WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish will face another stretch of intense summer heat this week, with temperatures reaching the triple digits before a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 100 degrees. Southwest winds will be around 5 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 77.
Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the forecast period, with sunny skies and a high near 101 degrees. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 75.
Friday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 99 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 75.
Saturday will bring a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will be sunny and hot with a high near 98 degrees. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 73.
WINNFIELD, LA — Leadership from Winn Parish Fire District 3 presented a comprehensive update on parish-wide fire protection, operational growth, and community risk reduction during the weekly Winnfield Kiwanis Club luncheon on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Fire Chief Dustin Parker and Captain John Fannin, Public Education and Fire Prevention Officer, outlined the department’s journey from its inception to its current status as a modernized, highly trained emergency response agency serving residents outside the Winnfield city limits.
A Legacy of Parish Service
The presentation was introduced by Kiwanian and former Fire Chief Troy Rogers, who reflected on the history of Fire District 3 and its deep ties to the community. Established in 1997 by the Winn Parish Police Jury under then-Police Jury President Lamar Tarver and Secretary Thelma Jarnigan, whose Grandson Kiwanian W. Bryan Price also served for several years as the President of the Fire District Board, the district was created to expand fire protection beyond municipal boundaries.
Chief Parker, who began his career as a junior firefighter in 2003 and joined District 3 as a career firefighter in August 2014, took over as interim chief in September 2023 before being named permanent fire chief in December 2023. Parker noted that the district now operates 14 fire stations strategically located throughout the parish, housing 37 pieces of equipment ranging from specialized UTV brush rigs to an 8,000-gallon water tanker stationed at 8920 Highway 501.
“The fire district averages around 250 incidents per year,” Chief Parker stated, noting that call volume for 2026 is currently on pace to hit that average, with 127 incidents recorded year-to-date compared to 92 at the same time last year.
Major Milestone: PIAL Grade Improved to Class 5
A major highlight of Chief Parker’s report was the department’s recent achievement in improving its Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) rating from a Class 6 to a Class 5. PIAL ratings directly influence residential and commercial property insurance rates, with lower numbers representing better fire protection capabilities and potential premium savings for property owners.
Achieving a Class 5 rating in a rural parish presents unique structural challenges, particularly regarding water supply and staffing credit:
Water Supply: Rural areas lack continuous high-capacity pressurized water grids. To overcome this, District 3 maintains 76,000 total gallons of “water on wheels” across its mobile fleet to supply large pumper operations.
Staffing Standards: PIAL evaluation standards calculate off-duty or volunteer responders as half a person, meaning 28 responders are required on-scene to receive maximum personnel credit for a call. District 3 currently averages 6.6 firefighters per call.
Training Expansion: Under Chief Parker’s leadership, the total number of specialized professional certifications held collectively across the department has climbed from roughly 15 to over 110 certifications. A major driving force behind this increase in professional qualifications was the creation of a dedicated Training Officer position, now held by Training Officer Matthew Harrell. Harrell, who is the son of former City of Winnfield Fire Chief Edward Harrell, leads the department’s structured instruction programs. Through his targeted training offerings within District 3, members of the department have been able to earn and maintain their certifications, directly contributing to the district’s operational readiness and improved PIAL standing.
Chief Parker also addressed the rising capital costs of maintaining emergency infrastructure, pointing out that a standard fire engine purchased for $160,000 in 1997 costs between $400,000 and $500,000 today. Furthermore, standard protective turnout gear and breathing apparatus now cost approximately $10,000 per firefighter. Despite these financial pressures, District 3 continues to operate on its original voter-approved millage.
Community Outreach & Fire Prevention Bureau
Captain John Fannin detailed the district’s proactive community education initiatives, which are tailored to reach every demographic in Winn Parish:
Elementary Students (K–5th Grade): School programs focus on 911 emergency calling, learning home addresses, recognizing smoke alarm sounds, “Stop, Drop, and Roll,” and match/lighter safety.
