Month: October 2025

Winnfield Police Department Arrest Report

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Date: 10-22-25
Name: Michaela L. Lowe
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 25
Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery, Introduction of Contraband

Date: 10-22-25
Name: Demario Brown
Address: Winnfield, La
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 35
Charge: Theft

Date: 10-24-25
Name: Wyatt Dunn
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 24
Charge: Hit and Run

Date: 10-24-25
Name: Debra K. Desadier
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 65
Charge: Theft (Shoplifting)  

Date: 10-24-25
Name: Kade Logan Busher
Address: Natchitoches, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 23
Charge: Direct Contempt of Court

Date: 10-24-25
Name: Devin Phillips
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 33
Charge: Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, No Drivers License, Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle

Date: 10-25-25
Name: Tymon Campbell
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 24
Charge: Simple Criminal Damage of Property, Domestic Abuse Battery (Child Endangerment)  

Date: 10-26-25
Name: Taylor Tucker
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 20
Charge: Simple Battery

Date: 10-28-25
Name: Danielle Wallace
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Age: 24
Charge: Direct Contempt of Court x2 

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.

Notice of Death- October 28, 2025

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Carrie Inez Cherry Anyan
August 22, 1937 – October 20, 2025
Service: Funeral Services for Mrs. Anyan took place at the Southern Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. Interment followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield, LA.

Nyoka LaJuan King Austin
June 26, 1945 – October 21, 2025
Service: Funeral services for mrs. Austin took place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Calvary Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Barry Glen Zimmerman
November 25, 1955 – October 25, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mr. Zimmerman took place Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Southern Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Antioch Community Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Council Takes Up Electric Rates, Honors Two with Hammy

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Wearing pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the City of Winnfield Mayor and Council pause after the Oct. 14 meeting. From the left: Matt Miller (District 4), Teresa Phillips (District 5), Mayor Gerald Hamms, Chiquita Caldwell (District 3), Ada Hall (District 2). Not pictured, Erikia Breda (District 1). 

Last Tuesday was a busy evening for the Winnfield City Council: members heard an electric utility rate presentation, recognized two longtime Winnfield contributors, and approved water treatment upgrades and funding for jail repairs.

Rick Nowlin from Delta Consulting detailed a study of the electric system’s finances, offering a data-driven analysis of performance, spending, and long-term trends to aid the council in establishing rates that cover costs without negatively impacting customers. “Our job is to find the true cost to run the system and help the city set rates that are fair and sustainable for Winnfield,” he said.

Nowlin will present residential and commercial rate options with plain numbers showing how a typical home or small business bill could change, identify efficiency steps to help hold costs down, and ensure every proposal reflects the city’s duty to its ratepayers by balancing system needs with what customers can afford. With timely records from the council and the Legislative Auditor, Nowlin could produce the review results before the end of this year.

The council honored Etoy Ashely and Dr. Bill Gaddis with Hammy Awards, thanking them for their years of commitment and selfless community works. “The Hammy honors people who go above and beyond for Winnfield,” Mayor Gerald Hamms said. “Mr. Ashely’s 52 years with the school system and Dr. Gaddis’s 49 years in practice speak for themselves. We’re grateful for their steady service to our families.”

Members modified ordinance 11.5 and listened to Jennifer Loftin, a representative of the Historical Preservation Commission, discuss the possibility of expanding the commission’s map to include more important structures that could lead to a boost in future tourism and revitalize the community. Starla Triplett Jones informed members the Pinecrest Collaborative has obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status since last month’s presentation and will continue pursuing restoration of the campus.

District 6 Winn Parish Police Juror Author Robinson asked the council to address limb pickup on Horseshoe Road (between Welder Road and Cole Road) noting the culvert there has remained congested and continues to cause flooding.

In other action, Matthew Harrell was approved for full time duty for the Fire Department. The property at 406 Holmes St was removed from the condemnation list after the owners made improvements. The council approved a resolution for a $250,000 appropriation for jail repairs and authorized Mayor Hamms to apply for a loan to fund improvements to the city’s water treatment system.

From the left, Mr. Etoy Ashley, Mayor Gerald Hamms, and Dr. Bill Gaddis with Hammy’s in hand.
Delta Consulting Rep Rick Nowlin during his electric utility rates presentation.

Team Effort Gives WSHS Stadium a Facelift

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Freshly washed and repainted, Winnfield Senior High’s Tiger Stadium shines after a cleanup efforts by the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office.

During his first days after the Oct. 15 transition, Superintendent Dr. Troy Bell collaborated with parish partners to clean and repaint parts of the Winnfield Senior High School football stadium.

