After executing a formal search for a new senior pastor over the past five months, First Baptist Church Winnfield is excited to welcome Rev. Brian McAllister to lead its 155-year-old congregation into a new era of spiritual growth and service. His first Sunday in the pulpit here as pastor will be June 19.
McAllister grew up in Winn Parish, a native of Calvin and graduate of Calvin High School. His roots in the area were considered a strong asset as the FBC pastor search team narrowed down their choice of candidates.
Lyn Bankston, chair of this committee, explained, “We received many resumes for our pastor position. Through the interview process, sermon evaluations, and deep dives into doctrinal beliefs, it became clear that Brian was the clear choice and the right fit for FBC Winnfield. Growing up in Winn Parish, Brian and his wife Melanie know the culture of Winn Parish and have a connection with FBC Winnfield with Melanie formerly serving as our children’s minister and Brian as our interim youth minister.”
“We as a pastor search team for FBC Winnfield and Brian McAllister and his family connected through the clear and precise direction from the Holy Spirit at the right time and at the right moment,” Bankston continued. “When the committee was formed, we developed a Pastor Search Survey because we wanted input from the church. That survey told us we were searching for a man that could lead us into our next season with leadership, vision, and a compelling plan for the future of the church.” The survey results also revealed the importance of a “man that could preach, teach, and pastor the church with love for the congregation and church staff in times of need.”
McAllister earned his Bachelor of Science in Religious Education degree at Louisiana College (now known as Louisiana Christian University) and went on to earn the Master of Arts in Religion (Biblical Studies) degree at Liberty University. During this time, he served various churches as youth minister.
But even before college, McAllister began to gain ministry experience. As a high school student, he worked with Scott Sullivan, FBC Winnfield’s youth minister at the time, to put on a rally for students in Winn Parish, and it was there that he preached his first sermon. He later served as an intern at FBC, eventually stepping into the interim youth minister role when Sullivan left.
Sullivan, now leading as Discipleship Catalyst with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, commented, “One of the greatest joys in ministry is watching God continue the work he begins in someone’s life. Brian McAllister is one of those blessings for me. I had the privilege of mentoring Brian and, over the years, I’ve watched him grow from a young man with tremendous potential into a faithful, trustworthy man of God.”
Sullivan offered words of encouragement to McAllister as he steps into this new role: “Know that God has been preparing you for this calling long before this opportunity arrived. Shepherd his people with courage, humility, and unwavering faithfulness to his Word. I believe in you!”
An additional “perk” of both the youth rally and serving at FBC Winnfield was that McAllister met and began dating his future wife Melanie Taylor, an Atlanta, LA native. At the end of the summer of his internship, the church collected a love offering which he used to buy Melanie an engagement ring. He and Melanie, who was then Children’s Minister at FBC, married in 2004.
A turning point in McAllister’s ministry call happened while serving as youth minister in Bastrop under the mentorship of Marty Black. He felt a love and burden for the local church and understood that his path forward was as pastor of a local church. He was ordained in April 2008.
Since this time, McAllister has sought to guide the churches he served towards revitalization and spiritual health through pastoral ministry, expository preaching, and building relationships with the faith family. “My family and I are so grateful for the Lord leading us back home to serve the wonderful people of Winn Parish,” he expressed. “It’s our desire to see lost people saved and our community transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
As Dr. Allen Jackson completes his time as interim pastor at FBC Winnfield, he noted, “The past six months has been an amazing season of reunion for Judi and me. Among the unexpected blessings of this time has been meeting Brian and Melanie McAllister. The search team worked with honesty, prayer, and integrity in finding the next pastor for this great and historic church. Brian and Melanie are returning home, and I believe they will minister in Winnfield for a lot of years. I appreciate getting to be part of the story that now will have many more fantastic chapters.” Jackson was on staff at FBC Winnfield as Education and Youth Minister from 1984-1989 under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Calvin Phelps.
McAllister has previously served as pastor at FBC Jonesboro, Bethlehem Baptist (Winn Parish), and Pleasant Hill Baptist (Union Parish). He and Melanie have four children: Madelyn, 19; Andrew, 16; Kaitlyn, 14, and Grace, 9.
