Winn Food Pantry Returns to Pre-COVID Procedures

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

The Winn Community Food Pantry (located at 302 S. Beville St.) has served nearly 3,000 bags of groceries so far this year, but leaders say the rising need is beginning to outpace donations and the pantry will have to tighten how it distributes food.

In a recent update to the North Central Baptist Association, pantry treasurer Jan Beville shared the pantry provided 2,918 bags of groceries from January through September 2025, 378 more than in the same period last year. To meet that increase, the pantry spent $54,628 on food during those nine months, while donations totaled $50,963.01.

“For the first time in many years, our bank balance is extremely low and we are operating almost ‘week to week,’” Beville said.

Because of that, the pantry plans to return to its pre-COVID screening process. At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the pantry relaxed requirements and allowed anyone who came for help to receive a bag of groceries without providing proof of income. Beville says the goal now is to continue serving people in need while being careful with funds.

The pantry is supported by a wide network in Winn Parish: 18 churches, the North Central Baptist Association, Sunday school and mission groups, four local businesses, school clubs, civic and professional organizations, Bible school offerings, Winn Parish 4-H and local grocery stores through discounts and holiday food drives. The pantry also receives memorial and honor gifts, along with canned goods, but does not receive any government funding.

The pantry’s day-to-day work is carried out by 32 volunteers from at least 15 churches across Winn Parish. They pack bags during the week, prepare the space on Wednesdays and hand out food each Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Winnfield. An 11-member board, made up of representatives from eight churches, oversees the ministry periodically over the course of the year.

Families may receive food once every four weeks, and larger households with three or more school-age children may receive two bags.

“We are grateful for the support we receive,” Beville expressed, inviting supporters to visit any Thursday between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. to see the pantry in action.

Main Street Sessions to Seek Public Input on a ‘More Vibrant Winnfield’

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

Winn Main Street is partnering with Main Street America to gather public input on how to strengthen downtown Winnfield and invites all residents to take part in the two sessions being held this week.

A community visioning meeting will be held this Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Events, 111 W. Lafayette St. This session will focus on hearing from residents, business owners and stakeholders about what they want to see in a “more vibrant Winnfield.”

A follow-up presentation of initial findings and recommendations is set for Friday, Nov. 7, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Louisiana Political Museum, 499 E. Main St. At that meeting, the Main Street team will share what they heard and offer early suggestions for downtown improvements.

For more information, call Shannan Chevallier at 318-623-7732.

Louisiana to Fund Temporary Aid as Federal SNAP Benefits Freeze

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

With federal SNAP payments on hold because of the government shutdown, Louisiana will step in to cover November food benefits for at risk households, Gov. Jeff Landry announced.

Louisiana will spend about $150 million in state funds this month to maintain benefits for about 565,000 of the most vulnerable recipients. Benefits will begin loading to EBT cards Nov. 1-4. The Louisiana Department of Health said households will then receive 25% of their normal benefit on the day they usually receive SNAP and another 25% every seven days through November as long as the shutdown continues.

Households that consist only of able-bodied adults (about 53,000 statewide) will not receive the temporary state-funded help. Landry urged those recipients to seek work, noting that there are more than 100,000 job openings across the state.

State officials said the goal is to prevent an immediate food gap for seniors, families with children and people with disabilities, groups that make up a large share of SNAP recipients in rural parishes such as Winn.

Recipients do not have to reapply to receive the November state benefit. LDH is reminding people they still must report household changes, complete simplified reporting or recertification paperwork and submit verification on time in order to stay federally eligible once funding resumes. Documents can be mailed to the LDH ES Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826, or faxed to 225-663-3164.

Because SNAP is federally funded, LDH reported it has furloughed 786 employees whose jobs are tied to the program, effective Monday, Nov. 3. Another 298 workers are considered essential and will remain on the job. The furloughs will continue until the federal shutdown ends. The department said it will keep monitoring the situation and provide updates to retailers and beneficiaries.

