Winn Parish Fire District 3 personnel participated in a full day of emergency preparedness and professional development Monday, taking part in both a regional hazardous materials response exercise and an evening communications training designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

The day began with members of Winn Parish Fire District 3 and the Winn Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness participating in a tabletop exercise at the Deville Volunteer Fire Department. The simulated scenario involved an anhydrous ammonia pipeline leak, bringing together emergency officials from Winn, LaSalle, and Rapides parishes, along with the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Team.

The exercise focused on coordination and collaboration among responding agencies, allowing participants to review emergency response procedures and discuss strategies for effectively controlling and mitigating a hazardous materials incident.

Fire officials emphasized that exercises like these are essential for ensuring agencies are prepared to work together seamlessly should a real emergency occur.

Later that evening, Winn Parish Fire District 3 hosted its monthly district training session, which centered on improving radio communications during emergency responses.

The training began with a presentation before transitioning into a hands-on exercise using identical LEGO building sets. Participants were divided into two teams, with one team constructing a model while relaying instructions solely through radio communications. The second team attempted to recreate the build based only on the verbal instructions they received.

While lighthearted in nature, the exercise reinforced the importance of delivering clear, concise, and accurate information over the radio—an essential skill during emergency incidents.

According to Training Officer Matthew Harrell, the activity also highlighted the importance of repeating instructions back to the sender when clarification is needed, helping reduce misunderstandings during emergency operations.

The communication skills practiced during the exercise directly apply to real-world incidents, including scene size-up reports, assigning tasks, and coordinating operations between responding personnel.

District officials said the day’s activities reflect Winn Parish Fire District 3’s continued commitment to ongoing training, regional cooperation, and ensuring firefighters are prepared to respond safely and effectively whenever they are called into action.

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Residents should prepare for another day of dangerous heat before scattered afternoon thunderstorms begin to return later this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for a high near 99 degrees, with heat index values reaching as high as 111 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.

Rain chances increase beginning Thursday, although hot and humid weather is expected to continue through early next week.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 99°. Heat index values as high as 111°. West wind around 5 mph, becoming calm in the afternoon. Partly cloudy Wednesday night with a low around 77°.

Thursday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Mostly cloudy Thursday night with a low around 76°.

Friday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny and hot with a high near 96°. A 30% chance of showers after 1 a.m. Friday night with a low around 77°.

Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Partly cloudy Saturday night with a low around 75°.

Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny with a high near 94°. Partly cloudy Sunday night with a low around 74°.

Monday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95°.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to take heat precautions by staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wearing lightweight clothing, and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.

Residents are also reminded to check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable individuals and to never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, where temperatures can quickly become life-threatening.

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WINNFIELD, LA — The Winnfield Kiwanis Club held its weekly lunch meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, featuring newly appointed Winnfield Middle School Principal Brent Carpenter alongside key members of the WMS Tiger football coaching staff: Head Coach Chance Williams, Defensive Coordinator Jeff Rachal, and Offensive Line Coach Justin Durbin.

Principal Carpenter, a Winn Parish native who grew up attending local public schools before graduating from Calvin High School, returns to lead Winnfield Middle School bringing 26 years of educational experience—over half of which has been spent in school administration. Having previously served 11 years as principal at WMS before spending four years as principal at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, Carpenter expressed his deep appreciation for returning home for what he envisions as his “last hoorah” in education.

“Winn Parish is home, and middle school has always been my heart,” Carpenter shared with Kiwanians. “We are walking into this school year with incredible momentum.”

School Growth and Campus Updates

Carpenter highlighted several encouraging developments for the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year:

Enrollment Surge: WMS currently has approximately 340 students enrolled—a 27-student increase compared to this time last summer. This growth is driven largely by a strong incoming 5th-grade class of over 100 students coming up from Winnfield Primary School.

Full Staffing: Despite widespread regional teacher shortages, all teaching vacancies at WMS have been successfully filled ahead of the school year.

Academic & Extracurricular Offerings:

Students will have access to top-tier programs, including one of the premier 4-H organizations in Louisiana, Beta Club, Science Club, and a newly established Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter. Athletics and spirit teams include cheer, dance line, pep squad, cross country, football, basketball, and softball, with preliminary discussions underway regarding a future baseball program.

