The Winn Parish Police Jury will meet Thursday, June 25 at 5:00 PM for a regular meeting at the Winn Parish Courthouse, 119 West Main Street, Room 112.

June 17, 2026

• Katrina McFarland, 49, of Winnfield, was arrested for domestic abuse battery.
• Jennifer Corbett, 43, of Winnfield, was arrested for no proof of insurance and a bench warrant. (Note: Arrest date listed in logs as June 17, 2025).

June 20, 2026

• Tyliyah Sapp, 20, of Winnfield, was arrested for battery of a dating partner.
• Nick’Tavis Wainwright, 20, address unlisted, was arrested for battery of a dating partner.
• Latham Wooten, 19, of Winnfield, was arrested for criminal trespassing and disturbing the peace (drunkenness).

June 22, 2026

• Deann Cascio, 47, of Coushatta, was arrested for a probation and parole violation.

by Judi Jackson

Welcome home, Amy Yerby!

When word got out in the spring that the First Baptist Daycare might need to shut its doors, a group of concerned church members gathered to formulate a plan to keep the program alive. The first matter of business was finding a qualified director who would bring experience, education, and passion to the job.

Winn Parish native Amy Yerby was at the top of the list. Yerby’s love for children, experience in the classroom, and credentials for leadership combined to make her the most desirable candidate.

“I do love working with children,” Yerby commented. “We all have gifts and talents – and mine are that I love children . . . and their parents as well.”

In her new role as Director of First School (the formal name of the daycare program at First Baptist Winnfield), Yerby is excited to build on the legacy of the school’s reputation. “It’s hard to believe but I went to daycare here when I was a child,” she said, adding that Linda Bamburg was her teacher. She pointed out a lot of people her age that grew up in Winnfield also attended the daycare at First Baptist and remember what a wonderful program it was.

Yerby and the daycare staff will continue implementing the age-appropriate Frog Street Curriculum with a strong emphasis on incorporating daily prayer, Bible stories, and scripture memory. She noted that the weekly chapel service for the children will be a cornerstone of their spiritual development.

“Planting biblical seeds in these children’s lives is needed now more than ever,” she explained.

Yerby is passionate about providing a safe environment for the students of First School, focusing on development of a staff comprised of Christian women who also desire to bring a quality of care that will nurture children in their faith. She harkens back to training in previous positions where she learned the value of affirming words. “We want them to feel loved, and to know we’re happy and thankful that they’re here,” she said, “just like I would have wanted someone to do for my kids when they were young.”

Eager to connect with parents of children ages 1-4, Yerby may be reached at amy.yerby@fbcwinn.org or 318-628-6996. 

Residents of Winn Parish should prepare for a stretch of summer heat and mostly dry weather as temperatures climb into the mid-to-upper 90s through early next week, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

While a slight chance of rain remains in the forecast Wednesday morning, sunshine and rising temperatures will dominate the weather pattern heading into the weekend.

WednesdayA few isolated showers may develop before 10 a.m., but conditions are expected to become mostly sunny for the remainder of the day. The high temperature will reach around 94 degrees, with heat index values climbing as high as 103 degrees. Winds will remain light.

Thursday and Friday

The warming trend continues with mostly sunny skies and highs near 96 degrees both days.

Overnight temperatures will remain warm, falling only into the mid-70s.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday and Sunday will bring abundant sunshine and continued hot conditions. Afternoon highs are expected to reach 96 degrees Saturday and 97 degrees Sunday, while overnight lows remain in the mid-to-upper 70s.

Looking Ahead

The hottest day of the forecast period is expected Monday, when temperatures could reach 98 degrees under mostly sunny skies.

Heat Safety Reminder

With heat index values exceeding 100 degrees at times, residents are encouraged to:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.

Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Check on elderly neighbors and those vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Five-Day Forecast at a Glance

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 94°, slight morning rain chance.

Thursday: Sunny and hot, high 96°, low 74°.

Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, high 96°, low 75°.

Saturday: Sunny and hot, high 96°, low 76°.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, high 97°, low 77°.

Monday: Mostly sunny and hot, high 98°.

As summer officially settles into North Louisiana, Winn Parish residents can expect several days of sunshine, heat, and limited rain chances. Staying hydrated and practicing heat safety will be essential as temperatures continue to rise.