WINNFIELD, La. — Winnfield Senior High School is celebrating a strong academic achievement after posting measurable gains in student proficiency on state assessments.
According to information released by the school, student proficiency increased from 29% in 2025 to 37% in 2026, marking an impressive 8-point improvement in just one year.
The school highlighted the achievement under the theme “Mastery + Growth”, emphasizing its commitment to helping students reach higher levels of academic success.
The increase reflects continued progress in student learning and underscores the dedication of teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and families working together to improve educational outcomes.
School leaders noted that the results demonstrate the impact of focused instruction and a continued commitment to academic excellence. The improvement is part of the school’s ongoing efforts to increase student mastery of state standards while preparing students for future success.
Displayed prominently on the school’s announcement is the message “Committed to Excellence,” reinforcing Winnfield Senior High School’s mission of continuous improvement.
With proficiency climbing from 29% to 37%, Winnfield Senior High School is celebrating not only higher test scores but also the momentum created through perseverance, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student achievement.
“We Can. We Will.” remains the school’s rallying message as it continues striving for even greater academic success in the years ahead.
WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish will experience another stretch of hot summer weather this week, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and scattered afternoon thunderstorms remaining possible throughout the forecast period.
The greatest chance of rainfall arrives on Wednesday, when a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected. Despite the possibility of rain, skies will remain partly sunny, and temperatures will reach around 93 degrees.
Dry and hotter conditions return for Thursday and Friday, with abundant sunshine and afternoon highs climbing to 95 degrees both days.
As the weekend approaches, isolated afternoon thunderstorms make a return, although much of each day will remain warm and mostly sunny.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday
40% chance of showers and thunderstorms
Partly sunny
High: 93°
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy
Low: 75°
Thursday
Sunny and hot
High: 95°
Thursday Night
Mostly clear
Low: 74°
Friday
Sunny and hot
High: 95°
Friday Night
Mostly clear
Low: 75°
Saturday
20% chance of showers and thunderstorms
Mostly sunny and hot
High: 95°
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy
Low: 76°
Sunday
30% chance of showers and thunderstorms
Partly sunny
High: 94°
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy
Low: 75°
Monday
Chance of showers and thunderstorms
Mostly sunny
High: 93°
Residents are encouraged to take precautions during the hottest part of the day by staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities when possible. If thunderstorms develop, remember that lightning can occur well before heavy rain begins, so move indoors at the first sound of thunder.
The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory is warning the public after recent testing found that nearly one in three pharmaceutical-style tablets examined by the lab were counterfeit.
According to the crime lab, analysts examined 3,394 pharmaceutical tablets bearing legitimate drug imprints intended to identify the medication. Of those, 1,047 tablets were determined to be counterfeit, representing a counterfeit rate of 30.8%.
Lab officials said fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were the most commonly identified substances found in the counterfeit pills. Designer benzodiazepines, including bromazolam and phenazolam, were the second most common. Combined, those two drug classes accounted for approximately 80% of the counterfeit pills analyzed.
The remaining counterfeit tablets contained stimulants, other mismatched substances, and emerging novel opioids such as nitazenes and orphines.
According to the lab, the most frequently counterfeited pill was the M30 tablet, which is the imprint for legitimate 30-milligram oxycodone. Investigators also identified counterfeit versions of several alprazolam (Xanax) bar imprints, including S903, B707, GG249 and G3722, which instead contained designer benzodiazepines.
The crime lab said counterfeit pills have been identified throughout its 29-parish service area, including Ouachita, Caddo and Bossier parishes, as well as rural parishes such as Sabine, Lincoln, Morehouse and Winn.
Officials emphasized that it is impossible to determine what a pill contains based solely on its appearance and urged the public to only take medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription.
The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory warned that any pill obtained outside of a pharmacy should be considered potentially lethal, noting that a single counterfeit pill can be fatal.
The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present “A Visit with the Bagpipe” at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. The event will be free and open to the general public.
