As cooler weather approaches, New Zion and Caring and Sharing in Unity are teaming up for a community coat drive to help local families.
Donations of new and gently used coats, jackets and sweaters for children and adults are welcome. The drive runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and anyone in need may attend.
To coordinate donation drop-offs or for more information, contact Mary Lou Blackley at 318-481-0227.
By Rhonda Pharr
As I sat in my classroom, lights off, not a sound to be heard in the whole building but the beat of my own heart, an uneasiness came over me, even though I knew it was just a drill. We can all remember those days of the fire alarms blaring and all of us quickly moving in a straight line to our designated place of safety, most of the time welcoming the short break in our day.
Tornado drills are another memory many of us in Louisiana can relate to: hunkering down on your knees, hands covering the back of your head, hoping and praying it would end soon because of the sharp pains radiating through your knees. As adults, we can picture those drills in our minds and remember taking part in them ourselves. Now, however, your children are coming home telling you about lockdown drills, something many parents cannot relate to.
It is a sad reality that lockdown drills have become part of the new normal in schools. They are not meant to scare your children, but to prepare them should there ever come a time when those skills are needed. Parents, it is important that your children know these drills are serious and that they should pay close attention to instructions. Practice them at home with your children: lock doors, lights out, move away from the door and windows, get low to the floor, and take cover behind a desk, backpack, or whatever you can find.
The most important part is that students stay completely quiet, for their safety and the safety of their peers. Stress that they are not to open the door for anyone during a real lockdown. They are to remain in position until building administrators or police officers enter the room and give further instructions. We need to make this second nature so they immediately know what to do. Remember, this is not done to frighten your kids; it is to prepare them so they are confident in knowing what to do.
What should your child do if an assailant enters the classroom? Fight back with whatever they have: desks, book bags, chairs, and more. Twenty-five students against one assailant stand a shot if they band together and fight with everything they have. It is not something we like to think about or to have our kids think about, but in today’s world it is better to be safe than sorry. We have seen far too many times that it can happen and does so very often.
It is also helpful, as a family, to have a plan to ensure your safety when you attend an event like a football game or concert. What will you do should trouble arise? Do your kids know the plan? Can they act quickly? Even everyday events like going to the store or to church now require us to think ahead and be prepared for anything. Working together as a family ensures that you all know what to do and can immediately put that plan into place.
My prayer is that no child is ever put into a situation where they have to resort to any of these practices. I pray for a world like the one I grew up in, where we could go about our everyday lives and not worry about the threat of violence. Prayers are answered daily. Maybe this one will be, too.
President Trump never changes or equivocates and “political speak” remains foreign to him. He plows ahead and did so again this past week when he addressed the United Nations in New York City.
He endured audio problems, a teleprompter malfunction, and an escalator mishap before he delivered his speech, irregularities that are under FBI investigation. Undaunted, he gave one of the most impactful and historic speeches ever delivered in the United Nations.
One topic Trump hammered repeatedly as a threat to every nation was illegal immigration. Illegal immigration “is destroying your country, and you have to do something about it!” “Uncontrolled migration” is a great danger and “your countries are being ruined.”
He directly criticized the UN stating, “not only was the UN not solving problems it was (actually) funding an assault on Western countries and their borders.” He noted “in 2024, the UN budgeted $372 million in cash assistance to support an estimated 624,000 people illegally coming into the United States.” He pointedly stated that the “mass trafficking of children is evil but that’s exactly what the globalist migration agenda has done.”
Trump continued, “the UN is supposed to stop invasions, not create them or finance them.” In America, “we reject the idea that mass numbers of people from foreign lands can be permitted to travel halfway around the world to trample our borders, violate our sovereignty and cause unmitigated crime while depleting our social safety net.”
He asserted that “just as America belongs to the American people, I encourage all countries to take their own stand in defense of their citizens as well.” He blamed the illegal invasion on “political correctness” and, pointing to London, said “your migrants now want to go to Sharia law.” Rather, he urged, every nation is “unique,” and you have “the right to control your own borders” and should do so!
One of my favorite parts of the speech was when Trump looked out at the huge assembly of leaders from across the world and, after enumerating the seven wars he has recently ended worldwide, said, “… it’s too bad I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them … and sadly in all cases the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them.” And then he eyed that weak and sterile body and stated, “I never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help.”
He concluded his scathing critique by asserting “all the UN does is write really strongly worded letters and then never follows up on those letters. They’re only empty words and empty words don’t solve war.”
