Winn Community Health Center is now truly “Open for Business” at its spacious new facility at 407 W. Court Street in Winnfield as witnessed by the hundreds of well-wishers who gathered Monday for ceremony, speeches and tours.  The dream had been building for years.  Construction required two more years.  But WCHC didn’t waste any time after Monday’s ribbon cutting and opened the doors of the three-story complex for customer services first thing Tuesday morning.

WCHC had actually been open for business since mid-2009 but that was in a small office with 5 employees.  That has grown, under the umbrella of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana, to 11 clinics in 7 parishes as well as numerous school-based clinics.  In opening remarks, Toni McAllister lauded the vision and determination of CEO Deano Thornton in realizing the local gap in rural healthcare that has led to this “celebration of a stronger future for healthcare in our community.”

Melissa Pillars, a community development banker with JPMorgan Chase, echoed that sentiment when she described the story that inspired JPMorgan Chase to invest in this rural Louisiana project.  She’d flown in from Chicago for Monday’s opening and related that years ago, Thornton’s son Barry was seriously injured in a car accident and how the family had struggled to access local care that accepted Medicaid.

“At that moment,” she told the gathering, “he made a decision that this isn’t right.  And that moment mattered, because civic leadership often starts with one moment like that, when someone sees a problem clearly and decides not to accept it.”  She pointed to the leadership, the persistence and the clear commitment from the community which convinced JPMorgan Chase to invest to build something stronger.

Thornton explained that piecing together the funding package for this $30 million project was most complicated than anything he’d faced before and took a good measure of cooperation as he thanked JPMorgan Chase, Community Business Investment Fund and Baker Tilly in the area of federal and state tax credits and the Rapides Foundation for ongoing support.

Thornton thanked the many who sat under the canopied tent or stood in the shadow of the three-story for their continued support, to the board’s trust in him, to the collaboration of medical providers including hospital organizations and to the many employees (identified by their aqua blue t-shirts).  He thanked the organization’s leadership and reminded that crowd that WCHC is a not-for-profit with a mission to “Provide access to quality healthcare despite one’s ability to pay.”  He cited Matthew 25:40.

The CEO thanked TBA Studio where lead architect Winn native Lisa Peddy Frontaura “took my vision and put it on paper, then Ratcliff Construction brought it to reality.”  Frontaura was present with her team Angie Parish, Sha’Derrika Edwards, Megan Young-Isom, Donna Cathey, Melanie Moffett and Trinity Smith.

The building is designed both for “more patients to get the services they deserve and also for the comfort and convenience for employees.”  Some 130 will be there on a regular basis.  The first floor will feature the in-house pharmacy, primary care (with 20 exam rooms and 4 behavioral health rooms), chiropractic, podiatry, radiology, warehouse plus a break room and patio for employees.

The escalator leads to the second floor which includes physical therapy with Winnfield PT Tyler Pyles and Doug James, dental department and optometry (hoped for soon), plus a break room with balcony.  The third floor is administration, though it was open for the public walk-through Monday.  Included departments are finance, credentialing, billing, medical records, board room, C-Suite offices, IT department, chronic care management, a large training center and the “Fleur de Lis Café” plus the break room with balcony.

The board gathered at the front door, the ribbon was cut and the viewing began.

That board includes chair Toni McAllister, vice chair Andre Bass, secretary Cindy Jamison, Kaye Pyles, Rhonda Deloach, Brent Hubbard, Brenda Jones, Stanley King, Marianne Little, Glenda Melton, June Melton, Tenico Myers, Katrina Nichols and Katina Smith.  Legacy Members are Ellen Russell, Betty Ashley, Alma Hobdy, Everlean Gibson and Mike Tinnerello.

TCHC and TCHC of Louisiana board of directors includes chairman Deano Thornton, secretary/treasurer Mallorie Gardner, Gerald Hamms, Josh McAllister, Katie Parnell and Matthew Walton.

A truck driver was arrested April 14, 2026, following reports of unsafe driving along U.S. Highway 84 near Joyce, according to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said deputies received a complaint about a loaded log truck traveling at a slow speed, repeatedly crossing the centerline and nearly colliding with other vehicles. Deputies located the vehicle as it entered the Winnfield city limits and confirmed the reported behavior.

A traffic stop was conducted at the intersection of U.S. highways 167 and 84.

