On Monday, April 13, just a few days away, the public will be able to see first-hand Winnfield’s newest, tallest building complex, the new Winn Community Health Center at 407 W. Court Street.  The public is invited to the Grand Opening of the health center beginning at 11 a.m., announced CEO Deano Thornton. 

Construction of the impressive three-story, 52,000 square foot structure has seen it rise over the past two years to occupy a footprint between W. Lafayette and W. Court streets.  The building will house the expanded array of services of Winn Community Health Center as well as the seven-parish organizational support of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.

“Who would have thought that it would come to this when we first started talking about this kind of medical care for our community in 2005?” he said.  “We were funded in 2009, opened our doors July 1 that same year, outgrew that office and moved to our current location in 2011 and are now poised to move into this wonderful structure.”

Over those years, WCHC also expanded beyond its Winn Parish borders to seven parishes with 11 clinics and 60 school-based centers under the inclusive name of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.

“So how have we come so far?  I’ve always said that when you surround yourself with good people, good things happen,” Thornton continued.  “Our organization is made up of people who care about the well being of the folks in their community and it shows.  We’re in the business of taking care of people.  This is an amazing, state of the art facility which we’ve been proud to add to the heart of Winnfield.”

The Grand Opening for the general public is Monday, April 13, with activities beginning at 11 a.m.  Thornton said there will be a tent, music with a DJ, refreshments including Dana’s Pulled Pork Sandwiches and giveaways.  The following morning, Tuesday, April 14, medical services at the new center will commence.

Photos below give an early view of what awaits the public during Monday’s Open House:

The Winnfield Kiwanis Club will hold its annual scholarship fundraiser lunch Monday, April 13, at the Farmers Market.

The menu features Boston butt steak, green beans, potato salad, bread and dessert. Tickets are $10 and are available from any Kiwanis member. The event is takeout only, with pickup available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Proceeds fund scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Winnfield Senior High School, Calvin High School and Atlanta High School. Scholarship applications are available at each school.

The Kiwanis Club appreciates the community’s continued support of this annual tradition.

The Women of Zion of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church will host its second annual health fair Saturday, April 25. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the church, located at 430 West Jones St.

Under the theme “Save a Life,” the fair focuses on the stewardship of the body, guided by the scripture 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The program will feature guest speakers and various health presentations.

The event offers free health screenings to the public, including checks for:

• Height and weight
• Temperature and pulse rate
• Respirations
• Blood pressure and blood sugar

The health fair is open to men, women and children. G. Tomell Hamms serves as pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

The drive to campus often carries two things at once, excitement and uncertainty.

For many students, college begins before the first class ever meets. It starts in the quiet questions that build during the summer. Where do I go? Who do I ask? What will this place feel like once it becomes mine?

At Northwestern State University, Freshman Connection is designed to answer those questions early and well.

The program serves as NSU’s official orientation for new first-year students attending the Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville, and Shreveport campuses. It gives students an organized, welcoming introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the people who will help shape their first year. Students meet in small groups led by current student Connectors, who guide conversations, share advice, and help make a university feel personal from the very beginning.

That matters, because the transition to college rarely feels small.

Students are stepping away from familiar routines and entering a new environment with new expectations. They are learning how to manage time, ask for help, build relationships, and take ownership of their education. Freshman Connection meets them in that moment. It does not overwhelm them with information and send them on their way. It introduces them to the rhythm of NSU, one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time.

During orientation, students learn about academic advising and register for fall classes. They are introduced to campus services and resources that support strong academic choices and healthy social decisions. They explore opportunities for involvement and begin to understand what responsibility looks like in a college setting. By the end, the university is no longer a collection of buildings and offices. It starts to feel familiar.

“We want you to leave orientation knowing exactly where you belong,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. “You arrive as a visitor, and you leave as a Demon.”

That sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of the experience.

Freshman Connection is also built with families in mind. Parent Connection runs alongside the student program and gives parents and guardians a closer look at first-year transitions, student involvement, campus services, university procedures, and academic resources. NSU also offers Kid Konnection for siblings ages 5 to 12, creating a family-centered welcome that recognizes college is often a transition shared by more than one person.

The 2026 schedule gives families several options. Natchitoches will host sessions May 20 to 21, May 27 to 28, June 17 to 18, and July 9. Additional one-day satellite events are scheduled for Alexandria on June 23, Leesville on June 24, and Shreveport on June 25, and these sessions are only for students attending those campuses. Registration opened Feb. 10 through the myStatus portal at www.nsu.la/mystatus, where students can also review admissions, financial aid, housing, and orientation information in one place.

That is why Freshman Connection matters. It gives students structure before the semester begins. It helps them move from uncertainty to clarity. It gives them names, faces, places, and next steps.

And for many, it marks the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.

At the end of Freshman Connection, students depart with direction. They know where to go, who to contact, and how to begin. They leave having already taken an important first step toward success at Northwestern State.

Explore Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/fc
Apply to NSU: www.nsu.la/apply
Register for Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/mystatus

“It breaks my heart to think about children growing up with so much uncertainty because one parent isn’t paying what they should. When the support doesn’t come, it’s the kids and the custodial parent who carry the burden every single day — and no family should have to live that way.”

 See what Ida says 

October 11, 1933 — March 28, 2026

Jane Claborn Purser, a cornerstone of the Winnfield community, transitioned to her eternal home on March 28, 2026. Her 92 years were a profound testament to the biblical call to love one’s neighbor, defined by a life of quiet grace, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to serving others.