The parish fire department handled pressure-washing, and the sheriff’s office provided labor to paint key areas. “This is an example of the community working together to support our education system. This effort fits perfectly with, “We all win in Winn together, ” Bell affirmed. 

Bell shared the results with the Winn Parish Journal; see the slideshow below.

Louisiana Political Museum Director Receives Pelican of Distinction Award

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Shonna Moss, director of the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame, has received the Pelican of Distinction Award from Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, a statewide honor recognizing leadership in promoting Louisiana as a travel destination.

Moss was recognized for elevating the Political Museum, the City of Winnfield and the region’s political and cultural heritage. As director, she has led initiatives that spotlight Winnfield as the “Birthplace of Huey P. Long” and a cornerstone of Louisiana political history.

Beyond the museum, Moss serves on the Winn Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board and has worked for years to boost community events and the parish’s visibility. She plays an instrumental role each year in supporting the Fall Festival, the Christmas parade and Uncle Earl’s Hog Dog Trials, a signature event that draws visitors from across the country.

She is a regular at tourism and culture conferences statewide, promoting Winnfield’s attractions and the museum’s legacy. Her outreach extends beyond Louisiana; she is scheduled to speak to more than 200 Rotarians in Huntsville, Alabama, in April 2026.

The museum’s annual Louisiana Political Hall of Fame Banquet also brings statewide attention to Winnfield. The event honors distinguished political figures and public servants and, every third year, returns to Winnfield, filling the town with hundreds of guests and new tourism dollars.

Nungesser praised this year’s honorees as “ambassadors who make Louisiana shine.” Moss said the recognition reflects a community effort. “This award really belongs to so many people here in Winnfield, who work to bring back what Winnfield once had and can have again,” she shared. “Our community has a proud history and an even brighter future. Every visitor who walks through the museum doors experiences a piece of Louisiana’s story, and that story always begins right here in Winnfield.”

The award highlights how local leadership strengthens Louisiana’s tourism economy. With Moss and her staff, the Political Museum continues to preserve history while helping promote all that makes Winnfield and Louisiana stand out.

Winnfield makes courageous push at Many, but still looking for first district win

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By Matt Vines, Journal Services 

Winnfield came roaring back from a three-touchdown deficit against Many, but the visiting Tigers didn’t have quite enough fuel to take over the lead in the second half.

Winnfield (2-5, 0-1 District 3-2A) cut Many’s lead to three points in the third quarter after trailing by more than three touchdowns, but Many (4-3, 2-0) scored three straight touchdowns to pull away for a 66-40 win.

Trailing 35-12, Winnfield running back Detavious Williams rushed for a score and then returned an interception for a touchdown, before the visiting Tigers turned a Many fumble into a Nickalas Mockosher 43-yard scoring pass to Shayne Ford.

“We have a team that is resilient, and we battled until the very end,” said Winnfield coach Byron Keller.

“We had numerous obstacles to overcome and still battled.

“Having three touchdowns called back and still our guys competed. I’m proud of these guys.”
Williams scored four touchdowns (three rushing), including the first score to answer Many’s kick return touchdown to start the game.

“Detavious is the real deal,” said Many coach Tyler Hassell, who served on Keller’s staff at Red River in 2024. “He’s one of those guys you’ve got to account for on every snap.”

“Offensively, he’s explosive. He can break one at any time. And defensively, he’s just as dangerous and he’s physical with a big motor. Winnfield leans on him in a big way, and rightfully so.”

But Many had their own running back study in Daniel Thomas, who rushed for an astounding six touchdowns.

Thomas scored Many’s last four touchdowns, including three straight after Winnfield came within a few points in the late third quarter.

Winnfield can’t afford to wallow in this defeat with a trip to Mansfield (5-2, 1-0) on the books.

The Wolverines knocked off Red River, 38-30, to start district play with a victory before stepping outside the league to handle Rosepine, 45-14.

Mansfield running back Terrell Pegues is one of the most dynamic in the state and is the focal point of his offense much like Williams and Many’s Thomas are.

“We’ve got to stop the run, control the ball and control the clock,” Keller said. “We are steadily improving, now it’s time to finish a complete game.”

Winnfield is sitting outside of the Division III Non-Select picture at No. 29 (28 teams get in), and the Tigers finish with Mansfield, defending champion Red River and Lakeside.

Kate’s Krewe rides Nov. 8 to fuel FARA research

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Volunteers box dinners during the FARA Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on Oct. 9 to benefit the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance.

It’s that time again, Kate’s Krewe will ride in ‘rideATAXIA Dallas’ on Nov. 8 at Railroad Park to benefit the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).

The annual fundraiser dedicates all proceeds to the research and development of drugs to treat Fiedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare neuromuscular disease that affects about 15,000 people worldwide. So far the Winn Parish team has helped raise more than $225,000 over the past eight years.

