The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced a $1.1 million project to install new pavement striping and rumble strips along numerous routes throughout the Alexandria region.
Work is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 3, weather permitting, starting on LA 1 and LA 29 in Avoyelles Parish.
Construction will begin on LA 1 from W. Bon Temps Street in Marksville to LA 114 in Echo and on LA 29 from Dora Road to Dupuy Crossing in Avoyelles Parish. Motorists are advised to watch for advance warning signs, crews and equipment in the work zone.
This portion of the project is expected to take approximately five months and is dependent on weather conditions.
The project includes the following routes:
LA 8 (Sabine Parish)
LA 120 (Natchitoches Parish)
LA 3191 (Natchitoches Parish)
LA 1146 (Vernon Parish)
US 71 (Grant, Natchitoches and Winn parishes)
LA 29 (Avoyelles Parish)
LA 467 (Vernon Parish)
LA 112 (Rapides Parish)
LA 191 (Sabine Parish)
LA 174 (Natchitoches Parish)
LA 1 (Avoyelles Parish)
Future work will take place in Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn parishes. DOTD said it will provide another update when contractor Nation Striping Company, LLC moves from Avoyelles Parish to the remaining parishes.
According to DOTD, the project is intended to replace pavement striping that provides important information to motorists while improving safety through the installation of rumble strips, which alert drivers with sound and vibration when they drift from their travel lane.
All roadways included in the project will remain open to local and through traffic during construction, with no vehicle width restrictions. Lane closures will be used as needed during construction operations.
DOTD reminds motorists to drive with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, leave adequate following distance and use caution when walking or biking near active work areas.
July 24, 2026 Austin Nugent, 27, of Pollock, was arrested for theft (shoplifting).
July 25, 2026 Myron J. Crawford, 36, (homeless), was arrested for theft (shoplifting).
July 26, 2026 Jermie Mallard, 45, of Jonesboro, was arrested for domestic abuse battery.
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.
7/21/26 Kade Busher W/M 24 Warrant x3, Contempt of Court
7/23/26 Jimmy Hanson W/M 82- Reckless Driving, Terrorizing, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Open Container, Battery of LEO, Unsafe Vehicle, Resisting with Force/Violence
7/24/26 Cody Ferrier W/M 47- DWI 1st with Child Endangerment, Improper Lane Usage, Open Container
7/25/26 Ashlan McAllister W/F 35- Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility x18
7/25/26 Derek Gore W/M 44- Disturbing the Peace, Simple Assault
7/26/26 Ashanti Garner B/F 24- DWI 1st, Speeding, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Open Container, Simple Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband into Penal Facility, Obstruction of Justice-Evidence Tampering
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.
Winn Parish Fire District 3 personnel participated in a full day of emergency preparedness and professional development Monday, taking part in both a regional hazardous materials response exercise and an evening communications training designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
The day began with members of Winn Parish Fire District 3 and the Winn Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness participating in a tabletop exercise at the Deville Volunteer Fire Department. The simulated scenario involved an anhydrous ammonia pipeline leak, bringing together emergency officials from Winn, LaSalle, and Rapides parishes, along with the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Team.
The exercise focused on coordination and collaboration among responding agencies, allowing participants to review emergency response procedures and discuss strategies for effectively controlling and mitigating a hazardous materials incident.
Fire officials emphasized that exercises like these are essential for ensuring agencies are prepared to work together seamlessly should a real emergency occur.
Later that evening, Winn Parish Fire District 3 hosted its monthly district training session, which centered on improving radio communications during emergency responses.
The training began with a presentation before transitioning into a hands-on exercise using identical LEGO building sets. Participants were divided into two teams, with one team constructing a model while relaying instructions solely through radio communications. The second team attempted to recreate the build based only on the verbal instructions they received.
While lighthearted in nature, the exercise reinforced the importance of delivering clear, concise, and accurate information over the radio—an essential skill during emergency incidents.
According to Training Officer Matthew Harrell, the activity also highlighted the importance of repeating instructions back to the sender when clarification is needed, helping reduce misunderstandings during emergency operations.
The communication skills practiced during the exercise directly apply to real-world incidents, including scene size-up reports, assigning tasks, and coordinating operations between responding personnel.