Attendees at this interactive workshop will learn the basics of traditional Celtic bagpipe playing and drumming, as well as Highland dance. The origins and history of the Great Highland bagpipe will be discussed. Practice chanters will be provided so that participants can try their hand at playing a Great Highland bagpipe in a hygienic manner. In addition to the scales, participants will learn to play an iconic bagpipe tune. Also featured will be the Bouzouki guitar and the Irish Bodhrán drum. The workshop will also include a Celtic music and dance performance by the Thistle Dancers and Pipers. Workshop instructors Susan Hyams and L. Collier Hyams will share their long experience and cultural knowledge of Celtic music and dance.
“This musical workshop will provide attendees a rare opportunity to learn firsthand the basics of playing the Highland bagpipe,” said Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University. “We are grateful to tradition bearers like the Hyams who so generously offer the priceless gift of sharing their cultural knowledge.”
Susan Hyams has been playing bagpipes for over 35 years and started Scottish Highland dancing at age five. After competing and performing in both piping and dancing throughout the Northeastern states she decided to pursue her dream of having a Celtic school and formed the Thistle Dancers and Pipers in Virginia. The school became one of the largest highland dance schools on the East coast and in the early 2000’s had over 70 dancers and 15 piping students. She met Collier Hyams in 2002 at the Savannah Scottish Games. Collier was playing guitar and percussion with a Celtic rock band. In 2005 they were married in Laggan, Scotland. She has been a member of the City of Alexandria (Virginia) Pipes and Drums, the St. Andrews College Pipe Band, the Chesapeake Caledonians and the St. Andrews Ladies’ Pipe Band and has played pipes with the famous Celtic band The Chieftains, opened for the Tannahill Weavers, played for then President Clinton at the Presidential Golf Cup and for the Republic of Ireland National Soccer team at the U.S. Cup at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts. The Hyams moved to Natchitoches in 2016 and in 2019 the Thistle Dancers and Pipers was reformed, debuting with two dances at the Natchitoches Folklife Festival. Since 2019, the group has grown to 15 dancers and 3 pipes and has performed all over Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. This past spring the group’s three teen dancers auditioned and were invited to travel to New York City to perform during National Tartan Week. Susan is a certified Highland Dance Teacher through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and was a member of the Eastern United States Piping Association for many years. She currently teaches highland dance and bagpipes in her private studio in Natchitoches.
L. Collier Hyams grew up as a foreign service dependent in culturally rich places such as Thailand, Germany and Louisiana with stints in Ghana, Jamaica and Scotland. He has toured and recorded with world, reggae, rock, future music, and Celtic groups in North America, Europe, and bits of West Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. His primary creative outlet is as frontman and writer for the CMJ charting 50 Man Machine. Collier has spent the better part of a decade touring with Highland Bagpipers Neil Anderson (Seven Nations, Rathkeltair), EJ Jones (Clandestine, Teribus, Brizeus) and others. While based in NYC he worked with Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Jaron Lanier, Sussan Deyhim, Shirin Neshat, Laurie Anderson, Richard Horowitz, Peter Scherer, Julia Duka Duka Heyward, Big Twin, Sean Lennon and currently Scott Ambush of Spyro Gyra.
The Thistle Dancers and Pipers will participate in the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival on July 18. In honor of the 2026 Festival theme, “America the Beautiful,” the Festival will feature the traditional music of the nation – blues, gospel, Cajun, Celtic, country, bluegrass and zydeco on three stages of music as well as in the Magale Recital Hall. Over 70 traditional crafts persons from throughout the state will display their crafts, handcrafting their work during the festival.
Held in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum, the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival features three stages of live music, Louisiana cuisine food vendors, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, music informances, narrative sessions, on-site demonstrations and more. Admission to this family friendly event is $10 for an all-day all event pass, with children 12 and under admitted free all day.
For more information on the bagpipe workshop or the festival, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/. Questions about the workshop can also be directed to instructor Susan Hyams at (571) 217-7705 or thistledancersandpipers@gmail.com.
The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum and is in partnership with the City of Natchitoches. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana.
The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
Winn Parish is celebrating another remarkable achievement as one of its own has been elected to lead one of the nation’s largest student organizations.
Winn Parish 4-H announced that Joe Lewis IV, a dedicated Winn Parish 4-H member and the current Louisiana State 4-H President, has been elected National President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).
