The Winn Parish Chamber of Commerce and Tourism invites local businesses and organizations to join them in kicking off a little Halloween fun with their second Backbones Contest.

The contest places decorated skeletons outside participating locations for public viewing. For a fee, entrants receive a skeleton to dress and display. Chamber members are encouraging participants to get creative and have fun with their looks.

After naming and dressing a family-friendly skeleton, submit the final look to the Chamber to receive a personalized sign. The sign will include the skeleton’s name and a QR code for voting. The chamber will award first, second and third place based on these votes.

Businesses and organization should contact the chamber by Oct 1st to ensure their skeletons, call 318-628-4461 or email winnparishchamber@gmail.com to register.

All of Winn Parish is invited to share in a night of military recognition and celebration, honoring all who have served, at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the Pine Ridge Country Club. The evening will celebrate the 250th Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day.

The program will recognize all military branches, include a special tribute to the 250th USMC Birthday, mark the 20th anniversary of the Louisiana National Guard 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployment to Iraq, and offer a Veterans Day reflection and moment of silence. “Come join a meal as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and thank those who served.”

RSVP by Nov. 3, 2025, with Mike Brister at (318) 623-5354 or Victoria Guy at (318) 413-4848.

Kate’s Krewe invites the community to a spaghetti lunch on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Winnfield (772 Country Club Rd).

Plates are $20 and include spaghetti, corn, a roll and slice of chocolate cake. Pickup is at the church. Delivery is available for homes and businesses with orders of five or more dinners. Payment may be made by cash or check; please make checks payable to FARA (a national, public 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization).

To place an order, contact Chris Walker at 318-663-1611 or Laure Derr at 318-663-6701.

A free, in-person Youth Mental Health First Aid training will be held in Winnfield on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The class is open to the general public and peer support specialists, but it is not intended for behavioral health professionals.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized program designed to equip parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, human services workers, and other caring adults with the tools to help adolescents (ages 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge—or even a crisis.

The training introduces participants to common mental health challenges facing youth, explores typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for supporting young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and conditions where psychosis may occur.

Why Mental Health Matters for Youth

• 1 in 5 young people will face a mental health challenge at some point in their life.
• 17.1 million youth under 18 have or have had a psychiatric disorder—more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.
• 7.4% of children in the United States have a mental health visit each year.

“Equipping adults with the skills to recognize and respond to these challenges can make a real difference in the lives of our youth,” said Stephanie Francis, who is coordinating the class.

To participate, please email Stephanie Francis atsfrancis@louisianamha.org or, call     Shonna Moss at 318-628-0169.

Goldonna’s largest outdoor revival is currently being planned for November 9-16, every evening at 6:30pm. The outdoor services will be held at the Goldonna Ballfield on Ballfield Road. Everyone is invited to attend and encouraged to bring a friend and bring a chair. Experience God under the open fall night sky. For more information you can reach out to Brother Timmy Harris.

The Goldonna Christmas in the Park Commitee is busy planning the Festival with more details to be released soon.

Your trash could be someone else’s treasure. The community will also host a town-wide rummage sale on Saturday, November 8th. Start gathering your items that you would like to sell. This promises to be a huge event.

Goldonna Baptist Church will be kicked off their “Kingdom Kids” on September 10, 2025. These classes cater to children of all ages beginning with Pre-K all the way to 12th grade. The church is also still collecting items for Operation Christmas Child. Packing and shipping dates should be announced soon.

The Stand’s “Blessing Box” sustained damage this past week. Many area residents are hopeful that it was a passing car or ATV that caused the glass to break and not at the hands of a mischievous vandal. If you have items to donate please put them in the box. If you need something from the box, please take it. But by all means, please keep an eye on the box as it is blessing many people and deserves to be damage free.

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

Natchitoches, LA — September 23, 2025 — The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches is thrilled to announce the launch of four new Rooted & Rising classes, made possible through the generous support of sponsors, donors, and guests at this year’s “Be the Light” Gala.

The Gala, held on September 18, brought together community members, churches, businesses, and friends of WRC for an evening of inspiration and purpose. Together, attendees raised essential funds that will directly expand WRC’s educational programs to empower and equip parents in our region.

Thanks to this outpouring of generosity, WRC is launching four new classes in 2026 designed to help families thrive during pregnancy and early parenthood:

• Safe Sleep & Bathing – equipping parents with knowledge to keep their babies safe and healthy.

• Baby Basics – offering practical guidance on caring for infants in the early months.

• Nutrition (0–36 months) – teaching healthy habits for strong growth and development.

• Mom Support – providing a nurturing community for mothers to share, learn, and grow together.

“These classes represent the heart of our mission,” said Nicole Woods, Executive Director of WRC. “We believe every woman and family deserves access to education, support, and resources that affirm life and strengthen homes. The success of this year’s Gala means more parents will have the tools they need to thrive.”

The Rooted & Rising program is one of the many ways WRC continues its mission to provide help, hope, and life-affirming alternatives to women and families across our area. By combining practical skills with faith-based encouragement, these new classes will impact hundreds of families in the coming year.

For more information about WRC programs or to learn how you can get involved, visit http://www.wrcnatchitoches.org or call (318) 357-8888.

About the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches
Since 1989, the Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches has served thousands of women and families through free pregnancy testing, counseling, parenting education, material assistance, and referrals. WRC exists to empower women to make life-affirming choices and to strengthen families through compassionate care, education, and support.