Youth & Teens: Safety presentations cover fire extinguisher operation, ATV safety, firearm safety, and the dangers of distracted or impaired driving.
Seniors: Outreach at the Council on Aging and local libraries in Dodson, Atlanta, and Calvin focuses on fall prevention, trip hazard removal, space heater safety, and bath safety devices.
Commercial & Industrial: On-site fire extinguisher and safety training provided for local industrial workforces, including wood products mills like Weyerhaeuser in Dodson.
Captain Fannin highlighted the success of the department’s free smoke alarm program, operated in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Louisiana State Fire Marshall.
Over the past two years, District 3 has installed 425 free smoke alarms in 123 parish homes, protecting more than 323 residents. Bed-shaker alarms are also made available for hearing-impaired residents upon request.
Looking to the future, District 3 is working to formally establish a dedicated Fire Prevention Bureau. This bureau will consolidate public education, fire origin and cause investigations, and commercial pre-planning under a single division. Pre-planning involves mapping access routes, utility shut-offs, sprinkler systems, and building egress points for local schools, churches, and businesses into a computer database, giving responding firefighters immediate tactical information during an emergency.
Captain Fannin concluded by recognizing the ongoing partnership between Fire District 3 and the Winnfield Kiwanis Club, including the annual “Toys for Kids” boot drive held every November at the high school traffic light.
Pictured (L to R): Bryan Price (Kiwanian & former Fire District 3 board president), Captain John Fannin, Chief Dustin Parker, Ethel Howell (Kiwanian), and Troy Rogers (Kiwanian & WPFD3 volunteer).
WINNFIELD, La. — Members and guests of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield gathered for a presentation by Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis (District 4). While Winn Parish lies outside Commissioner Francis’s regulatory district (District 4), he traveled to Winnfield to speak as a personal favor to his long-time childhood friend, Dr. Bill Gaddis.
North Louisiana Roots & Local Stories
Introduced by host Dr. Bill Gaddis, Commissioner Francis shared stories of growing up together in nearby Jena, Louisiana. The two recalled attending Sunday school together and being baptized on the same day at First Baptist Church in Jena. Francis joked that during their baptism as young boys, he managed to “muddy the water a whole lot more than Bill did.”
Francis also recalled playing football for the Jena Giants high school team. He shared a lighthearted memory of coming to Winnfield for one of their final season games, where the Winnfield team put on a tough performance against a Jena squad that had been whittled down to very few players by that point in the year.
Reflecting on his college years, Francis drew laughs describing his early realization that he simply wasn’t “college material” at the time. After trying college for a brief spell, he decided to pack up his bags around Thanksgiving and head straight into the workforce. Years later, however, when sent to a specialized engineering school in Houston, Francis applied himself night and day, rising from a score of 27 on his first test to finishing at the top of his class as a drilling fluids engineer.
From Roughneck to Entrepreneur
At age 17, Francis hitchhiked to Morgan City to land his first job on an offshore drilling rig, sparking a lifelong career in the oilfield. At age 30, he founded Francis Drilling Fluids, Ltd. in Crowley, starting out as the sole driver of a single truck. Through hard work and strategic expansion, FDF grew into one of the largest drilling fluid supply companies on the Gulf Coast, eventually employing nearly 500 workers with a fleet of over 200 trucks and four airplanes.
In addition to his business ventures, Francis served six years as Chairman of the Republican Party of Louisiana during the 1990s. First elected to the Louisiana Public Service Commission in 2016, he now applies his decades of private-sector business experience to overseeing electric, gas, water, and intrastate transportation utilities across his district.
Utility Discussion & Guests in Attendance
During the meeting, Commissioner Francis discussed current energy issues facing Louisiana, including grid capacity demands from expanding AI data centers, the potential for integrating local timber biomass into power generation, and balancing necessary infrastructure repairs with long-term rate stability for consumers.