District officials said the day’s activities reflect Winn Parish Fire District 3’s continued commitment to ongoing training, regional cooperation, and ensuring firefighters are prepared to respond safely and effectively whenever they are called into action.
Residents should prepare for another day of dangerous heat before scattered afternoon thunderstorms begin to return later this week, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for a high near 99 degrees, with heat index values reaching as high as 111 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Rain chances increase beginning Thursday, although hot and humid weather is expected to continue through early next week.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 99°. Heat index values as high as 111°. West wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the afternoon. Partly cloudy Wednesday night with a low around 77°.
Thursday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Mostly cloudy Thursday night with a low around 76°.
Friday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot with a high near 96°. A 30% chance of showers after 1 a.m. Friday night with a low around 77°.
Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Partly cloudy Saturday night with a low around 75°.
Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny with a high near 94°. Partly cloudy Sunday night with a low around 74°.
Monday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to take heat precautions by staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
Residents are also reminded to check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable individuals and to never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, where temperatures can quickly become life-threatening.
Gena Harty Hatcher, a veteran educator with more than three decades of experience in local classrooms, has announced her candidacy for the Winn Parish School Board District 7 seat.
Hatcher taught in the Winn Parish school system for 33 years prior to her retirement. She said her extensive time inside the classroom provides a clear understanding of both the immediate challenges facing local schools and the opportunities available to strengthen the district.
“I am seeking to serve District 7 as a positive voice for our students, faculty, parents, and community,” Hatcher said. “Every decision I make will be guided by one simple principle: putting students first while supporting the educators and families who help them succeed every day.”
A lifelong resident of the area, Hatcher is married to Kevin Hatcher. The couple has three children, all graduates of Winnfield Senior High School, and six grandchildren, four of whom are currently enrolled in Winn Parish public schools.
Hatcher emphasized that her campaign platform centers on open communication, collaborative decision-making, and prioritizing student outcomes while advocating for faculty and parents.
“With experience in the classroom and a lifelong commitment to Winn Parish, I understand the importance of listening, working together, and making decisions that are in the best interest of our children,” Hatcher said. “I would be honored to earn your support and your vote.”
Paid for by Gena Harty Hatcher for Winn Parish School Board.
Pictured (L to R): Winnfield Middle School Principal Brent Carpenter; WMS Head Football Coach and 8th Grade Math Teacher Chance Williams; Winnfield Kiwanian and retired WMS educator Ethel Howell; WMS Offensive Line and PE Coach Justin Durbin; and WMS Defensive Coordinator and PE Teacher Jeff Rachal
WINNFIELD, LA — The Winnfield Kiwanis Club held its weekly lunch meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, featuring newly appointed Winnfield Middle School Principal Brent Carpenter alongside key members of the WMS Tiger football coaching staff: Head Coach Chance Williams, Defensive Coordinator Jeff Rachal, and Offensive Line Coach Justin Durbin.
Principal Carpenter, a Winn Parish native who grew up attending local public schools before graduating from Calvin High School, returns to lead Winnfield Middle School bringing 26 years of educational experience—over half of which has been spent in school administration. Having previously served 11 years as principal at WMS before spending four years as principal at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Carpenter expressed his deep appreciation for returning home for what he envisions as his “last hoorah” in education.
“Winn Parish is home, and middle school has always been my heart,” Carpenter shared with Kiwanians. “We are walking into this school year with incredible momentum.”
School Growth and Campus Updates
Carpenter highlighted several encouraging developments for the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year:
Enrollment Surge: WMS currently has approximately 340 students enrolled—a 27-student increase compared to this time last summer. This growth is driven largely by a strong incoming 5th-grade class of over 100 students coming up from Winnfield Primary School.
Full Staffing: Despite widespread regional teacher shortages, all teaching vacancies at WMS have been successfully filled ahead of the school year.
Academic & Extracurricular Offerings:
Students will have access to top-tier programs, including one of the premier 4-H organizations in Louisiana, Beta Club, Science Club, and a newly established Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter. Athletics and spirit teams include cheer, dance line, pep squad, cross country, football, basketball, and softball, with preliminary discussions underway regarding a future baseball program.
Campus Facilities: Carpenter noted that 95% of classroom spaces are currently utilized and shared long-term goals to secure funding and resources to refinish or replace the campus gym floor.