WINNFIELD, La. — The City of Winnfield is reminding utility customers of upcoming payment deadlines and a recently implemented policy change designed to help ensure timely account payments and avoid service interruptions.

According to city officials, the next scheduled utility cutoff date is June 25, 2026. Customers are encouraged to make payment arrangements before that date to avoid disruptions in service.

The city advises residents that the last day to pay utility bills before cutoff is June 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Utility Payment Policy Change Now in Effect

City officials are also reminding customers of a utility payment policy that became effective on June 1, 2026.

Under the new policy, utility bill payments made after the 20th of each month will no longer be accepted by personal check.

After the 20th, customers must use one of the following approved payment methods:

Cash

Money Order

Debit Card

Credit Card

Other approved electronic payment methods

Officials say the policy was implemented to streamline the payment process and reduce issues associated with late payments.

Avoid Service Interruptions

Residents are encouraged to review their account status and submit payments before the June 24 deadline to prevent utility disconnections.

City officials stress that making timely payments and understanding the updated payment requirements can help customers avoid unnecessary fees, delays, or interruptions in water and utility services.

For additional information regarding utility billing or payment options, customers are encouraged to contact the City of Winnfield utility department.

Key Dates to Remember:

June 24, 2026 (4:30 p.m.) – Final day to pay before cutoff

June 25, 2026 – Scheduled utility cutoff date

After the 20th of each month – Personal checks are no longer accepted for utility bill payments
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and make payment arrangements early to ensure uninterrupted service.

June 24 marks the anniversary of the event that helped launch America’s modern fascination with unidentified flying objects.

On June 24, 1947, private pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing nine bright, unidentified objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier. His account became one of the first UFO sightings to receive widespread national attention in the years following World War II.

Arnold was flying near the mountain when he said the objects moved rapidly across the sky. He described their motion as similar to a saucer skipping across water. News reports interpreted the description as referring to the objects’ shape, helping popularize the phrase “flying saucer.”

The objects were never definitively identified. Arnold initially considered whether they could have been experimental military aircraft, but officials said no test flights were taking place in the area at that time.

The report was followed by a surge of similar sightings across the country and helped establish the public interest in UFOs that would continue for decades. While accounts of unusual objects in the sky existed long before 1947, the Arnold sighting is widely regarded as a starting point for the modern UFO era.

Why I Am the Conservative Choice for U.S. Senate

By Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D.

Louisiana Republicans face an important choice in this Senate runoff election. My opponent and I offer two very different visions for the future of our state and our nation.

I entered this race because I believe Louisiana deserves a U.S. Senator who will fight for our values, challenge the political establishment, and put our citizens’ interests ahead of special interests.

The establishment is investing heavily in this race because they understand what is at stake. They know I will challenge the status quo. They know I will vote based on conservative principles rather than political pressure. And they know I will put Louisiana first.

My opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, is totally controlled by Governor Jeff Landry, whose operatives are managing her campaign and whose allies are pumping millions of dollars of dark money into the race to support her with dishonest advertisements. These insiders oppose me because they know I cannot be bought, bullied, or bossed.

Throughout my career as a physician, small business owner, U.S. Congressman, and Louisiana State Treasurer, I have built a record of service rooted in conservative principles, not political convenience.

This campaign has demonstrated the difference between grassroots leadership and establishment politics. While outside groups and political operatives relied on lies attempting to influence the race, I have relied on the support of ordinary Louisianans who are tired of seeing Washington insiders dictate the future of our state. I advanced to this runoff despite being heavily outspent because voters are looking for authenticity, experience, and conviction.

In this campaign, one of the most important issues is the protection of private property rights. Louisiana landowners should never be forced to surrender property rights to allow private carbon capture companies to profit from federally subsidized projects.

Julia Letlow strongly supported President Joe Biden’s Green Energy and Climate Change agenda, including carbon sequestration. In contrast, I staunchly support MAGA and America First policies and thoroughly oppose dangerous carbon sequestration.

I also believe the federal government should focus on merit, excellence, and equal opportunity, not divisive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Throughout her academic career, Julia Letlow passionately supported DEI policies, which seek to divide Americans by race, gender, or identity.  In the Senate, I will vote to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to support DEI mandates and that federal policies reward achievement, hard work, and individual responsibility.

Louisianans are also tired of seeing elected officials enrich themselves while in office. Public service should be exactly that, service. The American people deserve confidence that their representatives are working for them rather than leveraging their positions for personal financial gain.

