Another Mardi Gras festival has come and gone for Winn Parish! This past Saturday, February 4th, from 11 am to 4 pm Winn residents had the opportunity to get out of the house and into the spirit of the season with plenty of outlets for family fun including the first-ever Chicken Run within Earl K Long park, and of course the annual Krewe of Kingfish parade!

Vendors Included:
The Shabby Chic Two – Lori Adams Rawls
Grace and Joy Designs – Elizabeth Johnson Murphy
Grace Mataro and her awesome stuff!
Cristy Wright Carter and Permanent Jewelry!
Affordable Southern Charm!
And others!

Food Vendors Included:
CheeseLouise!
Mount Grace Food truck!
Pretty Baked! – Nikita Etheridge
Soulful Wings!
Funnel Cakes!

And let’s not forget access to the BIG slide, the opportunity for folks big and small to have their faces painted, the cakewalk, and… a golden toliet!

Thank you to Krewe of Kingfish, all participating vendors, volunteers, and anyone else who made the festival and parade a success this past weekend!

SPECIAL thank you to all Winn residents who participated in WPJ’s request for Mardi Gras fun photos! Your time and effort were greatly appreciated and allows me to showcase our wonderful community and those who live in it to better advantage!

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With more of our Parish’s impending celebrations for Mardi Gras closing in fast, we at Winn Parish Journal would like to push pause for a moment and ask our residents/vendors to participate in our ‘Main Street Madness’ wrap-up!

Each year our communities efforts and attractions grow, along with the ideas and contributions that make it possible for us residents to gather for another annual opportunity at a safe and family-friendly event. It’s a satisfying thing to be sure but there’s a lot to see, and WPJ wants to see it all!

So, if you happen to have a parade float you and your team have gone all out for this year, a business you took extra care in decorating in anticipation of the holiday, or maybe it’s just a well-rounded moment with your loved ones and everyone’s got their eyes open for once–please send it our way!

Please note the window for this particular request begins Saturday, February 4th, and ends that following Monday, February 6th. All Photos and commentary MUST be safe and appropriate. All content MUST be submitted before/by 6 pm that evening to be included.

Please submit all photos and commentary to wpjreporter@gmail.com, NOT our Facebook messages, we thank you for your cooperation and can’t wait to see the turnout this coming weekend! Safe partying Winn Parish!

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Date: 1-17-23
Name: Jamie L Brown 
Address: Houma, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female 
Age: 39
Charge: Simple robbery (warrant)

Date: 1-19-23
Name: Monica Evans 
Address: Natchitoches, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female 
Age: 44
Charge: Failure to appear 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Date: 1-6-23
Name: Manuel Hernadez 
Address: Winn Correctional 
Race: Hispanic 
Sex: Male
Age: 35
Charge: Battery of a police officer  

Date: 1-6-23
Name: John Njorge 
Address: Winn Correctional 
Race: Hispanic 
Sex: Male 
Age: 49
Charge: Battery of a police officer 

Date: 1-6-23
Name: Mappi Daniel Justin 
Address: Winnfield, LA 
Race: White
Sex: Male 
Age: 45
Charge: Possession of Schedule 2 (meth), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Resisting an officer 

Date: 1-7-23
Name: Taiwanda L Russell 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 42
Charge: Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling 

Date: 1-7-23
Name: Luis Carlos Palacios 
Address: Houma, LA
Race: Hispanic 
Sex: Male 
Age: 28
Charge: Speeding, No license 

Date: 1-8-23 
Name: Jasmine M Starks 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female 
Age: 27
Charge: An aggravated battery of dating partner, Child endangerment 

Date: 1-8-23
Name: Cody Parrish 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Male 
Age: 27
Charge: Parole and probation hold 

Date: 1-9-23
Name: Ryley Desadier 
Address: Goldonna, LA 
Race: White
Sex: Male 
Age: 20
Charge: Failure to appear (bench warrant) 

