Katrina McFarland, 49, of Winnfield, was arrested for domestic abuse battery.
Jennifer Corbett, 43, of Winnfield, was arrested for no proof oWinn Parish Arrest Logs
By Journal Staff
June 22, 2026
Johnnie Faye White, 54, of Winnfield, was arrested for disturbing the peace and entry or remaining in places after forbidden.
June 26, 2026
Demarcus Berguin, 31, of Natchitoches, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
Destiny Douglas, 25, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
Demorris Jones, 22, of Natchitoches, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
Taral Thompson, 26, of Natchitoches, was held for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO).
June 29, 2026
Robert Snelling, 41, address listed as homeless, was arrested for direct contempt of court.
Troy Tillman, of Winnfield, was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and illegally supplying a felon with firearms.
June 30, 2026
Author L. Kent, 36, of Winnfield, was arrested for theft, theft of a motor vehicle, domestic abuse battery, and aggravated second-degree battery.f 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.
WINNFIELD, LA — The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield welcomed a vital community protection presentation during their regular weekly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 30. Courtney Mounce, the Central Louisiana Outreach Representative for Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, traveled from Vernon Parish to serve as the keynote speaker. Mounce delivered an eye-opening and urgent address focusing on the rapid escalation of elder fraud, predatory financial scams, and the sophisticated ways criminals utilize emerging technologies to target vulnerable residents across the state.
As the regional outreach coordinator, Mounce manages an expansive territory stretching from Vernon Parish eastward to Concordia Parish, bringing critical educational programming directly to municipal groups, civic organizations, and schools. Her message to Winnfield civic leaders was clear: consumer fraud has mutated into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and local awareness is the first and most effective line of defense.
”Everyone is a target,” Mounce noted during her presentation, referencing structural data compiled by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. “Fraud does not care about race, education, or income. However, elderly Americans are heavily targeted because they often live independently, hold hard-earned retirement savings, and possess a traditional politeness that malicious strangers exploit.”
Mounce detailed several prevalent predatory schemes currently plaguing Louisiana families, emphasizing two categories where local residents have suffered massive financial losses: romance scams and high-tech “grandparent” imposter schemes.
According to federal data referenced in the presentation, Americans over the age of 60 lost more than $356 million to confidence and romance scams in a single calendar year. Scammers frequently monitor local obituaries and social media platforms to identify recently widowed individuals. Operating through platforms like Facebook Messenger, these digital predators spend weeks building artificial emotional connections before engineering a fabricated crisis requiring urgent financial help.
Mounce shared a sobering case study from her previous legislative work where an elderly woman was systematically deceived by an online predator claiming to reside domestically. Over several weeks, the victim was manipulated into wiring her family’s entire 401(k) savings—totaling half a million dollars—to an account that vanished into overseas networks. Local authorities later discovered the scammer was operating entirely out of Nigeria, placing the funds beyond the reach of domestic court systems.
The presentation also highlighted a disturbing new evolutionary leap in criminal tactics: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) voice-cloning technology. In modern “Grandparent Scams,” criminals no longer rely on simple generic voice scripts. Instead, they scrape public videos from social media platforms—such as family holiday greetings posted by parents or grandparents—and extract short audio samples of children or grandchildren.
Using sophisticated software, scammers clone the exact pitch, tone, and inflection of a loved one’s voice. They then execute high-pressure phone calls pretending to be a grandchild who has been arrested, hospitalized, or stranded in an emergency, demanding immediate bail or medical funds. Mounce related a personal family scare where her own grandmother received a cloned collect call that perfectly replicated her brother’s voice, highlighting just how convincing these digital audio deepfakes have become.
Winnfield civic leaders in attendance verified that the impact is hitting close to home. Local organizational records and feedback indicated that multiple elderly residents within Winn Parish alone have fallen victim to these exact psychological manipulations over the past year, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars combined being drained out of local accounts.
The core barrier to asset recovery, Mounce explained, is that over 90 percent of these financial scams originate overseas, leaving local law enforcement and state agencies without traditional jurisdictional enforcement powers. “Because these funds are sent voluntarily under false pretenses to international entities, recovering them is mathematically improbable,” Mounce stated. “That is why the Attorney General’s mandate focuses heavily on prevention, awareness, and proactive community blocking techniques.”
In addition to elder fraud prevention, Mounce reviewed the broader logistical scope of the Attorney General’s Outreach Representative program, which covers contractor fraud prevention ahead of hurricane season, fair housing compliance, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and comprehensive digital safety curriculums designed to protect schoolchildren from online predators on gaming platforms like Roblox.