Sadly, the Federal Election Commission and the Department of Justice have received complaints from watchdog organizations about my opponent’s alleged campaign finance violations. While serving in Congress, Ms. Letlow admitted to 210 late stock trade filings. In contrast, there is no blemish on my record, and I did not engage in stock trading in Congress.

I have spent my career standing up for conservative values, supporting secure borders, defending the unborn, protecting the Second Amendment, and fighting for limited government.

This election is about whether Louisiana will send another politician to Capitol Hill or a proven conservative fighter who is willing to challenge the status quo.

I am asking for your vote because I will not disappoint you and will always put Louisiana first. Together, we can protect our freedoms, defend our values, and ensure that our U.S. Senate seat belongs to the people of Louisiana, not political insiders.

WINNFIELD, La. — Winn 4-H is introducing an exciting new event designed to bring local youth together for an evening of music, dancing, and fun.

The organization recently announced its first-ever Silent Disco, scheduled for August 14, offering students a unique entertainment experience that has grown in popularity across the country.

Unlike traditional dances, participants at a Silent Disco wear wireless headphones and can choose from multiple music channels, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite songs while dancing with friends.

Organizers say the event is open to both 4-H members and non-members, giving all youth in Winn Parish an opportunity to participate.

Event Schedule

To accommodate different age groups, the Silent Disco will be divided into three sessions:

3rd–5th Grade: 6:00 p.m.

6th–8th Grade: 7:30 p.m.

9th–12th Grade: 9:00 p.m.

Admission and Tickets

Tickets are $7 per person, and concessions will be available for purchase during the event.

Tickets will officially go on sale July 6 at the Winn 4-H Office.

Participation Requirements

Organizers noted that all attendees must have a signed 4-H Code of Conduct on file before entering the event. The requirement applies to both 4-H members and non-members.

Building New Opportunities for Youth

Winn 4-H leaders say the Silent Disco is part of an effort to provide engaging, positive activities for local youth while encouraging friendships, social interaction, and community involvement.

With music, dancing, and multiple listening options available through individual headphones, organizers expect the event to offer a memorable experience unlike any other youth event currently offered in the parish.

Parents and students are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan to join the fun when the Silent Disco arrives on August 14.

For additional information, contact the Winn 4-H Office.

Event at a Glance

What: Winn 4-H Silent Disco

When: August 14, 2026

Cost: $7 per person]Tickets Available: Beginning July 6 at the Winn 4-H Office

Who Can Attend: 4-H members and non-members in grades 3-12

Requirement: Signed 4-H Code of Conduct

Organizers promise an evening filled with music, dancing, and plenty of fun as Winn Parish youth gather for this brand-new event.

It’s time to celebrate: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame festivities begin Thursday

Three days of festivities unfold beginning Thursday through Saturday for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67^th Induction Celebration.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. No need to dress up, just come enjoy appetizers, entertainment and the first look at the new items the 2026 inductees have provided for display.

The Friday schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Lunch is served at 11:30 with a festive warmup session for the bowlers before celebrity introductions and the competition begins about 12:45. Tickets are available at LaSportsHall.com.

The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event, with an array of Louisiana dishes and specialty drinks at Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room overlooking the Rue Beauport riverbank venue.

The slate on Saturday kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.

Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening. A few seats are still available.

The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.

The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

The Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. 

For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.  

LOUISIANA — Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a different kind of challenge this summer are invited to swap their deer stands for GPS coordinates and take part in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ annual geocaching program.

The LDWF announced that geocaching season is now underway and will continue through August 15, offering families, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers an opportunity to explore some of Louisiana’s most scenic wildlife management areas while searching for hidden treasures.

Geocaching is often described as a real-world treasure hunt that uses GPS technology to locate hidden containers, known as geocaches. Participants navigate to designated coordinates and search for caches hidden throughout public lands, combining outdoor recreation, exploration, and navigation skills into one unique experience.

This year’s geocaching adventure features hidden caches located at three LDWF-managed properties:

White Lake Wetland Conservation Area (WCA)

Bogue Chitto Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

LDWF officials say the program provides an excellent opportunity for hunters to remain active outdoors during the offseason while discovering new areas and enjoying Louisiana’s natural resources.

Whether participants are scouting future hunting locations, introducing children to outdoor recreation, or simply seeking a new adventure, geocaching offers a family-friendly activity that encourages exploration and appreciation of Louisiana’s wildlife habitats.