Campus Facilities: Carpenter noted that 95% of classroom spaces are currently utilized and shared long-term goals to secure funding and resources to refinish or replace the campus gym floor.

The upcoming school year also marks WMS’s transition to a four-day school week, a schedule shift Carpenter and staff expect will increase student focus and teacher retention based on successful models in neighboring parishes.

WMS Football Season Outlook.

Head Football Coach Chance Williams, now entering his fifth year leading the program while teaching 8th-grade mathematics, briefed the club on summer workouts and the transition into full pads. Williams emphasized maintaining high program standards, running the middle school team with the structure and discipline of a high school program. Joining Williams on the sidelines this season are Defensive Coordinator Jeff Rachal (PE teacher), Offensive Line Coach Justin Durbin (Social Studies/PE), and volunteer assistant coaches Peyton Glenn and Ryan Davis—both former WMS players under Williams.

The Kiwanis Club was also commended for its ongoing community support through the middle school Booster Club, which ensures student-athletes receive post-game meals following every contest.

Important Dates for Parents & Students:

WMS Open House: Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Parents and students can tour campus and meet teachers).

First Football Scrimmage: Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Grant High School.

First Home Football Game: Thursday, August 27, 2026 (vs. Montgomery).

The Kiwanis Club thanked the WMS Staff for taking this time out of their busy schedule to update the community on their commitment to the students of Winn Parish.

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Family, friends, and Masonic brethren gathered at the Louisiana Political Museum this past Saturday night to honor a true pillar of the Winnfield community: Brother Cass Boone Moss. The occasion marked a remarkable double milestone—celebrating Brother Moss’s 95th birthday and honoring his incredible 67 years of dedicated service to the Masonic fraternity.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a special Certificate of Honor from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, Free & Accepted Masons. The certificate formally recognized Brother Moss’s lifelong dedication to the craft and his community since first taking his Masonic obligations in the spring of 1959 at Eastern Star Lodge No. 151 F&AM.

Over six decades ago, Brother Moss began his journey in Masonry, being initiated on April 13, 1959, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on May 11, 1959, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 8, 1959.

Presenting the honor on behalf of the Grand Lodge was Deputy Grand Master Keith Gates, joined by officers and brethren of Eastern Star Lodge No. 151. Signed by the Grand Master on Brother Moss’s official birthdate—July 21, 2026—the certificate reads as an enduring tribute to a man revered across the region for his wisdom, legacy, and steadfast impact on family, fraternity, and town alike.

Surrounded by loved ones and fellow Masons, Brother Moss sat at the center of the celebration, taking in a warm evening filled with shared memories, deep brotherhood, and a community’s sincere gratitude for a life well-lived.

 

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Sandra Lee Tullos, age 80, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Southern Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Howell as officiate. Interment followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, of Winnfield. The family received friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Sandra was born on November 26, 1945, in Winnfield, Louisiana, to Joe and Lucille Holston. She was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family and creating a loving home. Sandra was a faithful member of First Assembly of God in Winnfield. She enjoyed crocheting, working word puzzles, painting, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, John Tullos and wife Delores of Winnfield; and her granddaughter, Sherie Lowe.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Holston and Lucille White Holston; her husband, John Tullos; and her brother, David Holston.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to all who have offered their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.

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District Attorney Chris Nevils has announced the latest criminal case dispositions from the Eighth Judicial District Court, with guilty pleas and sentencing handed down in multiple cases heard between July 6 and July 10, 2026.

July 6, 2026

Melissa Billingsley pleaded guilty to resisting an officer. The court deferred sentencing and placed Billingsley on two years of unsupervised probation, along with fines, court costs, probation fees, and a fee to the Office of Public Defender.

Joseph Glenn Denis pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm. He received a 10-year hard labor sentence, with execution of the sentence suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Kenneth Ray Richards Jr. pleaded guilty to careless operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence. He was sentenced to six months of incarceration, to be served consecutively.

Michael Dean Shows pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and possession of less than two grams of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. He was sentenced to six months for the false imprisonment conviction and one year at hard labor for the drug conviction, with the sentences to be served consecutively.