The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield expressed deep gratitude to Mounce for providing these vital safety materials to the community. Local residents seeking to report suspicious solicitations, file a formal consumer complaint, or coordinate an educational safety presentation for a civic group are strongly encouraged to contact the regional outreach network or utilize the direct hotline channels managed by state and federal authorities.
WINN PARISH, La. — Residents across Winn Parish should prepare for another stretch of intense summer heat as temperatures climb into the mid-90s through the Independence Day weekend.
Heat index values are expected to approach 109 degrees at times, creating potentially dangerous conditions for those spending extended periods outdoors.
Forecasters are also monitoring scattered thunderstorm chances throughout the period, with the greatest likelihood of widespread rainfall arriving early next week.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected after 1 p.m. Heat index values could reach as high as 109 degrees. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 75 degrees.
Thursday brings sunny skies and continued hot weather, with temperatures reaching approximately 95 degrees. Overnight lows will remain warm, settling near 75 degrees under mostly clear skies.
Friday’s forecast calls for sunny and hot conditions with a high near 96 degrees. Friday night will remain mostly clear with temperatures dropping to around 76 degrees.
For Independence Day on Saturday, expect sunny skies and hot temperatures with highs near 96 degrees. A 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms develops after 1 p.m., which could briefly impact outdoor celebrations. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 76 degrees.
Rain chances increase on Sunday, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly sunny skies. Despite the possibility of rain, temperatures will remain hot with highs near 96 degrees. Sunday night will feature a slight chance of lingering storms and a low around 75 degrees.
Looking ahead to Monday, showers and thunderstorms become more likely across the parish, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. High temperatures will remain warm near 94 degrees.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: High 96, Low 75 – 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms; heat index up to 109.
Thursday: High 95, Low 75 – Sunny and hot.
Friday: High 96, Low 76 – Sunny and hot.
Saturday (Independence Day): High 96, Low 76 – 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Sunday: High 96, Low 75 – 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Monday: High 94 – 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Emergency officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon heat, and monitor weather conditions during holiday events. Those planning outdoor activities should have a way to receive weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop.
The Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program Grant funded by The Rapides Foundation and in consultation with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is accepting applications from candidates and placement sites in nine parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn. Applications will be accepted until June 30.
The program helps bridge the gap between a master’s degree in mental health and licensure in Louisiana and supports mental health and community support systems in central Louisiana. It’s administered through Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development.
Eligible candidatesare master’s level mental health professionals interested in pursuing Louisiana licensure as either a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The program supports candidates through licensing exam preparation, licensure application fees, professional development and mentoring by content experts in counseling and social work. The program also covers the cost of candidate’s clinical supervision if the employer does not provide it.
Eligible placement sites are employers offering mental health services to children, adults and families living in central Louisiana. The program supports placement sites through job placement assistance and partial reimbursement of salaries for up to two years.
“We look forward to reviewing applications and to welcoming our next cohort of approved candidates and placement sites,” said Steven Gruesbeck, MS, NCC, executive director of Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program at NSU.
Joe Rosier, President and CEO of The Rapides Foundation, said the Foundation’s Board of Trustees created the Cenla Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program Grant in 2025 to help address the critical shortage of licensed mental health professionals in Central Louisiana. The four-year grant was awarded to NSU to carry out this important work.
“The program builds on our longstanding commitment to strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce, particularly in nursing, behavioral health and allied health fields,” Rosier said. “By supporting mental health professionals on their path to licensure, this program will help expand access to quality behavioral health services throughout our nine-parish service area.”
“Social workers are desperately needed and highly sought after in rural Louisiana to meet the needs of individuals with diminished access to services,” said Byron D. McKinney, MSW, LCSW-BACS, an associate professor of social work at NSU and social work mentor for the program.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPCs) beginning their licensure journey and a win for our region,” said Dr. Gerra Perkins, program coordinator for NSU’s Master of Arts in Counseling program and counseling mentor for the program. “Increasing the number of licensed mental health professionals and improving access to mental health care brings a host of benefits for individuals and families in our communities, including connection and resilience, economic well-being and better health outcomes.”
“By removing obstacles and providing relevant support, we will increase the number of fully licensed professionals in Central Louisiana by 2029,” said Dr. Susan Campbell, associate professor of social work at NSU and associate director of the program.
More information and applications are available at nsula.edu/mental-health-workforce/
LOUISIANA — With summer officially underway and temperatures soaring across Louisiana, the LSU AgCenter is reminding residents to take precautions against the dangerous effects of extreme heat and humidity.
