Last week, after demonstrating great patience with the conflict, President Trump offered a 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza and informed Hamas it has 72 hours to either accept his offer or be destroyed by Israel.  He further made clear that if Hamas doesn’t accept the plan or the plan simply unwinds that “Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying Hamas” as he stood next to Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House.  That’s a strong statement.  And, as of this moment, Hamas has reportedly agreed to return the remaining hostages. We’ll see. 

For many months Trump has demanded that Hamas release all of the remaining hostages, including the remains of dead hostages, or face the full wrath of Israel.  Trump’s plan for that region includes him serving as the chair of a “Board of Peace” to oversee the interim governance of Gaza.  The plan also includes sending aid into the area with an Arab-led stabilization force that would quickly establish order. The plan now puts great pressure on Hamas to release all of the hostages and disarm. 

This is a really important opportunity for not only Israel and Gaza, but for the whole Middle East. 

Generally, the Trump deal, as outlined by the Wall Street Journal, is “better understood as a way to move the region past the Gaza War and shift pressure onto Hamas.”  Then “after a modest Israeli withdrawal, the deal requires Hamas to free all 48 Israeli hostages, dead or alive, within 72 hours of acceptance.” (WSJ, 9-30-2025).  In exchange, Israel will swallow very hard and itself release 1,700 Gazans detained since the beginning of the war as well as 250 terrorists serving life sentences for killing Israelis.  If this does not demonstrate great, good faith and tremendous sacrifice by Israel to achieve this peace, I can’t imagine what would.  

The Plan further requires that “Gaza undergoes de-radicalization … with all Gazans being allowed to leave, stay or return later.  Hamas members who disarm could be granted amnesty or leave Gaza, with Hamas having no role in governance.” (WSJ, Id.).   I also note that we have heard for years about the need for a “two state solution” such that there would end up being a Palestinian state.  I have never believed that was right or just given both the danger that a permanent proximity to Israel a Palestinian state would pose, and because the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israel would be rewarded by the creation of a Palestinian state.  I’m also suspicious of the two-state idea given that Palestinian leadership back at least to Yassar Arafat had many opportunities to reach peace and create the possibility of a Palestinian state but chose war and barbarism against Israel every time, instead.

There is no question where we are. 

The day after meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House Trump clarified on Fox News exactly what he meant:

“President Trump issued a blistering public warning to Hamas on Friday, saying the “ruthless” terrorist group will be “hunted down, and killed” unless they release the remaining Israeli hostages and reach an agreement by Sunday evening.” 

 “They will be given one last chance,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “THIS DEAL ALSO SPARES THE LIVES OF ALL REMAINING HAMAS FIGHTERS!”  “We will have PEACE in the Middle East one way or the other. The violence and bloodshed will stop,” Trump added. “RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time.”

In short, this peace deal would bring the October 7 hostages home, guarantee Israel’s security, and get rid of the threat of Hamas.  Again, they can either disarm and lead a better life or leave with safe passage to other countries, without making the creation of a Palestinian state a prerequisite.  Or they will be annihilated.  

If Hamas does not participate or continues to fight and terrorize Israel, Israel will crush Hamas. No country can expect to tolerate the atrocities of the kind that have been inflicted on Israel, most certainly including the slaughter of Oct. 7th.  If this succeeds it could bolster peace throughout the Middle East and strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords.

All Americans and citizens of the world should pray that this result is achieved.

Royal Alexander

---

Once again, I’m going to venture off into the abyss and stray away from the bass fishing world. While aging and experiencing life for over 64 years of living in this great country, there are so many questions that I feel we just can’t find answers to. Today, with so much unrest in this country, let’s look at some of the issues we are dealing with and possible solutions. 

Why are we as a nation so divided? What has come between all of us that we can’t sit in the same room and listen to one another? Why can we no longer share our opinions without fear of repercussions?  Let’s start with the first question.

Why are we so divided? My first thought turns to the plain and simple fact: one political party hates the President! The hate runs so deep that it clouds their judgment as they refuse to acknowledge or accept anything he does good or bad. They just can’t overcome the hatred they have for this President!