The prestigious leadership position places Joe at the forefront of an organization that represents thousands of student members from across the United States. As National FBLA President, he will serve as the voice of the organization, promote leadership development, represent FBLA at national events, and inspire students to pursue excellence in business, education, and community service.
Winn Parish 4-H shared its excitement over the accomplishment, offering congratulations to Joe on reaching another significant milestone in his leadership journey.
Joe’s election is a testament to years of dedication, hard work, and service through both 4-H and FBLA. Already serving as Louisiana’s State 4-H President, he has become a recognized leader among his peers, and his latest achievement brings national recognition not only to himself but also to Winn Parish and the state of Louisiana.
Community members, educators, and fellow 4-H and FBLA members are celebrating the accomplishment, recognizing Joe Lewis IV as an outstanding example of the leadership, character, and commitment being developed in today’s youth.
His election as National FBLA President marks a historic achievement and serves as an inspiration for students across Winn Parish and beyond to dream big, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact.
Well, well, well, you just never know what life will throw at you until it does. In early June of this year, after going through a few cardio tests like an EKG, ultrasound and a stress test, we (Dr. Chris Ingram and I) felt like everything was going to be okay.
Nothing really showed up during the tests that was alarming. Then a few days later, Dr. Ingram looked at my imaging and saw a shadow that got his attention. During my consultation, I could tell by his reaction while going over the imaging with my wife and I that he was very concerned.
Now my first reaction, like anyone else who thinks there’s nothing wrong, was that it can’t be that bad. I mean I’m only 65 years old and fit as a racing horse that’s been put out to pasture.
But then reality set in and after a heart Cath two days later, doctors discovered that there were seven blockages! That’s right, seven! Two in the back that had almost 100% blockage and 5 frontal arteries with partial blockage.
Finally, they had my attention and no longer could I deny that there was an issue. I then knew that this was something that would require extensive surgery to fix. My summer plans were now going to be altered dramatically.
It also explained why I was having the issues I had been experiencing during my last two bass tournaments. During and after both event’s, exhaustion does not describe how bad I felt.
I had major muscle fatigue and tightness across the shoulders. Leaning over to pick up a rod on the deck of the boat resulted in almost total black out, especially once the heat of the day set in from noon till 3:00. At first, I chalked it up to maybe being dehydrated or just getting too hot.
But at the end of my last tournament on the Red River with thirty minutes left before weigh-in, the rod I was holding in my left hand felt like it weighed 20 pounds. No chest pain, no arm pain, just extreme muscle fatigue.
But the worst part was when I had to beach my boat at the weigh-in and walk up the long 50 yard boat ramp to retrieve my truck and boat trailer. It felt like the walk of shame as I glanced around hoping no one was watching me. It was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other.
As I got in my truck, I just sat there for ten minutes trying to recover. Then once I got my boat on trailer, I had to climb into the back of my boat and get my fish out of the live well and into my weigh-bag. Then tote the bag of fish to the scales, which really pulled my energy level down to zero.
Once again, I got back in the truck to head home but sat there for at least fifteen minutes trying to catch my breath and recover. I knew something was wrong as I’ve never experienced this kind of fatigue even during my worst two-a-day football workouts from my high school or college days.
It got worse, as I arrived back home and parked the boat, I basically rolled out of the truck and walked into the house where I literally collapsed on the floor. My wife walked in and asked if I was ok to which I responded, “No!”
She then realized I was not good and got me a cold towel for my face. I laid on the floor for about forty minutes just so I could get enough energy to take a shower.
My thoughts and reasoning were, “It’s just hot (95 degrees). Maybe I didn’t drink enough water and just got too hot.” But as it turned out, there were some major issues going on internally. Problems that could not be fixed with medication or more exercise.
I owe a huge thank you to Dr. Chris Ingram and my personal physician Dr. Anil Matta for their persistence and due diligence in putting me through tests that, at the time, I thought were unnecessary.
After all, based on MY many years of medical experience and watching You Tube videos on heart related issues, I just knew nothing was wrong! Yeah right! Ha, a typical man who thinks he knows more than any doctor.
So, here’s the moral of this story. First, listen and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Understand your symptoms and what they mean. Second, trust your doctor and follow the directions he or she gives you on what needs to be done because it will probably save your life.