Commissioner Francis was joined by his Chief of Staff, Eric Duplechain (retired Captain with the Louisiana State Police), as well as Murphy Chestnut, Regional Director & Advisor to U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Additional attendees in the room included John E. Atkins (candidate for PSC District 5), Shonna S. Moss (Executive Director of the Louisiana Political Museum & Hall of Fame), former Winnfield Mayor George Moss, Chief of Police Johnny Ray Carpenter, Winn Parish Sheriff Josh McAllister, Mayor Gerald Hamms, local librarian Priscilla Massey, and Victoria Guy representing the Winn Parish Enterprise.
Upcoming Kiwanis Pancake Supper
The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield reminds the community to mark their calendars for the annual Kiwanis Pancake Supper:
* Date: September 24
* Time: 5:00 PM
* Location: Presbyterian Church
Community members are invited to enjoy a pancake dinner, with proceeds directly supporting local youth projects and civic initiatives throughout Winn Parish.
Pictured at the recent Kiwanis Club of Winnfield meeting are (left to right): Eric Duplechain, Chief of Staff for PSC Commissioner Francis; Ethel Howell, Kiwanis Club of Winnfield; Murphy Chestnut, Regional Director & Advisor to U.S. Senator John Kennedy; Chief of Police Johnny Ray Carpenter; Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis, shown in the center alongside his high school friend and meeting host, Dr. Bill Gaddis of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield; Mayor Gerald Hamms of Winnfield; Winn Parish Sheriff Josh McAllister; and John E. Atkins, candidate for PSC District 5.
LOUISIANA — Louisiana State Police is reminding motorists that the state’s expanded Move Over Law is now in effect, extending protections to disabled, immobilized and nonoperational vehicles displaying hazard lights, flashing lights or another emergency warning device.
Under the expanded law, motorists approaching a roadside vehicle on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction should safely move into a lane away from the vehicle.
If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, or if a motorist is traveling on a two-lane highway, drivers should slow to a reasonably safe speed and maintain a speed appropriate for road conditions.
The law applies regardless of whether motorists encounter blue emergency lights, amber warning lights or the flashing hazard lights of a stranded motorist.
Louisiana’s Move Over Law also continues to require motorists to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles using audible or visual warning signals unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
Louisiana State Police emphasized that the law is intended to provide additional space for first responders, roadside workers and stranded motorists to remain safe.
“Different lights. Same responsibility,” Louisiana State Police stated. “Move over. Slow down. Give them room.”
Margaret Bundrick Weaver Jan 17, 1950 — Aug 8, 2026
Margaret Bundrick Weaver
Margaret Ann Bundrick Weaver, age 76, went home to be with the Lord, following a lengthy illness, on August 8, 2026, in Elkhorn Nebraska. She was born on January 17, 1950 in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Ed and Annie Laura Bundrick. She was raised in Winnfield, Louisiana, creating memories with her older brother, Charles Edward, and younger sister, Linda Gail.
Margaret graduated from Winnfield Senior High School in 1968, and attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
She married Kerry Etheridge on June 5th 1971, and they were blessed with a daughter, Donna Michelle. After Kerry passed away in 1974, Margaret raised Donna with the help of her family. She later married Lee Weaver on February 4th 1979. They were also blessed with a daughter, Lisa Nicole. In 1981 they relocated to Marshall, Texas where her husband was employed. They lived there until 2013.
During this time, Margaret stayed busy as a homemaker, caring for her daughters, and supporting her husband with his mud-logging business. She enjoyed golfing (even made a hole-in-one), quilting, embroidering, reading, and her Scottish terriers. Most importantly, though, she enjoyed being Mimi to her five grandchildren. She always said being a mom is the best thing there is in life, but being a grandmother is even better!
