Stormy midweek forecast ahead for Winn Parish, drier weather returns by weekend

WINN PARISH, La. — Residents across Winn Parish should prepare for a wet and stormy pattern through midweek, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected before conditions gradually improve heading into the weekend.

According to the latest forecast, Wednesday will begin with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before more widespread rain and thunderstorms develop after 1 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 86 degrees, with south winds between 5 and 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. Rain chances are elevated at 80%.

Storm activity is expected to continue through Wednesday night, with showers and possible thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., followed by another chance of rain and storms overnight.

Temperatures will fall to around 60 degrees, with precipitation chances remaining at 80%.

On Thursday, unsettled weather continues with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly cloudy skies. Cooler temperatures are expected, with highs only reaching around 72 degrees.

A lingering chance of showers and thunderstorms remains in the forecast for Thursday night, with mostly cloudy conditions and overnight lows near 55 degrees. Rain chances decrease to 30%.

By Friday, conditions begin improving with only a 20% chance of isolated showers. Partly sunny skies return, along with a daytime high near 76 degrees.

Friday night carries another slight chance of showers and possible thunderstorms after 1 a.m., with partly cloudy skies and overnight lows around 59 degrees.

The weekend forecast appears more favorable for outdoor activities. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with just a 20% chance of isolated showers and a high near 81 degrees. Saturday night will remain partly cloudy with lows around 62 degrees.

Looking ahead to Sunday, warmer temperatures return with a high near 87 degrees. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast under mostly sunny skies.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert for changing weather conditions during the midweek storm period, especially Wednesday and Wednesday night when the heaviest rainfall and strongest thunderstorms are most likely.

After a stormy stretch, Winn Parish can expect improving conditions and warmer temperatures as the weekend approaches.


Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office announces annual tax sale for May 30

WINNFIELD, La. — The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced details for its upcoming annual Tax Sale, scheduled to take place later this month at the Winn Parish Courthouse.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the tax sale will be held on May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the courtroom of the Winn Parish Courthouse.

Officials say registration for interested bidders will begin on May 25, 2026. Those wishing to participate may complete registration by either calling the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office or visiting the office in person.

The annual tax sale provides an opportunity for qualified bidders to participate in the purchase of tax-related properties or liens in accordance with Louisiana law.

Sheriff’s Office officials encourage interested individuals to complete registration ahead of the sale date and obtain any necessary details regarding bidding procedures, requirements, and eligibility.

For additional information or to register, residents and prospective bidders are advised to contact the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office directly.

Officials say the annual tax sale is an important part of parish tax administration and helps address delinquent property taxes while maintaining compliance with state regulations..


Winn Parish 4-H members competed in woodsman skills contest at Louisiana Forest Festival

Winn Parish 4-H members recently showcased their forestry knowledge and athletic skills during the Woodsman Skills Contest held as part of the annual Louisiana Forest Festival.

The competition, which took place during the festival’s longstanding celebration of forestry heritage in Winn Parish, gave local 4-H youth an opportunity to compete in traditional forestry events while continuing one of the parish’s signature traditions.

Winn 4-H officials said the event highlighted the importance of investing in future forestry leaders while keeping the Forest Festival tradition alive for younger generations.

Participants competed in several events, including Rope Climb, Pulpwood Throw, Match Split, Log Roll, and Crosscut competitions.

Woodsman Skills Contest Results:

Rope Climb

Boys

1st Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Bacey

2nd Place: Emma

3rd Place: Brilynn

4th Place: Zoey

5th Place: Leah

Pulpwood Throw

Boys

1st Place: Stetson

2nd Place: Demontrez

3rd Place: Darrell

4th Place: DaKylan

5th Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Brilynn

2nd Place: Bacey

3rd Place: Leah

4th Place: Emma

Match Split

Boys

1st Place: Stetson

2nd Place: Darrell

3rd Place: Demontrez

4th Place: DeKylan

5th Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Brilynn

2nd Place: Emma

3rd Place: Zoey

4th Place: Leah

5th Place: Bacey

Log Roll

1st Place: Demontrez and Darrell

2nd Place: Demontrez and Stetson

Crosscut

Boy/Boy

1st Place: Levi and Darrell

2nd Place: Levi and Demontrez

3rd Place: Darrell and Demontrez

4th Place: Stetson and Demontrez

5th Place: Darrell and Stetson

Girl/Girl

1st Place: Emma and Bacey

2nd Place: Emma and Leah

3rd Place: Brilynn and Leah

Boy/Girl

1st Place: Bacey and Stetson

2nd Place: Demontrez and Brilynn

3rd Place: Demontrez and Emma

Winn 4-H also extended appreciation to Louisiana Tech Forestry for assisting with judging throughout the contest.