Kevin James Wright Jr. pleaded guilty to first-offense battery of a dating partner. He was sentenced to six months in jail and received credit for time served.

July 7, 2026

John Thomas Clifton pleaded guilty to simple burglary. He received a five-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, and was placed on three years of supervised probation.

Stafford W. Dauzat Jr. pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal mischief. The court deferred sentencing and ordered two years of probation, fines, court costs, prosecution costs, probation fees, and 25 hours of community service.

Reginald G. Ford pleaded guilty to third-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated (DWI). He was sentenced to two years at hard labor, to be served consecutively.

Michael Dewayne Walker pleaded guilty to simple battery. He was sentenced to six months in jail with credit for time served.

July 9, 2026

Joseph Blake Audirsch pleaded guilty to criminal trespass. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for time served.

Joseph A. Beason pleaded guilty to entry on or remaining in places or land after being forbidden. He received a six-month suspended sentence, two years of probation, and was ordered to pay fines, court costs, probation fees, and a fee to the Office of Public Defender.

July 10, 2026

Kyle Michael Carpenter pleaded guilty to possession of less than two grams of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. He was sentenced to two years at hard labor with credit for time served.

Steven Dewayne Flannigan pleaded guilty to simple battery. He received a six-month suspended sentence, two years of probation, and was ordered to pay fines, court costs, prosecution costs, probation fees, and a fee to the Office of Public Defender.

Jacob J. Kelly pleaded guilty to possession of between two and 28 grams of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. He was sentenced to five years at hard labor, with the sentence suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation.

Jacob Wade Lott pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana (Schedule I controlled dangerous substance). He was sentenced to 15 days in jail with credit for time served.

Joshua Wade Searcy pleaded guilty to distribution of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. He was sentenced to five years at hard labor with credit for time served.

Randell Neal Vines pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. The court deferred imposition of sentence and placed Vines on three years of supervised probation through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

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WINN PARISH — Residents should prepare for an extended stretch of hot and mostly dry weather, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and even reaching the triple digits this week, according to the National Weather Service.

The hottest day of the forecast is expected to be Wednesday, when temperatures will soar to around 101 degrees. While a light northeast breeze will develop during the afternoon, it will provide little relief from the intense summer heat.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny and hot with a high near 101°. Light and variable winds becoming northeast at 5 to 10 mph during the afternoon. Overnight low around 76° under mostly clear skies.

Thursday: Sunny and hot with a high near 96°. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low around 74°.

Friday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97°. Partly cloudy Friday night with a low around 75°.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97°. Partly cloudy overnight with a low around 76°.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97°. Mostly clear Sunday night with a low around 76°.

Monday: Sunny and hot with a high near 99°.

With several consecutive days of extreme heat expected, residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.

The National Weather Service also reminds the public to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as interior temperatures can become deadly in just a matter of minutes.

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The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield welcomed Winn Parish Sheriff Josh McAllister as its guest speaker during a recent weekly luncheon meeting. Sheriff McAllister was introduced by Dr. Gaddis and provided members and guests with an in-depth update on the parish’s current law enforcement initiatives, technological upgrades, and community-focused programs.

The presentation kicked off with some good-natured banter when Sheriff McAllister joked that Dr. Gaddis was actually disappointed in him—explaining that the club had really wanted to invite Ruby Jean, the Sheriff’s Office’s newest single-purpose narcotics K-9 officer. Ruby Jean was unable to attend due to a vet checkup for minor heat dehydration after extensive training, but the Sheriff assured everyone she was recovering well and eager to get back on duty.

Joined by special guest Rev. Brian McAllister, newly called pastor at First Baptist Church, Sheriff McAllister addressed the club regarding the ongoing progress of the Sheriff’s Office heading into his third year in office.

During his presentation, Sheriff McAllister highlighted several key areas of progress for the parish:

Lower Crime Rates & Faster Response:

Recent statistical evaluations show violent crime in Winn Parish sits at 56% below the national average, with property crime 85% below the national average. By restructuring patrol zones, response times across rural parts of the parish have been reduced to 6–10 minutes.