Margaret’s life changed in 2008 when she suffered a stroke. In 2013 it became necessary for her to receive rehab and specialized care in a skilled nursing facility, first in Spring, Texas and then in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Even with this turn of events, Margaret adjusted with acceptance and grace. She continued to stay busy by making new friends, helping those she could help, and enjoying Bingo and other activities provided. She especially enjoyed being a part of a Bible study group and attending worship services. She was affectionately known as the “Hat Lady” due to her donning a hat most days. “Look good, feel good” was her motto according to her granddaughter Kerri.
Margaret is survived by her daughters Donna (Brian) Carleton of Omaha, Nebraska and Lisa (Curtis) Peters of Lucas, Texas; her sister Linda (Danny) Keyes of Ruston, Louisiana; her grandchildren: Cole (Michaela) Carleton, Kerri (Jacob) Stanek, Kadi (David) Carlson all of Omaha, Nebraska, Brendan and Reese Peters of Lucas, Texas; and her 5 great-grandchildren: Sullivan, Lila, and Violet Stanek, and Camille and soon to be born Saylor Carleton; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Annie Laura Bundrick, her husbands, Kerry Etheridge and Lee Weaver, and her brother Charles Bundrick.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Winnfield, Louisiana on a later date this fall.
Kiwanis Club of Winnfield — To Host Special Guest Mike Francis Public Service Commissioner, District 4.
The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield cordially invites local business leaders, public officials, candidates, and members of the general public to attend a special presentation featuring Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis.
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Lunch: 12:00 PM ($16.75 for meal attendees / Free for prospective member guests)
Presentation: 12:30 PM
Location: Winnfield Kiwanis Club, Mama D’s Restaurant
Meeting & Invitation Details
Meeting Schedule: The meeting begins with lunch at 12:00 PM. Commissioner Francis will address the assembly starting at 12:30 PM.
Public Attendance & Seating: Extra seating will be available in the back of the room for members of the community arriving specifically for the 12:30 PM presentation.
Meal Options: Anyone wishing to participate in the lunch may do so for $16.75. Kiwanis members bringing prospective members as special guests receive a complimentary meal for their guest.
Guest Speaker Profile: Commissioner Mike Francis. Public Service & Regulatory Leadership Mike Francis serves as the Public Service Commissioner for District 4, representing 17 parishes across Central, Southwest, and North Louisiana (including LaSalle, Grant, Rapides, Vernon, and Acadia parishes). He assumed office in January 2017 and has previously served as Chairman of the Public Service Commission. On the Commission, he applies his extensive private-sector background to utility oversight, prioritizing rate transparency, low energy costs, and utility accountability.
North Louisiana Roots
Born and raised in Jena, Louisiana (LaSalle Parish), Francis grew up attending Jena public schools and played football for the Jena Giants high school team.
Oilfield Career & Executive Business Success
Francis began his career working in the oilfield as a roughneck and drilling fluid engineer. In 1977, he moved to Crowley, Louisiana, and founded Francis Drilling Fluids, Ltd. (FDF). Under his leadership as CEO, FDF grew into one of the largest drilling fluid supply companies on the Gulf Coast, expanding operations to Texas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming and employing nearly 500 workers.
Civic Engagement.
In addition to his business career, Francis served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Louisiana from 1994 to 2000. He and his wife, Sheila, have two sons and several grandchildren.
WINNFIELD — First Baptist Church in Winnfield hosted an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 5, welcoming local families to preview its refreshed daycare and pre-kindergarten facility, “First School,” ahead of the official start of classes on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The daycare program is led by Director Amy Yerby, who assumed the leadership role in May. Yerby brings nine years of early childhood education experience and has completed 112 hours of director training qualified through the state board of education.
Over the summer, teachers and staff worked to refresh the facilities with new paint and updated toys to prepare a welcoming environment for attending children.
During the gathering, Pastor Brian McAllister welcomed parents and offered an opening prayer for the upcoming school year. McAllister highlighted the church’s mission to partner with local families to nurture children physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“We love children, and we want to be a part of your families and serving you, and being able to help walk alongside you,” McAllister said during his address.