Organizers noted that the Woodsman Skills competition remains a valued part of the Louisiana Forest Festival, combining friendly competition, forestry education, and community tradition while helping prepare young participants for future leadership opportunities in agriculture and forestry.


Remembering Bradley Owen Roark

Bradley Owen Roark
April 27, 1990 – May 3, 2026

BRADLEY’S OBITUARY

Mr. Bradley Owen Roark

April 27, 1990 – May 3, 2026

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
Mr. Bradley Owen Roark, age 36, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed from this life on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Winnfield. He was born on Friday, April 27, 1990, in Ruston, Louisiana.

Bradley enriched the lives of all who knew him with his profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, and outgoing spirit. Truly one of a kind, he possessed the finest qualities—unconditional love, strength of spirit, and a generosity without measure. These attributes were evident in every aspect of his life, from his devotion to family and friends to his service within his church and community. He lived as a reflection of Christ’s teachings, a principled man of deep integrity, and through his faithful witness, many lives were touched for the Kingdom.

Bradley married his high school sweetheart, Hanna, and together they made their home in the Bethlehem community. There, they became a vital part of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Harper and Brynlee, who were the joy of his life. Bradley was a faithful and loving husband and a devoted father who provided, protected, and cherished his family, even through the trials of illness. He found joy in life’s simple moments, always ready with a laugh or a warm embrace.

An avid outdoorsman, Bradley found great peace and appreciation in God’s creation. He loved hunting deer and turkey and treasured the time spent in the woods, often alongside Hanna and Harper, passing down his love for nature.

When Bradley accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, a good man became a man of unwavering faith. He and Hanna committed their lives and their family to the Lord, growing into devoted servants and fervent prayer warriors. In 2021, Bradley was ordained as a deacon, faithfully serving his church in every capacity. One of his greatest honors was baptizing his daughter, Harper, following her profession of faith.

His life and service greatly enriched Bethlehem Baptist Church, and his passing leaves a deep void that is comforted only by the abiding love of Christ.

In recent years, Bradley faced significant physical challenges with courage and steadfast faith. Though his body weakened, his spirit never faltered. He fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished his course with humility and love. Today, we take comfort in knowing that his earthly battles are over and that he now rests in the presence of his Savior—free from pain, embraced in perfect peace.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Roark; his mother, Amy Rowell Roark; his maternal grandparents, Thee and Margaret Rowell; his paternal grandparents, Doyle and Shirley Johnson Roark; his father-in-law, Larry Daniel Wise, Sr.; and his brother-in-law, Jeremy Daniel Wise.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Hanna Wise Roark of Winnfield; his daughters, Harper and Brynlee Roark; his sisters, Rebekah Tyler (Phil) and Shelly Gilcrease; his mother-in-law, Donna Johnson Wise; his brother-in-law, Larry Daniel Wise, Jr. (Jessie); and a host of beloved family members and friends, including Trent Williams, Ethan Liles, Matt Townsend, Mark Townsend, Brandon Jacobs, Dan Taylor, Brian Griffin,

Honorary pallbearers will be: Corey Daniel, Gary Bates, Justin Reed, Otis Wall, II, Phil Tyler, Guy Tyler, and Daniel Wise.

Visitation was held at Southern Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A second visitation will take place at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with Reverend Craig James and Reverend Todd Whittington officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Inlieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Winn Parish Mens Retreat. Checks payable to Bethlehem Baptist church and memo Winn Parish Mens Retreat. mail to Bethlehem Baptist Church 2777 Hwy 1232, Winnfield, LA 71483.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.southernfuneralhome.com


Winn Parish weather outlook: stormy pattern through Friday before sunshine returns

A wet weather pattern is expected to take hold across Winn Parish through the end of the workweek, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms forecast before drier conditions arrive just in time for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will start with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, increasing to more widespread activity after 1 p.m. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 84 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Rain chances stand at 60 percent.