He emphasized the need for unity against the greatest threat—the “nuclear” threat—and recalled his destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability. “The world’s number one sponsor of terror (Iran) can never be allowed to possess the most dangerous weapon.” Trump explained he attempted to negotiate with the Supreme Leader of Iran to halt that country’s nuclear program but was ignored. He then ordered seven American B-2 bombers to drop fourteen bombs on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, “totally obliterating” all of them.
He then powerfully recalled the slaughter of Oct 7th in Israel and addressed the issue of a ceasefire in Gaza, chastising the nations present who, “as if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body are seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state” which would “only reward the horrible atrocities of Hamas, which has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace.” He then demanded that Hamas “release the hostages now!”
He also explained he is using the American military to destroy drug cartels he has designated as terrorist organizations, indicating we are “blowing drug boats out of the water.”
He also mocked Green energy as “windmills that don’t work” and UN participation decades before in climate hysteria that has never come to pass. “Climate change is the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
He concluded by observing America’s 250th anniversary next year and invited the world to come for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as “great celebrations of liberty and human achievement.” He then defended Christianity and encouraged each nation to treasure and protect its own heritage and citizens, and closed with “God bless the nations of the world.”
Trump is a rare and historic leader, and we should pray for his health and safety.
Royal Alexander
Why would anyone walk away from fishing for a living? Who in their right mind would want to give up this lifestyle? Well, if you sit down and visit with any one of several anglers who have lived “the dream” and fished professionally, you’ll understand the trials and tribulations that go with the job.
It’s truly a lifestyle very much like those we call gypsies. Traveling the country like a circus from town to town or in the fishing world, lake to lake. Anglers traverse the United States from the south with Florida’s Lake Okeechobee to as far north as the Great Lakes. From Lake Murray, South Carolina, in the east to as far west as Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas.
Nothing ages a person more than travel and stress. It’s hours upon hours of lonely windshield time. Each tournament can mean anywhere from 15 to 18 hours of travel time one way depending on where they choose to call home.
But some anglers have tried to make their drives much shorter by uprooting their families and moving to the southeastern part of the United States since the majority of the tournaments are in this part of the country.
Many anglers who have grown up on the west coast looking to pursue “the dream” of a professional bass fishing career have made a career move to Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee just to help cut down on road time in between events.
This life-changing move is not just about the angler, but their families as well. Talking to several pro anglers over the years, time away from family is the hardest part of pursuing the life of a professional angler.
Sacrifices are made like missing birthdays, Mother’s Day, Easter and many more events that are considered family time. Many tears have been shed by anglers as they leave their driveways headed for the next event as they look into their review mirror and the wife and kids are waving goodbye, wondering when dad will return.
This is the emotional sacrifice ALL professional anglers endure. Like so many other jobs, it takes a toll on the angler himself and the family. Many divorces have been had over an angler chasing this so-called dream.
It takes a special wife who is strong and can handle the challenges of raising kids, running a household and dealing with everyday life while the man of the house is gone for several weeks straight. A conversation I had with pro angler Shaw Grigsby revealed that he figured up that he had slept in his own bed only three days out of the month of April one year.
This time away from home is the norm and not the exception. That’s why so many successful touring pros give all the credit to their wives for their success because she is the one holding down the fort while they as anglers try and do their jobs.
So, what’s the attraction to be a professional angler? Is it the fancy truck and boat wraps? Is it the cool looking logoed shirts the anglers wear? Yes, to both of these, and the same as any other high-profile job, the fame and fortune and a lifestyle that’s like no other.
But if you think “going fishing” everyday sounds like fun, understand this. While you’re going to the office for your job, their office as professional anglers is at the lake. Their job requires them to back their boats in the water every single day in all types of weather.
Their office is outdoors and very seldom do they get days off just because it’s raining, cold or hot. They still must find fish and figure out how to compete and catch bass in all types of weather conditions. Their day starts at sunrise and ends at sunset!
While we see these anglers at an expo or the weigh-ins, what we don’t see are the number of hours they put in researching their next body of water, tackle preparation, social media postings, and sponsor meetings.
To be a professional angler is a full-time job that not just anyone can do. It takes a person with special talent who is committed and dedicated to being a professional angler. It also takes a team to make an angler successful. In most cases it’s the wife/business manager that helps to make these pros successful in the bass fishing world.
I hope you now have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a professional bass fisherman. So, if you think this is the life for you, good luck because you’re going to need it.