The program is part of LDWF’s ongoing Geaux Play Outdoors initiative, which promotes outdoor recreation and conservation awareness across the state.

“Outdoor adventures don’t have to wait until fall,” the department noted in its announcement, encouraging residents to experience Louisiana’s public lands in a new and interactive way.

Participants interested in locating geocaches can access coordinates and additional information through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. Questions regarding the program can also be directed to GeauxPlayOutdoors@wlf.la.gov.

With summer in full swing, the geocaching challenge offers an opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy Louisiana’s natural beauty, and perhaps discover a hidden treasure along the way.

At a Glance

What: LDWF Summer Geocaching Program

When: Now through August 15

Where: White Lake WCA, Bogue Chitto WMA, and Dewey Wills WMA

Who: Open to outdoor enthusiasts, families, hunters, and adventurers of all ages

More Information: Contact GeauxPlayOutdoors@wlf.la.gov

As the summer heat settles in, LDWF hopes residents will answer the call to explore Louisiana’s wild places—one GPS coordinate at a time.

In sports there’s nothing better than playing at home. Doesn’t matter if it’s a regular season game or a playoff game, playing at home in front of your home crowd can make a huge difference in the outcome of the game.

But there is one sport where the “home field advantage” doesn’t always pan out. In fact, it can actually be a disadvantage! The sport would be tournament bass fishing. 

When you’re the “local” angler, you are usually considered the favorite due to the amount of success and knowledge you have about the lake/river.

Anglers always look forward to fishing an event on their home water. It’s an opportunity to sleep in your own bed, eat a good home cooked meal and everything is very routine. You tend to be more relaxed, but you also feel the pressure of being the favorite.

Then as you prepare for the tournament, you put a game plan together that usually involves looking at past history. This is where things can go wrong!

Just like people, anglers are creatures of habit and tend to lean towards fishing the same way we have in the past, especially when we’ve been successful on our home lake/river. 

When you are fortunate enough to have an event on your home water, you want to make a good showing and hopefully bring home a win. 

But why is there so much pressure on the angler who is fishing his home lake? Here’s the problem. Because you know the lake/river so well and you know so many good areas that hold fish, you can’t decide which area you should hit first. 

Do you go where you caught them last year at this same time, or go where you caught them two years ago where you won the tournament? Too much history on a body of water can really clutter the brain and destroy a game plan. 

Then you decide to go with your gut and start in area A where you’ve done well in the past. But after you start fishing this area on tournament day with little to no success, you start to question your decision. 

Now confusion or panic sets in and you really start thinking too much! So, then you decide to fall back to Plan B to try and salvage the day and just make a good showing. 

Too much knowledge on any body of water can be detrimental to putting a good game plan together and is the fear of every angler who fishes their home water, especially in a big event.  

Sometimes you’re better off throwing history out the window and approach the lake like you would any body of water you’ve never fished before. This is why scouting before an event is so important. Pay attention to what the fish are doing at that particular time and make your game plan around that.

All anglers at some point make fishing complicated. We tend to try and outsmart the fish and end up outsmarting ourselves. While I’m not sure who said it, but the words “keep it simple stupid” are very fitting for bass anglers! 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

I absolutely believe Americans have a lot more in common than what is depicted on the news or via social media. I’m a “glass-more-than-half-full” type of person and I wholeheartedly believe people are entitled to their own opinions and, given an opportunity to discuss those opinions, I can find some commonality with them.  I do not believe that I am in the minority in my thinking. A Pew Research study conducted in 2023 found that only 4% of U.S. adults believe the political system is functioning well or very well, which means an overwhelming 96% of those polled had an unfavorable opinion of American politics. Not surprisingly, the number of Americans that consider themselves to be politically independent is on the rise (45%, news.gallop.com).  

Other things the majority of Americans agree on is that teachers should be paid more (73%, yougov.com); Congress should enact laws to lower healthcare costs (91%, familiesusa.org); corporations have too much influence in politics (76 – 83%, americans-agree.org); and social security should be strengthened (79%, nationwidefinancial.com).

The overwhelming sense that Americans are becoming malcontent is not a result of divisive opinions, but rather the way we communicate those opinions. As we celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, may we all embrace the words of Abraham Lincoln who wrote in a letter to Henry L. Pierce and others on April 6, 1859, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it.”