The teaching staff for the upcoming year includes:
One-Year-Old Class: Mrs. Jessica Wooten- Lead, Miss Micaela Reed, and Miss Erin Townsend. Two- and Three-Year-Old Class: Miss Addiyson James and Miss Alison Harrel Lead.
Upcoming Fall Schedule & Special Events
The 2026–2027 school year centers around the core theme “J.O.Y. – Jesus. Others. You.”. Student programming will feature weekly Monday chapel services at 9:00 a.m. led by Bro. Brian and Bro. Brendan.
The school has announced a full schedule of upcoming activities for August and September: Aug. 10: First Day of School Aug. 17: “All About Me” poster project Aug. (TBD): Meet the TIGERS Sept. 7: Closed for Labor Day Sept. 9: Teddy Bear Checkups provided by Winn Rural Health Clinic (children bring their own teddy bear) Sept. 11: Wear Red Day Sept. 23: “Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!” sprinkler playtime Sept. 25: Johnny Appleseed Day
Operating Hours & Contact
First School operates Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.. First Baptist Church Day Care and Pre-Kindergarten is located at 201 East Court Street in Winnfield. Parents seeking enrollment details or program information can contact the daycare office at (318) 628-6996.
Photos:
Teachers left to right, Micaela Reed, Jessica Wooten, Alison Harrel, Addison James and Erin Townsend.
WINN PARISH, La. — A stretch of sunny and increasingly hot weather is expected across Winn Parish through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures approaching 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Winds will be calm before becoming southwesterly at around 5 mph during the morning. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 76.
Thursday will remain sunny and hot as temperatures climb to around 98 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low near 72.
Friday will bring another sunny and hot day with a high near 98. Mostly clear conditions are expected Friday night with a low around 73.
The heat will intensify slightly over the weekend. Saturday will be sunny and hot with a high near 99 degrees. Saturday night will remain mostly clear with a low around 74.
Sunday is expected to continue the hot and sunny pattern, with a high near 99 degrees.
With temperatures remaining in the upper 90s for several consecutive days, residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks when working outdoors and limit strenuous activities during the hottest portions of the afternoon.
Winnfield native Dewayne Mitchell, founder and owner of Buckshot Records LLC, has achieved a major national milestone. Mitchell and his independent label have been named an official top finalist for the 2026 Infiniti Music and Film Awards.
The annual awards celebration, which honors outstanding talent across independent country, gospel, hip-hop, pop, and rock sectors, will take place on October 7–8, 2026, at the iconic Troubadour in Nashville, Tennessee.
From Winnfield Roots to Nashville Recognition
Founded on the principle of “Where sound meets success,” Buckshot Records LLC has grown under Mitchell’s direction into a premier destination for artist development, music production, and independent digital distribution across Louisiana and the surrounding region.
The recognition as a finalist for Music Label of the Year puts the Winnfield-born executive in the national spotlight alongside prominent independent record labels from around the country.
“It’s an absolute honor to represent Winnfield and our roster of incredible artists on a stage as storied as Music City,” Mitchell shared ahead of the event. “Our mission from day one has been to give talented voices the production, guidance, and reach they deserve to compete on a global scale.”
Key Details at a Glance
Event Details Information Honoree Dewayne Mitchell / Buckshot Records LLC Hometown Winnfield, Louisiana Award Category Music Label of the Year (Industry Awards) Event 2026 Infiniti Music and Film Awards Dates October 7th–8th, 2026 Venue The Troubadour — Nashville, TN Building the Sound of the South
Over the past several years, Buckshot Records has expanded its services to cover full-scale artist coaching, professional mixing and mastering, and distribution strategies for diverse genres including country, R&B, hip-hop, pop, and gospel.
The upcoming two-day awards showcase in October will gather producers, filmmakers, songwriters, and executives from across the music industry. As Mitchell prepares to head to Nashville, community members and local artists alike celebrate a hometown success story making waves on the national stage.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lance Patrick Ledet, a cherished husband, brother, devoted friend, and beloved charter fisherman, who left us on August 3, 2026, at the age of 55. Born on March 9, 1971, in Houma, Louisiana, Lance was a proud resident of Winnfield, Louisiana, where he lived a life filled with adventure and passion.