Date: 9-23-25
Name: Justen M. Boyett
Address: Dodson, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 42
Charge: DWI Careless Opp, Possession of Alcoholic Beverage, Warrant
Date: 9-24-25
Name: Cheyenne Rae Halford
Address: Montgomery, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: N/A
Charge: Unauthorized Entry of Inhabited Dwelling
Date: 9-25-25
Name: Jamari Raymon Dudley
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 25
Charge: Warrant
Date: 9-25-25
Name: Edward Dewayne Evans
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 57
Charge: FTA
Date: 9-26-25
Name: William Gene Wooten Jr.
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 34
Charge: Warrant x2
Date: 9-29-26
Name: Carlos Portillo-Perez
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 32
Charge: Warrant, Aggravated Battery
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.
Date: 9-25-25
Name: Brenden D. Rozelle
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 17
Charge: Indecent Behavior with Juvenile, Pornography Involving Juveniles, Misdemeanor Carnal Knowledge of Juvenile
Date: 9-25-25
Name: Shemyra M. Bouie
Address: Jonesboro, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Age: 26
Charge: Direct Contempt of Court
Date: 9-25-25
Name: Edward Powell
Address: Homeless
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 37
Charge: Theft
Date: 9-27-25
Name: LaShonda W. Dunn
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Age: 56
Charge: Simple Battery
Date: 9-27-25
Name: Tucker J. Ortiz
Address: Dodson, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 23
Charge: Direct Contempt of Court
Date: 9-29-25
Name: Floyd Jean Blake
Address: WInnfield, La
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 69
Charge: Prohibited Acts Schedule 2 (Meth)
Date: 9-29-25
Name: Bobby Barnes
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 41
Charge: Aggravated Battery with Child Endangerment
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.
Vernon R. Jones
Passed-September 27, 2025
Services: Services for Mr. Jones will take place at Greater Neal’s Temple Church in Winnfield, LA,11:00 a. m. Interment will follow within the Winnfield Cemetery.
James Donald “Donnie” Wise
June 5, 1943 – September 22, 2025
Service: Services for Mr. Wise took place at Grace Baptist Church on Saturday, September 27, 2025, 11 a.m.
Patricia Ruth Sutton Godwin
December 28, 1942 – September 23, 2025
Services: Services for Mrs. Godwin will be held in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel in, Winnfield, Louisiana, on October 18, 2025, at 2 PM, with a visitation from 12 -2 p.m.
Willie Frances Hall Walker
September 17, 1937 – September 24, 2025
Services: Services for Mrs. Walker took place Monday, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist of Winnfield. The internment will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery under the direction of the Southern Funeral Home.
The road that brought Kenechi (Ken) Anuligo to Trinity Community Health Centers in north Louisiana was not a direct route but it seems that their Medical Director has made a perfect landing here, relating tales to the Journal of “growing up like Huckleberry Finn” in small town Michigan where summers were spent outdoors with a slingshot, chasing cows and playing in the tall grass.
He is guided by the principle of treating every patient with the same respect and attention he would give to himself. His career in family medicine since finishing at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) in 1999 has allowed him to work in numerous areas, including under Federally Qualified Health Center programs. “The model fits my mindset. These are often small, rural, underserved areas. They may be on Medicare, Medicaid or have no insurance at all.”
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Dr. Anuligo was a toddler when they moved to the USA then 15 when he moved back to Nigeria for schooling. He ended up in Los Angeles for university at USC. His travels and acquired experience weren’t over. He did some medical school training in Ireland and finished his internship and residency in Wisconsin in 2011.
Through those years, he has worked with family medicine with his own clinic, worked with jails in Wisconsin, with private practices in several states, with villages in Florida and as medical director of a state prison in Florida.
“Why Trinity?” he was asked. “I decided to look for a directorship outside of Corrections. I heard about this opportunity and like the mission of CEO Deano Thornton. I like people and can bring my FQHC experience to this post. Here, my role is to oversee the medical care of all patients served by the Trinity group. I work with all the providers within Trinity but I continue to see family medicine patients myself.”
Dr. Anuligo describes his style by saying, “I imagine that the patient is me. I want to find what is the most effective and least expensive treatment and medications for each individual. I like the small town atmosphere where you can walk down the street and actually see some of the people you help.”
He is married with four children and makes his home in Alexandria. The tall (6’6) physician is often asked if he played basketball during his school years, only to hear, “No. My mom made me practice piano one hour a day every day.” But that paid off, for today he’s a church pianist and organist. He does enjoy other outdoor activities of jogging, swimming, cycling, roller skating and (in the colder climates) downhill skiing and ice skating.
