WINNFIELD — The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield welcomed former district judge and Winnfield City Judge Jacque Derr as the guest speaker for its weekly meeting. Derr was introduced by Dr. Bill Gaddis as part of the civic club’s nonpartisan tradition of offering equal speaking time and a balanced forum to local candidates.

Lifelong Roots and Legal Experience

Derr, who is campaigning for the office of District Attorney, reflected on his lifelong connection to the community and his 50 years in the legal profession. A Winn Parish native, Derr attended Eastside and Westside Elementary before graduating as part of the very first senior class to walk across the stage at the current Winnfield Senior High School campus on Highway 167 North.
Following high school, he attended the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and Louisiana Tech University, where he served as student commandant of cadets in ROTC.

After military service as a military policeman and a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps officer, Derr returned home in February 1974 to begin private law practice alongside Mickey Simmons. His half-century of legal service includes 35 years in private practice, 12 years as Winnfield City Judge, and 12 years presiding as Eighth Judicial District Court Judge.

Platform and Independence.

Addressing the club, Derr outlined his judicial philosophy and background, noting that his approach on the bench has always been “firm but fair.” He highlighted his extensive courtroom experience handling indigent defense jury trials early in his career and presiding over criminal jury trials as a district judge, stating that a deep understanding of evidence and trial procedure is vital for an effective prosecutor.

Outlining his key campaign commitments, Derr emphasized his independence, pledging to serve only a single six-year term if elected so that prosecutorial decisions are made without concern for reelection. He added that he is completely self-funding his campaign and not accepting outside political contributions, assisted on the campaign trail primarily by his wife, Laurie Derr—a longtime local educator recognized during her career as the LaMissTenn Kiwanis District Teacher of the Year after being nominated by the local Winnfield club and elected district-wide.

Addressing Crime and Rehabilitation.

During the question-and-answer session, Derr discussed local public safety issues, identifying substance abuse as the underlying catalyst for the majority of local burglaries and property thefts. While taking a firm stance on prosecuting violent crimes and drug dealers, he advocated for guiding individuals facing low-level addiction into structured, long-term rehabilitation programs like Teen Challenge to address root causes rather than relying solely on short-term incarceration.

---

WINN PARISH, La. — Hot and mostly dry weather will begin the period in Winn Parish before increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms bring cooler temperatures later in the week and through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 95 degrees. Southeast winds will range from 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 71.

Thursday will bring a slight chance of showers during the morning, followed by a greater chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 94. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday night will be mostly cloudy with a 50% chance of showers and a low around 70.

Friday will begin with a chance of showers before showers become likely and a thunderstorm becomes possible after 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 60%, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 90. Friday night will remain mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and a low around 69.

Saturday will bring a 60% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy skies are expected with a noticeably cooler high near 85. Saturday night will have a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low around 67.

Sunday will bring another 60% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 86.

The National Weather Service forecast shows rain chances increasing Thursday and continuing through Sunday, with temperatures dropping from the mid-90s Wednesday to the mid-80s by the weekend.

---

The Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child West Central Louisiana Area Team hosted their annual kickoff celebration and project leader workshop on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches. The West Central Louisiana area includes the parishes of Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, and Winn. This year’s celebration, the “Pray, Expect, Participate Rally Expo, ” had a great turnout with over 30 area churches participating.

Participants were given a behind-the-scenes look at the ministry of Operation Christmas Child and the resources available to support their churches and groups in packing shoeboxes. The West Central Louisiana team provided informational booths on the Journey of the Shoebox, WCLA team members, church relations, fundraising, crafts, fun-filled shoeboxes, and community relations. Each church represented received a preprinted, decorative shoeboxes as a part of the event.

To learn more about how your church or organization can participate in Operation Christmas
Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org or contact the West Central Louisiana Area Team on Facebook.

---

Joseph Ray Lester

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Joseph Ray “Joe” Lester, who left us on September 27, 2026, at the age of 43.

Born on November 12, 1982, in Jonesboro, Louisiana, Joe was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend who touched the lives of many in his time here.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Eddie Lester.

