago, NYC and LA, the same thing is not accomplished by their Leftist, soft-on-crime, Democrat leaders.

Americans deserve a capital city—our Nation’s front door—that is safe, clean and reflects well on the USA to the world.  We are having that returned to us.

Royal Alexander

As a guy that played baseball on all levels in the ‘70s and ‘80s from the age of 7 ‘til 27, I never thought I would see the day where robots would be calling balls and strikes. But fast forward to 2025 and that’s where baseball is headed as this year’s MLB All-Star Game showed.

This new technology for calling balls and strikes has been in the works for quite a while, but I feel it has no place in professional baseball! Call me a purist, or just an old fogie, but there are certain parts of the game of baseball where the human element is so important. Calling balls and strikes is one of those areas that does not need a technological update.

I like the fact that a human is making those calls and appreciate how each umpire is different on how they call the game. Pitchers and hitters have always had to adjust their perception of the strike zone depending on who is behind the plate. IT’S A PART OF THE GAME OF BASEBALL THAT MAKES IT INTRIGUING!

The human element of umpires calling balls and strikes, as well as safe or out, is what makes baseball so pure. I’m OKwith instant replay on whether a guy is safe or out or if a ball is fair or foul, but when it comes to calling balls and strikes, let the human umpires do their jobs.

Remember this, for all you hitters, prepare to strike out a lot more than you have previously! That’s right, the robotic strike zone is not forgiving at all. If the baseball just touches the outer edge of the rectangular square, it’s a strike.

Those inside or outside pitches, that used to go in the hitter’s favor by usually being called a ball, will no longer be such. Pitchers and hitters are already paranoid on how certain umpires call the game, and now with technology calling balls and strikes, there will be more challenges by both on questionable calls with regards to balls and strikes.

This is similar to how technology and forward-facing sonar is affecting professional bass fishing. Anglers no longer spend their days trying to figure out where the fish are. All they must do now is drop the trolling motor and turn on their forward-facing and look for fish on a screen.

Professional bass fishing has lost the integrity of the sport. Locating fish has always been the number one skill anglers had to develop. They do this with time on the water while understanding bass behavior based on the time of year, weather, and what they are feeding on. 

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.

Eva Jane (Mott) Slay
December 31, 1942 – August 9, 2025
Service: Arrangements are still pending, please check back next edition for updates.

Ron L. Randall
July 28, 1971 – August 10, 2025
Service: Arrangements are still pending, please check back next edition for updates.

Gerald Ray Huckaby
August 26, 1943 – August 17, 2025
Service: Graveside funeral services for Mr. Huckaby will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield. Interment will follow under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

GRANT PARISH, LA — A Winnfield Police Department detective was arrested Monday by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office following an investigation into the alleged misuse of funds from a children’s charity organization.

Jessie Ray Phillips, 58, of Winnfield, faces charges of theft over $1,000, illegal transmission of monetary funds, and malfeasance in office, according to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Phillips, who served as a detective with the Winnfield Police Department, had organized a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called “Save a Kid-Shop with a Cop,” which was established to help less-fortunate children in the community.

The organization actively solicited donations from the public with the stated purpose of using the contributed funds to assist children in need. However, the investigation conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office revealed that Phillips was allegedly withdrawing the donated money for personal use rather than directing it toward its intended charitable purpose.

The arrest represents a significant breach of public trust, as Phillips held a position of authority both as a law enforcement officer and as the organizer of what community members believed was a legitimate charitable organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about oversight and accountability in charitable organizations, particularly those operated by public officials who are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards.

The investigation into the matter was conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office. Additional details about the case have not been released at this time.

Phillips’ current employment status with the Winnfield Police Department was not immediately available.

The Winn Parish Journal is following this case and will report as information becomes available.