Narcotics Task Force Success:

Targeted investigations have led to major narcotics seizures, keeping hundreds of thousands of dangerous fentanyl doses off parish streets.

Jail Workforce & Rehabilitation:

Rather than costly work-release facilities, the Sheriff’s Office utilizes a local workforce program. Inmates convicted of non-violent offenses work with the parish police jury, litter control crews, and the local animal shelter to foster skills and community integration prior to release.

Community & School Safety:

School Resource Officers (SROs) remain active across every public school in Winn Parish at no expense to the local school board. Local pastors and registered nurses check in on elderly residents, while the Sheriff’s Office maintains its official mobile app for real-time public emergency alerts and community updates.

Animal Control:

The department’s newly constructed shelter facility is located at the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Detention Center, where staff and workforce inmates actively manage stray and nuisance animals in partnership with the local humane society.

Following his operational overview, Sheriff McAllister answered questions from club members regarding the use of License Plate Readers (LPRs) for tracking stolen vehicles. He also discussed ongoing operations at the Winn Correctional Center, which is operated by LaSalle Corrections and primarily houses ICE detainees and undocumented immigrants.

The Kiwanis Club expressed its appreciation to Sheriff McAllister for his detailed report and continued service to the citizens of Winn Parish.

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Winnfield cowboy Kayson Lasyone has earned one of youth rodeo’s most prestigious titles, claiming the 2026 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) Team Roping Championship alongside partner Jacob Stansbury of Santa Fe, Texas.

The championship was won during the 34th Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo, held July 12-17 at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The IFYR is recognized as one of the world’s richest and most prestigious youth rodeo events, attracting nearly 1,000 competitors from across the United States and several other countries to compete for championship titles and more than $250,000 in prize money.

Lasyone and Stansbury entered the championship round tied for second place after posting qualifying runs of 5.7 seconds and 6.2 seconds. When the pressure was at its highest, the duo delivered a 5.60-second run in the championship round, finishing with a three-head aggregate time of 17.5 seconds to secure the IFYR Team Roping Championship.

The victory places Lasyone among an elite group of youth rodeo champions and highlights the strength of Louisiana’s rodeo talent on the national stage.

The International Finals Youth Rodeo has served as a proving ground for future professional rodeo competitors for more than three decades, bringing together many of the top young athletes in events including team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and more.

For Winn Parish, Lasyone’s championship is another source of local pride, as the young cowboy has demonstrated the dedication, skill, and composure needed to succeed against some of the nation’s best youth rodeo competitors.

The championship buckle and title mark a significant milestone in Lasyone’s rodeo career and add an international championship to his growing list of accomplishments.

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Mr. Julian Franklin (Jay) Howell Jr., age 80 of Dodson, LA passed away July 19, 2026 at Autumn Leaves Nursing Home. He was member of Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro and was a retired dispatcher for Bell Trucking where he worked for many years. Jay was the son of the late Julian Franklin Howell and Rebecca Deese Howell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Janice Howell, son Bryan Lasyone, sisters

Patricia Jacobs and Freida Brown and great-grandson Lincoln Brister. Those left to cherish his memory include his sons Patrick Howell (Kourtney) of Atlanta, Terry Howell (Melissa) of Danville, Shannon Lasyone (Amber) of Alvin, TX, daughter Debbie Melton of Dodson, and daughter-in-law Margaret Lasyone of Weston. Jay also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Brieanna Howell, Peyton Howell, Chris Kennedy, Jamie Brister, Amanda Parks, Kelli Melton, Cody Melton, Katie Boyett, Sean Lasyone, Colby Lasyone and Dustin Lasyone as well as 12 great-grandchildren and siblings: Willie Howell, Robert Howell, Mary Oliver, Jenny Vines, Gloria Harkins and Bert Howell as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home on July 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm. with Bro. David Wilson and Bro. Author Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at Cypress Creek Cemetery in Dodson, LA.

Friends visited with the family in the funeral home on Tuesday, July 21st from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and can again on Wednesday, July 22nd from 12:00 until 2:00 pm.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Kevin Howell, Larry Howell, Chad Harkins, Marshal Brown, Bert Howell Jr., and Willie Howell, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Leroy James, Shelby Bonnette, Toby Gorham and Chad Bowen.