Lance was not only an avid fisherman but also an extraordinary charter boat captain who spent his days navigating the waters and sharing his love for the sea with others. His adventurous spirit extended to many hobbies; he found joy in RC boat racing, sharp shooting, hunting, and strumming his guitar. A dedicated member of the Voodoo Model Boat Club, he was affectionately known to his friends as “Lil’ Buddy,” a name that captured his friendly and approachable demeanor.
Lance’s commitment to his family and friends was unwavering, and he held them close to his heart. He lived life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity for fun and camaraderie. His ability to light up a room with his laughter and genuine kindness will be profoundly missed.
Lance is survived by his wife, Maggie Collins; daughter, Olivia Collins Fitzwater and husband Craig; sister, Tammy Ledet Dupre and husband Clifton; grandchildren, Abigail Fitzwater and Caitlin Fitzwater; nieces, Cierra Hughes Acosta and husband Peyton, Samantha Hughes, Debb Dupre Pierce and husband James, and Sunnie Dupre Mire and husband Brodi. They will all carry his memory with love and fondness. He leaves behind a legacy of adventure and camaraderie that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Lance is preceded in death by his parents, Leland Joseph Ledet, Jr. and Diana Elizabeth Guidry Ledet.
A celebration of Lance’s remarkable life will be held at Chauvin Funeral Home. Public viewings will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the Liturgy of the Word Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be held at a later date after the Memorial Service in Winnfield, LA. Please continue to check for the service details.
As we prepare to honor Lance’s life, we invite all who knew him to join us in remembering the joyous moments shared and the adventures lived. Though he may be gone, the spirit of Lance Patrick Ledet will forever remain in our hearts and memories.
Winnfield, La. — The Winn Genealogical and Historical Association (WGHA) will hold its upcoming meeting on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Winn Parish Library in Winnfield. Anyone interested in local history, family research, or community preservation is encouraged to attend.
Meeting schedule:
10:00 AM – Informal Discussion & Gathering: Members and visitors are invited to connect, ask genealogy questions, and share local historical stories.
10:45 AM – Library Tour & Resources: Staff members from the Winn Parish Library will lead a guided walkthrough highlighting the facility’s research tools, regional history collections, and genealogical resources available to the public.
11:10 AM – Brief Intermission
11:15 AM – Guest Presentation: Guest speakers Jimmy Fraser Davies and Penny Shelton will present on the history, documentation, and organization of the recent Winnfield High School multi-class reunions.
Business Meeting: Immediately following the guest presentation (around 11:35 AM), the association will convene to discuss upcoming fall projects and regional outreach events.
Potluck Lunch: Following the business meeting, attendees will share a fellowship meal. If you plan on bringing a dish to share, please coordinate with WGHA President Troy Rogers.
Key topics on the agenda:
Wolf Creek Fall Fest in Sikes (October 17): Finalizing plans for the WGHA informational table at the festival to showcase local history publications and help residents get started on family trees.
Proposed Historic Cemetery Tour (October 24): Planning a potential guided tour scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween, featuring the Winnfield City Cemetery and Earl K. Long Memorial Park.
WINN PARISH — Hot summer weather will continue across Winn Parish through the weekend, with highs in the mid-90s and daily chances for scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
While rain chances remain relatively low, residents should be prepared for isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours on several days.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Otherwise, sunny and hot with a high near 96°. Calm winds. Mostly clear Wednesday night with a low around 74°.
Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low around 73°.
Friday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Mostly clear Friday night with a low around 73°.
Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Partly cloudy Saturday night with a low around 73°.
Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Motorists should also be prepared for brief periods of heavy rain and lightning if thunderstorms develop during the afternoon hours.