The Winn Parish School Board voted Thursday, Aug. 7, to elect Dr. Troy Bell as superintendent following the upcoming December retirement of Al Simmons. Bell, currently the assistant superintendent in Franklin Parish, was chosen over fellow prospect Denise Young, special education supervisor in Grant Parish, through a roll-call vote during that evening’s special session.

Though three applicants were accepted before the deadline, John Thompson of Atkins, Arkansas, withdrew, leaving Bell and Young as the remaining contenders. Board members followed a structured interview process led by board attorney, Jon Guice, to ensure fairness, with each member allowed to ask the same two questions of both candidates. After each candidate completed their interviews, the board entered executive session to debate the acceptance of a potential successor. Voting took place upon their return, with the board selecting Bell by an 8-3 margin.

Bell and Young each brought more than two decades of education experience and a focus on financial stability, academic growth, and community engagement. Bell, who manages multimillion-dollar budgets through the Federal Programs Department and reduced Franklin Parish’s general fund budget by $1.4 million without layoffs, emphasized increasing student enrollment, retaining smaller rural schools and aligning resources to support teachers. Young, a National Board Certified and versatile educator who has served as a teacher, principal and district administrator in nearly every Winn-based school, stressed improving reading and state assessment scores, streamlining operations and enhancing transparency in budgeting. Both highlighted the importance of collaboration, teacher support and building strong relationships with the public.

The board will discuss and draft the terms of the contract for Bell and present it at the next meeting. The board was reminded that the contract is theirs, no one else’s, and they can make changes if needed. Both candidates were praised for their qualifications, and Bell thanked the board for its confidence, saying he looks forward to becoming part of the community. The meeting concluded with no further public comments.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of South Winnfield Baptist Church, the congregation will hold a reception on Saturday, August 23, from 2 until 4 p.m. in the fellowship hall at 646 Country Club Road. Then on Sunday, August 24, they will begin worship service at 10:30 a.m. Phil Howard, former youth pastor will preach the service with music specials from former members. Following the service, lunch will be served. “We are so excited to be celebrating this special event and hope all our former members join us on August 24 and 25.”

One hundred years ago on August 25, 1925 under an oak tree that was located in South Winnfield, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hendrix with their church letters in hand from Ouachita Parish assembled with Reverends Joel Durham, William Hand and James M. Caves. The Hendrixs presented their letters to the ministers which were read by Reverend Caves. Those gathered then extended the right hand of fellowship to each other, thereby adopting the articles of faith as prescribed by the Baptist Church. Thus, becoming the first organized church within the South Winnfield Community. This group then went into conference with Reverend William Hand as moderator and named the church South Winnfield Baptist Church. 

The group opened the door to the building they were using and received 17 members through letters and or baptism. Reverend William Hand was elected as pastor and W.S. McLeod as Church Clerk. The church met for several years in another faith’s church building twice a month. 

On February 11, 1938 an acre of land was granted to the church by Brown Paper co. for the period of one year. According to church records on November 10, 1938 the building located at 1800 Gum Street was built. At the time it was a small, white, wood framed building. Once completed it had 56 members and the property was valued between $500 and $1.000. 

On August 20, 1950, the sanctuary and the pastorium (the pastorium had been purchased from the Army Camp at Livingston and moved beside the church) were dedicated with 80 members. The property was then valued at $10,000. Bro. Malone and his wife became the first pastor to live in South Winnfield. Then in October of 1960 a new pastorium was built at a cost of $8,000. Bro. Ed Smith and his family were the first to live in the new pastorium. 

The following year in September of 1961 they added 2700 square feet to the existing building to be used as a kitchen and Sunday School rooms. That is the year that the church was bricked and it looked more as it does today. 

Pews were added to the church in 1968.There were about twenty-four pastors to serve in this location. 

On February 11, 1998 the church voted to begin a Building Program. Then on February 27, 2000 the original building was sold to Reverend Roland Lynch. South Winnfield BC continued to hold services here until the new building was built and the congregation relocated to the current location on Country Club Rd. 