Wednesday night brings a continued likelihood of showers and thunderstorms, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation. Overnight lows will fall to around 60 degrees under mostly cloudy skies, with northeast winds near 5 mph.

On Thursday, conditions remain unsettled with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy skies will keep temperatures cooler, with a high near 74 degrees. Northeast winds between 5 and 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph at times.

Thursday night will see increasing rain chances once again, with showers likely and possible thunderstorms developing after 1 a.m. Lows will drop to around 55 degrees, with a 70 percent chance of precipitation.

Friday is expected to be the most active day of the forecast period. Showers are likely throughout the day, with thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m. High temperatures will reach near 66 degrees, and the chance of rain climbs to 80 percent. Friday night will continue the wet trend with showers and storms likely before gradually tapering off after midnight. Lows will dip to around 50 degrees.

A much-needed break arrives over the weekend. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 69 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies Saturday night and a low around 45 degrees.

Sunday brings sunny and pleasant conditions, with a high near 76 degrees and mostly clear skies continuing into Sunday night, where temperatures will fall to around 49 degrees.

Looking ahead to Monday, mostly sunny skies return with a warming trend, as highs climb to near 81 degrees.

Residents are advised to remain weather aware through Friday, as repeated rounds of rain and thunderstorms could lead to localized impacts on travel and outdoor plans before calmer conditions settle in for the weekend.


North Louisiana officials warn of emerging synthetic opioid threat detected in multiple jurisdictions

Public safety and law enforcement officials are issuing a warning about a rapidly emerging synthetic opioid threat after new laboratory findings confirmed additional detections across multiple jurisdictions in North Louisiana.

According to the North Louisiana Crime Lab, a dangerous synthetic opioid known as cychlorphine is continuing to spread, reinforcing concerns first identified last month. Officials say the situation is not isolated but instead reflects a developing and expanding drug trend in the region.

Lab analysts report that cychlorphine belongs to a class of synthetic opioids referred to as “orphines” and may be more potent than fentanyl, one of the most dangerous opioids currently impacting communities nationwide. The substance has been found in counterfeit oxycodone tablets, often mislabeled as “M30” or “K56,” creating a significant risk for unsuspecting users who may not realize what they are ingesting.

Authorities emphasize that illicit pills circulating in the community are frequently not what they appear to be. According to the crime lab, most submitted counterfeit tablets tested do not contain the substances they are represented to contain, increasing the danger of accidental overdose.

For law enforcement, officials caution that exposure cases may present symptoms consistent with opioid toxidrome, which can resemble narcotic analgesic impairment. First responders are being advised to remain alert for potentially life-threatening overdose situations linked to these substances.

Public safety officials are also stressing the severe risk to the community, noting that even a single counterfeit pill may be enough to cause a fatal overdose.

The North Louisiana Crime Lab has released an updated law enforcement bulletin with additional details and response guidance as agencies across the region work to track and respond to the emerging threat.

Officials are urging continued vigilance and awareness as the situation develops, emphasizing prevention and public education as critical tools in reducing overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids.

 

Louisiana Forest Festival draws crowds back to Winnfield, celebrates strong community turnout

The 2026 Louisiana Forest Festival brought thousands of residents and visitors together in Winnfield this weekend, marking one of the most successful celebrations in recent years and reaffirming the event’s role as a cornerstone of local tradition and culture.

Organizers of the Louisiana Forest Festival reported more than 2,000 attendees during the weekend festivities, not including rodeo attendance, as the city of Winnfield came alive with food, entertainment, and community activities.

Festival highlights included live equipment demonstrations, family-friendly events such as the Sawdust Social for children, and a Saturday night rodeo that drew strong crowds. The scent of traditional Louisiana crawfish boils filled the air as vendors served food and crafts throughout the grounds.

Organizers described the weekend as a celebration of unity and community pride, noting that the festival’s success was made possible by attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who supported the event.

“From the roar of the equipment to the lights of the rodeo, this festival was alive because of the community,” organizers said in a statement, emphasizing that the turnout demonstrated strong local support and renewed momentum for the long-running event.

