Winn Parish residents should brace for a soggy midweek period that will give way to bitter cold and the potential for icy, hazardous conditions by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain is expected throughout Wednesday, with highs near 57 degrees and southeast winds around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 80 percent. Showers will continue into Wednesday night, with the possibility of a thunderstorm before 3 a.m. Rain remains likely overnight as temperatures dip to around 48 degrees. Winds will become calm by late night.

Thursday brings continued cloudy skies with a 30 percent chance of rain, mainly during the morning hours. Highs will reach near 59 degrees. Thursday night remains cloudy with another 30 percent chance of rain after midnight and lows near 46.

By Friday, clouds linger and rain chances increase again, especially after noon. Highs will be near 55 degrees. Conditions take a dramatic turn Friday night as temperatures plunge to around 25 degrees. Rain is expected before midnight, transitioning to rain or freezing rain as colder air moves in. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday poses the greatest risk, as freezing rain and sleet are likely before noon, followed by a mix of rain, freezing rain, and sleet throughout the day. Highs will struggle to reach 33 degrees, creating a high potential for icy roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces. Saturday night remains cloudy with lows near 20 and continued chances for freezing rain and sleet.

Sunday offers only slight improvement, with a small chance of rain or freezing rain under partly sunny skies. Highs will hover near 37 degrees before falling to around 18 Sunday night.

Conditions improve Monday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 46.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for possible winter weather impacts, including dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages from late Friday through the weekend.

ABOVE
WPS Kindergarten
Left to right Cecily Desadier, Brielle Wells, Emery Swenson.
Principal Byron King, Kiwanians Mary Lou Blackley and Ethel Howell,
Assistant Principal Resa Johnson.

BELOW

CALVIN, DODSON, WPS Grade 4, WPS Grade 3, WPS Grade 2 & WPS Grade 1

If you grew up in the 1960s, you remember that nightly publicservice announcement that came on right before the late news: “It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?”

Of course, our parents didn’t know where we were. It was the 60s. Half the time we didn’t know where we were. Childhood back then was a freerange, unsupervised, loosely organized adventure involving bicycles with no helmets, creeks with questionable water quality, and a general understanding that you should be home “before dark,” which could mean anything from 5:30 PM to the next morning depending on the season and your mother’s mood.

Today’s parents track their children with GPS, Bluetooth, satellite imaging, and—if necessary—a drone. In the 60s, the only tracking device was your mother’s voice hollering your name across three neighborhoods like a foghorn powered by righteous indignation. And somehow, that worked.

Back then, if you told your mom, you were “going outside,” that was considered a complete itinerary. No one asked followup questions. No one needed a permission slip. You could be building a treehouse, digging a hole to China, or accidentally setting something on fire. As long as you came home eventually and didn’t bleed on the carpet, you were considered a successful child.
And yet, for all the differences between then and now, one thing hasn’t changed: every generation has to figure out life—and faith—for themselves.

My generation grew up with three TV channels, rotary phones, and the theological certainty that if you ran in church, God would personally trip you. Today’s kids grow up with smartphones, streaming services, and the ability to Google “Why does my pastor say that?” during the sermon. (Please don’t tell me if you’ve done this.)

But here’s the truth: faith has never been something you inherit like your grandmother’s casserole dish. Each generation has to discover Christ anew—sometimes in ways that surprise the generation before them. And the church, if it wants to stay alive and not become the spiritual equivalent of lukewarm leftovers, has to let the Holy Spirit shape it into a living, breathing, organic body of Christ—not a museum of how things used to be.

The kids who grew up hearing “It’s 10 PM—do you know where your children are?” are now grandparents watching their own grandkids navigate a world we couldn’t have imagined. And just like our parents trusted us to find our way home before dark, we can trust that God is guiding this new generation toward their own encounter with grace.

So the next time you worry about “kids these days,” remember: our parents survived us. And God, who has been faithful through every generation—from rotary phones to TikTok—will be faithful still.
And if you’re reading this after 10 PM, don’t worry. God knows where His children are. Always has.

Always will.

Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mouse trap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are aways looking to make improvements and advancements with regards to their technology.

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.

The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.

Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.

Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.

In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.

The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.

Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.

In a world of endless alerts and nonstop trends, the public’s attention rarely makes it past the loading screen before the next “new thing” drops.

On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of French and European history. The execution marked a dramatic escalation of the French Revolution and symbolized the collapse of centuries-old monarchy.

Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774 during a time of economic strain and social inequality. France faced crushing debt, widespread poverty, and resentment toward an aristocracy seen as detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Revolutionary ideas gained momentum, fueled by Enlightenment philosophies advocating liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.

Following the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the monarchy’s authority steadily eroded. Louis XVI was eventually arrested and charged with treason, accused of conspiring against the nation and attempting to undermine the revolution. His trial before the National Convention was unprecedented, placing a reigning monarch on trial by his own people.

The execution itself was swift but symbolic. As the guillotine blade fell in the Place de la Révolution, it sent shockwaves across Europe. Monarchies feared similar uprisings within their own borders, while revolutionaries viewed the act as a decisive break from tyranny. France soon found itself at war with several European powers determined to suppress revolutionary ideals.

Domestically, the execution intensified political divisions. The revolution entered its most violent phase, known as the Reign of Terror, as leaders sought to eliminate perceived enemies of the state. Thousands were executed in the name of protecting the revolution, leaving a legacy of both radical change and profound loss.

January 21 remains one of the most significant dates of the French Revolution. The death of Louis XVI transformed a reform movement into a full-scale revolution, redefining governance, citizenship, and the balance of power in modern societies.

Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death studying fine arts. He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time he took whatever manual labor job he could get.

For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other they bickered, as most siblings do but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive. He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting. When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself, “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.” In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.

Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist. Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely. For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.

Sources:

1. Daily News (Sydney, Australia), September 22, 1939, p.1.

2. The Daily News Leader (Staunton, Virginia), November 22, 1992, p.8.

3. The Bolton News, September 27, 2006, p.4.

4. “Alois Hitler Sr.,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11646/alois-hitler.

5. “Klara Pölzl Hitler,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11645/klara-hitler.

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Mrs. Carol Barham Remy, born December 5, 1955, in Ruston, Louisiana, entered her eternal home in Heaven on January 16, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Carol lived the majority of her life in north Louisiana, where she poured her heart into her family, her faith, and the many students she served for nearly four decades. After 58 years in north Louisiana, she moved to Baton Rouge to be near her children and to lovingly care for her first granddaughter, Alison, a role she cherished deeply.

Carol, known to her grandchildren as “Jojo,” was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She is survived by her loving husband, John Remy; her daughters, Laura Remy and Melinda Penny; her son-in-law, Andrew Penny; and her beloved grandchildren, Alison, Ainsley, and John Michael, who were the joy of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Barham, and his wife, Lorie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and JoAnn Barham.

A woman of strong faith, Carol lived out her calling through service and love for others. She began her career as a home economics teacher in Spearsville, where she taught for 13 years, before continuing her life’s work as a 4-H agent for 20 years in Union Parish. She was known and loved by countless students and families whose lives she touched through her guidance, encouragement, and unwavering kindness.
Carol and John also served together for 14 years in Volunteer Christian Builders, traveling across the country to help construct numerous churches and Christian camps, a ministry that reflected their shared faith and love of service. Carol’s life reflected her deep trust in the Lord, and her legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and quiet strength. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and steadfast love for her family and community.

A visitation to celebrate Carol’s life with her Baton Rouge friends was held on Saturday, January 17, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Istrouma Ascension.

A visitation was held at Crestview Baptist Church in Farmerville, LA on Sunday, January 18, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Crestview Baptist Church with Bro. Wayne Whiteside as officiant. Interment followed at Unionville Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Carol’s family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, rejoicing in the presence of her Savior, and they are grateful for the promise that her love and faith will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Winn Parish will see a stretch of dry and mostly sunny weather through the upcoming holiday weekend, with cool nights and mild daytime temperatures.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with highs near 61 degrees. Southwest winds at 5 to 15 mph will shift to the northwest by the afternoon.

Wednesday night turns partly cloudy and colder, with lows around 32. North winds will increase slightly, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Thursday brings plenty of sunshine, but cooler conditions, with highs near 50.

Thursday night will be clear and cold, dropping to around 31 degrees.

Friday warms back up under sunny skies, reaching a high near 61.

Friday night remains mostly clear with lows near 34.

Saturday stays sunny with a high around 54, followed by a mostly clear and chilly night with lows near 31.

Sunday will be sunny and cool, topping out near 52 degrees.

Sunday night will be the coldest of the stretch, with clear skies and lows falling to around 27.

Looking ahead to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, expect sunshine to continue with highs near 54 degrees.

Overall, a quiet forecast for Winn Parish—no rain expected, but several cold nights, so be sure to protect pets, plants, and exposed pipes.