The road that brought Kenechi (Ken) Anuligo to Trinity Community Health Centers in north Louisiana was not a direct route but it seems that their Medical Director has made a perfect landing here, relating tales to the Journal of “growing up like Huckleberry Finn” in small town Michigan where summers were spent outdoors with a slingshot, chasing cows and playing in the tall grass.

He is guided by the principle of treating every patient with the same respect and attention he would give to himself.  His career in family medicine since finishing at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) in 1999 has allowed him to work in numerous areas, including under Federally Qualified Health Center programs.  “The model fits my mindset.  These are often small, rural, underserved areas.  They may be on Medicare, Medicaid or have no insurance at all.”

Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Dr. Anuligo was a toddler when they moved to the USA then 15 when he moved back to Nigeria for schooling.  He ended up in Los Angeles for university at USC.  His travels and acquired experience weren’t over.  He did some medical school training in Ireland and finished his internship and residency in Wisconsin in 2011.

Through those years, he has worked with family medicine with his own clinic, worked with jails in Wisconsin, with private practices in several states, with villages in Florida and as medical director of a state prison in Florida.

“Why Trinity?” he was asked.  “I decided to look for a directorship outside of Corrections.  I heard about this opportunity and like the mission of CEO Deano Thornton.  I like people and can bring my FQHC experience to this post.  Here, my role is to oversee the medical care of all patients served by the Trinity group.  I work with all the providers within Trinity but I continue to see family medicine patients myself.”

Dr. Anuligo describes his style by saying, “I imagine that the patient is me.  I want to find what is the most effective and least expensive treatment and medications for each individual.  I like the small town atmosphere where you can walk down the street and actually see some of the people you help.”

He is married with four children and makes his home in Alexandria.  The tall (6’6) physician is often asked if he played basketball during his school years, only to hear, “No.  My mom made me practice piano one hour a day every day.”  But that paid off, for today he’s a church pianist and organist.  He does enjoy other outdoor activities of jogging, swimming, cycling, roller skating and (in the colder climates) downhill skiing and ice skating. 

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Annette Durham, driver of Bus 73, had an unexpected afternoon rider last week: Superintendent-elect Dr. Troy Bell. After joining students and staff for lunch at the Middle School, Bell rode along on Durham’s route to observe day to day operations from the driver’s seat.

Bell came away impressed with Durham’s attention to road and student safety, her organized paperwork and the calm, efficient way she navigates narrow roads. He also noted the respectful behavior of riders and the clean, welcoming condition of the bus, crediting Durham for setting a steady tone in all of her responsibilities.

During the ride, Bell and Durham discussed several areas of concern that Bell pledged to investigate further. He left grateful for the time spent and the dedication he witnessed Durham give each of her passengers.

Bell said his school visits are an effort to learn more about the community and how he can support each role in the district. With one cafeteria left in his first rotation of campus lunches and having attended every Winnfield Senior High School football game so far, he looks forward to continuing his efforts in building deeper connections and supporting all students across the district.

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By Matt Vines, Journal Services

WINNFIELD – In the first game of an extremely difficult three-game stretch, the Winnfield offense proved it could make noise in a 57-32 loss to Class 4A West Ouachita.

Winnfield (1-2) scored first when Detavious Williams scampered for a 69-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 edge.

West Ouachita (2-1) scored the next three touchdowns, including a 46-yard touchdown run by Aaden Dean as the Chiefs gained chunk yardage with pitches and options.

Down 21-7, Winnfield didn’t go quietly into the night as the Tigers responded with a pair of touchdowns to slice West Ouachita’s lead to 21-20.

Winnfield forced and recovered a fumble near the West Ouachita 40-yard line in the second quarter for a chance to take the lead, but West Ouachita made a stand and scored the next four touchdowns to pull away. The first two of those scores came through the air as West Ouachita found space behind the Tigers secondary, including play action.

“Our team is tough and physical, and I’m proud of the team for the way they handled the previous week and approached practice and the game,” said Winnfield first-year head coach Byron Keller. “We are steadily improving and becoming the team that we are destined to be.

“After the Caldwell loss (21-12), we felt the need to just focus on us and get better. And that’s what we did. New drills and segments in practice, and it showed Friday night.”