The Louisiana Forest Festival, which celebrates Winn Parish’s deep ties to the forestry industry, logging heritage, and rural culture, has long been a signature event for the region. This year’s turnout signals continued growth and enthusiasm as the festival returns to prominence.

Officials expressed gratitude to everyone who participated, noting that the event’s success reflects the strength and resilience of Winnfield and the surrounding communities.

With another successful year in the books, organizers say they are already looking ahead to future festivals, promising even more activities and attractions as the tradition continues to grow in Winn Parish.


Winn Parish weather outlook: showers and thunderstorms expected through the week

The National Weather Service is forecasting an active weather pattern across Winn Parish this week, with repeated chances for showers and thunderstorms beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing through early next week.

Wednesday will start with partly sunny skies and a slight chance of showers before 1 p.m., followed by an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to reach near 80 degrees, with calm winds becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Rain chances stand at about 30 percent. By Wednesday night, a few thunderstorms may linger before 7 p.m., with skies turning partly cloudy and a low near 60 degrees.

On Thursday, residents can expect mostly sunny conditions with a high near 83, though a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms remains possible after 1 p.m. Thursday night will turn mostly cloudy, with lows around 64 degrees.

The unsettled pattern continues into the weekend. Friday brings a 40 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms under mostly cloudy skies and a high near 85. Friday night maintains similar conditions, with continued thunderstorm chances and a low near 65.

Saturday offers a brief mix of sun and clouds with a high near 86 and a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Saturday night again carries a 40 percent chance of storms and a low around 65.

By Sunday, storm chances increase slightly, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 86 under mostly cloudy skies. Sunday night remains unsettled with a 30 percent chance of storms and a low near 66.

Looking ahead to Monday, the pattern continues with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, partly sunny skies, and a high near 88 degrees.

Officials encourage residents to stay weather-aware throughout the week, as repeated rounds of thunderstorms could lead to brief heavy rainfall and changing conditions.


Cartoon of the Week: A Southern Goodbye

Local quantum physicists are reportedly baffled by a recurring temporal anomaly centered around departing vehicles and friendly neighborhood grandmothers. A recent incident at an undisclosed Natchitoches residence has once again demonstrated that a simple, “Well, I best be getting along” functions not as an exit strategy, but as a binding verbal contract for at least ninety additional minutes of conversation, standard (weather, health) and bonus (garden pests, Junior’s third divorce) topics mandatory. Experts warn that the standard “Southern Goodbye” is not a process, but a geological event, with exit times now measured in fiscal quarters rather than minutes. We’ll have more on this story, assuming our reporter can ever leave.


Just when you think you have it all figured out

I don’t care what sport you play, there comes a day when the Gods of that sport will humble you. So many times, as an athlete, we think we have everything figured out. We think we know more than anyone else and that we are invincible. We have the attitude “you can’t beat me!”

That’s when we get a little too comfortable in our own skin and things start to unravel and go south. For bass tournament anglers, you never know when that day will be coming. But rest assured, it will happen!

My humbling moments have occurred more than once in my 30-year fishing career but there is one that stands out more than any other. It took place about five years ago on Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma/Texas border during one of those late February events with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s.

Over the years, I’ve had several tournaments on Lake Texoma and have done well there in the past. It’s a lake that I feel very comfortable with. I have a lot of confidence each time I drop my boat in the water at this famed Oklahoma/ Texas fishery.

If you’re angler who likes to power fish with buzz baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits, Texoma is the place for you. But there are times when you will question if there’s any bass in this lake as the fishing can get really tough.

On one of my recent trips to this impoundment, I found out firsthand just how tough Texoma can be. I was preparing for a three-day event while pre-fishing in some very frigid temperatures. To say that the bite was tough would be a huge understatement.

As Day 1 of practice began, I knew that the only way I was going to get a bite was by slowing down my presentation. Bass in cold water conditions are very lethargic and slow to react to a bait.

Well at the end of practice on Day 1, I had absolutely nothing figured out as I put my boat back on the trailer after a long 9-hour day with zero bites. That’s right, I had zero bites the entire day!