Annette Durham, driver of Bus 73, had an unexpected afternoon rider last week: Superintendent-elect Dr. Troy Bell. After joining students and staff for lunch at the Middle School, Bell rode along on Durham’s route to observe day to day operations from the driver’s seat.
Bell came away impressed with Durham’s attention to road and student safety, her organized paperwork and the calm, efficient way she navigates narrow roads. He also noted the respectful behavior of riders and the clean, welcoming condition of the bus, crediting Durham for setting a steady tone in all of her responsibilities.
During the ride, Bell and Durham discussed several areas of concern that Bell pledged to investigate further. He left grateful for the time spent and the dedication he witnessed Durham give each of her passengers.
Bell said his school visits are an effort to learn more about the community and how he can support each role in the district. With one cafeteria left in his first rotation of campus lunches and having attended every Winnfield Senior High School football game so far, he looks forward to continuing his efforts in building deeper connections and supporting all students across the district.
By Matt Vines, Journal Services
WINNFIELD – In the first game of an extremely difficult three-game stretch, the Winnfield offense proved it could make noise in a 57-32 loss to Class 4A West Ouachita.
Winnfield (1-2) scored first when Detavious Williams scampered for a 69-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 edge.
West Ouachita (2-1) scored the next three touchdowns, including a 46-yard touchdown run by Aaden Dean as the Chiefs gained chunk yardage with pitches and options.
Down 21-7, Winnfield didn’t go quietly into the night as the Tigers responded with a pair of touchdowns to slice West Ouachita’s lead to 21-20.
Winnfield forced and recovered a fumble near the West Ouachita 40-yard line in the second quarter for a chance to take the lead, but West Ouachita made a stand and scored the next four touchdowns to pull away. The first two of those scores came through the air as West Ouachita found space behind the Tigers secondary, including play action.
“Our team is tough and physical, and I’m proud of the team for the way they handled the previous week and approached practice and the game,” said Winnfield first-year head coach Byron Keller. “We are steadily improving and becoming the team that we are destined to be.
“After the Caldwell loss (21-12), we felt the need to just focus on us and get better. And that’s what we did. New drills and segments in practice, and it showed Friday night.”
Richard Williams took for a 71-yard touchdown run to chip West Ouachita’s lead to 50-26.
Kenneth Richard tacked on a 54-yard jaunt as Winnfield got a look at a stable of young running backs.
Winnfield outrushed West Ouachita (342-282) and nearly matched the Chiefs in total offense (441-399) despite the score.
West Ouachita took advantage of two interceptions.
The Tigers return home to face a Jena (3-0) squad capable of scoring quickly with its explosive running backs.
“Jena is a semifinals team from last year that’s got another great roster this year,” Keller said. “We have to be disciplined and play fast and physical for 48 minutes.
“We will prepare again this week and continue to develop our tough mentality.”
The Winn Pinecrest Collaborative will host a Movie Night Out on Saturday, Sept. 27, at “The Stump,” the downtown Winnfield lot in front of the post office. Activities begin at 3 p.m., with the chosen film showing at 7:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, with the feature chosen by community vote. Options include “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts,” “Superman,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” Voting is available at wpcelegacy.org by clicking “WPC Movie Night Out – Vote for Movie.” The movie with the most votes will be shown.
Local makers and food tents are part of the plan too. Vendors can register (for a $25 fee) at wpcelegacy.org by selecting “WPC Movie Night Out – Vendors.”
Bring lawn chairs, bring friends and settle in under the lights. For details, text or call 318-734-9311. All proceeds from the event will contribute to the pursuit of purchasing and renovating the Pinecrest Campus.
Serving as Rotarian of the day, Bryan Kelley, Winn Parish registrar of voters, updated members on Louisiana’s latest voting-law changes at the club’s Sept. 17, 2025, meeting.
Kelley explained that the mail and absentee voter system has been updated. Voters eligible for voting by mail will receive their ballots in a large envelope colored blue on the left side and white on the right. The envelope will contain a ballot and three envelopes. The voter will complete the ballot and place it in the security envelope marked Envelope No. 1. Envelope No. 1 will be placed in Envelope No. 2, and the back of Envelope No. 2 will be completed by the witness and by any person providing assistance to the voter in completion and mailing of the ballot. Envelope No. 2 will then be placed in Envelope No. 3, which will be already addressed to the registrar of voters office. The ballot may be mailed or hand-delivered to the registrar of voters office by close of business the day before the election. Hand delivery must be done by a blood relative of the voter.
