Winn Parish Fire District 3 responded to 13 total incidents throughout the month of April, according to the department’s latest monthly activity report.

The district’s call volume for April was led by vegetation fires and emergency medical service assists, which accounted for eight of the total 13 calls. Crews responded to four vegetation fires and provided assistance on four EMS calls during the month.

Other activity included:

• Two motor vehicle accidents

• Two natural gas leaks

• One rubbish fire

The department released the data as part of its ongoing commitment to community transparency and safety. District officials expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support, noting that collective awareness helps build a safer parish.

Winn Parish Fire District 3 operates under the mission that “your safety is our mission.”

WINN PARISH, La. — Residents across Winn Parish should prepare for a wet and stormy pattern through midweek, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected before conditions gradually improve heading into the weekend.

According to the latest forecast, Wednesday will begin with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before more widespread rain and thunderstorms develop after 1 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 86 degrees, with south winds between 5 and 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. Rain chances are elevated at 80%.

Storm activity is expected to continue through Wednesday night, with showers and possible thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., followed by another chance of rain and storms overnight.

Temperatures will fall to around 60 degrees, with precipitation chances remaining at 80%.

On Thursday, unsettled weather continues with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly cloudy skies. Cooler temperatures are expected, with highs only reaching around 72 degrees.

A lingering chance of showers and thunderstorms remains in the forecast for Thursday night, with mostly cloudy conditions and overnight lows near 55 degrees. Rain chances decrease to 30%.

By Friday, conditions begin improving with only a 20% chance of isolated showers. Partly sunny skies return, along with a daytime high near 76 degrees.

Friday night carries another slight chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 1 a.m., with partly cloudy skies and overnight lows around 59 degrees.

The weekend forecast appears more favorable for outdoor activities. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with just a 20% chance of isolated showers and a high near 81 degrees. Saturday night will remain partly cloudy with lows around 62 degrees.

Looking ahead to Sunday, warmer temperatures return with a high near 87 degrees. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast under mostly sunny skies.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert for changing weather conditions during the midweek storm period, especially Wednesday and Wednesday night when the heaviest rainfall and strongest thunderstorms are most likely.

After a stormy stretch, Winn Parish can expect improving conditions and warmer temperatures as the weekend approaches.

WINNFIELD, La. — The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced details for its upcoming annual Tax Sale, scheduled to take place later this month at the Winn Parish Courthouse.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the tax sale will be held on May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the courtroom of the Winn Parish Courthouse.

Officials say registration for interested bidders will begin on May 25, 2026. Those wishing to participate may complete registration by either calling the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office or visiting the office in person.

The annual tax sale provides an opportunity for qualified bidders to participate in the purchase of tax-related properties or liens in accordance with Louisiana law.

Sheriff’s Office officials encourage interested individuals to complete registration ahead of the sale date and obtain any necessary details regarding bidding procedures, requirements, and eligibility.

For additional information or to register, residents and prospective bidders are advised to contact the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office directly.

Officials say the annual tax sale is an important part of parish tax administration and helps address delinquent property taxes while maintaining compliance with state regulations..

Hand in Hand Hospice Care will host a free, no-commitment informational meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church. The session is designed to help individuals and families prepare for future health challenges by focusing on a plan for comfort, quality of life, and dignity.

Attendees will learn about the services hospice care provides, who qualifies for care, and the steps required to begin receiving services.

WHAT: Hospice Informational Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Faith Baptist Church, 1145 Horseshoe Road, Winnfield, LA 71483
COST: Free

EVENT DETAILS: * A meal will be provided for all attendees.

• The meeting is open to the public with no obligation required.

CONTACT: Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling or texting 318-302-0477.

Paid Content

Proposal sparks discussion on experience, longevity, and the future of Louisiana’s courts

By Journal Staff

Voters across Louisiana will consider Amendment 5 on the May 16, 2026 ballot, a proposal that would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.

If approved, the change would allow judges to complete full terms—some as long as 10 years depending on the court—provided they have not reached their 75th birthday at the time of service.

A Shift Reflecting Longer Lifespans

Supporters of the amendment point to a broader societal trend: Americans are living longer and remaining professionally active later in life than when the current retirement limit was established decades ago.

Under the existing system, judges who reach age 70 are required to step down, regardless of their health, performance, or desire to continue serving. Proponents argue that this can lead to the loss of experienced jurists at a time when institutional knowledge and continuity are valuable to the court system.

Continued Service Beyond the Bench

Even under current law, many retired judges remain involved in the legal system, often serving in temporary or ad hoc capacities to assist with caseloads. Backers of Amendment 5 say the proposal would formalize and extend that opportunity, allowing qualified judges to remain in full-time roles longer rather than transitioning to limited assignments.

Broad Support Across Legal Circles

The amendment has drawn backing from various members of Louisiana’s legal community, including attorneys, judicial organizations, and others who cite the benefits of experience and stability on the bench.

Advocates emphasize that the proposal does not eliminate voter oversight. Judges would still be required to stand for election, meaning the public retains the ability to decide whether a candidate—regardless of age—should continue serving.

Considerations for Voters

As with any constitutional amendment, the decision ultimately rests with voters. Amendment 5 raises broader questions about balancing experience with generational turnover, as well as how best to structure long-term service in the judiciary.

Voters will have the opportunity to weigh those factors when they head to the polls on May 16.

Is there a phrase more terrifying to the modern grocery shopper than “UNEXPECTED ITEM IN BAGGING AREA”? (Except, perhaps, “ITEM REMOVED FROM BAGGING AREA.”) 