How do we overcome the hate? We can start with the one thing that we as a nation need to face and correct. We need to get back to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! While some of you might stop reading at this point, I hope you’ll continue. 

Within the last 20 years, we have allowed the far left to convince us that God has no place in our schools or athletic events. We have literally caved into a small minority group and turned our backs on the ONE who has kept generations on the right path. 

Somewhere along the way during our country’s 250-year journey, SOMEONE decided to take God out of our schools and prayer out of our athletic/public events!  For this, “WE” have no one to blame but ourselves and the officials “WE” elected to represent “US” — the people. 

This issue has a simple solution; replace the people we elected with those who will truly represent our needs and wants. It’s time to reset our moral compass! Instead of making decisions with our best interests at heart, most of our representatives (law makers) today are not interested in doing what’s right, they’re looking for personal and financial gain. They have forgotten the reason they are in such positions of power- to represent their constituents.

Next, we as a nation have become too tolerant to the concept of new ideas, knowing there will be consequences for generations to come, all because neither side can come to a mutual agreement that works for both. We don’t want to dismiss the other’s opinion even though we know it’s not right, so we tolerate it. 

Why can we no longer sit in the same room and work out our issues? The problem is that it doesn’t matter what side you’re on, everyone feels THEY are right no matter what evidence or reason is put before them that says otherwise. In reality, we are at the point where no one truly wants to hear what the other side has to say and I’m not sure how we can overcome this obstacle. 

It’s simply human nature that we all feel the need to be right, and no one wants to admit when they are wrong on any issue. In today’s America, everyone thinks their way is the only way and if you don’t agree with them, then YOU’RE not only the problem, but the enemy as well!

So how do we move forward and get past all these issues? I personally feel it’s going to take a major incident like 9/11 where our country is attacked and our way of life is threatened or worse, taken away. We’re desperately in search for a reason to come together and reunite.  

Another thing that must change — fix the divorce rate in this country and bring back the family dynamics. Wedding vows should mean something! Bring back the idea of families and couples staying together! Now there’s a great concept! So many of today’s young people have mental issues mainly due to coming from broken homes, the breakdown of family structure, and of course, SOCIAL MEDIA! 

We must recognize and eliminate social media as the biggest issue we have in our country today! While initially it was a great idea, other countries are now using it to manipulate our thoughts and turn us against one another with fake posts that have bad intentions. 

Bottom line is this, whether you agree or disagree, America made a statement last November on how unsatisfied the people are at this point by electing a person who they feel will try and bring America back to its powerful place in the world. Everyone knew from the start that he (the President) has and will continue to ruffle a few feathers, but they elected him anyway.

To use a sports analogy, every Saturday college football coaches make decisions they feel are in the best interest of their teams. Each and every single one of them are looking and searching for one thing — victory. But not everyone agrees or likes the play or plays that are called, especially when they lose. 

Politics is no different. Both parties think they have all the answers and know what actions are needed to bring America back. But all I know is this —  if we continue to try and do this without God, we will never be able to bring this country back to a point where we can all get along. 

To wrap this up, here’s some food for thought: sometimes we must lose what we have in order to appreciate what we had. While this could be hard for some to handle, it might be the only way we can bring our country back to where it used to be … SANE!

---

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.

---

---

Gail Green Miller
April 2, 1947 – October 5, 2025
Service: Graveside Funeral Services for Mrs. Miller will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Richard Clyde Sandifer
November 9, 1950 – October 5, 2025
Service: Services for Mr. Sandifer will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 9, in Sardis Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Brown Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

The Winn Parish Police Jury certified the 2025 ad valorem tax rolls, voted to advertise for 2026 road materials and supplies, and approved the annual certification for the state Off-System Bridge Replacement Program during their Sept. 15 meeting. 

After outlining the roll figures, $110.9 million in assessed value, $18.04 in Homestead Exemptions, Assessor Lawrence Desadier reported a 2025 taxable value of $92,877,067, up from $89,212,225 in 2024.