On May 7, 2000 a ground breaking ceremony was held for the present building location on Country Club Road.  Allen Construction worked with the church committee in designing and constructing the building that is currently South Winnfield Baptist Church. Bro. Jack Miller was and still is the pastor. 

The first church service held in this building on February 18, 2001. The building is 8,172 square feet and consists of a sanctuary, baptistery, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, youth room, pastor study, office, nursery, copier room, sound room, 2 closets, 3 classrooms, 1 multi-purpose room and 2 additional rooms upstairs. 

Since then another building has been built that includes a fellowship hall, kitchen, gym and additional classrooms. 

Some of our records have been lost throughout the years, so there is no accurate list of members, but according to the records that survive, there have been approximately 1,300 members throughout the hundred years. There are also many current members who have ancestors that were members as well as some that currently have three generations attending at this time. 

On August 11, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 471 near Atlanta.  The crash claimed the life of 40-year-old Dustin Demoss of Monroe.

The initial investigation revealed that a 1995 Dodge work truck, driven by Demoss, was northbound on Louisiana Highway 471.  For reasons still under investigation, the Dodge crossed the centerlines into the southbound travel lane and collided head-on with a 2012 GMC.

Demoss, who was not restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and a passenger of the GMC, who were restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state.  Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.  A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

The Winnfield Historic Preservation Commission met Thursday, Aug. 7, at 4:30 p.m. in the Louisiana Political Museum to discuss vacancies and updates on the city’s historic preservation efforts.

The commission considered nominations to fill two vacant seats, with final approval required from the Winnfield City Council. Names will be forwarded for council review.

The main focus was the city’s historic preservation ordinance. Commission member Shonna Moss said the ordinance was sent over three years ago to Ray Scriber, director of Louisiana Main Street, a division of the state Office of Cultural Development. Scriber recommended revisions to ensure compliance with state standards. Moss presented his notes and emails, requesting approval to submit the proposed changes to the city council.

Moss also reported that the city has yet to submit its Certified Local Government renewal, due in April. She has prepared much of the application ahead of a September National Park Service review. Moss warned that failure to maintain CLG status could jeopardize Winnfield’s Main Street designation.

Despite invitations, neither the CLG representative nor the city attorney attended the meeting. Moss noted she completed the annual Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program training, keeping the commission compliant with state and federal requirements. CAMP, offered by the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation and the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, provides education and mentoring for preservation boards.

Commission members reviewed their duties and examined a map believed to outline the current historic district. Moss said she requested an official copy from the city clerk’s office, since the ordinance states the map is not attached but available for public viewing. The map review was postponed until the next meeting on Oct. 9.

Kiah Beville, Rotarian of the Day on Aug. 6, 2025, entertained Winnfield Rotarians with a presentation and photos from his float trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. He enjoyed the adventure with his son, Jared; son-in-law, Jeff; and grandsons, Benjamin, John Calvin and Andrew.

The group spent six days and five nights floating, camping and hiking through the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, a 2.3 million-acre protected area established by Congress in 1980 and named for U.S. Sen. Frank Church of Idaho. It is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states and protects several mountain ranges, diverse wildlife and a section of the Salmon River. The area is accessible only by river, foot or horseback, though several pre-existing airstrips are still in use.

Outfitters are issued permits to guide rafting trips on the Middle Fork under strict “leave no trace” guidelines. Everything brought into the wilderness — including ashes from fires — must be removed. Only footprints are allowed to remain.

Beville and his family chose Wilderness River Outfitters, a family-run business now operated by its second generation, to lead their multi-day wilderness trip. The experienced guides were efficient and skilled, not only at rafting but also at cooking. The group included 23 guests and seven guides, traveling by paddle boat, oar boats, and both inflatable and hard-shell kayaks.