Richard Williams took for a 71-yard touchdown run to chip West Ouachita’s lead to 50-26.

Kenneth Richard tacked on a 54-yard jaunt as Winnfield got a look at a stable of young running backs.

Winnfield outrushed West Ouachita (342-282) and nearly matched the Chiefs in total offense (441-399) despite the score.

West Ouachita took advantage of two interceptions.

The Tigers return home to face a Jena (3-0) squad capable of scoring quickly with its explosive running backs.

“Jena is a semifinals team from last year that’s got another great roster this year,” Keller said. “We have to be disciplined and play fast and physical for 48 minutes.

“We will prepare again this week and continue to develop our tough mentality.”

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The Winn Pinecrest Collaborative will host a Movie Night Out on Saturday, Sept. 27, at “The Stump,” the downtown Winnfield lot in front of the post office. Activities begin at 3 p.m., with the chosen film showing at 7:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, with the feature chosen by community vote. Options include “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts,” “Superman,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” Voting is available at wpcelegacy.org by clicking “WPC Movie Night Out – Vote for Movie.” The movie with the most votes will be shown.

Local makers and food tents are part of the plan too. Vendors can register (for a $25 fee) at wpcelegacy.org by selecting “WPC Movie Night Out – Vendors.”

Bring lawn chairs, bring friends and settle in under the lights. For details, text or call 318-734-9311. All proceeds from the event will contribute to the pursuit of purchasing and renovating the Pinecrest Campus. 

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Serving as Rotarian of the day, Bryan Kelley, Winn Parish registrar of voters, updated members on Louisiana’s latest voting-law changes at the club’s Sept. 17, 2025, meeting.

Kelley explained that the mail and absentee voter system has been updated. Voters eligible for voting by mail will receive their ballots in a large envelope colored blue on the left side and white on the right. The envelope will contain a ballot and three envelopes. The voter will complete the ballot and place it in the security envelope marked Envelope No. 1. Envelope No. 1 will be placed in Envelope No. 2, and the back of Envelope No. 2 will be completed by the witness and by any person providing assistance to the voter in completion and mailing of the ballot. Envelope No. 2 will then be placed in Envelope No. 3, which will be already addressed to the registrar of voters office. The ballot may be mailed or hand-delivered to the registrar of voters office by close of business the day before the election. Hand delivery must be done by a blood relative of the voter.

Kelley also explained the closed-party voting system recently enacted by the Louisiana Legislature. The first election in Winn Parish to be affected by these changes will take place in the spring of 2026. Our election in November will not cover any offices that are subject to party designations. The offices subject to the closed-party primary provisions are U.S. representative, U.S. senator, Louisiana Supreme Court, Louisiana Public Service Commission and Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The Independent Party has been dissolved by the Legislature at the request of its leaders, and all voters registered as Independent will be changed to the No Party designation. No Party voters may choose to register as Democratic or Republican and be limited to voting that ballot in the spring, or they may remain No Party and choose to vote a Democratic, Republican or unaffiliated ballot in the spring elections.

Voters registered as any party besides Democratic or Republican, such as Libertarian or Green parties, will not be eligible to vote a Democratic or Republican ballot and must vote an unaffiliated ballot.

Party affiliation may be changed at any time, but changes made in person at the registrar of voters office must be made 30 days before the next election to be able to vote under the new affiliation, and changes made online must be made 20 days before the next election. Changes in party affiliation may be made at the polls on Election Day, but the change will not take effect for that election. It will only be effective for the following election.

For more information, visit the Louisiana secretary of state’s website (sos.la.gov) or Facebook page, or call the Louisiana secretary of state or your local registrar of voters.

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At the Kiwanis Club’s Sept. 23 meeting, Kiwanian Steve Bates discussed tax changes and the effects of the Big Beautiful Bill.

He began with a true/false quiz to gauge members’ tax knowledge and reminded them that if a notice does not come in the mail it is not from the IRS. He also said there are three reasons for an audit: random selection, something out of kilter on a return, or a complaint. Due to a lack of IRS audit personnel, there have not been many audits in recent years.