The family extends a special thank you to Nadia Starks and Autumn Leaves Nursing Home, Hand-In-Hand Hospice and Dr. Mark Shelton for their care of Jay during his illness.

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WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish residents can expect only a slight chance of afternoon showers on Wednesday before a prolonged stretch of hot, sunny weather takes hold through early next week.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will steadily climb through the forecast period, reaching the upper 90s by Monday. Combined with Louisiana’s summertime humidity, heat index values are expected to feel even hotter during the afternoon hours.

Wednesday

Wednesday will feature partly sunny skies with a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m. High temperatures will reach around 90 degrees, with calm winds becoming west around 5 mph during the afternoon.

Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 70 degrees as light southwest winds become calm.

Thursday

Thursday brings mostly sunny skies and a noticeable warm-up, with afternoon highs climbing to 94 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 73 degrees.

Friday

The heat continues to build Friday under sunny skies, with a high near 96 degrees. Overnight temperatures will remain warm, falling only to 73 degrees.

Weekend Outlook

A classic Louisiana summer weekend is in store with abundant sunshine and hot temperatures.

Saturday: Sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 73 degrees.

Sunday: Sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees, followed by a mostly clear night and a low around 73 degrees.

Looking Ahead

The hot weather intensifies even further on Monday, with sunny skies and a forecast high of 98 degrees, making it the hottest day of the extended forecast.

Five-Day Forecast at a Glance

Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 90° | 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low 70°

Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 94°

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, low 73°

Friday: Sunny and hot, high 96°

Friday Night: Mostly clear, low 73°

Saturday: Sunny and hot, high 96°

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low 73°

Sunday: Sunny and hot, high 97°

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low 73°

Monday: Sunny and hot, high 98°

Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the extended period of hot weather by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon, wearing lightweight clothing, and checking on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets.

Anyone spending extended time outdoors should take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning as heat-related illnesses become more likely with prolonged exposure.

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The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office has officially welcomed its newest four-legged deputy to the team, introducing Ruby Gene, a highly trained narcotics detection K-9 who will assist deputies in combating illegal drugs throughout the parish.

Ruby Gene is a 4½-year-old Belgian Malinois born in Czechoslovakia. She is a certified narcotics detection K-9, specially trained to locate illegal narcotics and support law enforcement operations aimed at keeping Winn Parish communities safe.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Ruby Gene has spent the past several years training alongside Major Chad Chelette of the WPSO Chase Team, where she developed the skills and discipline needed for her new assignment.

Her training has prepared her to work closely with deputies during narcotics investigations and other law enforcement operations requiring specialized detection capabilities.

Belgian Malinois are widely recognized as one of the premier breeds used in law enforcement because of their intelligence, loyalty, athleticism, and strong work ethic.

The Sheriff’s Office says Ruby Gene’s exceptional training, determination, and drive make her a valuable addition to the department and an important resource in its ongoing efforts to protect the citizens of Winn Parish.

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office is inviting the community to join in welcoming Ruby Gene as she begins her service.

Officials expressed their excitement about introducing the newest member of the agency and the important role she will play in supporting deputies and enhancing public safety throughout the parish.

“Please join us in congratulating Deputy Ruby Gene on her new assignment and giving her a warm Winn Parish welcome,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We look forward to the many ways she will serve and protect the citizens of Winn Parish.”

With Ruby Gene now officially on duty, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to strengthen its commitment to public safety through specialized training, teamwork, and proactive law enforcement efforts.

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What began as a routine animal rescue has become an extraordinary story of survival, resilience, and the urgent need for community support.

The Humane Society of Louisiana (HSLA) and the City of Winnfield Animal Shelter are asking for donations and supplies after rescuing Riley, a severely neglected Pit Bull who gave birth to her 10th litter of puppies just one day after arriving at the shelter.

The shelter is also caring for two additional sick mother dogs and their litters, placing further strain on already limited resources.

On June 1, the City of Winnfield Animal Shelter took custody of three adult Pit Bulls after their owner was incarcerated and family members declined to care for the dogs.