As many Louisianans spend time outdoors gardening, mowing, farming, fishing, and participating in recreational activities, experts say heat-related illnesses can develop quickly when proper precautions are not taken.
The LSU AgCenter encourages residents to schedule outdoor chores during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, and to stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
Frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas can also help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Health officials warn that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can occur when the body is unable to cool itself effectively.
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Heavy sweating
Dizziness
Excessive thirst
Nausea
Weakness or fatigue
If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, experts recommend moving them to a cooler location, loosening clothing, and encouraging them to sip cool water. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms do not improve.
Heat Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
Heat stroke is far more serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include:
Confusion
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Altered mental state
Extremely high body temperature
Anyone suspected of experiencing heat stroke should be moved to a cooler area immediately while someone calls 911. Cooling measures, such as applying water or ice and removing excess clothing, should begin while waiting for emergency responders.
According to health officials, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if left untreated.
With heat index values frequently exceeding 100 degrees across Louisiana during the summer months, residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight clothing, and check on elderly family members, neighbors, and pets during periods of extreme heat.
The LSU AgCenter’s message is simple: stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed as Louisiana enters the hottest months of the year.
James Genovese will be the next president of Northwestern State University (Chris ReichCourtesy of Northwestern State University)
By Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator
Northwestern State president says his plan is ‘wasting away in Margaritaville’
State Sen. Alan Seabaugh takes credit for ousting Northwestern State University’s president in 2024 and, with the backing of Gov. Jeff Landry, replacing him with former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Genovese.
Two years later, Genovese says he isn’t able to count on either of his two supporters to advance his plans for the school, which include starting the first law school in North Louisiana.
In recent interviews, Genovese said his feud with Seabaugh, a Republican whose district includes the Natchitoches campus, is costing Northwestern State much-needed cash from the state. And it was Landry who came up with the idea to open a law school at the university, but the governor has since dropped his support of the plan, he said
“It wasn’t my idea,” Genovese said. “When I came on board … there were discussions coming out of the governor’s office regarding a law school, so I just went with the flow.”
When asked if the governor supports a new law school at Northwestern State, Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said that decision is completely up to the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education in Louisiana.
While he maintains the governor still privately backs the idea, Genovese said two factors have led Landry away from providing any public or material support. The first, Genovese said, is Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, whose district includes Tulane University, home to one of the state’s four law schools. Genovese said the governor doesn’t want to get crosswise with a legislative leader he needs to advance his agenda.
“The last thing Louisiana needs is more lawyers,” Henry said when reached for comment about Genovese’s proposal.
Another obstacle, Genovese said, is that promoting a new law school might create the impression that Landry supports trial attorneys. The governor himself is an attorney and has received campaign contributions from trial lawyers.
“There was this nasty fight … between the insurance industry and the trial lawyers, and I don’t think the governor wants to be labeled a trial lawyer person,” Genovese said.
Genovese provided a copy of his law school proposal he said he submitted to the Board of Regents and the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, which oversees Northwestern State. Genovese and UL System board member Robert “Skeeter” Salim, Genovese’s lifelong friend and a prominent trial attorney in the state, requested the Regents expedite their review process so it could receive approval from the UL System Board just a month after it was proposed.
Emails the Illuminator obtained through a public records request show Board of Regents staff discussed the matter with Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, who was not comfortable with an expedited review. Genovese and Salim have not brought the law school pitch to the full UL System board.
Genovese described his proposal as “wasting away in Margaritaville,” a reference to the Jimmy Buffet song.
Despite no further moves to make the proposal a reality, Genovese has continued to publicly advocate for the law school in speeches and in news interviews, rankling state lawmakers and other stakeholders.
“If the Board of Regents wanted another law school, they would do it,” said state Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, whose district includes Natchitoches. “So I don’t know why he continues to talk and advocate for things like that and get people’s hopes up, when obviously an application to do a law school has not moved within the Board of Regents.”
From reference to rival
While he seemingly tilts at windmills for a new law school, Genovese has also feuded with the lawmaker who got him the job at Northwestern State.
Seabaugh, an conservative lawmaker, said in an interview last week his first order of business after joining the Louisiana Senate in 2024 was ousting Marcus Jones, the first Black leader at Northwestern State, who Seabaugh said was responsible for the school “going downhill in many ways.”
Sen. Alan Seabaugh
After being forced to resign, Jones returned to the University of Louisiana System office as executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Seabaugh proposed Genovese replace Jones in Natchitoches. Landry also backed Genovese for the job.