The storied tradition of the Winnfield High School Alumni Reunion traces its roots back to May 1953. Just days after a tragic tornado struck Waco, Texas, a casual gathering at the Enterprise-News American newspaper office in Winnfield turned toward fond high school memories. During the conversation, a remark was made about how wonderful it would be to gather the Class of 1925.
That August, Rev. Merle Averett—pastor of the First Baptist Church in Richton, Mississippi—visited Winnfield and rekindled the idea alongside classmate Miss Myrtle Dickerson. Armed with phone calls and an original 1925 commencement invitation, they compiled a roster and sent out mimeographed letters to test the waters. The response was immediate and overwhelming.
The initiative quickly expanded to include the classes of 1924, 1925, and 1926—all of which had graduated under Principal F. G. Phillips. Alumni were asked to share three things: their life updates since graduation, their families, and their favorite memories of the “roaring ’20s”. The mailing list rapidly grew to 185 alumni and faculty members.
The Early Reunions & Evolution
On June 3–4, 1955, the very first reunion was held at the Westside cafeteria, where alumni reminisced to their hearts’ content. A second gathering took place on June 24–25, 1960, at the Huey P. Long Motel. At that 1960 meeting, attendees voted to transition from meeting every five years to making the reunion an annual tradition.
Over the decades, the celebration moved through landmark local venues—including Mercer’s Goat Castle in 1962 and 1963, and Winnfield Senior High School starting in 1965. Eventually, the annual gathering found its home at the Winnfield Civic Center (formerly the Forestry Building) on the Winn Parish Fair Grounds. As documented by the WHS Class of 1963, this cherished tradition continues to bring generations of Tigers together each summer.
Decades of Dedicated Leadership
Keeping thousands of Tiger alumni connected across the nation has always been a true labor of love behind the scenes:
Rev. Merle Averett penned the formal alumni newsletter from 1953 to 1977.
Bessie Eagles Wilson of Springhill carried the quill from 1977 to 1980.
Dennis Shell, with his wife Sara (Jackson) Shell serving as the “deadline promoter,” served as editor from 1980 to 2002. Mrs. Sara Shell faithfully dedicated 32 years as keeper of the database, managing donations, classmate passings, and mailings with a team of volunteers.
In January 2012, leadership of the database and committee passed to Jackie (Bolton) Collins and Shelton Collins, working alongside editor Ron Skains to launch email communications.
For the past five years—stepping up right after the COVID-19 pandemic pauses of 2020 and 2021—the Standing Committee has been led by Jimmie (Frazier) Davies and Penny (Parker) Shelton.
“The former leader was ready to pass the torch, and I just decided to help out,” shared Miss Jimmie. “I wanted the reunions to continue out of love for our school and to keep the tradition alive.”
Adapting to Changing Times & 2026 Reunion Highlights
While reunions were historically held across two nights, Miss Penny and Miss Jimmie noted that shifting logistics—including rising event costs and limited local hotel accommodations—led to establishing the official reunion date as the 4th Saturday in June with a single, action-packed evening banquet. The change has proven immensely successful, drawing strong crowds. At the June 27, 2026 reunion, 265 total guests registered (alumni along with their spouses and guests) and 245 total attended, spanning generations of graduates:
Oldest Attendee Honored: Gloria Dale Rice Hickey (Class of 1950)
Second Oldest Attendee: Edna Jean Finney Strickland (Class of 1951)
Youngest Attendee: Noah Shows (Class of 2026)
Farthest Traveled: Sheryl Mixon Wilemon (Class of 1962), who traveled 1,139 miles from Arizona to join her fellow alumni!
A hallmark of the reunion is also the inclusion of former faculty. Each host class invites surviving former teachers, principals, and superintendents as honored guests.
“Most alumni haven’t seen their teachers in 50 years,” said Miss Jimmie. “It’s a wonderful chance to visit and thank them for giving us such an outstanding education.”