Update: It’s been over a week (June 29th) since my quadruple bypass surgery and I’m doing much better. Still a long way to go but making progress every day. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
MARLAN’S OBITUARY
Miss Marlan Rebecca Hodges, age 86, of Calvin, Louisiana, passed away peacefully Friday night, July 3, 2026.
Born in Winnfield, Louisiana, on March 28, 1940, Marlan was a lifetime resident of Calvin. She attended and graduated from Calvin High School, then NSU where she earned her degree in Education.
She taught for 2 years in Columbia, Louisiana, and then spent the next 31 years as a teacher, librarian, and Vice Principal at Dodson High School.
After her retirement, Marlan worked as a florist at Eva’s Flower Shop in Winnfield for 10 years.
Finishing up her working years, she was the secretary for the Village of Calvin for another 10 years.
After she fell ill, she was a resident of Autumn Leaves Nursing and Rehab where she passed away.
Marlan was preceded in death by her parents, James Webster Hodges and Addie Mae Rudd Hodges.
Marlan leaves behind two sisters, Kathy Carter and Susie Killingsworth. Never being married, she loved her nieces and nephews including Candace Paul Smith, Dewade Killingsworth, Robbin Willis, Lisa Haymon, Jamie Carter.
Great nieces include Colie Killingsworth, Piper Killingsworth, and Gracie Killingsworth.
Great nephews include Tyler Haymon, Matthew Haymon, Stetson Hickman, Dennon Paul, Austin Willis, John David Huckaby, and Wayne Curtis Huckaby.
Great-great nieces include Harper Willis and Graysen Long.
Great-great nephews include Gus Haymon and Jake Haymon.
Per her wishes, a graveside service was held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery at 1:00 p.m., with Bro. Lamar Carpenter as officiate. Interment followed under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.
Pallbearers were Alan Willis, Austin Willis, Jamie Carter, James Haymon, Matthew Haymon, and Tyler Haymon.
Thanks to all the staff at Autumn Leaves for all their kindness and support. Also to Dr. Dupree for the care provided and understanding with her.
Thank you for all the prayers, calls, and support from friends and family. She loved you all.
Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.southernfuneralhome.com
Demetria Gene Guynes was born in 1962 in Roswell, New Mexico. Hers was a troubled childhood. Demetria’s parents, Dan and Virginia Guynes, were alcoholics and the family moved often to avoid debt collectors. Dan and Virginia fought often, and they married and divorced twice. When Dan left for the last time, in contrast to the natural order of things, Demetria had to take care of her unstable mother. Virginia found occasional work as a model in Los Angeles, California, but her alcoholism worsened. When Demetria was 12 years old, her mother tried to commit suicide the first time by taking pills. Demetria saved her mother’s life by digging the pills out of her unconscious mother’s mouth and calling an ambulance. Shortly thereafter, she learned that the man she called dad was not her biological father. Her real name was not Demetria Gene Guynes, but Demetria Gene Harmon. Her family had withheld the fact that her biological father was Charles Foster Harmon, an airman with the Air Force who had abandoned Virginia while she was pregnant with Demetria.
Virginia’s lack of steady employment and abuse of alcohol led to constant money problems. The money problems led to more alcohol abuse, which led to more money problems. It was a vicious cycle. When Demetria was a young teenager, her mother started taking her to bars to get attention. Late one night, Demetria and her mother returned to their apartment from a bar. Demetria was surprised to find a man they knew waiting for them inside their apartment. Virginia was not surprised. The man had a key to their apartment. The man took Demetria into her bedroom and raped her. Demetria was 15 years old. Before the man left, he asked her how it felt to be sold by her mother for $500. In addition to the awfulness of being raped, Demetria felt betrayed by her mother, the one person who should have protected her.