Joe is survived by his mother and father, Tressa Roshto and Larry Roshto, his loving wife, Natasha Jordan Lester, and their two wonderful sons, Cory and Coby. He will be deeply missed by siblings: sister Stacy Roshto (Michael), brothers Jonathan Lester (Jennifer) and Eric Roshto (Jana), and Travis Roshto (Mary), Jared Lester, and Jacob Lester, as well as sister Stacey Keeton (Jerry) . Joe also leaves behind his cherished nephews Aiden Jordan and Ashton Jordan, who brought him so much joy. He is also survived by many other nieces and nephews.

Joe enjoyed being behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler. He never met a stranger and would turn your worst day into your best day. Joe could be one of the best friends you could ever have. He had many friends and enjoyed riding motorcycles. Joe especially loved going on family adventures with his wife and boys.

The family will hold a visitation at Southern Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at the same location at 2:00 PM with Rev. Nick Verret officiating. In accordance with his wishes Joe’s remains will be cremated following the service.

Joe was a genuinely kind soul, and his warm spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. We invite everyone who loved him to join us in celebrating his life and sharing our memories together. Your presence will mean the world to his family during this time.

Friends may express messages of condolence online by visiting southernfuneralhome.com

---

Two suspects were in custody Tuesday morning following an overnight manhunt that began after a stolen vehicle led Winn Parish deputies on a high-speed pursuit before crashing near the Winn Correctional Center.

According to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies spotted the stolen vehicle Monday evening on Gum Springs Road, just south of Calvin, and attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a pursuit that crossed U.S. Highway 84.

Authorities said speeds during the pursuit exceeded 125 mph before the vehicle crashed south of the Winn Correctional Center.

Two men fled from the crash site into a wooded area. One suspect was apprehended by Winn Parish deputies, while the second remained at large for several hours.

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police and the Winn Parish Chase Team continued searching throughout the night near the correctional facility and the Gum Springs Road area.

At approximately 3 a.m. Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office advised residents living near Gum Springs Road between Waterwell and Black Mountain roads to keep their homes and vehicles locked while authorities searched for the remaining suspect.

By approximately 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office announced that the second suspect had been captured, bringing the overnight search to an end. Both individuals were in custody.

The Sheriff’s Office had not released the identities of the suspects or a list of charges as of its latest update.

---

Winn Parish Fire District 3 crews responded to six calls for service from Friday through early Monday morning, including four vegetation or fire-related incidents and a fire at a local plant that required more than five hours of operations.

One of the weekend’s most challenging situations unfolded Saturday when firefighters were dispatched to a camper fire approximately four minutes after receiving a call for a vegetation fire.

With the two incidents occurring simultaneously, incident command divided available personnel and equipment between the scenes.

According to Winn Parish Fire District 3, operations at the camper fire initially began with only two personnel because other resources were already committed to the vegetation fire. About 15 minutes later, two off-duty personnel arrived to assist, followed by another off-duty firefighter and a volunteer firefighter.

By that time, the camper fire had spread beyond its point of origin, igniting two vehicles and surrounding vegetation. Despite limited resources and the simultaneous emergencies, firefighters were able to bring both incidents under control.

The busy stretch continued into early Monday morning. At approximately 3:45 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a local plant following a malfunction in a venting system that caused a fire to spread throughout the ductwork.

Crews spent more than five hours working at the plant before completing operations.

Fire district officials thanked personnel who responded throughout the weekend, particularly off-duty and volunteer firefighters who came in to assist during the multiple emergencies.

The department also recognized Winn Parish sheriff’s deputies Chandler, Sellers and Loftin for assisting at the camper fire and thanked Sheriff McAllister for providing assistance with cleanup following the plant incident.

Winn Parish Fire District 3 said the weekend highlighted the importance of cooperation among local agencies, particularly when multiple incidents place demands on available emergency response resources.

---

WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish will see a stretch of hot and mostly dry weather through the weekend, with temperatures climbing close to 100 degrees before a slight chance of rain returns Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. Northeast winds will range from 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 67 and northeast winds around 5 mph.

Thursday will be mostly sunny and slightly cooler with a high near 93. Northeast winds will continue at 5 to 10 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 65.

Temperatures will begin climbing again Friday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 95.

Friday night will become mostly cloudy with a low around 66.

Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the forecast period, with partly sunny skies and a high near 98 degrees. Mostly cloudy conditions are expected Saturday night with a low around 67.

Sunday will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms develops Sunday night, with a low around 67.

The slight rain chance will continue into Monday, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees.

The National Weather Service forecast indicates Winn Parish will remain dry through most of the weekend, with the first rain chances arriving Sunday night and continuing Monday.