The trip began with the group meeting in Boise and flying to Stanley, Idaho, where they met their guides. From there, they flew again to the put-in site at Indian Creek. Each participant brought only clothing and personal hygiene items, while Wilderness River Outfitters supplied the remaining gear, including two-person tents and sleeping kits. Most of the group opted to sleep under the stars.

Highlights of the trip included Mist Falls, ancient Native American pictographs, and natural hot springs. Most days featured Class II, III and IV rapids, along with daily hikes into the surrounding wilderness.

The trip was a memorable experience for everyone in Beville’s party, and another such adventure may be in the family’s future.

By George Moss

In my first article, I asked: Who are we? Where are we? Well, let’s take out that mirror again and take a hard, honest look. We’ll see some things to be proud of—and some things we’d rather not admit.

Winnfield, like so many small towns, has a proud past. We are the hometown of three governors and, for decades, were the epicenter of Louisiana politics. Think about it: from 1928 to 1972, every Louisiana governor but one came from within 40 miles of Winnfield—and that lone exception was impeached and removed from office. That’s an incredible amount of political power for one small community.

But here’s the question: What happened? Did we embrace that good fortune and build on it? Or did we let jealousy, division, and complacency turn us inward?  Governor Earl K. Long once told my grandfather, “I would give Winnfield anything they want but, they don’t want anything from me”.  I find that to be very sad.

The Winnfield of 50 Years Ago

Those who remember 1975 will recall a Winn Parish that was alive and thriving. Downtown bustled with cafés, grocery stores, locally owned lumberyards, theaters, and more. Industry was strong—Winn Parish was home to both large and family-owned lumber mills, and at one point boasted the three largest pine plywood mills in the world, employing hundreds in stable, career-level jobs.

But those days are gone. Some losses were beyond our control. Others were not.

Outside Forces That Hit Hard

National politics has shaped our fate more than many realize. Trade agreements like NAFTA had a devastating impact here. Subsidized Canadian timber flooded the U.S. market, undercutting local mills and making it nearly impossible for small owners to compete.

Every change in labor laws and trade policy ripples through towns like ours. We all want better wages and working conditions, but when our market is opened to countries with no such standards, we are left behind. Yes, cheaper goods may seem like a win at the checkout counter—but what’s the real cost when your neighbors’ jobs disappear?

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Over the past 25 years, our population has declined by more than 30%. Winnfield is no longer a city—just a town of about 3,900 people. Our job market continues to shrink at roughly 3.5% a year, and our poverty rate hovers around 30%. These facts are not just hard to face—they are hard to overcome.

Self-Inflicted Wounds

Since we’ve got the mirror out, let’s face the damage we’ve done to ourselves.

Take I-49. I’ve seen the original map. The plan was for the interstate to run from Alexandria to Winnfield, then split—one branch toward Monroe, the other toward Bossier City. This would have placed us at the crossroads of three major highways—a potential economic game changer. But fear of change killed the project. We fought the route, and in the end, we got nothing.

Downtown tells a similar story. Once a vibrant heart of the community, it’s now in disarray. The destruction of the old hotel stripped away character. The decision to run a five-lane highway beside the courthouse tore away half of downtown, leaving a scar that never healed.

Even when we had opportunities, we didn’t follow through. In the late 1980s, Mayor Max Kelly worked to sell Winnfield as a tourism destination, even landing the movie Blaze here. Things were looking up. But without planning, without persistence, the momentum died, and we drifted back to “the way it was.”

The Hard Truth

And here we are—living in a dying town. We can blame Washington, the economy, or global markets all we want. But much of the responsibility lies with us.

So… what now?

In my next column, I’ll explore the possibilities we still have—and yes, there are still some left. But remember this: change will not come from him, her, them, or they.

It will come from us.

If we want Winnfield to thrive again, we must stop sitting on the sidelines, stop pointing fingers, and start doing the hard work—together.

George Moss is a former Winnfield City Mayor now turned columnist. This piece is the second installment of several being shared with the Winn Parish Journal.