Date: 1-10-23
Name: James Howard 
Address: Winnfield, LA 
Race: Black 
Sex: Male 
Age: 53
Charge: Possession of schedule one and two substances (marijuana, meth), DWI (1st), Careless operation, No license, Prohibited acts 

Date: 1-10-23
Name: Temario A Fobbs 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 36
Charge: Failure to appear (x2)

Date: 1-11-23
Name: Heather R Chelette 
Address: Montgomery, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female
Age: 44
Charge: Obstructing a public passage, Driving under suspension, Failure to register, Prohibited acts

Date: 1-12-23
Name: Kendrick L Robertson 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black 
Sex: Male 
Age: 38
Charge: Simple, escape, Flight from an officer, Resisting an officer, Prohibited acts (Schedule 2), Theft (over 1,000, x3)

 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Date: 12-21-22
Name: Jakeithra Starks 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female 
Age: 24
Charge: Second degree cruelity to juveniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Laquetta Thomas 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female 
Age: 38
Charge: Second Degree cruelity to juviniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Dekarrian Starks 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 24
Charge: Second Degree cruelity to juviniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Malia Snowden 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 19
Charge: Second Degree cruelity to juviniles 

Date: 12-21-22
Name: Paul Magee Jr.
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 47
Charge: Hit and run driving 

 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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By: Kaycie Kile
WPJ Reporter

This past week on Thursday and Friday (December 22nd-23rd, 9am-11am, 1pm-3pm) Winn residents had the opportunity to come out and see the famous green Christmas criminal, The Grinch, for themselves! 

“SHERIFF ARRESTS GRINCH 12-20-22 CHRISTMAS IS SAFE!

Children throughout Winn Parish can sleep soundly tonight.  Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan has arrested the famed Christmas thief, The Grinch.

Grinch, 56, a green male who resides on Mount Crumpit near Whoville, had been hiding in Winn Parish, waiting to steal Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations, and presents for parish children.

Sheriff Cranford Jordan said, “We received a tip from Cindy Lou of Whoville who told us Grinch was heading to our parish.  We set up surveillance and were able to spot his dog, Max, who was traveling on the shoulder of US 167 between Dodson and Tannehill.  We secretly placed a microphone on his collar and let him go.   Thankfully, he went to Grinch who was hiding in the woods near Highway 505.  Grinch tells his dog everything, so we were able to listen in on his plans to ruin Christmas.”

Once investigators had the evidence, they were able to apprehend Grinch after a short foot chase.  When told that they had listened while he confessed his plans to his dog, Grinch said, “How could it be so?  It came without ribbons!  It came without tags!  It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

“My hope is that residents of Winn Parish can now relax and have a very Merry Christmas,” said Sheriff Jordan as he booked Grinch into the parish jail.  Then he turned to the Grinch and said, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.  You really are a heel.”

Thank you to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office and all its staff for the effort and patience it takes every year to bring this holiday event to our community! 

 

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Date: 12-5-22
Name: Sherry D Phillips
Address: Joyce, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female 
Age: 37
Charge: Theft  Continue reading →

The Goldonna community was very saddened by the loss of Mr. Bud Garner, father of School Board Member, Eugene Garner. He was a supporter of the community for many years and he will be dearly missed by everyone. Please continue to keep his family in your prayers.

The Native American Santa made a joyous visit to the community this past weekend. He was inundated with grateful children who enjoyed taking photos with him, talking with him and of course left with a Christmas present. Even though it was a rainy landing for Santa’s Sleigh it was a great turnout.

Goldonna Elementary Junior High Students returned from Thanksgiving break and hit the ground running with lots to accomplish before Christmas Break. The students will be attending the NSU Christmas Gala on December 1st. There is a new club called “the Good News Club” that will be forming soon. They are still collecting non-perishable food items for the Central Louisiana Food Bank and they are welcoming all donations for that endeavor.