The upcoming school year also marks WMS’s transition to a four-day school week, a schedule shift Carpenter and staff expect will increase student focus and teacher retention based on successful models in neighboring parishes.
WMS Football Season Outlook.
Head Football Coach Chance Williams, now entering his fifth year leading the program while teaching 8th-grade mathematics, briefed the club on summer workouts and the transition into full pads. Williams emphasized maintaining high program standards, running the middle school team with the structure and discipline of a high school program. Joining Williams on the sidelines this season are Defensive Coordinator Jeff Rachal (PE teacher), Offensive Line Coach Justin Durbin (Social Studies/PE), and volunteer assistant coaches Peyton Glenn and Ryan Davis—both former WMS players under Williams.
The Kiwanis Club was also commended for its ongoing community support through the middle school Booster Club, which ensures student-athletes receive post-game meals following every contest.
Important Dates for Parents & Students:
WMS Open House: Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Parents and students can tour campus and meet teachers).
First Football Scrimmage: Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Grant High School.
First Home Football Game: Thursday, August 27, 2026 (vs. Montgomery).
The Kiwanis Club thanked the WMS Staff for taking this time out of their busy schedule to update the community on their commitment to the students of Winn Parish.
Now into Week 4 of recovery from quadruple bypass surgery and I’m slowly getting some energy back. My appetite is also returning after losing close to 20 pounds. Quality, deep rem sleep is hard to come by, but the anxiety issues are getting better.
Enough about all that, let’s talk about things to do during the dog days of summer. While health wise, I’m still a few weeks away from dropping my boat in the water and getting back to serious fishing, now is a great time to head into my fishing man cave and reorganize, clean and respool a few reels for some good fall use.
After a busy spring tournament schedule my fishing man cave is a disaster. Bags of baits that should be on pegs are laying everywhere. I’ve got tackle boxes scattered all over the room that also need to be placed on a shelf.
Some of my crankbait boxes need to be gone through to consider certain baits that might need to be replaced. It’s also a great time to check the hooks and replace those old treble hooks with new ones. This is one area anglers can sometimes overlook until they lose a few fish, and it costs them a high finish.
Outside the fishing man cave, another thing anglers have to be conscious of this time of year, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90’s, is leaving soft plastic baits in your boat. Point being, high temperatures will melt soft plastic lures making not only a mess but costing you money.
Hopefully you’re fortunate enough to park your boat under a carport or inside your garage. But even in the garage, temperatures can reach extreme highs. I have a large fan that I run daily in my garage to help keep the temperature down.
If I know that I won’t be fishing for quite a while during those hot summer days, I’ll remove the soft plastic baits from my boat and store them in my air-conditioned fishing man cave.
After reorganizing the man cave, next I’ll take a look at the fishing reels that I have used most of the spring; clean each one as well as drop a little oil on the gears and moving parts. High dollar fishing reels only act like high dollar reels if you take good care of them.
Once your fishing man cave is in order, now is the time to get into your boat and clean it out. I take everything out of my boat so I can clean all the lockers. It’s also the time to take my spring tackle out and put my fall tackle in.
And while you’re at it, why not clean any major carpet stains? The best thing I have found to bring your boat carpet back to looking new is shaving crème. Take a small section at a time and apply the shaving crème then scrub with a soft brush or rag.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rise with water and you’ll be amazed at how good your carpet will look. It’s also great for the new marine deck foam flooring that has become so popular.
These are just a few things to add to your summer to-do list in order to make sure you’re ready for some great fall fishing. ‘Til next time, stay cool and avoid the summer heat.
July 29 marks the anniversary of the death of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, whose life and work have become among the most recognized in art history.
Van Gogh died on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37, two days after suffering a gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. Although he created more than 2,000 works of art, including around 900 paintings, he sold very few during his lifetime and struggled financially while pursuing his passion for painting.
One of his most famous final works, Wheatfield with Crows, is often associated with the final weeks of his life. The painting’s dramatic sky and winding paths have led generations of art historians and viewers to interpret it as reflecting his emotional state, though scholars continue to debate its exact significance.
Van Gogh’s distinctive style, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, later helped shape modern art. Today, masterpieces such as The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Irises attract millions of visitors to museums around the world and rank among the most recognizable paintings ever created.
Ironically, the artist who struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime is now considered one of history’s greatest painters, with some of his works selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction.