Day 2 brought the same cold temperatures but sunny skies as daytime temperatures rose into the upper 40s. I thought with temperatures warming as the day went on, that maybe there would be a good afternoon bite. My thinking was wrong as I once again as I loaded my boat after Day 2 of practice with zero bites.

That’s right, I had fished for a total of 18 hours and had yet to set the hook on a single fish! So, as I laid in bed that night, I thought that maybe I need to speed up my presentation and throw some type of reaction bait like a rattle-trap, which is very popular during cold weather tournaments.

As the final day of practice rolled around, I was actually a little excited and was looking forward to trying something different. So I tied on a ¼ oz SPRO Aruku Shad in the popular chrome with a blue back. When I say I threw the paint off that bait, I mean I stayed committed to my plan and never put it down pretty much all day long.

But as only the bass fishing Gods can explain, I once again came off the lake nine hours later with zero bites! At this point, now I’m as frustrated as I’ve ever been going into Day 1 of a tournament.

To cut this article short, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that over the next two days of tournament competition, I had one bite and never caught a single fish I could weigh-in.

For the first time in my tournament career, I fished on a body of water I’m very familiar with and caught only one bass over five consecutive days!

So, for all those up-and-coming anglers, listen up — if you fish tournaments, there will come a day when you question if you really know anything about how to catch a bass.

With this frustration, you might even want to sell everything you own that’s related to bass fishing! But hang in there — sooner or later, grey skies will fade, and sunshine will return as you catch bass like never before.


April 22 highlights environmental awareness and pivotal historical moments

April 22 is best known as Earth Day, a global event dedicated to environmental protection, but the date also holds a broader place in history with events that have shaped science, culture, and international awareness.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, marking the beginning of a modern environmental movement. Millions of Americans participated in rallies, teach-ins, and demonstrations focused on pollution, conservation, and sustainability. The momentum from that first observance led to the creation of key environmental protections, including the Environmental Protection Agency and landmark legislation addressing clean air and water.

Beyond environmental milestones, April 22 also marks the birth of Vladimir Lenin in 1870. As a revolutionary leader, Lenin played a central role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the formation of the Soviet Union. His influence reshaped global politics and contributed to the ideological conflicts that defined much of the 20th century.

In scientific history, April 22, 1994, saw the discovery of a new comet that would later be named Comet Hale-Bopp. The comet became one of the most widely observed celestial events of the late 20th century, visible to the naked eye for months and sparking widespread public interest in astronomy.

April 22 continues to be a day associated with awareness and reflection. Whether through environmental advocacy or recognition of historical figures and discoveries, the date underscores humanity’s ongoing relationship with both the planet and the forces that shape global change.


Remember This: Easy Money

Troyal wanted to be a professional athlete. “The only thing that stopped me,” Troyal said, “was my professional athletic ability.” At Yukon High School, Troyal played football, baseball, and ran track and field. He was especially talented at the javelin throw. When he graduated in 1980, he attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on a track and field scholarship. Troyal knew he wanted to play sports in college, but he was unsure what to study. Troyal finally decided to study advertising. As a child, his parents and siblings held casual weekly talent nights. Everyone had to participate. Because of this, Troyal learned to play banjo and guitar. Troyal used his talent to write jingles and commercials for his advertising classes.

In 1984, Troyal walked across the stage at Oklahoma State University and received his diploma. Shortly after he graduated with his degree in advertising, he learned that he had not completed the requirements for his degree. He was one college hour short. The clerical error was discovered after he walked. Troyal had no choice but to take another class, but his student loan and scholarship money ended the moment he walked across that stage. Troyal was from a large family who could not afford to pay his tuition for the single class, so he had to work to pay for the class.

All through college, Troyal worked odd jobs including roofing houses and working as a bouncer at a nightclub. One night while working to pay for the remaining class, Troyal asked Dolly, an employee at Willie’s Saloon in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to allow him to play his guitar and sing for the audience. Dolly agreed. The first night went so well that she asked him to play the following night. The crowds grew and drink sales increased, so Dolly kept Troyal on stage. What could have been just a one-off thing turned into a five-night a week job. One day, Troyal said to himself, “Hey, maybe this is what you’re supposed to be doing.”

Troyal had hoped to become a professional athlete, but he sang instead. One of the songs he sang had the line “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.” If his prayers to become an athlete had been answered, you might know Troyal in a whole different way. You know Troyal. His full name is Troyal Garth Brooks.