Desadier said the assessor’s office is in compliance with state rules and that dates for the assessment books and board of review notices were advertised back in August, with 7 inquiries made during the 15-day public review period and no appeals received. He requested the Jury’s certification of the 2025 tax rolls, which was approved that same evening. 

In other action, Jurors voted to advertise for bids on road materials and supplies for calendar year 2026 and renewed the Off System Bridge Replacement Program certification. They appointed Mark Files to the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission for a four-year term to fill a vacancy.

Secretary-Treasurer Karen Tyler reported the first round of the RAC Agreement totals $147,870 in cash for materials and $146,779.76 in non-cash value for salaries and equipment. Bids for the Capital Outlay Frank White Road project will open Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. She noted the parish received final state FEMA reimbursements for 2016 flood projects, the road tax bond note is paid in full, and staff are evaluating new polling places for three precincts that had voted at the former Kindergarten School.

Road Supt. Perry Holmes said crews are grading and ditching with FEMA deadlines in mind and finished ditching on Moore Road with one grader temporarily down. Asst. Road Supt. Paul Hodnett said mowing is complete parishwide for one cycle and underway for a second, the pothole patcher is rotating through several communities, and bridge work is complete, including side-boom work on Tom Hudson Road.

Sheriff Josh McAllister explained his office has seized 50 to 60 animals since his installment and recently removed more than 30 dogs from a home in Joyce. He said the jail has added kennels and he may later seek help to offset the cost of a dedicated animal-control officer. Litter patrol is reduced while a supervisor attends the academy, and he has spoken with federal officials about opening ATV trails in the Kisatchie area to encourage commerce.

---

Superintendent-elect Dr. Troy Bell recently met with District Judge Anastasia Wiley, Juvenile Assistant District Attorney Shelby Terrell and Aleta Hoffman, a Families in Need of Services Officer (FINS), to coordinate how Winn Parish Schools and the courts enforce truancy laws in Winn Parish.

Bell said attendance is both a legal responsibility and critical for students’ academic success. With the district on a four-day school week, he noted that each class day carries greater weight and lost instruction is harder to recover.

Committed to fair and consistent enforcement parishwide, he emphasized the district collaborating with judicial partners to help families address attendance barriers and intervene early when patterns of absence appear going forward.

“Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed, and that begins with being present in school,” Bell said.

---

By Matt Vines, Journal Services 

There’s no doubt that the Winnfield football team will be more than prepared for the upcoming District 3-2A schedule when it comes around.

The Tigers (1-3) are facing their third straight tough test when Bunkie (4-0) visits Friday.

Winnfield dropped its third consecutive game in a 52-22 loss to another Class 3A power in Jena (4-0).

But the offense again showed life in its 22-point output, scoring a combined 54 points in its last two losses (including a 57-32 defeat to Class 5A West Ouachita).

This past week, an explosive Jena squad scored the first 20 points in the game, but Winnfield running back Detavious Williams showed explosion of his own when he scampered 60 yards for a touchdown and cut Jena’s lead to 20-6.

Williams has made a habit of long touchdown runs this season, adding a dynamic element to Winnfield’s power running game.

Jena’s own power run game was too much though, and a second Daniel Hatcher touchdown run combined with a Deuce McPherson 68-yard touchdown pass put the Giants ahead comfortably at 36-6 in the first half.

But the Tigers’ offense continued to show moxie, and Williams reached the end zone from two yards for a 36-14 halftime score.

Quarterback Nickalas Mockosher tacked on a 2-yard touchdown run to cap the scoring.

The Tigers rushed for 202 yards and gained 250 total yards, while a balanced Jena attack rushed for 238 and threw for 174.

It’s an offense that’s made strides since a 21-12 loss to Caldwell Parish, and they’ll need all the horses they can get against a Bunkie group that compares favorably to district rival Jena.

Bunkie has topped the 30-point mark in all four of its wins, including its most recent 33-6 triumph at Central Catholic.

The Panthers also do their damage on the ground and in the air, but perhaps the most defining quality is their defense.