“Nobody was more responsible for putting him there than me,” Seabaugh said.
Genovese, despite having had no experience in higher education leadership, touted his budget expertise when interviewing with faculty and staff for the president’s job. He took credit for securing money for the Louisiana Supreme Court during his time as an associate justice from 2017-24.
That claimed fiscal prowess isn’t reflected in the state budget that takes effect Wednesday, however.
Northwestern State was the only public university in Louisiana to receive no additional funding in the primary budget bill on top of what each campus is required to receive. It was also the only campus left out of the supplemental budget, where lawmakers dole out millions for special projects. These special projects find their way into the budget at the request of lawmakers, usually senators.
When asked about Northwestern State’s omission in the budget, Genovese blamed Seabaugh.
“We don’t have a senator that helps us,” Genovese said. “[Seabaugh has] been mad at me from day one. I … hardly even know this guy.”
‘I don’t think he’s suited for the job’
Genovese said the feud started because he refused to fire Northwestern State employees Seabaugh asked him to dismiss. Since then, Genovese said, Seabaugh hasn’t answered his phone calls.
Seabaugh said none of that is true. By his account, he never asked Genovese to fire anybody but rather warned him not to take advice from the same people he viewed as leading Jones astray.
Jones has not responded to a request for comment.
Seabaugh also said he hasn’t refused any calls from Genovese, because he hasn’t gotten any to reject.
“If they want me to put something in the budget, they might want to ask,” Seabaugh said.
Though he wouldn’t characterize the tension between the two leaders as a “disagreement,” Seabaugh expressed frustration in the way Genovese handled the first major hire of his administration.
Genovese brought in former Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy as a special adviser in fall 2024 shortly after he was hired. McConathy is a Louisiana basketball coaching legend who was recently inducted into the state’s Sports Hall of Fame. He also ran against Seabaugh in his 2023 Senate bid.
Seabaugh said he didn’t mind that he hired McConathy, but he did take issue with how Genovese addressed it with him.
“When he called me, he said, ‘I know this is going to piss you off, but I don’t care. I’m doing it anyway,’” Seabaugh recounted.
Genovese said that was not the language he used but confirmed he did call Seabaugh as a courtesy to tell him he was hiring McConathy, which he said angered the senator.
The two confirmed they haven’t talked since that call in 2024.
“He doesn’t know how to ask,” Seabaugh said. “I think he’s used to being a judge and telling people what to do. I don’t think he’s suited for the job he’s in.”
“The university has not improved and it’s not going to as long as he’s there,” the senator added.
Spending in question
McFarland, who leads the legislature’s budget-writing committee, said some of Genovese’s “decision making has been questioned.”
McFarland didn’t detail the gripes he has heard from lawmakers, but a look into Northwestern State’s budget shows warning signs of financial difficulties ahead.
Genovese has raised pay for Northwestern State’s approximately 800 employees three times in less than two years, despite the university operating at a deficit. The university projects a shortfall of $13.4 million for the fiscal year that ended Tuesday, according to a UL System financial report. The university has covered the cost by spending down its cash reserves.
Other UL System schools are in worse financial positions, but Northwestern State’s spending has raised the eyebrows of its board members, who questioned Genovese about the deficit at last week’s meeting. Genovese said the university was likely to end the next fiscal year in the black, possibly with a surplus.
While Genovense’s spending at Northwestern State has increased, enrollment at the school has dropped. Its student body reached 8,847 in 2023 and fell to 8,402 for fall 2025, a 5% decrease. Less than a quarter of NSU students attend class on campus, which means they bring in less revenue for the school.
Other schools in the UL System are also experiencing enrollment declines, but most are adjusting their budgets to match.
“We’re closely monitoring the enrollment projections and being optimistic that they will be able to turn the tide on their own,” UL System President Rick Gallot, Genovese’s boss, said about the budget situation.
Photo and Article Courtesy of the Louisiana Illuminator
As Northwestern State University (NSU) looks ahead to the Fall 2026 semester, internal tracking data reveals that high school dual enrollment programs are projected to play an even larger role in the university’s total headcount than in previous semesters.
According to an official institutional research document, the university has set an aggressive Next Fall Target of 7,879 undergraduate students. However, a closer look at the tracking metrics shows that nearly one-third of that entire target population is made up of high school students.