The Big Beautiful Bill took existing tax law that was about to expire and made it permanent. However, permanent only means until Congress decides to change it. The standard deduction for 2025 is $15,750 for single filers, $31,500 for married filers and $23,625 for head of household. If you are 65 or older, there is an additional $2,000 deduction. There are no longer personal exemptions because they are built into the standard deduction and the tax rate. The tax rates are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Also in 2025, there is an extra $6,000 deduction for seniors 65 and older who receive Social Security. The state and local tax (SALT) deduction has been increased to $40,000. The overtime pay deduction is capped at $12,500 for single filers or $25,000 for married filers. Tips are also capped at $25,000. The 529 custodial account distribution deduction is capped at $20,000 per year. This year, there is an auto loan interest deduction on vehicles assembled in the U.S. The clean energy credits were repealed, including electric vehicles.

On July 4, 2026, the Trump Account will begin. This is for children under 18, and a parent or guardian can put $5,000 per year in an account that will roll over into an IRA at age 18. Also, for any new baby (born in the next three years) who is a U.S. citizen, the government will put $1,000 in an account in their name. The details on the Trump Account are still being worked out, so not a lot is known about how it will function.

He also mentioned child care credits, education IRAs, charitable contributions, adoption credits and the child tax credit. The group asked many questions and made many comments as Bates spoke.

This was a very interesting and informative program that educated attendees on what to expect for their 2025 tax filing.

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The Winn Parish Journal is teaming up with the Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group to shine a light on local cancer survivors. Each month we will bring awareness to various types of cancer and share success stories of our local community members. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and today’s spotlight is on Billy Thurmon.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide, accounting for 14% of new cases. Risk rises after age 50, and most diagnoses occur in men 65 and older. Thurmon was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2024. He received proton therapy at the Cancer Center at Willis Knighton in Shreveport, Louisiana, and credits the use of this treatment for his successful results.

Through it all, Thurmon has leaned on a strong circle of family and friends. His wife, Pat, and his daughters, Lindsey and Lauren, were a steady support during his fight. His grandchildren joined in, creating encouraging notes on paper links that the family made into a chain; after each treatment, Thurmon would pull a link and read a new message. Their involvement brightened his worst days and gave him the strength to push through.

Thurmon also gives credit to his dear friend and fellow prostate cancer survivor, Tommy Harrel, for being there to offer support and encouragement to him during his diagnosis and treatment. A great support system is essential for cancer patients, and Thurmon remarked several times that he was blessed with the best. He credits his wonderful support system, Willis Knighton and, most of all, God for giving him the fortitude he needed to get through each treatment.

Thurmon was asked how being a member of the Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group has helped him. He replied, “It is informative, and we have fun.” True to his nature, Thurmon is always one of the first to raise his hand when someone else needs help. He and his wife continue to give their time and encouragement to others who are walking the same road.

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The Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce and Tourism invites local businesses and organizations to join them in kicking off a little Halloween fun with their second Backbones Contest.

The contest places decorated skeletons outside participating locations for public viewing. For a fee, entrants receive a skeleton to dress and display. Chamber members are encouraging participants to get creative and have fun with their looks.

After naming and dressing a family-friendly skeleton, submit the final look to the Chamber to receive a personalized sign. The sign will include the skeleton’s name and a QR code for voting. The chamber will award first, second and third place based on these votes.

Businesses and organization should contact the chamber by Oct 1st to ensure their skeletons, call 318-628-4461 or email winnparishchamber@gmail.com to register.

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All of Winn Parish is invited to share in a night of military recognition and celebration, honoring all who have served, at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the Pine Ridge Country Club. The evening will celebrate the 250th Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day.

The program will recognize all military branches, include a special tribute to the 250th USMC Birthday, mark the 20th anniversary of the Louisiana National Guard 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployment to Iraq, and offer a Veterans Day reflection and moment of silence. “Come join a meal as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and thank those who served.”

RSVP by Nov. 3, 2025, with Mike Brister at (318) 623-5354 or Victoria Guy at (318) 413-4848.

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Kate’s Krewe invites the community to a spaghetti lunch on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Winnfield (772 Country Club Rd).

