Ricky Lynn Johnson, age 69, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at his residence. Born on June 27, 1956, in Winnfield, Louisiana, Ricky spent his life rooted in the close-knit community of Dodson. He attended Calvin High School and was a retired logger, a profession that reflected his strong work ethic and deep connection to the land. In his spare time, he found great enjoyment in hunting and fishing, pursuits that brought him both peace and fulfillment.

Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Henry Clay Johnson; his mother, Thelma Jones Johnson; his beloved wife, Barbara Johnson; and his son, Josh Corbit. He is survived by his son, Antonio Whisenant, siblings, William Johnson, Lessie Martin, Dessie Whisenant, Diana Hunter, and Louise Holmes, along with a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

A time of visitation will be held at Southern Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. Graveside services will follow at 12:00 PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Bobby Bates officiating. Interment will be in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Mary Lou Carpenter, age 88, of Calvin, LA, was received into Heaven on April 10, 2026. Born on April 9, 1938, in Urania, LA, Mary Lou graduated from Calvin High School and attended Huey P. Long Memorial Trade School. She worked as a bookkeeper at Tremont Lumber Company, a teller at First Federal Savings, and eventually retired as a bookkeeper at CCA.

Mary Lou was saved in Bethlehem Baptist Church at an early age, under the ministry of Bro. and Mrs. L.H. Hickman, where she served as church pianist and organist. She grew up in the church participating in the Girls’ Auxiliary, Mission Belles and a member of the M.I.S.F.I.T.S. Sunday School Class. Her faithful service and attendance at Bethlehem continued until she became ill. Mary loved her Lord and her music and spent numerous hours practicing and perfecting her gift. She enjoyed traveling with her niece, Nora Lee, and friends, Vickie and her mother, Mrs. Kelley. Several years ago, she and Vickie, along with Dr. & Mrs. William Poe, traveled to London, Germany, Switzerland and other sites in Europe. One of Mary’s greatest joys was working in her flowers and yard, which was always filled with vibrant color. Everyone in the community was amazed each spring at her beautiful snowball bush. She enjoyed shopping and eating out, visiting on her back porch and drinking coffee. 

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Luther C. and Mary Collins Carpenter; three sisters, Linnie Carter, Winona Dubois and Lottie Ree Carpenter; one brother, William Carpenter; nieces, Nora Lee Carter, Wanda Lee Allen; and nephews, Jesse Carpenter and Bud Carter. 

Those left to cherish her memories are special friend, Vickie Kelley; nieces, Naomi Shirey, Martha Bates and Doretha Severino; and nephews, Jerry Dubois and Bo Carpenter, several great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her Bethlehem Church Family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Winnfield, Louisiana, with Bro. Dick Debusk officiating. Presiding over the interment in Bethlehem Cemetery will be Bro. Todd Whittington. 

Friends may visit with the family at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 10:00 am until time of services at 3:00 pm. 

Pallbearers are Bo Carpenter, Seth Carpenter, Jamie Carter, Tyler Haymon, Austin Willis, Alan Willis, Mike Feirn and Nick Kelley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Cemetery Fund, 2777 Hwy. 1232, Winnfield, LA 71483. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.southernfuneralhome.com

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that a significant bridge replacement project in Winn Parish received bids in March.

The project will replace five bridges along Louisiana Highway 124 near Winnfield. The improvements are intended to enhance structural safety and ensure long-term reliability for motorists traveling the route.

The apparent low bid for the project totaled $10,330,565.30, making it one of the larger المشاريع included in the latest round of bid announcements.

Transportation officials said bridge replacement projects are prioritized based on structural condition and public safety needs.

Students from Winn Parish pursuing degrees through Northwestern State University’s School of Education were recognized during an Apple Pinning ceremony held March 24, marking their acceptance into teacher candidacy.

The ceremony honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to careers in education and will now advance into upper-level education coursework.

Students from Winn Parish recognized include:

Catheryn Busha of Winnfield, Secondary Education

Callie Lang of Winnfield, Elementary Education

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement leader serving multiple parishes across Central Louisiana has completed advanced training through the FBI National Academy.

Capt. John Volentine graduated from the 297th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 18. He was among 253 law enforcement officers selected from across the United States and internationally to participate in the program.

Volentine serves as captain over enforcement operations across a large region that includes Sabine, Vernon, Natchitoches, Grant, Winn, LaSalle, Avoyelles, Rapides, Catahoula, and Concordia parishes. He has been with the LDWF Enforcement Division since 2005.