Residents who are not covered by the state-funded assistance, particularly able-bodied adults without dependents, are encouraged to contact local food banks for help. LDH is also asking residents who are able to give support to local food assistance efforts in their communities throughout the ongoing shutdown and incoming holiday season.

Kiwanis Annual Fruit Sale, Now Through Nov. 14

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

The annual Kiwanis fruit sale is under way now through Nov. 14. Delivery is expected the first week of December (Dec. 3 or 4) at the Winn Parish Fire Station.

This is the club’s main fundraiser for projects that benefit children in our community and around the world. Please contact a Kiwanian to order fruit for Christmas.

Available fruit includes apples, oranges, grapefruit, pears, clementines, a citrus combo basket and a mixed pack (oranges, apples, grapefruit). Also available are a Tres Queso Pack, summer sausage and cheese.

The club thanks the community for its continued support in all their fundraising efforts.

Ceremony to Honor All Who Served Nov. 10

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

A “Recognition Honoring All Who Served” program celebrating the 250th Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 10, 2025, at Pine Ridge Country Club.

A free meal will be provided. Please RSVP ahead to ensure enough for all attendees.

To RSVP, contact Mike Brister at 318-623-5354 or Victoria Guy at 318-413-4848.

Winnfield Parade to Roll Dec. 5, Entries Now Open

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

Winnfield’s annual Christmas parade will roll through downtown at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, to this year’s theme “Elf-tastic Christmas.”

Parade entry forms are available for pick up at Winnfield City Hall, the Pea Patch and the Louisiana Political Museum. Deadline for entries is 4:00 p.m., Dec. 1st

Participants are asked to attach any information they want announced about their entry. Only Christmas music should be played, and groups should not include a Santa, because the parade will feature an official Santa at the end.

Lineup instructions will be staggered. Eighteen-wheelers and large floats should line up between 4:30 and 5 p.m. All other entries that want to be judged should line up between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Judging will take place in front of First Baptist Church, and awards will be presented after the fireworks display.

During lineup, all floats should enter from the east end of Maple Street (the Mini Park side). Organizers stressed that side streets must stay open so residents can access their homes.

All marching groups are expected to perform the entire length of the parade route. Drivers should not stop at the head table unless the announcer directs them to do so, and sirens should be turned off at the railroad crossing.

For safety, large floats must have walkers alongside them to help protect children. All drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

The parade is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield and the City of Winnfield, both are thankful to all participating residents and groups for supporting this community event and wish everyone a warm and merry holiday season.

Anyone with questions may call Shonna Moss at 318-628-0169.

Consider This November (and Every Other Month, Too)

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

By Janet Bloomfield

November is the month in which many of us wear white ribbons to draw attention to the terrible scourge of domestic violence. Our traditional understanding of domestic violence as something men do to women is inadequate in many ways, and continuing to focus on this important but narrow characterization ultimately hinders effective ways to address and end violence in families.

Here are five facts about domestic violence that need to be understood and addressed before we can hope to help families that suffer in this way:

Domestic violence is about power.
Domestic violence affects families, not just individuals.
Domestic violence injures women the most severely, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t injure men, too.
Domestic violence is not a joke just because it happens to men.
Domestic violence is not always physical.

Emotional abuse is a major part of domestic violence. Domestic violence is understood as a tragedy, particularly when there are children involved, witnessing and often suffering from the violence themselves, because this is likely the way a new generation of abusers is born. If we sincerely want to address domestic violence, we need to understand it as, first and foremost, a human tragedy.

For help contact Annie Goods, Winn Parish DART Advocate, at 318-648-0559 or The
Crisis Hotline at 1-888-411-1333.

Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

Date: 10-28-25
Name: David A. Banner
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: N/A
Charge: Resisting Officer, Simple Possession, Schedule 1, Driving Under Suspension, Improper Display, No Seatbelt

Date: 10-27-25
Name: Tymon Campbell
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 24
Charge: Domestic Abuse with Child Endangerment, Criminal Damage to Property

Date: 10-28-25
Name: Taylor Tucker
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Charge: Bond Violations

Date: 10-29-25
Name: Michael R. Walker
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 40
Charge: Warrant, Violation of Protective Order

Date: 10-30-25
Name: Joseph B. Kelley
Address: Natchitoches, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 22
Charge: Fugitive, Tint, Modified Exhaust, Driving Under Suspension for Certain Prior Offenses, Resisting an Officer

Date: 10-30-25
Name: Terry L. Sanders
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 57
Charge: Failure to Appear, Domestic Abuse Battery

Date: 11-2-25
Name: Amanda D. Jacobs
Address: Sikes, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 33
Charge: Possession of Schedule 2 (Meth), Criminal Trespass, Prohibited Acts (Paraphernalia), Criminal Damage to Property (over $1,000)

Date: 11-3-25
Name: Tavarius C. Wilkins
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 22
Charge: Fugitive

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.

Winnfield Police Department Arrest Report

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

Date: 10-29-25
Name: Marcus Elmore
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 26
Charge: Direct Contempt of Court

Date: 10-30-25
Name: Allen Watkins
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 33
Charge: Aggravated Assault

Date: 11-1-25
Name: Cameron Williams
Address: Gonzales, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 22
Charge: Theft of Motor Vehicle, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, Driving Under Suspension, Simple Battery of Person with Infirmities (x2)

Date: 11-1-25
Name: April L. Jackson
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Age: 37
Charge: Failure to Report an Accident

Notice of Death- November 4, 2025

November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 / wpjreporter

Murlene “Moma” Triplett
February 5, 1939 – October 26, 2025
Service: Services for Mrs. Triplett took place October 31, 2025, 11 a.m. Mt. Olive Baptist Church (303 Brown St. Winnfield, LA). Interment followed in the Winnfield Cemetery.

James “Black Hammer” Hinkston
November 5, 1964 – October 24, 2025
Service: Services for Mr. Hinkston took place on Saturday November 1, 2025, 11 a.m. at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church (430 West Jones St. Winnfield, LA).

Teresa Darleen Parks
December 8, 1958 – October 27, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mrs. Parks took place at Southern Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed services at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield.

Phillip Wayne Alsup
January 12, 1959 – October 12, 2025
Service: Arrangements for Mr. Alsup will be announced by his family at a later date. Thank you.

Ginger Michelle Thomas
January 26, 1975 – November 1, 2025
Service: Miss Ginger will be laid to rest beside her father in Garden of Memories, Winnfield, following a private family service. Thank you.

Karen Marie Taylor
July 3, 1953 – November 1, 2025
Service: Services for Mrs. Taylor took place Tuesday, November 4th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 11:00 a.m. Interment followed at Sardis Cemetery.

Jury Advances on Polling Place Moves, OK’s Road Work

October 29, 2025October 28, 2025 / wpjreporter

***From left, District 4 Police Juror Stanley Garret, District 5 Police Juror Kyle Potts and District 1 Police Juror Phillip Evans discuss needed repairs to Craig Street during the Oct. 20 meeting.***

Winn Parish jurors advanced two polling‑place relocations, accepted a road‑project change order, and awarded a small capital‑outlay contract while parish road crews push to finish FEMA work before month’s end at their October meeting last Monday.

The Jury introduced notices of intent to move Precinct 04/3 from the Calvin Branch Library (255 2nd St.) to Calvin Town Hall (455 Elliott Ave.), and to move Precincts 02/3, 07/1 and 07/2A from 1607 Maple St. to Room 3, downstairs at the Winn Parish Courthouse, 119 W. Main St. Both sites have passed polling‑place surveys and meet all requirements. Final adoption will follow required advertising and state notification before the next meeting.