The school will also be presenting a Christmas Program on Thursday, December 15th at 6:00pm. Parent Teacher Conference will be held on Tuesday, December 20th from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.

Mrs. Aly Erikson, ELA Specialist at the Natchitoches Parish School Board, presented a model WIN lesson at Goldonna Elementary on Nov. 29. In the lesson, Mrs. Erikson taught a wonderful group of young students how to break down words by using individual letter sounds. The students eagerly participated in the lesson and had a great time learning!

Pictured with Mrs. Aly Erikson: James, CJ, Natalie, Declan, and Lilley.

The Village of Goldonna is a little over a week away from the big Christmas event! The community has been working hard organizing the festival to make it one of the biggest yet. It is not too late to get involved.

Goldonna Christmas in the Park Committee is still seeking donations and volunteers for the Festival that will take place on Friday, December 9th. Pictures with Santa will take place at 4:00pm until 5:30pm. The parade will begin at 6:00pm with lineup beginning at the School. The fireworks show will start at 8:00. There will be refreshment served. If you have a business who would like to sponsor please reach out to Mayor Smith or one of the councilmen.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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Date: 11-28-22
Name: Misty Martin 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 41
Charge: Warrant, Extortion, Online impersonation, Access device fruad

Date: 11-28-22
Name: Carol O’Bryan 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White 
Sex: Female 
Age: 60
Charge: Indentity theft, Forgary (6 counts) 

Date: 11-29-22
Name: Harry J McKinney 
Address: Winnfield, LA 
Race: Black 
Sex: Male 
Age: 62
Charge: Warrant, Direct contempt of court 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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This Thanksgiving I had the distinct pleasure of talking turkey with several of Goldonna’s residents. Each one of them were grateful for different things but they all held one common thread. All of them choose to be grateful and thankful every day of the year and not just on a beautiful fall day that is riddled with delicious food, parades and football games.

Natchitoches Parish School Board Member, Eugene Garner, shared, “Thanksgiving means a lot for my family and grandchildren. I love them so much and enjoy spending time with them. Soon it will be Christmas time and life gets even better! Living with grandchildren is a life-changing experience for and I will always cherish this time.”

Goldonna Assembly of God Pastors, Timmy and Pam Harris said, “Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, stop for a moment and reflect on God’s blessings! Simply take a breath, be quiet for a few moments, bow your heads in humble surrender to the creator and lover of our souls, and just say thank you. The list of things to be thankful for is forever long we all know; but if I had to mention just one it would be, Jesus! Our Savior. John 3:16”.

Linda Dupree- One blessing leads to another. I can most clearly see my blessings in my rear view mirror! Paul tells us to always be grateful. That’s difficult in some areas, but he encourages us to have an attitude of gratitude. It lasts a lifetime. Salvation. Family. Church. Friends. Opportunities for serving and helping.

Goldonna Baptist Church Pastor Ben Dupree- “Ive always liked 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” There are blessings everywhere. Once we begin to search for them, even in situations we may deem as unpleasant, we will soon find out that God is far more good than we can ever imagine and certainly more than we deserve. So this Thanksgiving season, I’m thanking God for himself. He’s a God so powerful, he extinguished the sting of sin at the cross but he did so because he couldn’t imagine eternity without you. I can’t limit that Thankfulness to just the 3rd Thursday in November.

River of Life Family Worship Center Pastor George Procell “Thanksgiving is a reminder of how much God has given us. Blessings and hardships. We must be thankful for everything, all year long and not just one day of the year.”

Goldonna Mayor Jennifer Smith – “Every year as we enter the Thanksgiving season, we often find ourselves taking assessment of our lives and what we are most thankful for. One thing that comes to mind is my upbringing. I’m thankful my parents were Godly parents who made it a priority to raise me and my siblings in church. Their dedication to seek God has been a cornerstone of my life.”