Plates are $20 and include spaghetti, corn, a roll and slice of chocolate cake. Pickup is at the church. Delivery is available for homes and businesses with orders of five or more dinners. Payment may be made by cash or check; please make checks payable to FARA (a national, public 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization).

To place an order, contact Chris Walker at 318-663-1611 or Laure Derr at 318-663-6701.

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A free, in-person Youth Mental Health First Aid training will be held in Winnfield on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The class is open to the general public and peer support specialists, but it is not intended for behavioral health professionals.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized program designed to equip parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, human services workers, and other caring adults with the tools to help adolescents (ages 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge—or even a crisis.

The training introduces participants to common mental health challenges facing youth, explores typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for supporting young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and conditions where psychosis may occur.

Why Mental Health Matters for Youth

• 1 in 5 young people will face a mental health challenge at some point in their life.
• 17.1 million youth under 18 have or have had a psychiatric disorder—more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.
• 7.4% of children in the United States have a mental health visit each year.

“Equipping adults with the skills to recognize and respond to these challenges can make a real difference in the lives of our youth,” said Stephanie Francis, who is coordinating the class.

To participate, please email Stephanie Francis atsfrancis@louisianamha.org or, call     Shonna Moss at 318-628-0169.

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Goldonna’s largest outdoor revival is currently being planned for November 9-16, every evening at 6:30pm. The outdoor services will be held at the Goldonna Ballfield on Ballfield Road. Everyone is invited to attend and encouraged to bring a friend and bring a chair. Experience God under the open fall night sky. For more information you can reach out to Brother Timmy Harris.

The Goldonna Christmas in the Park Commitee is busy planning the Festival with more details to be released soon.

Your trash could be someone else’s treasure. The community will also host a town-wide rummage sale on Saturday, November 8th. Start gathering your items that you would like to sell. This promises to be a huge event.

Goldonna Baptist Church will be kicked off their “Kingdom Kids” on September 10, 2025. These classes cater to children of all ages beginning with Pre-K all the way to 12th grade. The church is also still collecting items for Operation Christmas Child. Packing and shipping dates should be announced soon.

The Stand’s “Blessing Box” sustained damage this past week. Many area residents are hopeful that it was a passing car or ATV that caused the glass to break and not at the hands of a mischievous vandal. If you have items to donate please put them in the box. If you need something from the box, please take it. But by all means, please keep an eye on the box as it is blessing many people and deserves to be damage free.

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

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Natchitoches, LA — September 23, 2025 — The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches is thrilled to announce the launch of four new Rooted & Rising classes, made possible through the generous support of sponsors, donors, and guests at this year’s “Be the Light” Gala.

The Gala, held on September 18, brought together community members, churches, businesses, and friends of WRC for an evening of inspiration and purpose. Together, attendees raised essential funds that will directly expand WRC’s educational programs to empower and equip parents in our region.

Thanks to this outpouring of generosity, WRC is launching four new classes in 2026 designed to help families thrive during pregnancy and early parenthood:

• Safe Sleep & Bathing – equipping parents with knowledge to keep their babies safe and healthy.

• Baby Basics – offering practical guidance on caring for infants in the early months.

• Nutrition (0–36 months) – teaching healthy habits for strong growth and development.

• Mom Support – providing a nurturing community for mothers to share, learn, and grow together.

“These classes represent the heart of our mission,” said Nicole Woods, Executive Director of WRC. “We believe every woman and family deserves access to education, support, and resources that affirm life and strengthen homes. The success of this year’s Gala means more parents will have the tools they need to thrive.”

The Rooted & Rising program is one of the many ways WRC continues its mission to provide help, hope, and life-affirming alternatives to women and families across our area. By combining practical skills with faith-based encouragement, these new classes will impact hundreds of families in the coming year.

For more information about WRC programs or to learn how you can get involved, visit http://www.wrcnatchitoches.org or call (318) 357-8888.

About the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches
Since 1989, the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches has served thousands of women and families through free pregnancy testing, counseling, parenting education, material assistance, and referrals. WRC exists to empower women to make life-affirming choices and to strengthen families through compassionate care, education, and support.

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