On Oct. 9, the FARA Spaghetti Dinner, organized by Laure Derr, drew more than 30 volunteers who prepared, boxed and delivered meals, helping raise more than $7,000 for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. The Walker families, Jimmy and Helene and Bo and Chris, expressed gratitude to the volunteers and to all who bought meals in support of their granddaughter Kate’s cause. A bake sale led by Kim Caldwell is in the works, with details coming soon.

The family shared recently that Kate began a new medication about 18 months ago and has seen progress while another therapy awaits FDA approval. Kate graduated in May from the University of Arkansas with a double major in supply chain management and marketing and now works at Sam’s Club headquarters in Bentonville.

Donations may be made at give.curefa.org/kateskrewe2025 or by mail to Kate’s Krewe at 700 W. North St., Winnfield, LA 71483, or 131 Pine Ridge, Winnfield, LA 71483. Checks can be picked up by calling 318-663-1611 or 318-481-8922.

For more information about rideATAXIA and FARA, visit curefa.org. 

Kiwanis hears about Joyce Beautification

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Left to right: Ricky and Arlene Vines with Kiwanian Chet Atkins.

The Kiwanis Club heard from Ricky and Arlene Vines about beautification efforts in Joyce at their Oct.21 meeting. 

Vines, introduced by club member Chet Atkins, said he has lived in Winn Parish all his life and moved back to Joyce over a year ago. His family settled in the parish in 1870, and seven generations have made their home here. He noted his grandson was named a Terrific Kid this month, a recognition that “thrilled” him. A preacher, Vines titled his talk “Complain or Contribute” and cited passages from Ezekiel, Isaiah and Philippians.

Vines said that for years his family worked around Joyce while living elsewhere, and he often saw neglect. At his daughter’s suggestion, he began planting flowers along the roadside. “A small amount of beauty changes people’s attitudes,” he told members, adding that drivers slow to look, a woman clips a few for the nursing home and residents bring it up in passing as they greet him in town. 

He later planted more than enough greens for his family, posted a sign inviting neighbors to pick what they needed and set out bags. He has since added more greens, including mustard, as part of a larger push to “invest in people.”

Vines said Joyce was once a place where everyone knew each other and children played together, and he urged residents to work together and do what they can. He said he is stepping in to help oversee the sewer system because the job needs to be done. “We want to leave things better than when we came,” he said of his and Arlene’s efforts.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Those interested in joining are welcome Tuesdays at noon at Mama’s Iron Skillet.

‘Making Strides’ Breast Cancer Walk, Saturday Oct. 25

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Main Street is set to flood pink this coming Saturday, Oct. 25, as community members gather at the farmer’s market for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at 8 a.m.

The event is open to all at no cost, whether in teams or taking part individually.

Participants are encouraged to wear pink and bring signs honoring loved ones, thanking caregivers or recognizing survivors. The walk aims to raise awareness while supporting the American Cancer Society’s work in research, patient services and advocacy.

Donations can be made online by visiting the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides page and using “Find a participant or team.” Search “WinnStrong2gether2025” and confirm the team leader listed as Phillis Booker, then select “Donate to Save Lives.”

For more information, call 318-302-2607.

127th Hudson Camp Meeting Slated

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Craig James, Director of Missions for the North Central Baptist Association.

Strengthening Families Program Builds Healthy Brains & Stronger Bonds

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Did You Know?
Families who share at least three meals together each week experience:
• 33% lower risk of youth substance use
• Higher grades and stronger self-esteem among children
• Closer emotional bonds and lower stress levels for parents and teens

“Every family has the power to strengthen their relationships — one meal, one conversation, and one moment at a time.”
— Strengthening Families Program Motto

Healthy Brains & Stronger Bonds Through the Strengthening Families Program
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based initiative that brings parents and children ages 7 to 17 together to improve family relationships and reduce the risk of teen substance use.

SFP is designed for all families–not just those experiencing challenges. In this program, a family is defined as one or more adults responsible for one or more children, and a parent is any adult with that responsibility.

Each 11-week series features engaging, skill-based lessons for parents, teens, and children, followed by a joint family practice session where everyone comes together to apply what they’ve learned.

The current session began Thursday, October 9, at the First United Methodist Church in Winnfield, and will continue weekly through mid-December.

Parents: Nurturing with Purpose
In the parent session, families explored how nurturing parenting practices encourage positive behavior and strengthen emotional connections. Parents learned that the brain continues developing until around age 25 and that consistent, simple habits can help children thrive.

Three daily routines were introduced:

“My Time” – 10–15 minutes of one-on-one interaction with each child.