Bunkie has allowed just 31 points combined through four games, and the defense is likely to be the best Winnfield’s faced this season.

The Panthers are keen on turning teams over, setting up short fields for its own offense.

Bunkie has won the past two meetings between the teams, which included a 50-14 decision this past season.

---

---

---

Rotarian of the Day Bob Holeman introduced Dr. Troy Bell, Winn Parish School Board’s new superintendent, as Winnfield Rotary Club’s guest speaker at their Sept. 24 meeting.

Bell spent many of his formative years in Alexandria before his family moved to West Monroe, La., when he was 14. He said he was always interested in sports, playing baseball at Louisiana Tech and golf at Northeast Louisiana University.

His first career was in business management with Entergy. Several years in, he realized it was not fulfilling and felt called to coaching and education. At age 38, Bell returned to college to pursue a degree in education.

After completing that degree, Bell taught and coached in middle school and then in high school. He moved from teaching to assistant principal and then principal, later serving as assistant superintendent, a progression that led to his role as superintendent of Winn Parish Schools.

Bell taught and worked in Ouachita, Caldwell and Franklin parishes, which he said is an advantage in Winn Parish because the size and demographics of those parishes are similar. He said he is meant to be in Winn Parish at this stage of his career.

Bell said he is grateful for the orientation he is receiving from the current superintendent and staff. He has visited cafeterias in each parish school and is meeting as many staff and teachers as he can. He rode a school bus route to familiarize himself with transportation in the parish and has spent much of his time asking questions and meeting people.

Bell’s three primary goals are to increase student enrollment, keep and recruit the best teachers and improve communications between the School Board, schools and the community, keeping residents informed about what is happening in the schools.

Bell and his wife will continue to live in Kelly, La., in Caldwell Parish, which is near Columbia, La., where his wife works, and not far from Urania, La.

---

Mothers and families are invited to the “Well Mom, Well Baby” community baby shower on Friday, Oct. 17, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Winn Parish Library, hosted by Humana and Allegiance Health.

With a focus on maternal health, the event will provide resources and activities for mothers and families, from onsite mobile maternal health visits through Allegiance Health and a doula table from Cenla Healthy Start to car seat safety checks, demonstrations and additional information from participating community partners.

Attendees can also expect baby shower-style fun with games, raffle prizes, giveaways and family-friendly activities. Playstreet equipment from the LSU AgCenter, along with representatives from Winn Parish WIC and Winn Parish Medical Center will also be on hand.

Vendors are invited to take part in the event. Those interested are asked to bring their own tables, chairs and booth supplies. Set-up begins at 11 a.m. and should be completed by 11:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Anna Barrett, community management professional for Region 6/5, at ABarrett25@humana.com or 318-308-3279.

---

The Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group will host a gala for Winn Parish cancer survivors on Feb. 7, 2026, to recognize the men and women who fight this disease each day, celebrate those who have won their battle, and remember those who are no longer with us.

This event will consist of a dinner, entertainment and motivational speakers. Rhonda Pharr, support group director, says the goal is simple: treat every survivor like the stars they are and create a celebration worth remembering. Pharr asks cancer survivors to contact the group to be added to the event’s list of honorees. Each honoree will receive two tickets to attend. Funds raised will stay in Winn Parish to continue assisting local patients who are undergoing treatment.

The support group thanks First United Methodist Church, Winn Parish Medical Center, Arclin and the many volunteers helping plan the event. If you’re a survivor or would like details, email juanitapharrcsg@gmail.com or call 318-332-4713. More details will be shared in the coming weeks. “In Winn Parish, no one fights alone.”

---

The Winnfield Historic Preservation Commission will meet Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Louisiana Political Museum, 499 E. Main St., Winnfield, Louisiana.

The commission is responsible for preserving and protecting Winnfield’s historic character and ensuring that changes within designated areas align with the city’s heritage and architectural significance.

Agenda items include discussion of the Historic District map and other matters related to local preservation efforts.

The public is encouraged to attend, provide input and stay informed about ongoing work to protect Winnfield’s historic identity.

---