More than 135 years after his death, Vincent van Gogh’s legacy continues to inspire artists, historians and art lovers worldwide, making July 29 a day to remember one of history’s most influential creative figures.
Brother Cass Boone Moss (seated) was presented with a Certificate of Honor from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana F&AM recognizing his 95th birthday and 67 years of service to Eastern Star Lodge No. 151. Presenting and celebrating with Brother Moss at the Louisiana Political Museum are (L-R) Waylen Brian Price, George Moss, Bill Thompson, Deputy Grand Master Keith Gates, and Lodge Secretary Troy Rogers.
Family, friends, and Masonic brethren gathered at the Louisiana Political Museum this past Saturday night to honor a true pillar of the Winnfield community: Brother Cass Boone Moss. The occasion marked a remarkable double milestone—celebrating Brother Moss’s 95th birthday and honoring his incredible 67 years of dedicated service to the Masonic fraternity.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a special Certificate of Honor from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, Free & Accepted Masons. The certificate formally recognized Brother Moss’s lifelong dedication to the craft and his community since first taking his Masonic obligations in the spring of 1959 at Eastern Star Lodge No. 151 F&AM.
Over six decades ago, Brother Moss began his journey in Masonry, being initiated on April 13, 1959, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on May 11, 1959, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 8, 1959.
Presenting the honor on behalf of the Grand Lodge was Deputy Grand Master Keith Gates, joined by officers and brethren of Eastern Star Lodge No. 151. Signed by the Grand Master on Brother Moss’s official birthdate—July 21, 2026—the certificate reads as an enduring tribute to a man revered across the region for his wisdom, legacy, and steadfast impact on family, fraternity, and town alike.
Surrounded by loved ones and fellow Masons, Brother Moss sat at the center of the celebration, taking in a warm evening filled with shared memories, deep brotherhood, and a community’s sincere gratitude for a life well-lived.
Walking through our preschool the other day, a little fellow proudly showed me his bandaid. He stuck out his arm like he was unveiling a medal of honor. I asked what happened. With the solemnity only a fouryearold can muster, he said, “I got a bobo.”
Case closed. Diagnosis made. Treatment applied. Healing underway.
Children are refreshingly honest about pain. If something hurts, they point to it. If they fall, they cry. If they get a scratch, they want a bandaid — preferably one with dinosaurs or superheroes, because everyone knows those heal faster.
Adults, on the other hand, become experts at hiding our wounds. We carry heart bobo’s — hurts no one can see. Disappointments we never voice. Grief we tuck behind a busy schedule. Regrets we bury so deeply we forget where we put them. Pain that we pretend isn’t there because we think grown-ups are supposed to “handle it.”
But the truth is, some of the deepest wounds don’t show up on the skin.
Isaiah wrote, “By his wounds we are healed.” That’s not poetic exaggeration — it’s the heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just die for our sins in some abstract theological sense. He took on our pain, our brokenness, our hidden hurts, our heart bobo’s. The Son of God carried what we try so hard to conceal.
There’s pathos in that exchange — Christ taking our sin and sorrow, offering us freedom, and yet we humans often cling to the very things He died to release us from. It’s like walking around with a perfectly good bandaid in hand but refusing to peel off the backing.
King David prayed, “Put a new and right spirit within me.” That’s the grown-up version of holding out your wound and saying, “Lord, this is where it hurts.” It’s the courage to admit we need healing. It’s the humility to let God do what we cannot.
And here’s the soft humor of it all: If a preschooler can trust a bandaid to make a scraped elbow better, surely we can trust the Savior of the world to tend to our hearts.
So maybe today is a good day to stop pretending we’re fine. A good day to let go of what Christ has already carried. A good day to let the Healer do His healing.
After all, Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make broken people whole. And that includes every one of us — heart bobo’s and all.