The ‘Enrollment Mask’ Expands
The university separates its high school and introductory enrollment into two tracking categories: University (Non-Prep) and University (Prep). For the upcoming Fall 2026 semester, the university’s targets for these categories are:
UNIV (Non-Prep) Target: 351 students
UNIV (Prep) Target: 2,183 students
Total High School Target: 2,534 students
If NSU hits its goals, dual enrollment students will account for 32.2%—nearly one out of every three—of the total undergraduate student body. This represents a significant shift from previous years, expanding the “Enrollment Mask” that higher education analysts say allows institutions to report stable or growing total headcounts while masking a structural decline in full-time, on-campus students.
Current Summer Progress
As of June 24, 2026, registration tracking shows the university still has a long hill to climb before reaching its census goals, which is typical for this point in the summer cycle.
The university’s Current Enrollment stands at 4,732 out of the 7,879 target. When isolating the true degree-seeking undergraduate numbers from the high school dual enrollment categories, the breakdown shows:
Total Reported Current Enrollment: 4,732*
Current Dual Enrollment (Prep & Non-Prep): 768
True Current Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,964**
*Note: Across the university’s broader tracking metrics, true undergraduate enrollment stands at 3,964; however, it should be noted that many of these students are online-only or attend classes outside of the main campus in Natchitoches.
While a vast majority of the targeted 2,534 high school students will be registered later in the summer as school districts finalize their schedules, the physical campus infrastructure remains tied to the 3,964 true undergraduates currently on the books.
Budget vs. Body Count
The economic reality for the Natchitoches campus remains stark. Traditional undergraduate students pay full tuition and generate critical “auxiliary revenue” through campus housing, meal plans, and student fees. In contrast, dual enrollment students pay deeply discounted contract rates or receive state-funded exemptions.
The physical presence of these students on campus remains rare. While a select few students from local institutions like Natchitoches Central and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) are granted rare permission to attend classes in person, the vast majority of the dual enrollment population completes coursework remotely or at their respective high schools.
As the university pushes toward its ultimate master plan under leadership to stabilize total institutional footing, the tracking data indicates that the path to high headcount numbers relies more heavily than ever on the high school demographic.
**Note Dual Enrollment (DE) students are excluded from “True Enrollment” figures above. While these students are academically valuable, their reduced tuition and minimal use of campus facilities mean they do not reflect the institutional sustainability or the market demand for the university’s core physical and residential services.
As Louisiana families prepare to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th year, the Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is urging residents to put safety first and use fireworks responsibly.
Fireworks remain a leading cause of preventable holiday injuries each year. Sparklers can reach temperatures above 2,000 degrees, creating a serious burn risk, especially for children.
According to 2025 data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks misuse and malfunction were linked to at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries. Sparklers accounted for an estimated 1,300 injuries. People ages 15 to 24 were injured most often, with burns to the hands, fingers and head among the most common injuries.
More than 660 permitted fireworks stands will operate statewide this season, with retail sales allowed through 11:59 p.m. July 5. Louisiana law requires fireworks vendors to be licensed and permitted through the SFM and to sell only where fireworks are authorized.
“Public fireworks displays remain the safest way to celebrate,” said DPS Principal, Assistant Chief Bryan J Adams. “If you choose to use consumer fireworks at home, plan ahead, follow safety guidelines and buy only from licensed vendors.”
To help prevent injuries, the Office of State Fire Marshal recommends:
Check local burn bans and avoid fireworks during dry or windy conditions
Use fireworks in open areas at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles and flammable materials
Never allow children to handle fireworks; consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks or public displays
Never use homemade, altered or illegal fireworks and always follow label instructions
Do not use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs
Light one firework at a time and keep a hose or bucket of water nearby
Soak used fireworks before disposal and never place dry fireworks in the trash
Winn Parish 4-H members returned home with an impressive list of awards and accomplishments following a successful week of competition at the 2026 Louisiana 4-H University.
Parish leaders praised the students for their dedication, preparation, and hard work, noting that their efforts resulted in multiple state championships and top finishes across a wide variety of contests.
“Last night was a dream,” Winn Parish 4-H officials shared. “We are so proud of our students. Their hard work and dedication paid off.”
Among the top achievements were several state championship performances.
The Consumer Foods Evaluation Team of Catherine Page and Ella Higginbotham captured a first-place state title, while the Esports Team consisting of Kenneth Richard, Zachary Kelley, and Chanler Baker also earned a first-place finish.
Another championship was claimed in the Next Healthy Food Star Contest, where Ava Canerday, Sienna Box, and Rylan Gill secured first place honors.
In the Photography Contest, Blakelyn Busha earned a state championship with a first-place finish, while fellow competitor Maycie Poche placed ninth overall.
Several Winn Parish participants also earned podium finishes in their respective events.