Road Superintendent Perry Holmes says FEMA projects are complete on Albritton Road, Big Creek Road and Buddy Taylor Road, with about five roads left before the Oct. 31 deadline. Holmes said he has fielded calls about where and how material is used, noting that FEMA sets placements in each project and later verifies every location by GPS coordinates. He added that one grader is down after a bent hydraulic cylinder on Elmer Jones Road, and two truck drivers have left the job. As crews catch up, they plan to address a pending resolution from Sikes to mow around the sewer pond and along Caney Street.

Jurors approved a $22,847.50 change order on Aunt Marie’s Road to extend the overlay roughly 700 feet to the end of the route. They also awarded Frank White Road, Contract II to Amethyst Construction, Inc. for $28,663.60, and adopted a resolution to assist the Village of Dodson with repairs to Craig Street.

Members also authorized $200,000 from House Bill 461, a 2025 state law that provided a one-time boost for local infrastructure, for rock and culverts. They also agreed to submit fiscal year 2026-27 capital outlay requests, the parish’s applications to the state for capital project funding, for Eugene Garrett, Frank White, Aunt Marie’s, Old Alexandria, L. Sullivan, Welcome Home, Mars Hill Church, Collins Camp, Louisiana, Blewer, Arkansas, Lum Fox, part of Gum Springs and Bethlehem. Lum Fox Road bids were opened Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. in the jury room.

In other action, the jury appointed the Joyce Sewerage District 1 board: Ricky Vines, Arlene Vines, Tammy Procell, David Procell and Mike Hudson to facilitate more attentive management of the system for the area and its residents going forward.

Winn’s new superintendent Dr. Troy Bell told jurors in his brief address that he’s in week eight on the job and is focused on enrollment and facility needs. He thanked the Parish Fire Department and the Sheriff Office for their partnered efforts in the recent improvements of Tigers’ stadium and expressed his eagerness in continuing to pursue a mutually positive and beneficial relation with the jury.

President Frank McLaren mentioned in closing the jury expects to propose a new solar ordinance after more research and reviewing neighboring parishes’ ordinances before bringing a motion at the November meeting. “I want to keep it as simple as possible,” he said.

He also offered condolences to the family of Grant Parish Police Juror Arnold Murrell, 84, who served more than 20 years on the Grant Police Jury.

Winnfield Police Department Announces Plans for 19th Annual ‘Shop with a Cop’

October 29, 2025October 28, 2025 / wpjreporter

WINNFIELD, LA — The Winnfield Police Department will move forward with this year’s 19th annual Shop with a Cop program, which brings together first responders, volunteers and community leaders to support local children during the holiday season. Participating first responders include police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, communications staff and corrections personnel.

Recent concerns were raised regarding support previously provided by the nonprofit Save a Child. Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter said the department will oversee the program directly this year to ensure full transparency.

“I will manage this personally,” Chief Carpenter said. “All donations and expenditures will be recorded, audited and published for public review. We use this program to build lasting, positive relationships between underprivileged children in Winn Parish and first responders by providing a safe and memorable experience.”

Chief Carpenter noted that many participating children have faced difficult events such as house fires, medical emergencies, a death in the family or other crises. “We do not want those moments to define their view of first responders,” he said. “This program is about trust, kindness and a positive memory they can carry forward.”

To support Shop with a Cop, a Boot Drive will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 167 North and Thomas Mill Road. All proceeds will benefit the program.

First responders will also be visible at upcoming community events, including the rescheduled Fall Fest on Main Street next Tuesday, Nov. 4, and other seasonal activities. Residents are encouraged to stop by, ask questions and learn how to support Shop with a Cop.

Additional details on participant selection, dates and donation reporting will be announced from the department in coming weeks.