Michael Ray Paddie (Slayter), age 73 of Verda, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. He retired after many years of working in various jobs including the oil field, hanging billboards, manufacturing plants, cable tv services and his last job of delivering medical equipment for Dixie Medical. He loved fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his Mother and Stepfather, Dale and Leona Tullis, adopted parents Albert Burton and Irene Slayter, brother Albert Dale Slayter, sister Paula Jean Stafford, daughter Shani Slayter Fallis, grandson Douglas Wayne Thompson Jr., and numerous foster brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his son, Michael Brandon Slayter and wife Jennifer of Winnfield, step daughter Kimberly Bruce Futrell and husband George of Winnfield, Grandchildren Billie Thompson, Brady Fallis, Savannah Carr, Michael Braxton Slayter (Lizzy), Carlie Rhea Slayter, Megan Bruce Glenn (Chris), and Dylan Bruce (Meagan), great grandchildren Shaina Dupree (Austin), Peyton James Glenn (Bella), CJ Bruce, Jaxon Carr, Grayson Carr and Hudson Roncal and great great-granddaughter Adrianna Butts, Son in law Duane Fallis, and his significant other Cynthia Steadman. He is also survived by his twin sister Susan McCarty (Howard), brothers Ailon Slayter, Thomas Tullis, Butch Paddie and Brad Paddie, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield with Rev. Richard Debusk officiating. Burial will follow at Mill Creek Cemetery in Saline.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5-8:30 pm and again on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Michael Braxton Slayter, Peyton James Glenn, Dylan Bruce, Brady Fallis, Duane Fallis, Matthew White, Chris Robertson, and Danny Slayter.
Sandra Lee Holston Tullos Nov 26, 1945 — Jul 24, 2026
Sandra Lee Tullos, age 80, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Southern Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Howell as officiate. Interment followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, of Winnfield. The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.
Sandra was born on November 26, 1945, in Winnfield, Louisiana, to Joe and Lucille Holston. She was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family and creating a loving home. Sandra was a faithful member of First Assembly of God in Winnfield. She enjoyed crocheting, working word puzzles, painting, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and the love she shared with her family and friends.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, John Tullos and wife Delores of Winnfield; and her granddaughter, Sherie Lowe.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Holston and Lucille White Holston; her husband, John Tullos; and her brother, David Holston.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to all who have offered their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.
All Americans learned in school that we fought two wars against the British, namely the American Revolution and the War of 1812, but there was a third war that began in 1859 which has been largely forgotten. Following the War of 1812, the United Kingdom and the United States agreed in the Treaty of Oregon that the boundary between the countries was along the 49th parallel from the Rocky Mountains to the middle of the channel which separates the continent from Vancouver’s Island then south through the channel to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and west to the Pacific Ocean (see map). This agreement was made by using crude maps by people who had little knowledge of the area. Both parties were unaware that there were two distinct channels or straits, the Haro Strait and the Rosario Strait, which were divided by San Juan Island. Because of the way the treaty was written, both countries claimed right to the island and people from both countries began settling on the island. For years, tension rose as each side argued that settlers from the other side were nothing more than squatters or trespassers.
The first shot of the war happened on June 15, 1859, when Lyman Cutlar, an American, shot and killed a British subject whom Lyman had found destroying crops in his field. British authorities threatened to arrest Lyman and to evict all Americans from the island. In response, American Brigadier General William Harney ordered a company of 64 infantry soldiers to the island. When the soldiers arrived, the British Governor at Vancouver ordered Royal Navy Captain Geoffrey Phipps Hornby to take his 31-gun steam frigate HMS Tribune to remove the American soldiers. More British warships joined the Tribune shortly thereafter, and more American soldiers were sent to the island. For months, the British and Americans stockpiled weapons and built up their forces for the upcoming battle. Each side drilled and fired their cannons, but they were careful not to aim at the opposing soldiers just yet. As both sides were making their final preparations for battle, General Winfield Scott, U.S. Army commander and War of 1812 veteran, arrived and began negotiations. General Scott proposed and both sides agreed on a joint military occupation until a final border could be agreed upon. For twelve long, tense years, San Juan Island remained under joint military occupation. In 1871, when Great Britain and the United States were still unable to agree on ownership of San Juan Island, they turned to Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany who set up a three-man arbitration commission to settle the dispute. Both sides agreed that the commission’s decision would be final. Finally in October 1872, after nearly a year of discussions by the commission, Kaiser Wilhelm I ruled in favor of the United States. San Juan Island belonged to the United States. The Royal Marines withdrew the following month, and the war ended 14 years after the first shot was fired. The war over San Juan Island was named after that British subject who was the only fatality of this war between the United Kingdom and the United States. It is known as the Pig War. That’s right. This conflict between the United Kingdom and United States was set off by a squabble over a pig.