---

The Winn Farmers Market is getting a fresh look thanks to a community improvement effort that brought together local volunteers and organizations over the weekend.

Members of Winn Parish 4-H, Winn Parish Master Gardeners, LSU AgCenter agents and other community volunteers spent Saturday working on improvements at the farmers market.

The effort also received support from Mr. Brandon and WoodmenLife Winnfield Chapter 107.

Winn 4-H thanked everyone who dedicated part of their weekend to the project, emphasizing that the work was part of an ongoing effort to improve the community one step at a time.

The project highlighted the combined efforts of youth, volunteers and community organizations working together to enhance a space used by residents and local vendors.

---

Donnie Chandler, age 70, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away on September 20, 2026. Born on August 29, 1956, in Pasadena, Texas, Donnie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose presence will be greatly missed.

Donnie dedicated his career to the construction industry, where he was a pipe supervisor known for his strong work ethic. Donnie loved spending time with family, golfing and the LSU Tigers. He was a graduate of Calvin High School and attended Northeast Louisiana University. Donnie was a long time resident of Winnfield, a mason, and a member of Eastern Star Lodge No. 151 F&AM.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Gallien Chandler, son Justin Chandler (Kelli), and daughter Natalie Inglés (Cody), as well as granddaughters, Madeline Rodriguez (Alex), Fiona Inglés, and Kiera Inglés. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda Kelley (Donald). His family was his pride and joy.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Ed” Chandler and Martha Sue Lowdermilk Chandler, and his brother, Charlie Chandler.

Friends may visit with the family at First Baptist Church of Winnfield on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at the Garden of Memories.

The family would like to thank Dr. Anil Veluvolu and the staff at Willis Knighton Cancer Center & Hand in Hand Hospice Care for their kindness and the wonderful care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to First Baptist Church, PO Box 230, Winnfield, LA 71483, or your own personal place of worship.

---

WINNFIELD — Former Winnfield City Judge Keith Gates addressed the Winnfield Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, detailing his candidacy for District Attorney of Winn Parish. Speaking to a room of civic leaders and fellow club members, Gates framed his campaign around a straightforward pledge: “Tough on crime, careful with your tax dollars.”

Gates, who resigned from the city bench earlier this year in compliance with Louisiana judicial rules to seek non-judicial office, outlined his background rooted in North Louisiana. Raised in nearby Goldonna, Gates graduated from Northwestern State University in 2004 before earning two law degrees from LSU Law Center in 2007. His legal career includes clerking for Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Victory, handling civil and criminal litigation, co-founding a Washington, D.C.-based government oversight firm, and serving as Winnfield City Prosecutor from 2013 until his election to the bench in 2020.

Addressing local safety, Gates pointed to 2024 crime figures showing Winnfield reported 50 violent crimes—a per-capita rate roughly double the state average and triple the national rate. He stressed that study after study confirms a small group of repeat offenders is responsible for the vast majority of local infractions.

“You don’t have a parish full of hardened criminals; you have a few individuals committing the vast majority of crimes,”

Gates told the club. With Winn Parish scheduled for only seven jury trial weeks next year, he emphasized that a district attorney cannot try every case and must be ruthlessly strategic. Gates pledged to focus trial dockets heavily on violent offenders and habitual felons to secure convictions and strengthen the office’s leverage in plea negotiations, while supporting diversion and treatment programs for non-violent, first-time drug offenders. He also noted he plans to personally try cases in the courtroom.

On the fiscal side, Gates commended retiring District Attorney Chris Nevils for restoring administrative discipline and paying down past debts. However, looking at the office’s roughly $1.08 million budget, Gates noted its current unrestricted cash reserve sits around $23,000. He established a campaign goal to build that emergency cushion north of $100,000 during his first term to ensure smooth operations if state grants or fine revenues face delays.

Gates also proposed shifting the department toward a “vertical prosecution” system, having individual Assistant District Attorneys manage assigned cases from initial filing straight through appeal.

The Kiwanis Club plans to host fellow DA candidate Jacque Derr next week.

---

WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish residents can expect an extended stretch of hot and mostly dry weather through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures hovering near the triple-digit mark before rain chances begin to increase Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 99 degrees. Heat index values could climb as high as 108 degrees, making conditions feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature. Winds will be calm before becoming easterly at around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 73.