Fall Festival Rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov 4

October 29, 2025October 28, 2025 / wpjreporter

New date, same spooky fun for all. Winnfield’s Annual Fall Fest is rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This year’s celebration will feature two community Halloween Hayrides designed for different age groups so everyone can enjoy the fun at their own comfort level:

Ages 13–17: Hayride on Church Street beside the Methodist Church
Ages 12 and under: Hayride on S. Jones Street beside the Bank of Winnfield

Each hayride will carry families several blocks through a festively decorated route filled with pumpkins, fog, and excited volunteers dressed in their Halloween best greeting each passing trailer.

More than 40 churches, businesses, and school groups will be set up along Main Street with treats and activities for children of all ages. Hot dogs will be served near Beville Street, and bounce houses will be located beside First Baptist Church.

The Costume Contest will take place at the First United Methodist Church, in front of the Family Life Center. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m., and the contest will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Trophies will be awarded in the following categories:

Ages 0–3
Ages 4–7
Ages 8–10
Ages 11–13
Ages 14–17
Ages 18 & Up
Theme Groups
Pets

Bring your costumes and your crew to Main Street for hayrides, hot dogs, and full candy buckets next Tuesday evening.

Keller faces old team when Red River rolls into town

October 29, 2025October 28, 2025 / wpjreporter

***Photos Courtesy of Tiger Snaps Photography***

By Matt Vines, Journal Services

WINNFIELD – Intensity and physicality.

While Winnfield plays with those things at times, coach Byron Keller said his Tigers will need a complete 48 minutes to compete against the best of District 3-2A.

The Tigers stayed within striking distance of Mansfield, trailing by two touchdowns most of three quarters this past Friday.

But the Wolverines pulled away in the final quarter of a 56-22 win.

Now Winnfield (2-6, 0-2) must turnaround and face the other primary contender for the district title when Red River (4-4, 2-1) comes to town.

While the No. 29 Tigers could potentially make the playoffs with just one win in its final two games, winning both of the remaining games would guarantee a postseason slot in Division III Non-Select.

Red River has plenty on the line as well with the No. 19 Bulldogs vying for their second straight district title and a home playoff game.

Oh, and the Bulldogs are facing their former coach in Keller, who guided Red River to its first district championship since 2005 before taking the Winnfield position this offseason.

There will be plenty of emotion as these two district rivals square off Friday.

“I’m sure that message has been said a couple times at Red River this week,” said Keller, talking about motivating players by mentioning the old coach’s name. “I’m sure they want to win and upset their old coach and have bragging rights for another year.

“Situations like that happen in high school sports and adds to the Friday night environment. But we have to focus on us and continue to get better. We have to play with physicality for 48 minutes.”

Aside from playoff implications, Winnfield players likely have their own motivation source.

Red River whipped Winnfield twice in three weeks by scores of 50-6 and 48-6, the latter in the first round of the playoffs.

“Yes, these kids remember,” Keller said.

Winnfield’s offense sort of kept pace with Mansfield for three quarters by controlling the ball as Winnfield ran more plays (55-36).

But the Tigers defense continues to struggle with containing explosive offenses as Mansfield outgained Winnfield 461-241.

Running back Terrell Pegues averaged nearly 16 yards per carry en route to 174 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 14-yard touchdown catch to the mix as well. Jaydan Hamilton added 112 rushing yards and a pair of scores as well on just seven touches.

Quarterback J.J. Howard threw for 131 yards and two scores on just 4-of-6 passing.

Winnfield’s Detavious Williams scored all three Tiger touchdowns on the ground while gaining 110 yards. Quarterback Nickalas Mockosher was efficient in the short passing game, but Mansfield tackled well to keep the Tigers to 69 yards on 11-of-15 passing.

Mansfield is the owner of the district’s most explosive offense, but Red River has the best passing attack.

Three-year starter Malique Smith is a threat to run and throw with weapons like Warren Bowman and Lathyn Lewis on the receiving end.

“Our team is aware of our ranking and what needs to happen for a playoff spot,” Keller said. “We will focus on our opponents and executing at a high level every chance we get.”