“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.”
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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.
Date: 3-24-26
Name: LeRoss L Holden
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 34
Charge: Disturbing the Peace (Violent and Tumultuous Manner)
Date: 3-24-26
Name: Shannon Farmer
Address: Homeless
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 37
Charge: Theft
Date: 3-24-26
Name: Joshua Hayes
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: N/A
Charge: Criminal Damage to Property, Wearing of Mask or Concealing Face of Convicted Sex Offender, Illegal Use of Dangerous Weapons or Instruments
Date: 3-25-26
Name: Kevontez Sapp
Address: Atlanta, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 22
Charge: Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instruments
Date: 3-29-26
Name: Braylon Goff
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Charge: Discharging of Firearm (Crossbow/Longbow)
Date: 3-29-26
Name: Aymani Booker
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 25
Charge: Theft, Flight from Officer
Date: 3-29-26
Name: Joseph Scott
Address: Baton Rouge, LA
Race:Black
Sex: Male
Age: 35
Charge: Speeding, No License, Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Vehicle
Date: 3-31-26
Name: Meshach Conley
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 35
Charge: Damage to Property with Intent to Defraud, Injuring Public Records, Automobile Insurance Fraud
Date: 3-31-26
Name: Braylon Goff
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Charge: Aggravated Second Degree Battery
Date: 3-31-26
Name: Kevontez Sapp
Address: Atlanta, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 22
Charge: Resisting an Officer
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.
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.
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.
For the past two years, Winn residents have watched the rise of the impressive three-story complex on West Court Street that will house the array of services of Winn Community Health Center as well as the seven-parish organizational support of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.
Now the time has arrived. On Monday, April 13, the public is invited to the Grand Opening of the center beginning at 11 a.m., announced CEO Deano Thornton. There will be a tent, music with a DJ, refreshments of Dana’s Pulled Pork Sandwiches and giveaways.
“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 center’s staff held an early preview of this new structure on March 31. The Grand Opening for the general public is Monday, April 13. The following morning, Tuesday, April 14, medical services at the new center will commence.
DODSON — The Winn WMU will host its Second Annual Crafty Spring Fling on Saturday, April 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Welcome Home Baptist Church, 3778 Hwy. 34 in Dodson.
The event serves as a community fundraiser supporting mission efforts coordinated by the Winn WMU, the women’s mission organization representing Baptist churches throughout Winn Parish and affiliated with the North Central Baptist Association.
Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of handmade and homemade items available for purchase, including quilts, frozen casseroles, gumbo, soups, chili, jellies, pickles, mason jar cookie mixes, local honey, crafts, books, puzzles, vintage items, Christmas décor, and more.
A smoked brisket lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with plates available for $12 each.
All proceeds from the event will go toward mission projects. Funds are distributed based on the direction of participating members and allocated following the organization’s June meeting.
Organizers encourage the public to attend, support local missions, and enjoy a day of food, fellowship, and shopping.
Contact: Winn WMU through local Baptist churches in Winn Parish
Admission: Free (food and items priced individually)
Main Service 11:00am
No serve that evening.
Bro Larry McGee has something special planned for Sunday School that morning, but he has kept it a secret! Bro Paul Pruitt will be preaching.
“How do I set boundaries with my in-laws without becoming the family villain”
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Date: 3-18-26
Name: Kristian Johnson
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Age: 18
Charge: Simple Burglary
Date: 3-18-26
Name: Kendrick Robertson
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 41
Charge: Home Invasion, Domestic Abuse Battery
Date: 3-19-26
Name: Dillon Goods
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Charge: Criminal Trespassing, Damage to Property
Date: 3-20-26
Name: Marlon Williams
Address: Natchitoches, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 42
Charge: Second Degree Murder
Date: 3-20-26
Name: Ladetrick Reed
Address: Greenwood, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 23
Charge: Domestic Abuse, Aggravated Obstruction of Highway, Reckless Operation
Date: 3-21-26
Name: Brandon M Brumfield
Address: Covington, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 22
Charge: Misrepresentation During Issuance of a Misdemeanor Summons or Preparation of a Juvenile Custodial Agreement
Date: 3-20-26
Name: D’Mari J Babincant
Address: Lafayette, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Charge: Speeding, Expired MVI
Date: 3-22-26
Name: Desiree Lang
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 39
Charge: Theft
Date: 3-23-26
Name: Brie Pikes
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Age: 23
Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery
Date: 3-23-26
Name: Zyshawn Lewis
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 27
Charge: 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.
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.