The FBI National Academy is known for its intensive 10-week training program focused on leadership, communication, and physical fitness. Participants are chosen based on their experience and leadership within their agencies.

During his career, Volentine has played a role in emergency response efforts during multiple major hurricanes, including Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, and Harvey. He has also received recognition for his work in wildlife enforcement, including being named Waterfowl Officer of the Year in 2013 and 2014.

In addition to his enforcement duties, Volentine serves as an adjunct instructor at LSU of Alexandria, where he teaches criminal justice courses.

Officials say his completion of the FBI National Academy highlights continued investment in leadership and public safety across Central Louisiana.

The Winnfield Fire Department responded to a reported outdoor burn on March 1 on South Gum Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found no owner or occupant present at the scene and proceeded to extinguish the fire.

Officials reminded residents that a burn ban is currently in effect and urged the public not to burn outdoors. Violations of the burn ban may result in a citation from the Winnfield Police Department.

Residents with questions may contact the Winnfield Fire Department at 318-628-3923.

The Winnfield Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Feb. 28 on Boone Street.

A total of eight Winnfield firefighters were on scene working to bring the fire under control. The department was assisted by three firefighters from Winn Fire Protection District #3, along with a tender apparatus due to a nearby hydrant that was not fully operational.

Officials said the fire was successfully contained to the structure through the coordinated efforts of all responding personnel. No firefighter injuries were reported.

Fire officials reminded residents to ensure smoke alarms are functioning properly and to have an emergency plan in place for their homes.

Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on March 1 around 9:09 am on U.S. Highway 167 near Dodson. This crash claimed the life of Miguel Angel Bello-Castillo, 44 of Farmerville.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by Bello-Castillo, was traveling south on U.S. Highway 167.  For reasons still under investigation, Bello-Castillo lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to leave the roadway and impact the ditch embankment before overturning.

Bello-Castillo, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. A passenger, who was also restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. Impairment is a suspected factor in this crash. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind all motorists that if you feel differently, you drive differently. Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other drugs have many effects on the body that negatively affect driving skills. These drugs can impair visual ability, alter the sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Not doing so can have deadly consequences.

Winnfield Primary School held its fifth 4-H meeting on Jan. 13. The meeting was called to order by President Laila E. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Zaylee B. and the 4-H pledge was led by Cecila C. The secretary read the minutes from the last meeting and the reporter read the news article.

There were two demonstrations. The first one was led by Ellie F. She talked about how to apply makeup: Step 1: Ask a grown up

Step 2: Washing your face

Step 3: Apply the make-up.

Ellie said to make sure to clean your brushes regularly and to remember that a little bit goes a long way. Pick soft colors for every day use and save the bright ones for parties. Lastly, it is important to wash your face off at night.

Della, the wildlife agent, did a demonstration on a place in Arkansas that rescues big cats. Many different cats get rescued by the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. There the cats get toys, water, food and many other things to keep them healthy and entertained. Each cat there has a name and story. We learned that big cats are not pets.

The educational program was conducted by our 4-H Agents Donny and Bethany. They taught members about how to put together a healthy plate of food using the “My Plate” as a guide. Each plate meal should include grains, fruit, dairy, and protein. Members shared ideas with each other of what they could put on a healthy plate for each category.

The club supported the local food pantry during the month of January by collecting 45 packs of spaghetti and 28 cans of pork and beans. It also added 11 more cans of spaghetti sauces.

4-H clubs are sponsored by the LSU AgCenter Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.

By Annie Goods, Winn Parish Dart Advocate

February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to highlight the impact unhealthy relationships can have on young people and to promote prevention through education and awareness.

Teen dating violence can have lasting effects on a young person’s health, opportunities, and overall well-being. Experts note that unhealthy relationship patterns often begin early and, if unaddressed, can continue into adulthood. While the issue is serious, prevention efforts show that dating violence is not inevitable and can be reduced when young people are equipped with the right tools and support.

Many teens perceive behaviors such as teasing, name-calling, or controlling actions as normal parts of a relationship. However, these behaviors can escalate into emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Fear of judgment or consequences often prevents teens from reporting unhealthy relationships to family members, teachers, or friends.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates teen dating violence remains a significant concern. Among U.S. high school students who reported dating in the 12 months prior to the survey, approximately one in 12 experienced physical dating violence, while about one in 10 experienced sexual dating violence. Female students reported higher rates of both physical and sexual dating violence than their male counterparts.