In ATV Safety, Leo Bryant captured second place, while Andrew Chevallier finished fifth.
The Teens Driving Teens competition produced two top-performing teams, with Brady Fallis and Blakelyn Busha earning third place, while Gustavo Vargas and Jewel Boudreaux placed fifth.
Additional third-place finishes were earned by:
Saven Blacksher and Brady Fallis in Sports Broadcasting
Emily Grace Adams and Emma Miller — 6th Place, Healthy Living Demonstration
Lillie Claire Hatten — 7th Place, Healthy Living Illustrated Talk
Presley Gilcrease — 7th Place, Personal Trainer
Adalynn McDow — 7th Place, Public Speaking
In addition to contest success, Gracie Moore received special recognition as Most Fashionable in the Ready-to-Wear competition.
The outstanding results highlight the strength of Winn Parish’s 4-H program and the commitment of its members, volunteers, coaches, and families.
As the students return home with medals, awards, and memories, Winn Parish 4-H leaders say the accomplishments represent more than competition success—they reflect the leadership, responsibility, and life skills that 4-H helps develop in young people across the parish.
Congratulations to all Winn Parish 4-H members who represented their parish with excellence at the 2026 Louisiana 4-H University.
Have you ever questioned why you’re here? Ever wondered, ‘what am I supposed to be doing with my time on this Earth?’
Each of us has a calling but it may take a while to discover what it is. As a child, I questioned a lot of things that took place during my younger years, especially as I started school.
It became very apparent that the classroom was going to be a challenge. The biggest problem was that I had no guidance, no one to make sure I did my homework or that I even got up every day to go to school.
But there was one day in my life that I will never forget. It was the day they had Little League baseball tryouts. Even though I was not old enough to play Little League, I still showed up with glove in hand and ready to show anyone that I could play this game.
I rode my bike up the street to a local ballpark where the tryouts were taking place. I hopped off my bike and ran onto the field and got in the first line of players I saw as they were taking ground balls and throwing them back to a coach.
When my turn came around, the coach hit the ball to me, and I scooped it up and fired it back at the coach. I’ll never forget his reaction as he waived me over to talk to him. Then he uttered words that I will never forget.
“Son, I don’t think you’re old enough to play Little League, but I can tell you one thing for sure. You’re going to be one heck of a player when you get older.”
Disappointment that I was not eligible to play baseball yet really hit me hard mentally. Finally, there was something that I knew I was good at! Baseball was going to give me purpose!
It would be on a baseball field that I would shine. It would be through baseball that my confidence and self-esteem would soar. The baseball field was where I was supposed to be!
School on the other hand would continue to be difficult as I was diagnosed with dyslexia going into the second grade. But because of a couple of great teachers by the name of Mrs. Mickey Sinclair and Mrs. Elwanda Carpenter, my world in the classroom was turned around.
From the third grade on, school curriculum would not be as challenging, but I had to work hard to make passing grades. Studying was a necessary evil in order for me to do good in school and get to play sports.
My parents understood school was a challenge but expected nothing short of A’s and B’s. C’s were not acceptable and there would be consequences for bringing home one. Mother would threaten to pull me out of sports when a C appeared on a report card.
But again, I figured out early in life that sports, especially baseball, would be my purpose in life. It would be my calling and my saving grace for me as person. It gave me a feeling of confidence that nothing else could.
Today when I speak to youth, this is one of the topics I’ll discuss. No matter what it is, find that one thing you’re good at and make that your purpose. Make that the reason you get up every day. Make that your passion whether it’s sports, education, music or, maybe if you’re lucky, it’s bass fishing!
Life can offer us so many opportunities but it’s up to each of us to take advantage when those opportunities roll around. I truly believe that God has a purpose for each of us.
It just might take some of us longer to figure out exactly what our purpose is, but isn’t that what life is all about? The journeyis the great adventure.
The 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held on Saturday July 18, in the air–conditioned Prather Coliseum located at 220 S. Jefferson Street on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches. The festival’s curated showcase of Louisiana folk musicians, food vendors and traditional crafts persons will open at 9 a.m. with live entertainment scheduled for 9:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The family-oriented festival is fully wheelchair accessible. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are $10 at the door for all events or $6 for an evening pass to all events after 5 p.m.