The heat continues Thursday, with sunny skies and another high near 99 degrees. Mostly clear conditions are expected Thursday night as temperatures fall to around 69.

Friday will bring little relief, with sunny skies and a high once again near 99 degrees. Friday night will remain mostly clear with a low around 70.

Another hot and sunny day is forecast for Saturday, when temperatures are expected to reach approximately 99 degrees. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 71.

The weather pattern begins to change Sunday, when Winn Parish will have a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 72.

Rain chances increase further Monday, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The additional cloud cover and precipitation chances should bring temperatures down slightly, although it will remain hot with a high near 95.

With heat index values potentially reaching 108 degrees Wednesday and temperatures near 99 for several consecutive days, residents should take precautions when spending extended periods outdoors. Staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest portion of the afternoon can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

---

The Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child West Central Louisiana Area Team is hosting their annual kickoff celebration/project leader workshop on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches. The west central Louisiana area includes the parishes of Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Winn. This year’s celebration, the Pray Expect Participate Rally Expo, will begin at 9 am.

Whether you have attended in the past or this will be your first workshop, you will get to see new content and receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the ministry of Operation Christmas Child and the resources available to support your churches and groups in packing shoeboxes.

This will be a fun and beneficial time of fellowship, along with snacks, new resources, and learning about ways to get your congregation or group members more involved. This workshop will also be a great place for you to meet like-minded individuals in your community and learn more about the impact you are having on children around the world. Each church represented will receive preprinted decorative shoeboxes as a part of the event.

Breakfast and Expo begins at 9 am. The program will start at 10 am. Anyone interested in learning more about this ministry along with project leaders is invited to this free event. Register online today to attend this kickoff celebration.

Date: Saturday, September 19

Time: 9 am – 12 noon

Location: First Baptist Church Natchitoches
 508 Second St.
 Natchitoches, LA

---

Winn Parish was among four Central Louisiana parishes involved in a multi-parish pursuit that began after authorities say two Texas men attempted to use a drone to smuggle approximately $31,000 worth of methamphetamine into a federal prison.

According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when a deputy noticed a vehicle stopped in the middle of Hooper Road. When the deputy turned around to check on the vehicle, authorities said it sped away at a high rate of speed.

The pursuit ultimately traveled through Grant, Rapides, Winn and Natchitoches parishes before coming to an end.

While the pursuit was underway, another Grant Parish deputy returned to the location where the vehicle had initially been stopped. Authorities said a drone then landed nearby with approximately $31,000 worth of methamphetamine attached to it.

Investigators allege the occupants of the vehicle had been attempting to use the drone to smuggle the drugs into a federal prison. After the men fled, the drone’s battery reportedly began running low, causing it to return to its launch location.

Leroy Rocha, 35, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was arrested on charges including principal to aggravated flight from an officer, principal to reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of fentanyl and criminal conspiracy.

Javier Hernandez, 31, also of Corpus Christi, was arrested on charges including taking contraband into a penal institution, aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that both men are affiliated with Tango Blast, which the agency described as a Mexican street and prison gang.

The case remains based on allegations reported by law enforcement. An arrest does not constitute a conviction, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

---

WINN PARISH, La. — Hot and humid conditions will continue across Winn Parish through the weekend and into Monday, with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 90s and daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97 degrees. The combination of heat and humidity could push the heat index as high as 105 degrees. A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop after 1 p.m. Winds will be calm before becoming easterly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 73.

Thursday will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high around 96 degrees. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected after 1 p.m. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 73.

Rain chances increase Friday, with showers possible during the day and thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 40%, the highest currently forecast during the period. Otherwise, conditions will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 73.

Saturday will bring a slight chance of showers early, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Rain chances are around 30%. The high will climb to approximately 97 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low near 73.

Sunday will remain mostly sunny and hot with a high around 96 degrees and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday night will be mostly clear with a low near 72.

Looking ahead to Monday, little change is expected. Mostly sunny and hot conditions will continue with a high near 96 degrees and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

While isolated or scattered storms could provide temporary relief from the heat, no widespread washout is indicated in the forecast, with Friday currently carrying the highest rain chance at 40%.

The heat will remain the bigger concern, particularly Wednesday when the heat index could reach 105 degrees. Residents working or spending extended periods outdoors should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and watch for signs of heat-related illness.

---