Looking Ahead: The Class of 1977
Planning the annual event is a year-long undertaking requiring monthly meetings, phone trees, and intense networking to locate lost classmates via social media, voter rolls, and local family connections. While individual classes often arrange their own gatherings—meeting up on Friday nights, Saturday afternoons, or tailgating together during football season at homecoming to reminisce—all official reunion events and activities must be coordinated through the 50-year host class committee to ensure smooth scheduling.
In addition to the main Saturday evening banquet, festivities traditionally kick off with a Saturday Morning Coffee Social, typically held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Winnfield Senior High School Activity Room.
Fresh off guiding the Class of 1976, the Standing Committee is now assisting the Class of 1977—led by Chairman Lynn Bankston and Treasurer Steve Bates, along with additional committee members—as they prepare for their 50th Golden Anniversary reunion on Saturday, June 26, 2027.
The Class of 1977 will hold its next planning meeting on Friday, August 7th at 3:00 PM in the Police Jury Meeting Room, located on the bottom floor of the Winn Parish Courthouse. All ’77 classmates are encouraged to attend, bring updated contact information for fellow alumni, and share their ideas!
Stay Connected!
The WHS/WSHS Alumni Association is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating entirely on alumni donations to cover printing, postage, and event logistics.
The association sends out three newsletters a year. If you are a graduate of Winnfield High School or Winnfield Senior High School and are not currently on the mailing list, please reach out to be added:
Miss Jimmie Frazier Davies Phone: (318) 628-0540 Email: jimmiedavies380@gmail.com Address: 131 Oak Ridge Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
Of special need, if anyone has Photos of the Class reunion this year, please forward them to Miss Jimmie.
On July 30, 2026, at the Winn Parish Medical Center, Mrs. Velma Ruth Heard drew her final breath, leaving behind a story woven from the rich threads of love, resilience, and family. Born in Clark, Louisiana, on March 26, 1945, Velma entered a world much changed from today, yet she remained throughout her 81 years a bedrock of unwavering grace and steadfast devotion.
Velma’s life radiated outward from the places she called home-Clark, where she first opened her eyes, to the communities she later adored in Louisiana. Her spirit was shaped by the love of her parents, Ottis Pimplton and Mary C. Allen, both of whose memories she carried close every day following their passing. She was the fifth among a loving group of siblings, joined in youth by four brothers and three sisters whose laughter filled their childhood days, and whose loss brought a quiet ache through her later years.
The heart of Velma’s journey, however, lay in the vibrant legacy she built with her own family. As a devoted mother, she poured her heart into guiding and nurturing her children: Debra Goff, Patty Heard, David Heard, Susan Heard, and Joe Heard Jr. (Jessica). Her love for them was mirrored and multiplied as her family branched and bloomed into a bustling collection of grandchildren-twenty, abundant and cherished each carrying her gentle wisdom and fierce love into another generation. The family tree flowered even wider in a host of great-grandchildren, their laughter echoing memories of Velma’s joyous presence through every family gathering and celebration.
Alongside her family, her beloved spouse, Joe, S, shared in the seasons of Velma’s life, walking beside her through moments of sun and storm alike. Friends and extended family, too, found a home in Velma’s generosity, her arms ever open, her kitchen always warm, a living testament to a life well-lived and forever shared.
Velma’s journey is stilled, yet the echoes of her laughter, her wisdom, and her quiet strength linger in the lives of those who loved her. Her passing is felt deeply among all who called her mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, spouse, confidante, and friend.
Today, as dawn breaks, hearts gather together in remembrance of Velma, a woman whose life was a testament to enduring love, unshakeable faith, and the bonds that knit families and neighbors together. Though she has left this world, her light shines on, as warm and steadfast as the morning sun peeking over Louisiana fields, remembered in every smile, every cherished memory, and every act of kindness inspired by her legacy.
Graveside Service: Monday August 31, 2026 at Winnfield City Cemetery from 10:00 – 11:00 am