We’ve all been there: The panicked fumble, the furious (yet ultimately futile) pressing of the “clear error” button, the desperate eye-contact with the one store employee who is now also side-eyeing your entire existence. The worst part? The machine never understands your motivation. It doesn’t know about the snack craving, the mid-afternoon energy slump, or the urgent need for specifically this kind of chip. It only knows that something isn’t “registered” and now you’re the unexpected item.

Just… just give me the snacks, you heartless electronic demon.

Oil and gas activity in Natchitoches Parish remained robust through the month of April, with eighty (80) new leases filed at the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court office.

While a majority of the leasing activity continues to be concentrated in the western portion of the parish—stretching from the intersection of Interstate 49 and Highway 6 to the Sabine Parish line, and extending ten miles north toward the Spanish Lake bottoms—new developments are emerging.

A significant shift in recent activity includes the first signs of leasing on the east side of I-49. Additionally, while the primary focus remains west, energy companies are also expanding their footprint with new filings recorded south of LA Hwy 6.

In addition to the rise in lease filings, an upcoming public meeting has been scheduled for May 18 to discuss a proposed 3D seismic graphing project. The survey is expected to cover approximately 310 square miles, the majority of which is located within Natchitoches Parish.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 5137 University Parkway.

Landowners who have been approached with lease offers or seismic survey requests are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel before signing any agreements, as these contracts can have long-term implications for mineral and surface rights.

A review of Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records confirms the 80 leases filed in April 2026. The NPJ obtained this information directly from the parish’s online Public Records system.

Total Leases filed in calendar year 2025: 405
Total Leases filed in calendar year 2026 203

See Winn Parish on page 28.

If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

She’s not just a nervous flyer anymore—she’s dreading every trip. With family and work pulling her cross-country, is it time to face her fears or stay grounded for good?

 See what Ida says 

Winn Parish 4-H members recently showcased their forestry knowledge and athletic skills during the Woodsman Skills Contest held as part of the annual Louisiana Forest Festival.

The competition, which took place during the festival’s longstanding celebration of forestry heritage in Winn Parish, gave local 4-H youth an opportunity to compete in traditional forestry events while continuing one of the parish’s signature traditions.

Winn 4-H officials said the event highlighted the importance of investing in future forestry leaders while keeping the Forest Festival tradition alive for younger generations.

Participants competed in several events, including Rope Climb, Pulpwood Throw, Match Split, Log Roll, and Crosscut competitions.

Woodsman Skills Contest Results:

Rope Climb

Boys

1st Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Bacey

2nd Place: Emma

3rd Place: Brilynn

4th Place: Zoey

5th Place: Leah

Pulpwood Throw

Boys

1st Place: Stetson

2nd Place: Demontrez

3rd Place: Darrell

4th Place: DaKylan

5th Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Brilynn

2nd Place: Bacey

3rd Place: Leah

4th Place: Emma

Match Split

Boys

1st Place: Stetson

2nd Place: Darrell

3rd Place: Demontrez

4th Place: DeKylan

5th Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Brilynn

2nd Place: Emma

3rd Place: Zoey

4th Place: Leah

5th Place: Bacey

Log Roll

1st Place: Demontrez and Darrell

2nd Place: Demontrez and Stetson

Crosscut

Boy/Boy

1st Place: Levi and Darrell

2nd Place: Levi and Demontrez

3rd Place: Darrell and Demontrez

4th Place: Stetson and Demontrez

5th Place: Darrell and Stetson

Girl/Girl

1st Place: Emma and Bacey

2nd Place: Emma and Leah

3rd Place: Brilynn and Leah

Boy/Girl

1st Place: Bacey and Stetson

2nd Place: Demontrez and Brilynn

3rd Place: Demontrez and Emma

Winn 4-H also extended appreciation to Louisiana Tech Forestry for assisting with judging throughout the contest.

Organizers noted that the Woodsman Skills competition remains a valued part of the Louisiana Forest Festival, combining friendly competition, forestry education, and community tradition while helping prepare young participants for future leadership opportunities in agriculture and forestry.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that increased water temperatures, storms, and extended cloudy weather can lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters across the state. These events are typically caused by low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia), which often occurs in warm water, since it has a lower carrying capacity for oxygen than cooler water.  Conditions such as stagnant water, heavy rainfall, decaying vegetation, or increased nutrient runoff contribute to hypoxic conditions—especially in shallow bayous, marshes, and ponds.

Fish kills may affect certain species or sizes more than others. For example, shad are sensitive to hypoxia, and are often the first or only fish that experience a fish kill, while some species, like gar, can breathe air and are resistant to hypoxic conditions. Other species have varying levels of tolerance to hypoxic conditions. 

While fish kills can temporarily impact recreational and commercial fishing, aquatic ecosystems in Louisiana are resilient and typically recover naturally. Even in large fish kills, some fish will find refuge from hypoxic conditions in the affected waterbody or connected waterbodies and survive. Scavengers and decomposers help break down fish remains, and most systems recover over time. If conditions remain favorable, fish populations often rebound after major kills within one to two years without the need for stocking, and young fish benefit from reduced competition and increased resources. However, fish kills caused by pollution or chemical spills can occur at any time and may require additional response.

Documenting fish kills in Louisiana, whether caused by natural or human-caused events, is important to responsibly manage fisheries resources. Please report any observed fish kill to LDWF so biologists can investigate and document the kill as soon as possible. For information on how to report a fish kill or more information about the causes of fish kills, go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth. 

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention. 

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully. 

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses. 

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”  

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would  later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!” 

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people. 

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly. 

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you.