Two of the females were found to be severely malnourished and were immediately placed on nutritional plans before receiving veterinary care. Both dogs tested positive for advanced heartworm disease.

The following day, one of those dogs—later named Riley—went into labor.

Shelter staff soon discovered Riley’s heartbreaking history.

“At just a fraction of her ideal weight, Riley has spent her life as a ‘breeding machine,’ and this is her 10th litter of puppies,” said Camelia Bynog Shelton, manager of the City of Winnfield Animal Shelter.

A comprehensive veterinary examination revealed the devastating effects years of neglect have had on Riley.

Veterinarians diagnosed her with:

Critical malnourishment, with a body condition score of just 1 out of 9

Advanced heartworm disease, causing severe coughing and labored breathing

Broken and worn teeth

A chronic left eye injury believed to have resulted from an old dog fight

Enlarged mammary glands, including a visible tumor

Despite her condition, shelter staff say Riley has remained devoted to caring for her puppies.

“She has every reason to distrust humans and give up, but instead, she greets us with kindness and pours what little energy she has left into being a flawless mother,” Shelton said.

Tragically, the smallest puppy in the litter died shortly after birth.

Riley is now caring for her three surviving puppies, but veterinarians face another challenge.

Because medications used to treat heartworms can pass through a nursing mother’s milk and may be fatal to puppies, Riley cannot begin heartworm treatment until her puppies are fully weaned.

For now, she is receiving antibiotics and respiratory medications to help manage her condition while she continues nursing.

The Humane Society of Louisiana says Riley’s initial veterinary evaluation cost $218, but her medical expenses are expected to grow significantly as she undergoes additional treatment, tumor evaluations, and eventual heartworm therapy.

The organization is asking the public to assist in two ways:

Financial Donations

Donations may be made by check payable to:

Winnfield Animal Clinic

Mail to:
City of Winnfield Animal Shelter
508 S. Bevill Street
Winnfield, LA 71483

Needed Supplies

The shelter is also requesting donations of:

Puppy food

Puppy pads

Officials note that Riley is not the only dog in need. The shelter is currently caring for three nursing mother dogs and their puppies, while also housing more than 30 healthy, adoptable dogs that have been waiting more than six months to find permanent homes.

The Humane Society of Louisiana hopes Riley can recover from this final chapter of motherhood and eventually be placed in a quiet, loving foster or adoptive home where she can enjoy the life she has never had.

“Our colleagues who run the rural shelters around our state deserve everyone’s support, respect, and admiration,” said Jeff Dorson, executive director of the Humane Society of Louisiana. “They operate on less than a shoestring and still manage to save and improve the lives of thousands of animals each year. We hope people in the Winn Parish community will donate generously.”

Established in 1988, the Humane Society of Louisiana is one of the state’s largest animal protection organizations and continues to partner with local shelters to provide lifesaving care for animals across Louisiana.

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MIKE’S OBITUARY

Mr. Charles Micheal Coburn of Georgetown, LA, was born on April 2, 1948, in Tioga LA and went to his heavenly home on July 13th, 2026, at Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehab in Winnfield LA, at the age of 78.

Mike was an avid fisherman and hunter who truly loved the outdoors. Whether he was in the woods, out on the water, or sitting on his porch target practicing, he was happiest surrounded by nature. If you knew Mike, you knew he was either outside enjoying the outdoors or spending quality time with his family—two of the greatest joys in his life. One of Mike’s greatest pleasures was sharing his love of the outdoors with his daughters and grandchildren. He took great pride in teaching them how to fish, hunt, and shoot, creating cherished memories and passing down traditions that will continue for generations. The time he spent with them was priceless, and the lessons, laughter, and love they shared will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles William Coburn; his mother Bertha Peters Coburn; granddaughter Ragan Breland; great granddaughter Cheyenne Breland.

Those left to cherish his memory include his four daughters, Shannon Booker and husband, Meredith, Brandy Coburn, Ronnie Graves, Ashley Fife and husband Jimmy; Many grandchildren; and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Zion Baptist Church, near Georgetown, LA.

Friends may visit with the family at the church prior to the service from 2:00 PM until service time

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