At 16, Demetria became a high school dropout and a runaway. Like her mother, Demetria began working sporadically as a model. At just 5 feet, 5 ½ inches, she was considered too short for most modeling jobs. Like her parents, Demetria tried to drown her troubles with alcohol. With nothing to lose and with no experience, she began auditioning for acting jobs. As with modeling, her acting jobs came sporadically. Alcohol abuse led to drug abuse. Demetria was headed for certain self-destruction when her boss and coworkers forced her to go to rehab. While Demetria’s mother’s life spiraled out of control with numerous arrests including burglary, arson, and multiple charges of drunken driving, Demetria led a life of sobriety. Because of her troubled childhood, Demetria now works with a foundation whose goal is to eliminate child sex slavery and human trafficking called Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children. You may not have known about Demetria Gene Guynes’s troubled childhood or her work with Thorn, but you certainly know her from films such as “Striptease,” “G.I. Jane,” and “Ghost.” You know Demetria Gene Guynes as Demi Moore.
Sources:
1. Concord Transcript (Concord, California), March 31, 1970, p.18.
2. Citizen (Solana Beach, California), December 11, 1987, p.58.
3. “Demi Moore reveals the devastating childhood that shaped her – ABC News – Part 1/3,” ABC News, Youtube.com, September 23, 2019, accessed June 21, 2026, https://youtu.be/MlFl5WiMzBI?
4. The Fresno Bee, October 7, 1994, p.2.
5. The Signal (Santa Clarita, California), October 5, 1995, p.2.
State Representative Gabe Firment officially announced his candidacy for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, pledging to bring proven conservative leadership, rural values, and a results-driven approach to Washington.
Firment, who has represented his district in the Louisiana House of Representatives since 2019, currently serves as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee and has built a reputation as a principled conservative leader, small business owner, and advocate for Louisiana families.
“Washington doesn’t need another career politician,” Firment said. “It needs leaders who understand the people they serve, share their values, and are willing to fight for them.
I’m running for Congress because Louisiana deserves a proven conservative who will stand up for our families, our freedoms, and our future.”
A native of Rapides Parish, Firment is a graduate of Louisiana Christian University and Louisiana Tech University. He and his wife, Erica, a public school educator, raised their family in Grant Parish and are proud parents of three children and grandparents of three grandchildren.
A committed Christian, deacon, and Sunday School teacher, Firment has been recognized as a defender of traditional values and individual liberties, earning thePrestigious Gladiator Award from Louisiana Family Forum for his leadership in the Louisiana Legislature.
As a lifelong Republican, Firment has championed policies that defend life, protect the Second Amendment, strengthen public safety, lower taxes, and protect private property rights. He has been a vocal advocate for farmers, timber producers, and rural communities throughout Louisiana.
If elected, Firment says his priorities will include securing the border, restoring American energy dominance, protecting Social Security and Medicare, defending constitutional freedoms, and supporting President Trump’s America First agenda.
“Louisiana’s 5th District deserves a fighter who will stand firm and deliver results,” Firment said. “I’m ready to take that fight to Washington.”
WINNFIELD, LA — The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield welcomed a vital community protection presentation during their regular weekly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 30. Courtney Mounce, the Central Louisiana Outreach Representative for Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office, traveled from Vernon Parish to serve as the keynote speaker. Mounce delivered an eye-opening and urgent address focusing on the rapid escalation of elder fraud, predatory financial scams, and the sophisticated ways criminals utilize emerging technologies to target vulnerable residents across the state.
As the regional outreach coordinator, Mounce manages an expansive territory stretching from Vernon Parish eastward to Concordia Parish, bringing critical educational programming directly to municipal groups, civic organizations, and schools. Her message to Winnfield civic leaders was clear: consumer fraud has mutated into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and local awareness is the first and most effective line of defense.
”Everyone is a target,” Mounce noted during her presentation, referencing structural data compiled by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. “Fraud does not care about race, education, or income. However, elderly Americans are heavily targeted because they often live independently, hold hard-earned retirement savings, and possess a traditional politeness that malicious strangers exploit.”
Mounce detailed several prevalent predatory schemes currently plaguing Louisiana families, emphasizing two categories where local residents have suffered massive financial losses: romance scams and high-tech “grandparent” imposter schemes.
According to federal data referenced in the presentation, Americans over the age of 60 lost more than $356 million to confidence and romance scams in a single calendar year. Scammers frequently monitor local obituaries and social media platforms to identify recently widowed individuals. Operating through platforms like Facebook Messenger, these digital predators spend weeks building artificial emotional connections before engineering a fabricated crisis requiring urgent financial help.