Choosing a college can feel overwhelming for students and families. With so many questions about programs, admissions, campus life, and cost, the search often begins online. But if a university website feels dated or confusing, that first impression can create more stress than clarity.

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches has recognized this challenge and responded with a bold solution: a redesigned website that puts students and families first.

Unveiled this month, the new nsula.edu is built to guide prospective students, parents, and the community through a clear, engaging digital experience.

“Our enhanced site is dynamic, mobile-friendly, and designed with users in mind,” said Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer. “Whether you’re a high school student exploring majors, a parent reviewing financial aid, or a faculty member sharing research, the website is your first step into NSU.”

The redesign highlights admissions, academic programs, and campus life while showing the long-term value of an NSU degree.

“The website is more than just a facelift,” Gentry explained. “It’s a living, adaptable platform that will continue to grow alongside our students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Natchitoches community.”

Features include:

• Simple admissions navigation

• Interactive views of academic offerings

• Mobile-first design for families on the go

• Accessibility to ensure every visitor has a seamless experience

For President James T. Genovese, the project signals NSU’s forward momentum.

“This new digital front door reflects who we are today and the bright future we’re building,” Genovese said. “It shows students across Louisiana and beyond that NSU is a place where they can belong, grow, and succeed.”

While prospective students are the primary audience, the refreshed website also serves alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and the local community. From campus events to academic updates, nsula.edu is designed to be a central hub for all who are part of the NSU family.

“Our goal is for everyone who visits the site to feel connected,” said Gentry. “For prospective students especially, we want them to see themselves at NSU from the very first click.”

As students and families look ahead to the next chapter of education, a strong first step can make all the difference. Northwestern State University’s new website is designed to open doors, answer questions, and showcase the opportunities waiting in Natchitoches.

Discover the redesigned experience today at www.nsula.edu.

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.

Jesse Dale Brewer
October 18, 1937 – September 19, 2025
Service: Graveside services for Mr. Brewer took place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Zion Hill Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

• Fentanyl
• Methamphetamine
• Marijuana
• Various prescription pills (Schedule III and V)
• Drug paraphernalia (pipes)
• An iPhone matching the one reported stolen

1. Possession of Schedule I
2. Possession of Schedule II (2 counts)
3. Possession of Schedule V
4. Possession of Schedule III with Intent to Distribute
5. Possession of a Legend Drug
6. Prohibited Acts (drug-related)

1. Possession of Schedule I
2. Possession of Schedule II (2 counts)
3. Possession of Schedule III
4. Possession of Schedule V
5. Possession of a Legend Drug
6. Prohibited Acts

Alongside Starla Triplett Jones’s Pinecrest proposal, the Winnfield City Council moved through routine business and a few personnel matters at the September meeting.

After thanking the mayor and council for their hard work and honesty in handling matters within the community, Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter confirmed that “Shop with a Cop” will continue this holiday season. “Even if it’s just one kid, we’re having Shop with a Cop. We won’t get discouraged,” he said.

Councilman Matt Miller of District 4 took a moment to thank the fire department for restoring flag posts, calling the display of American flags across the bridge an impressive sight. Assistant Chief Martin also announced that some city employees will soon be sworn in as members of the Louisiana State Guard, a resource that can be called on in natural disasters. The ceremony took place Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. in the Allen Building.

The council recognized Sydney Jones for his service in the recreation department, offering appreciation for his time and efforts on the job. In other business, the council introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 11.5 of the city’s historical preservation code and approved hiring full-time dispatchers Kaylee Sweet and Tara Ayres, both of whom have already taken and passed their civil service exams.

Members authorized a transfer from the sales tax account to cover increased utility expenses. Hamms invited anyone with questions about the transfer to visit City Hall to better discuss and review the details. 

By Matt Vines

The Winnfield football team overcame its mistakes as they powered past Jonesboro-Hodge in a season-opening win.

But the Tigers couldn’t repeat that feat against a more stout Caldwell Parish bunch in Week 2, falling in 21-12 fashion.

The Spartans (1-1) scored the first two touchdowns and limited the Winnfield (1-1) offense to stave off a Tigers comeback.

“(Caldwell Parish coach Cleo Head) and his staff had a good plan to start the game offensively,” said Winnfield coach Byron Keller. “After seeing it and making our adjustments, we were able to get some three-and-outs and stop their drives.”

Caldwell Parish gained 285 yards (101 passing, 187 rushing) while Winnfield yards (97 passing and 133 rushing).

The Tigers will attempt to knock off Class 4A West Ouachita (1-1) on Friday, and Winnfield can’t make the same mistakes against a bigger, deeper Chiefs’ squad.

“We cannot make the same mistakes every week,” Keller said. “We have to correct those mistakes and not make them anymore.

“We have to win all three phases of the game, and we only won special teams against Caldwell Parish.”

Special teams was a critical phase this past week as Craig St. Cyr returned a kickoff about 90 yards for a touchdown.

Winnfield managed only one offensive score in the game, something that will have to be more productive against a West Ouachita bunch that dropped 62 points on Jonesboro-Hodge in a 62-13 win.

Winnfield also corralled J-Hodge to the tune of 28-6 in the opener.

The West Ouachita game starts the most difficult three-game stretch on Winnfield’s schedule, which includes home dates with Jena and Bunkie in the upcoming weeks.