The driver was identified as Kenneth Richards of Dubach. During the stop, deputies reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the truck led to the discovery of suspected synthetic marijuana on the driver’s side floorboard and a Suboxone strip inside the cab.

Deputies also recovered a plastic bag containing suspected synthetic marijuana near the driver’s side of the vehicle. According to authorities, body camera footage showed the driver discarding the bag while outside the truck.

Richards was taken to the Winn Parish Detention Center and booked on multiple charges, including failure to maintain lane, unsafe vehicle, reckless operation, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and obstruction of justice.

A blood sample was obtained for toxicology testing, and results are pending. Authorities said additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the lab analysis.

The public is invited to celebrate 67 years of ministry and missions with Calvary Baptist Church at their Homecoming service on Sunday, April 26.  Service begins at 10 a.m.

Special guests will be Dr. Doug Allen and his wife Marsha, formerly of Winnfield. Dr. Allen served as pastor of Calvary for several years. He will bring the morning sermon.  Dr. Allen and his wife now live in Dumas, Arkansas, where he serves as pastor of First Baptist Church.

Following the morning service, a covered dish lunch will be enjoyed in the Family Life Center. “Everyone is invited to attend and help us welcome Doug and Marsha,” says Pastor Norris Curry. Calvary Baptist Church is located at 2888 Hwy 84, Winnfield, (about 13 miles east of Winnfield and about 8 miles west of Tullos).

The Rural Pines Foundation, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, is proud to announce its official launch with a clear and purposeful mission: to support and enhance the health and quality of life for the residents of Winn Parish.

Rooted in compassion and community, the foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to high-quality, accessible healthcare services. Through collaboration with local healthcare providers and community leaders, the Rural Pines Foundation will work to strengthen resources, expand opportunities, and create meaningful, lasting impact across the parish.

“Our mission is to support and enhance the health and quality of life for Winn Parish by providing compassionate, accessible healthcare services,” the foundation director shared. “We are committed to improving the lives of our neighbors through care, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives.”

With a vision of building a healthier and more vibrant rural community, the foundation will focus on advancing wellness, education, and prevention while supporting the long-term sustainability of local healthcare services.

Key areas of focus for the Rural Pines Foundation include:

• Enhancing access to healthcare across Winn Parish
• Supporting and developing the local healthcare workforce
• Promoting health education and preventative care initiatives
• Addressing health disparities within the community
• Strengthening infrastructure and long-term sustainability
• Improving overall quality of life for current and future generations

By prioritizing people and partnerships, the Rural Pines Foundation aims to serve as a catalyst for positive change—ensuring that rural healthcare remains strong, accessible, and centered around the needs of the community.

“The future of healthcare in rural communities depends on our ability to come together and invest in one another,” said Ashley Files, WPMC CEO. “The Rural Pines Foundation represents that commitment to care, connection, and a stronger tomorrow for Winn Parish.”

Community members, organizations, and partners are encouraged to join in supporting the foundation’s mission as it works to build a healthier, more resilient community.

For more information about the Rural Pines Foundation, please contact: Lindlay Howell Coates at lhowell@ahmgt.com.

The City of Winnfield will open its landfill to the public free of charge on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as part of a community cleanup effort.

The landfill will operate from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., giving residents an opportunity to dispose of unwanted items at no cost.

In addition to landfill access, city trucks will travel through neighborhoods to assist with trash pickup. Residents are asked to place items neatly along the side of the street for collection.

Officials noted that tires will not be accepted during the cleanup event.

City leaders are encouraging residents to participate in the effort to help keep Winnfield clean.

The Kiwanis International honored students across Winn Parish as part of its March 2026 Terrific Kids program, recognizing young individuals for their character, leadership, and positive behavior in the classroom.

At Dodson, the following students were recognized: Jace James, Stevie Underwood, Graycee DeSadier, Mattie Claire McBride, and Sawyer Boyett. They were joined by Principal Wendy Miller and Kiwanian Rita James.

At Winnfield Primary School, multiple grade levels were recognized:

Kindergarten honorees included Taylor Reppond, Jade Ramirez, and Violet Sepulvado.
First grade students recognized were A’Den Hammond, Malaysia Phillips, A’Moura Payton, and Brasi Gray. Tre’Vonte Breaux was also selected but not pictured.
Second grade honorees included Karmen Olmos, Miranda Owens, Alexis Tolbert, and Princeton Holden.
Third grade students recognized were Passion Burch, Olivia Griffin, and Carrie Johnson.
Fourth grade honorees included Jaidyn Adams, Abe Rustom, Della Jean Etheridge, and Yasir White.