In honor of the 2026 Festival theme, “America the Beautiful,” the Festival will feature the traditional music of the nation – blues, gospel, Cajun, Celtic, country, bluegrass and zydeco on three stages of music as well as in the Magale Recital Hall. Music and dance headliners include Cajun bands Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Poisson Rouge, zydeco band Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie, blues artists the Wayne “Blue” Burns Band and the Snake Doctors, western swing and classic country artists Gal Holiday and the Honky Revue, the Rising Dragon Lion Dance Team, bluegrass group Catahoula Drive, gospel groups the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples and the Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble and dance performances by Native Nations Intertribal, the Rising Dragon Lion Dance Team, the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Fijian traditional dance by the Rokobou Family. In addition will be a special appearance by Kovanda’s Czech Band which will accompany the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers. The festival also includes numerous food vendors offering traditional Louisiana cuisine. Outdoor activities feature demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking and a child-friendly hands-on demonstration of a 19th century wash day.
More than 80 crafts vendors have been invited to display and discuss their traditional work with festival patrons. Craftspeople are expected to display beadwork, baskets, cowhide chair covers, alligator jewelry, Pysanky eggs, Native American crafts and pottery. Other expected craftspeople will display needlework, wood carvings, handmade toys and dolls, paintings, sculpture, homemade soap, spinning and weaving, handcrafted knives, handmade brooms, walking sticks, folk art quilts and more.
The Festival will include a Gumbo Cook-Off, in which professionals and hobbyists alike can compete in one of the multiple categories and demonstrate their cooking skills in any of three categories, Seafood, Poultry Plus and People’s Choice. All gumbo must be cooked on-site, with no commercial or pre-made roux allowed. Poultry, meat, seafood, rice and broth or stock may be prepared in advance or on-site and canned broth is allowed. Registration and the Cooks’ Meeting will take place at 8:00 a.m. Tasting and judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. with winners announced at 3:15 p.m. There is no fee to compete in the Cook-Off.
The Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall. There will be a non-championship class and a championship class. A twin fiddle category will also be held. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage at Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m.
The festival includes several opportunities for patrons to engage directly with Louisiana folk culture. Free dance lessons include clogging or flatfoot dancing with Clancey Stewart, Celtic dance taught by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers and Cajun and zydeco dancing taught by the Cajun French Music Association Dance Troupe. Interactive activities include dancing with the Louisiana Czech Heritage Dancers and Native Nations Intertribal.
“The festival bridges the distance between artists and the festival patrons, thus breaking the artificial barriers between artists and audience,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the festival and NSU’s Louisiana Folklife Center. “Rather than watching from the sidelines, everyone who takes part in these activities will share and engage in Louisiana’s rich culture.”
KidFest will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidfest is an area dedicated to child-friendly activities and is a fun way for children to examine their own cultural and family traditions as well as those from around the state.
Narrative sessions will be held in the festival N-Club Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature presentations on the making of the first sinker cypress fiddle, traditional carding, spinning and weaving, Fijian traditional culture, Louisiana foodways and heritage language revitalization. In addition will be music informances on Cajun music with bands Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Poisson Rouge. ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices and audio description for these cultural discussions will be made available upon prior request by July 10.
This year also features several pre-Festival events which are free and open to the general public. A Visit with the Bagpipe will be held at 2 p.m. on July 11 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. Attendees at this free workshop will learn the basics of traditional Celtic bagpipe and drumming, as well as Highland dance. The workshop will also feature a Celtic music and dance performance by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers. A second free pre-festival event will be a music and dance performance by Native Nations Intertribal at 6 p.m. on July 17 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Members of Native Nations Intertribal will also engage in a discussion of their traditions with anthropologist Dr. Hiram “Pete” Gregory, an expert on Southeastern Native American tribes and culture.
For a full schedule of events, online registration forms to participate in the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship and the Gumbo Cook-Off or to make a donation contact the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu or go to nsula.edu/folklife/.
Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program will not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
The festival is sponsored by Alliance Compressors, Atmos Energy, C&H Precision Machining, City Bank, Cleco, Evans Family, LLC, the Harrington Law Firm, Natchitoches Wood Preserving Company, Ronnie’s Auto Glass and Collision Center and Young Estate, LLC.
Doug said, “I drive, therefore I am,” and honestly, I’m starting to trust my version more.
I spend so many hours with my body attached to a car that I’m basically a mobile Methodist. I know I20 like the back of my hand—every bump, every dip, every spot where my cell signal disappears as if it’s entering the Witness Protection Program. I know where law enforcement hides, waiting to catch those who treat the speed limit as a suggestion from a friend rather than a command from the state. I know exactly how far I can push the fuel light before I’m praying in tongues at the next exit. If you see me on the Interstate, give me a wave. I’ll wave back. I’m friendly like that.