A Ministry of Presence and Service

Jane’s civic leadership was not merely a duty but an extension of her Christian walk. For 56 years, she served the Rotary Club of Winnfield, embodying the motto of “Service Above Self” through a lens of faith. Her devotion was most visible at the Winn Community Food Pantry, where she spent her retirement years as the hands and feet of Jesus, ensuring her neighbors were nourished in both body and spirit.

A devoted Elder of First Presbyterian Church, Jane believed deeply in the power of redemption. This belief led her to the Winn Correctional Center, where she spearheaded the pre-release program and served through KAIROS Prison Ministry. To Jane, these were not just programs, but a mission to offer the “second chances” promised by her faith to those seeking a new path.

Nurturing the Next Generation

Jane’s 40-year career as an educator and counselor was her primary mission field. She viewed every student as a child of God, leading with a kindness that left a lasting imprint on generations. Her commitment to Christian education shone through “Tuesday School,” a program she helped create to nurture the spiritual lives of Winnfield’s children.

Even in her professional leadership with Delta Kappa Gamma and the development of Project LET, Jane’s work was characterized by the “pure joy” and selflessness that earned her the titles of Citizen of the Year and Woman of the Year.

Family and Legacy

Jane was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Rhodalee Claborn, brother John D. Claborn and her husband of 50 years, Donald Raymond Purser. Together, they built a home centered on love and service, with four children—Paul (Rosanne), Donald (Leah), Pamela, and Matt (Tracy). Her legacy of faith continues through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were her greatest earthly treasures.

Celebration of Life

A service honoring Jane’s life and her journey home will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Winnfield on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m., presided over by Pastor Lane Thompson of New Iona Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Winn Community Food Pantry, PO Box 302, Winnfield, LA 71483, or the NSU Jane Purser Band Scholarship at this link https://northwesternstatealumni.com/purser-scholarship/, continuing Jane’s mission of supporting education and community care.

Winnfield Police are investigating a hit-and-run incident involving a toddler that occurred during a gathering at Luckey Street Park.

According to authorities, officers were notified through a 911 call that a child had been taken to the emergency room at Winn Parish Medical Center after being struck by a four-wheeler. Reports indicate the incident happened during a family gathering where multiple individuals were riding off-road vehicles.

Investigators said the suspect was identified and was seen loading the four-wheeler onto a trailer before leaving the scene.

Officers conducted a search and later located the vehicle at a residence on Cedar Drive. Authorities said warrants are being prepared for the suspect.

Proposed charges include hit-and-run driving, reckless operation of an off-road vehicle and second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

Officials said the child was treated and released, and the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

A traffic stop Sunday evening in Winnfield resulted in the arrest of a Baton Rouge man on multiple charges, including drug possession.

According to the Winnfield Police Department, Sgt. Ashley Carpenter observed a vehicle traveling 22 mph over the posted speed limit on East Lafayette Street and initiated a stop in the parking lot of the Winnfield Tire Center.

The driver was unable to produce a valid driver’s license. Officer Caden Sellers arrived as backup and was granted consent to search the vehicle, where open alcohol containers were found. A standardized field sobriety test was conducted, and the driver was determined not to be impaired.

During the stop, an officer observed the suspect placing an item in a stack of tires nearby. Upon inspection, officers located two bags of a substance identified as methamphetamine with an approximate combined weight of 10 grams.

The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Winnfield City Jail.

Joseph C. Scott of Baton Rouge was charged with speeding (57 in a 35 mph zone), no driver’s license, open alcohol container, possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance and resisting an officer. Authorities said bond had not been set as of the latest update.

Four people were injured early Sunday morning in a shooting at the Winnfield Civic Center following an event attended by local teenagers.

Authorities reported that gunfire erupted around 1:30 a.m. when two individuals began shooting for reasons that remain under investigation. The incident caused panic as attendees attempted to leave the area and find safety.

All four victims, described as bystanders, were transported to Winn Parish Medical Center. Two of the injured were later airlifted by Pafford Air to trauma centers for additional treatment. As of the latest update, no fatalities have been reported, and one individual remains in critical condition.

Winnfield Police initiated an emergency response that included calling in off-duty officers to assist with crowd control, securing the scene and launching an investigation. Deputies from the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Department also responded, including Sheriff McAllister and Chief Deputy Guilliam.

The investigation is being led by Lt. Brian Glenn and Officer Edward Starks. Authorities said suspects have been identified and charges are pending.

Officials have not released the names of the victims due to their ages and out of respect for their families.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Winnfield Police Department at (318) 628-3511. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.

The Kiwanis Club welcomed the Rev. Lamar Carpenter as its guest speaker during a recent meeting, where he delivered a message centered on the meaning of Easter and Holy Week.

Carpenter was introduced by Kiwanian Chet Atkins, who is also a member of Beulah Baptist Church. A graduate of Calvin High School, Carpenter later earned an associate degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church for 35 years and has indicated plans to retire from pastoral ministry in the near future.

In addition to his pastoral work, Carpenter has been involved in a long-standing nursing home ministry and serves as a chaplain for the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Department.

During his presentation, Carpenter spoke about the significance of Holy Week, the period leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Drawing from multiple passages of scripture, he reflected on the suffering of Jesus, the discovery of the empty tomb, and the central message of the resurrection.

Carpenter also shared insights from a personal visit to Israel, made possible through the generosity of a church member. During that trip, he participated in a Lord’s Supper observance in the Garden of Gethsemane, which he described as a meaningful spiritual experience.

His message emphasized the foundational Christian belief in the resurrection and its importance as the central focus of Easter.

The Kiwanis Club expressed appreciation for Carpenter’s visit and his message to members.