The effects of teen dating violence can be both immediate and long term. Victims are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, engage in unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco, drug, or alcohol use, and exhibit antisocial behaviors including lying, bullying, or physical aggression. Research also shows an increased risk of suicidal thoughts among youth who experience dating violence. These early experiences can influence future relationships, increasing the likelihood of continued unhealthy or abusive dynamics later in life.

Prevention efforts focus on promoting healthy relationship skills during the preteen and teen years, when young people are forming expectations about relationships. Teaching communication skills, emotional regulation, and mutual respect can help reduce the risk of dating violence. Studies emphasize the importance of targeted prevention strategies that address the needs of teens who are at higher risk.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month serves as a reminder that families, schools, and communities all play a role in helping young people build safe, respectful, and healthy relationships that can positively shape their futures.

A family’s guide to navigating the biggest decision of a young adult’s life, and why a single Saturday in Natchitoches might hold the answer.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

The kitchen table is often where the panic sets in. It starts with a stack of glossy mailers, each promising the best four years of a student’s life. Then come the spreadsheets, the deadlines, and the quiet, gnawing questions that keep parents awake at 3 a.m. Can we afford this? Will they be safe? Is this the place where my child becomes the person they are meant to be?

For high school seniors, the pressure is immediate. They are standing on the cliff of adulthood, trying to discern their future from a website or a brochure. For families, the challenge is different. You bring the weight of experience. You understand the long-term implications of student loans and the reality of living away from home. You want to protect them, yet you know you must let them lead.

This tension between parental wisdom and student autonomy is natural, but it does not have to be stunned by anxiety. The remedy is not found in more paperwork. It is found in experience. It is found in stepping onto a campus, walking the grounds, and feeling the texture of the community.

That is the philosophy behind Northwestern State University’s N-Side View Day.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, NSU opens its doors for an event designed to cut through the noise of the college search. It is an invitation to move beyond the statistics and step into the reality of life in Natchitoches.

“Your future is calling and it begins here,” says Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting. “We want students and families to see not just what Northwestern offers, but how it feels to be part of our community.”

Finding the right college is about finding a value match. It is about aligning a student’s ambition with an institution’s culture. This is difficult to do from a distance. You need to see the residence halls. You need to sit in the classrooms. You need to look a professor in the eye and ask them how they will mentor your student.

N-Side View Day provides that access. It transforms the abstract idea of “going to college” into a tangible plan.

The day is structured to address the specific anxieties that families face. Financial stability is often the largest hurdle. Many students, and honestly, many parents, are inexperienced in managing large-scale finances. During the event, financial aid experts break down the process, comparing packages and explaining scholarships in simple terms. It turns a conversation about debt into a strategy for investment.

Academically, the event allows students to explore over 100 degree programs. This is where the student takes the lead. While parents look for security, students look for inspiration. They can connect directly with faculty, asking the questions that matter to them.

“We have designed N-Side View Day to go beyond information. It’s an experience that inspires,” Miller explains. “Families leave with clarity, confidence, and excitement about the future.”

There is also the undeniable influence of place. Natchitoches is Louisiana’s oldest city, a place where history and progress coexist. The campus reflects that balance. It feels grounded. It feels like home. When families visit, they often find that their preconceived notions shift. A parent might have envisioned a different path but seeing their student light up while walking through Alost Hall changes the conversation. It validates that the student knows themselves better than anyone else.

NSU President James T. Genovese views this day as a critical first step in a lifelong relationship. “We are committed to preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful lives of impact,” Genovese says. “N-Side View Day is a chance to experience that mission firsthand.”

The event acknowledges that this transition is emotional. Having family support provides a safety net that fosters confidence. By visiting together, you are not making the decision for them; you are standing beside them as they make it.

The day concludes with a classic collegiate experience: a Demon Baseball game. Every attendee receives a free ticket. It is a chance to sit in the stands, eat a hot dog, and watch the B-Stro Boys compete on the diamond. It is a moment to stop worrying about the application process and start enjoying the atmosphere.

“NSU is Louisiana’s best-kept secret,” Miller says. “Once students step on campus, they feel it. They know this is where they belong.”

The labyrinth of college admissions is navigable. It requires patience, honest conversation, and a willingness to explore. It requires a trip to Natchitoches.

Register today for N-Side View Day at www.nsu.la/nsideviewday. 

What: N-Side View Day

Where: Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA

When: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Includes: Campus tours, academic sessions, financial aid guidance, and Demon Baseball.

Register: www.nsu.la/nsideviewday

Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.

The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.

Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.

Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.

In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.

The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.

Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.