Mindfulness – brief exercises to reduce stress and counter Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs).

Family Dinners – three to five pleasant, screen-free meals per week to improve communication and reduce risky behaviors.

Parents were encouraged to practice mindfulness morning and night, express gratitude during meals, and emphasize positive, affirming interactions throughout the week.

Teens: Building Healthy Brains and Strong Minds
Teen participants discovered how their brains continue to grow into early adulthood — and how daily choices can shape that development. Lessons highlighted healthy brain habits such as proper sleep, balanced nutrition, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

Mindfulness was introduced as a powerful “brain-training” skill to strengthen focus and emotional control. Teens practiced mindful breathing, identified negative thoughts, and participated in group discussions about responsibility and decision-making.

To reinforce what they learned, teens were encouraged to enjoy regular “My Time” with parents, take part in family dinners, and join family fun nights designed to build trust and teamwork.

Children: Learning Through Play
Children in the youth class learned about feelings, kindness, and healthy habits through stories, songs, and games. They discovered that spending time with their parents, helping others, and showing gratitude all help their brains and hearts grow stronger.

Play-based activities emphasized that love and laughter are essential for a healthy brain and a happy home.

A Family Journey Toward Connection
By the end of the evening, families left with practical tools they could begin using right away — mindful breathing, family meals, and quality time together. These small, daily practices nurture emotional balance, encourage positive communication, and strengthen family bonds.

Sessions are held weekly at the First United Methodist Church in Winnfield. The program is facilitated by Winn Community Health Center and funded through a Strengthening Families Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.

For more information, contact Shonna Moss at 318-628-0169.

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Goldonna News

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Autumn Blessings Ladies Night Our will be held October 25, 2025 at the Creston Baptist Church located on Highway 9 at Black Lake. The special speaker for this fun event will be Goldonna’s own, Linda Dupree. The church invites everyone and encourages them to bring a friend to enjoy fellowship, food as well as arts and crafts.

Revival on the Ballfield will be held November 9-16 nightly at 6:30pm on the Goldonna Ballfield located on Ballfield Road. Bring your chair and your Bible for a once in a lifetime event.

The Blessing Box is fully operational and ready to help anyone in need. The box is located at the Stand. If you have extras of any food or literature item, leave it in the box. If you need something please take it from the box. The organizers of the Blessing Box want to remind the community it is for anyone and everyone, don’t be shy if you are in need!

The Goldonna Christmas in the Park will be hosting a Gumbo Fundraiser on November 9th from 10:30am until it is all sold out. The fundraiser will be held at Town Hall. Please contact Eugene Garner for additional details at 318-533-5044. Tentative plans include to move the festival to the school campus to help alleviate any weather related issues. The festival will be releasing more details about this year’s event in the coming days.

Reba Phelps

Jreba.phelps@gmail.com

‘Lights, Cameras, Cure’ Gala Coming Feb. 7

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“Lights, Cameras, Cure,” a red-carpet celebration hosted by the Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group, will honor local cancer survivors and patients on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

The evening entertainment will blend live music from The Comeback Kids and a benefit auction led by Brandon DuBois of DuBois Auctions. Guests will enjoy pork loin, scalloped potatoes, salad, green beans, a roll and dessert.

All cancer survivors and patients will receive a ticket at no cost. General admission is $30 per person, or a table for eight is $200. Tickets are available for pickup at the tax assessor’s office in the courthouse, or The Pea Patch Gallery in Winnfield.

Families are encouraged to email photos of loved ones who fought and lost their battle so they can be added to the memorial slideshow.

To donate in memory or in honor of someone, to sponsor the event, or to contribute items for the silent auction, contact Todd Hughes at 318-302-1872, Lindlay Howell Coates at 318-628-0401, or Rhonda Pharr at 318-332-4713.

All proceeds will remain in Winn Parish to help cancer patients with travel expenses related to treatment. Help is available to any local patient by emailing juanitapharrcsg@gmail.com or calling Rhonda Pharr. Please allow a couple of days to process checks.

Join the Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group in celebrating survivors, remembering those we’ve lost and assisting neighbors in treatment.

Annual Autumn Leaves Trunk or Treat Thursday, Oct. 23

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Spooky fun and friendly faces will fill the parking lot as Autumn Leaves Nursing & Rehabilitation Center hosts its annual Halloween trunk-or-treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at 342 Country Club Rd. in Winnfield.

Neighbors of all ages can make their rounds to decorated trunks for candy and stay for food, casual games and prizes while visiting with residents and staff. Costumes are encouraged.

The family-oriented event is open to the public and offers a safe, well-lit way for families to celebrate Halloween while giving Autumn Leaves residents an opportunity to visit with the community.