Driving entertains me. I read bumper stickers like they’re sacred texts. If you see me tailgating, don’t worry—I’m not being aggressive; I’m just trying to discern whether your “Coexist” sticker is faded or ironic. And I’ve developed a spiritual gift: I can tell when someone is talking on the phone while driving. They always slow down. Always. It’s like the car senses the conversation and decides to meditate.
Today I was headed to Bossier City when the nice truck in front of me decided it was time for a midjourney spa treatment. He hit his windshield washer at 70 mph. At my following distance, his washer fluid became my washer fluid. A surprise baptism by RainX. I just smiled and thanked God for the improvisational rain shower. Louisiana weather is unpredictable, but apparently so are Louisiana drivers.
Now here’s where the sermon sneaks in.
My actions can change your attitude, and your attitude interprets my actions. That’s the whole ballgame.
I could’ve gotten mad. I could’ve imagined he did it on purpose. I could’ve turned on my wipers and smeared my windshield into a Monet painting. Or I could interpret it factually: I was following too closely behind a man with a dirty windshield who needed to see better. Or I could interpret it spiritually: God’s grace falls on the just, the unjust, and the guy behind the truck who wasn’t expecting a windshield blessing.
We don’t live in a vacuum. Our actions splash onto the people behind us—sometimes literally. That’s why Scripture tells us to be careful how we walk. We don’t want to trip someone else up. But the other side is just as important: I’m not responsible for what you do to me, but I am responsible for what I let your actions do inside me.
The world is small. The road is shared. And whether we like it or not, we’re all windshield washers for somebody.
So drive kindly. Live kindly. And if you must baptize the car behind you, at least use the good fluid.
Juanita Inez Young Chandler September 17, 1943 – June 23, 2026
JUANITA’S OBITUARY
Funeral services celebrating the life of Juanita Inez Young Chandler, age 82, of Winnfield, Louisiana, were at a graveside service on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cypress Creek Cemetery with Rev. Mark Green as officiate. Mrs. Chandler passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in West Monroe, Louisiana.
Juanita was born on September 17, 1943, in Junction City, Louisiana, to Thomas Alvin Young and Rosa Ann Bedgood Young. She spent her life caring for others and was affectionately known by family and friends as “Nanny.” Her compassionate heart and gentle spirit led her to devote many years as a caregiver, touching countless lives through her kindness and selfless service.
Nanny never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. She cherished children and found great joy in helping others. Some of her happiest moments were spent fishing alongside her beloved husband, Fred. She was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and lived her life guided by her faith, love for family, and concern for those around her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Alvin Young; her mother, Rosa Ann Bedgood Young; her husband, Fred Chandler; and her sister, Joyce Marie Young.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Tommy Chandler and wife Angie; her daughter, Shana Chandler, both of Winnfield, Louisiana; her grandchildren, Robin, Lorie, Melissa, and Traci; her great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Chad, Jordan, Dalton, Kade, Brianna, Lathon, Adalyn, Brian, and Gracie; her sisters, Rosalie Maxwell and Phyllis Lowery; her sister-in-law, Polly Haist; and her beloved fur baby, Rocky, along with numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Serving as pallbearers were Kade Womack, Chad Hamlin, Jordan Hamlin, Dalton Powell, Lathon Powell, Brian Southerland, and Kaleb Womack.
The family invites relatives and friends to attend the graveside service as they celebrate the life and legacy of a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and caring spirit will be remembered for generations to come.
July 1 marks the anniversary of one of the most significant events in American history—the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
Fought over three days in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the battle became the largest and deadliest engagement of the American Civil War. More than 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers converged on the small town, where intense fighting ultimately resulted in an estimated 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured or missing.
The battle began on July 1 as Confederate and Union forces unexpectedly encountered one another outside Gettysburg. As additional troops arrived throughout the day, the fighting intensified and eventually spread across the surrounding hills and ridges.
The conflict reached its climax on July 3 with Pickett’s Charge, a massive Confederate assault against the center of the Union line. The attack failed, forcing Confederate General Robert E. Lee to retreat south, ending his second and final invasion of the North.
Historians widely consider the Battle of Gettysburg a turning point in the Civil War. Lee’s defeat halted Confederate momentum, while the Union victory strengthened Northern morale and shifted the course of the conflict.
Just four months later, President Abraham Lincoln returned to Gettysburg to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. During the ceremony, he delivered the Gettysburg Address, a brief speech that became one of the most enduring expressions of American democracy and the nation’s founding ideals.
Today, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield, allowing millions of visitors each year to explore the site where one of the defining moments in United States history began on July 1, 1863.