Students were recognized alongside Principal Byron King, Assistant Principal Resa Johnson, and Kiwanian Ethel Howell.

At Calvin, those honored included Bella Perot, Blair Babers, Knox Reed, Carter Holmes, and Kayden Mattox. They were joined by Teacher Kim Dupree, Kiwanians Mary Lou Blackley and Troy Rogers, and Principal Justin Tinsley.

The Terrific Kids program highlights students who demonstrate respect, responsibility, and strong character, reinforcing positive values in schools and communities.

The Melrose Arts and Crafts Show scheduled for this weekend, April 18-19, has been canceled due to the threat of severe weather and high winds, which is a safety concern for vendors, attendees and staff. The show has been rescheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026.

Louisiana Central is highlighting the grand opening of the new Winn Community Health Center in Winn Parish, calling it a significant step forward for healthcare access and regional development in Central Louisiana.

Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill participated in the opening celebration, joining community leaders, healthcare professionals, and project supporters at the new facility.

The organization noted that the new health center represents more than expanded medical services, describing it as an investment in a healthier workforce, stronger families, and improved quality of life across the region. Leaders emphasized that access to healthcare plays a key role in supporting long-term economic growth and community stability.

Those in attendance included Joe Rosier, president and CEO of The Rapides Foundation; Toni McManus McAllister, Winn Parish business owner and regional advocate; Heather Poole, chancellor of Central Louisiana Technical Community College; Deano Thornton, CEO of Trinity Community Health Centers and founder of the Winn Community Health Center; and Chris Masingill.

Winn Parish, LA — Residents across Winn Parish can expect a stretch of warm, mostly sunny weather through the end of the workweek, with temperatures climbing into near-summer levels before rain chances return over the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 87 degrees. South winds at 5 to 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph. Wednesday night will bring partly cloudy skies and a low around 64, with light south winds continuing.

The warming trend continues Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 89. Clear conditions Thursday night will allow temperatures to settle around 64.

By Friday, highs will reach near 90 degrees under mostly sunny skies, making it one of the warmest days of the week. Friday night remains partly cloudy with a low near 65.

Changes arrive this weekend as moisture increases across the region. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m., and a high near 89.

Rain chances increase Saturday night, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Overnight lows will drop to around 54, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation.

By Sunday, conditions begin to improve, though a slight 20 percent chance of showers remains. Skies will become mostly sunny with a cooler high near 74. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 51.

Looking ahead to Monday, a mix of sun and clouds is expected, with temperatures rebounding slightly to a high near 79.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the warm and dry conditions early in the week and stay weather-aware as storm chances increase heading into the weekend.

The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, emphasizing education, prevention and support for victims across Winn Parish.

According to information provided by DART, sexual violence affects individuals of all genders, ages and backgrounds and includes any unwanted sexual contact or behavior carried out without consent. This can involve force, threats, manipulation or coercion.

The organization outlines multiple forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, trafficking and nonconsensual image sharing. Other behaviors, such as unwanted touching, public exposure and coercive acts, are also included under this definition.

DART officials note that social and cultural factors can contribute to sexual violence, including harmful norms, misuse of power and silence surrounding abuse. Prevention, they emphasize, requires community involvement at all levels — from homes and schools to workplaces and faith-based settings.

Consent remains a key component in preventing sexual violence. It must be freely given, informed and can be withdrawn at any time. DART stresses that consent is an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time agreement.

Statistics included in the report highlight the widespread impact of sexual violence. National data shows that nearly one in five women and one in 71 men in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape. Additional data indicates varying rates among different demographic groups.

The report also notes that victims often know their attacker. Among adolescents who have been sexually assaulted, approximately 74% were harmed by someone they knew, while about 21% of cases involved a family member.

DART emphasizes that victims are never at fault. Factors such as clothing, behavior or alcohol consumption do not justify assault, and responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

Sexual violence is also widely underreported. Common reasons include fear of not being believed, retaliation, shame, outside pressure and distrust of law enforcement.

The organization stresses that the impact of sexual violence extends beyond individual survivors and affects entire communities.

Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Winn Parish DART office at 301 West Main Street in Winnfield or call 318-648-0559 to connect with a local advocate.