Kelley also explained the closed-party voting system recently enacted by the Louisiana Legislature. The first election in Winn Parish to be affected by these changes will take place in the spring of 2026. Our election in November will not cover any offices that are subject to party designations. The offices subject to the closed-party primary provisions are U.S. representative, U.S. senator, Louisiana Supreme Court, Louisiana Public Service Commission and Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The Independent Party has been dissolved by the Legislature at the request of its leaders, and all voters registered as Independent will be changed to the No Party designation. No Party voters may choose to register as Democratic or Republican and be limited to voting that ballot in the spring, or they may remain No Party and choose to vote a Democratic, Republican or unaffiliated ballot in the spring elections.
Voters registered as any party besides Democratic or Republican, such as Libertarian or Green parties, will not be eligible to vote a Democratic or Republican ballot and must vote an unaffiliated ballot.
Party affiliation may be changed at any time, but changes made in person at the registrar of voters office must be made 30 days before the next election to be able to vote under the new affiliation, and changes made online must be made 20 days before the next election. Changes in party affiliation may be made at the polls on Election Day, but the change will not take effect for that election. It will only be effective for the following election.
For more information, visit the Louisiana secretary of state’s website (sos.la.gov) or Facebook page, or call the Louisiana secretary of state or your local registrar of voters.
At the Kiwanis Club’s Sept. 23 meeting, Kiwanian Steve Bates discussed tax changes and the effects of the Big Beautiful Bill.
He began with a true/false quiz to gauge members’ tax knowledge and reminded them that if a notice does not come in the mail it is not from the IRS. He also said there are three reasons for an audit: random selection, something out of kilter on a return, or a complaint. Due to a lack of IRS audit personnel, there have not been many audits in recent years.
The Big Beautiful Bill took existing tax law that was about to expire and made it permanent. However, permanent only means until Congress decides to change it. The standard deduction for 2025 is $15,750 for single filers, $31,500 for married filers and $23,625 for head of household. If you are 65 or older, there is an additional $2,000 deduction. There are no longer personal exemptions because they are built into the standard deduction and the tax rate. The tax rates are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Also in 2025, there is an extra $6,000 deduction for seniors 65 and older who receive Social Security. The state and local tax (SALT) deduction has been increased to $40,000. The overtime pay deduction is capped at $12,500 for single filers or $25,000 for married filers. Tips are also capped at $25,000. The 529 custodial account distribution deduction is capped at $20,000 per year. This year, there is an auto loan interest deduction on vehicles assembled in the U.S. The clean energy credits were repealed, including electric vehicles.
On July 4, 2026, the Trump Account will begin. This is for children under 18, and a parent or guardian can put $5,000 per year in an account that will roll over into an IRA at age 18. Also, for any new baby (born in the next three years) who is a U.S. citizen, the government will put $1,000 in an account in their name. The details on the Trump Account are still being worked out, so not a lot is known about how it will function.
He also mentioned child care credits, education IRAs, charitable contributions, adoption credits and the child tax credit. The group asked many questions and made many comments as Bates spoke.
This was a very interesting and informative program that educated attendees on what to expect for their 2025 tax filing.
The Winn Parish Journal is teaming up with the Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group to shine a light on local cancer survivors. Each month we will bring awareness to various types of cancer and share success stories of our local community members. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and today’s spotlight is on Billy Thurmon.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide, accounting for 14% of new cases. Risk rises after age 50, and most diagnoses occur in men 65 and older. Thurmon was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2024. He received proton therapy at the Cancer Center at Willis Knighton in Shreveport, Louisiana, and credits the use of this treatment for his successful results.
Through it all, Thurmon has leaned on a strong circle of family and friends. His wife, Pat, and his daughters, Lindsey and Lauren, were a steady support during his fight. His grandchildren joined in, creating encouraging notes on paper links that the family made into a chain; after each treatment, Thurmon would pull a link and read a new message. Their involvement brightened his worst days and gave him the strength to push through.
Thurmon also gives credit to his dear friend and fellow prostate cancer survivor, Tommy Harrel, for being there to offer support and encouragement to him during his diagnosis and treatment. A great support system is essential for cancer patients, and Thurmon remarked several times that he was blessed with the best. He credits his wonderful support system, Willis Knighton and, most of all, God for giving him the fortitude he needed to get through each treatment.
Thurmon was asked how being a member of the Juanita Pharr Cancer Support Group has helped him. He replied, “It is informative, and we have fun.” True to his nature, Thurmon is always one of the first to raise his hand when someone else needs help. He and his wife continue to give their time and encouragement to others who are walking the same road.