Mounce shared a sobering case study from her previous legislative work where an elderly woman was systematically deceived by an online predator claiming to reside domestically. Over several weeks, the victim was manipulated into wiring her family’s entire 401(k) savings—totaling half a million dollars—to an account that vanished into overseas networks. Local authorities later discovered the scammer was operating entirely out of Nigeria, placing the funds beyond the reach of domestic court systems.
The presentation also highlighted a disturbing new evolutionary leap in criminal tactics: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) voice-cloning technology. In modern “Grandparent Scams,” criminals no longer rely on simple generic voice scripts. Instead, they scrape public videos from social media platforms—such as family holiday greetings posted by parents or grandparents—and extract short audio samples of children or grandchildren.
Using sophisticated software, scammers clone the exact pitch, tone, and inflection of a loved one’s voice. They then execute high-pressure phone calls pretending to be a grandchild who has been arrested, hospitalized, or stranded in an emergency, demanding immediate bail or medical funds. Mounce related a personal family scare where her own grandmother received a cloned collect call that perfectly replicated her brother’s voice, highlighting just how convincing these digital audio deepfakes have become.
Winnfield civic leaders in attendance verified that the impact is hitting close to home. Local organizational records and feedback indicated that multiple elderly residents within Winn Parish alone have fallen victim to these exact psychological manipulations over the past year, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars combined being drained out of local accounts.
The core barrier to asset recovery, Mounce explained, is that over 90 percent of these financial scams originate overseas, leaving local law enforcement and state agencies without traditional jurisdictional enforcement powers. “Because these funds are sent voluntarily under false pretenses to international entities, recovering them is mathematically improbable,” Mounce stated. “That is why the Attorney General’s mandate focuses heavily on prevention, awareness, and proactive community blocking techniques.”
In addition to elder fraud prevention, Mounce reviewed the broader logistical scope of the Attorney General’s Outreach Representative program, which covers contractor fraud prevention ahead of hurricane season, fair housing compliance, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and comprehensive digital safety curriculums designed to protect schoolchildren from online predators on gaming platforms like Roblox.
The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield expressed deep gratitude to Mounce for providing these vital safety materials to the community. Local residents seeking to report suspicious solicitations, file a formal consumer complaint, or coordinate an educational safety presentation for a civic group are strongly encouraged to contact the regional outreach network or utilize the direct hotline channels managed by state and federal authorities.
WINN PARISH, La. — Residents across Winn Parish should prepare for another stretch of intense summer heat as temperatures climb into the mid-90s through the Independence Day weekend.
Heat index values are expected to approach 109 degrees at times, creating potentially dangerous conditions for those spending extended periods outdoors.
Forecasters are also monitoring scattered thunderstorm chances throughout the period, with the greatest likelihood of widespread rainfall arriving early next week.
Wednesday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected after 1 p.m. Heat index values could reach as high as 109 degrees. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 75 degrees.
Thursday brings sunny skies and continued hot weather, with temperatures reaching approximately 95 degrees. Overnight lows will remain warm, settling near 75 degrees under mostly clear skies.
Friday’s forecast calls for sunny and hot conditions with a high near 96 degrees. Friday night will remain mostly clear with temperatures dropping to around 76 degrees.
For Independence Day on Saturday, expect sunny skies and hot temperatures with highs near 96 degrees. A 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms develops after 1 p.m., which could briefly impact outdoor celebrations. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 76 degrees.
Rain chances increase on Sunday, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms under mostly sunny skies. Despite the possibility of rain, temperatures will remain hot with highs near 96 degrees. Sunday night will feature a slight chance of lingering storms and a low around 75 degrees.
Looking ahead to Monday, showers and thunderstorms become more likely across the parish, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. High temperatures will remain warm near 94 degrees.
Extended Forecast
Wednesday: High 96, Low 75 – 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms; heat index up to 109.
Thursday: High 95, Low 75 – Sunny and hot.
Friday: High 96, Low 76 – Sunny and hot.
Saturday (Independence Day): High 96, Low 76 – 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Sunday: High 96, Low 75 – 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Monday: High 94 – 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Emergency officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the afternoon heat, and monitor weather conditions during holiday events. Those planning outdoor activities should have a way to receive weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop.