Mayor-Elect Gayle Cloud- “I am thankful for my family, my health and the ability to continue an active lifestyle. I am also very thankful that I am still able to keep the store open, and especially for all of my incredible customers.

Don’t forget the following events happening soon!

On Saturday, November 26th at 1:00 the Village will welcome back the Indian Santa who visited last year. Children of all ages are invited to take pictures with Santa and he will have a special gift for everyone that comes to Town Hall.

Goldonna Christmas in the Park Committee is still seeking donations and volunteers for the Festival that will take place on Friday, December 9th. Pictures with Santa will take place at 4:00pm until 5:30pm. The parade will begin at 6:00pm with lineup beginning at the School. The fireworks show will start at 8:00. There will be refreshment served. If you have a business who would like to sponsor please reach out to Mayor Smith or one of the councilmen.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and may God shine his face upon you.

If you have news to share please email Reba Phelps at jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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Date: 11-7-22
Name: Maurice D County
Address: Nachitoches, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 22
Charge: Criminal trepassing

Date: 11-8-22
Name: Bradley Smilz
Address: Jonsboro, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male 
Age: 40
Charge: DUS , Carless operation

Date: 11-9-22
Name: Billy W Foster 
Address: Urania, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male 
Age: 39
Charge: Failure to appear 

Date: 11-11-22
Name: Dustin E Guilliams
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male 
Age: 40
Charge: Theft of utilities 

Date: 11-12-22
Name: Jenny R Lasyone 
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female 
Age: 49
Charge: DWI (1st)

Date: 11-14-22
Name: Dustin E Guilliams 
Address: Dodson, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 39
Charge: Resisting an officer 

Date: 11-15-22
Name: Janson D Pollins 
Address: Nachitoches, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 52
Charge: Entry on or remaining after being forbbiden 

Date: 11-15-22
Name: Mary Jane Calloway 
Address: Hodge, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female 
Age: 62
Charge: Theft (greater than 25,000)

Date: 11-16-22
Name: Alisha Danen Guillory
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 29
Charge:All drivers  must be licensed, Speeding, Improper child restrants

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Date: 11-13-22
Name: Micheal Foster 
Address: Homeless 
Race: Black
Sex: Male 
Age: 22
Charge:

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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By: Kaycie Kile
WPJ Reporter

Monday, October 31st, from 5-7 pm, Winn residents had the chance to participate in the city’s annual Fall Festival. Complete with its usual suspects like the costume, pumpkin decorating contests, jump houses, refreshments, and of course, trunk or treating–another safe and family-friendly community event has come and gone for Winnfield.

Unfortunately, I didn’t even snap half of the fantastic costumes I spotted on my walk up and down main during all the fun. Here’s to a better haul next Halloween! Special thank you to everyone who did give me the time and our sponsors that made this event possible for our city!

This year’s sponsors:
First United Methodist Church
Autumn Leaves Nursing Home
First Assembly of God
First Baptist Church
The Family Church
South Winnfield Baptist Church
Winn Parish Police Jury
Pilot Club

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Date: 10-1-22
Name: Billy Bodler Jr
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 30
Charge: Direct contempt of court

Date: 10-2-22
Name: Dellvonte R Snow
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Charge: Accessory

Date: 10-3-22
Name: Tanisha Amos
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Age: 40
Charge: Resisti9ng an officer, Entry, or remaining in place or on land after forbidden

Date: 10-4-22
Name: Nathaniel J Colone
Address: Lorogue, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 39
Charge: Criminal damage to property, Theft

Date: 10-6-22
Name: Deangelo Montez King
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 46
Charge: Simple battery, Unlawful telephone communications

Date: 10-8-22
Name: Domonique D Walker
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Charge: Disturbing the peace

Date: 10-8-22
Name: Edgar Rodger
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 62
Charge: Warrant, Entry on or remaining after forbidden, Possession of a schedule 2 (meth), Drug paraphernalia

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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