Source:

1. “Garth Brooks appears on ‘Late Show’ with Stephen Colbert, discusses time at OSU,” 2 News Oklahoma, November 30, 2018, accessed April 12, 2026, https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/garth-brooks-appears-on-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-discusses-time-at-osu.


Remembering Annie Bell Ray Taylor

Annie Bell Ray Taylor
October 5, 1931 – April 19, 2026

ANNIE’S OBITUARY

Annie Bell Ray Taylor, age 94, of Winnfield, LA, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the Winn Parish Medical Center. Born on October 5, 1931, “Maw Maw T” lived a long and blessed life and was surrounded by her beloved family to the very end. Anyone who knew her was well aware of how much her family meant to her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Annie Bell’s days were filled with her home, gardening, gorgeous flowers, cooking, and
more. Anyone who came by was welcomed by her kind, giving spirit. Upon leaving, guests frequently left with fresh vegetables, a flower cutting, or other treat. Her most treasured gifts, however, were the MANY quilts she made through the years for every member of the family and many others, including her great-great grandchildren to come.

In earlier years, Annie Bell worked as a cook at Atlanta High School for one year before going to the Winn Parish Medical Center. For 28 years she was a cook, serving for several years as the Dietary Manager.
A faithful member of the Atlanta Baptist Church, Annie Bell loved everyone, but treasured her Sunday School class, the guys that doted on her with hugs and kisses, and obviously, her grands and great-grandchildren who all stopped to give her a kiss on
their way in.

Mrs. Taylor is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Dennis Willard Taylor, her parents, James Walter and Francis Katherine Ray, 2 sisters – Jewel Ray Luther and Bessie Ray Langley, 1 brother, Reese Ray, and grandsons Jason and Jesse Taylor.

Family gatherings were always special to Annie Bell. From the single table the family started with, growing to fill up the kitchen and finally spilling over throughout the house and onto the porch were her survivors: 3 Children – Jimmie Taylor (wife Lorraine), Wanda Kay Taylor, and Terry Taylor (wife Beverly); 6 grandchildren – Nikki Hanson (Lavon), Amanda Rouse (John), Melanie McAllister (Brian), Lacey Hylton (Chris), Melinda Lummus (Gerry), and Seth Taylor; 12 great-grandchildren – Alexis and Will Hanson; Lauren, Harleigh, & John Michael Rouse; Madelyn, Andrew, Kaitlyn, & Grace McAllister; Christian & Carter Hylton; and Emma Lummus.

Friends were invited to visit the family Tuesday April 21, at Southern Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, April 22, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Atlanta Baptist Church. The service will begin at 11 with Rev. Chad James and Rev. Brian McAllister officiating, with burial following at Iatt Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Lavon Hanson, Chris Hylton, John Rouse, Gerry Lummus, Seth Taylor, Will Hanson. and Andrew McAllister; Honorary pallbearers: Christian Hylton, John Michael Rouse, Carter Hylton, and Justin Hines.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atlanta Baptist Church Building Fund.


Winn Parish weather forecast: summer-like warmth ahead before weekend storms

Winn Parish, LA — Residents across Winn Parish can expect a stretch of warm, mostly sunny weather through the end of the workweek, with temperatures climbing into near-summer levels before rain chances return over the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 87 degrees. South winds at 5 to 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph. Wednesday night will bring partly cloudy skies and a low around 64, with light south winds continuing.

The warming trend continues Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 89. Clear conditions Thursday night will allow temperatures to settle around 64.

By Friday, highs will reach near 90 degrees under mostly sunny skies, making it one of the warmest days of the week. Friday night remains partly cloudy with a low near 65.

Changes arrive this weekend as moisture increases across the region. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m., and a high near 89.

Rain chances increase Saturday night, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Overnight lows will drop to around 54, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation.

By Sunday, conditions begin to improve, though a slight 20 percent chance of showers remains. Skies will become mostly sunny with a cooler high near 74. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 51.

Looking ahead to Monday, a mix of sun and clouds is expected, with temperatures rebounding slightly to a high near 79.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the warm and dry conditions early in the week and stay weather-aware as storm chances increase heading into the weekend.