A truck driver was arrested April 14, 2026, following reports of unsafe driving along U.S. Highway 84 near Joyce, according to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said deputies received a complaint about a loaded log truck traveling at a slow speed, repeatedly crossing the centerline and nearly colliding with other vehicles. Deputies located the vehicle as it entered the Winnfield city limits and confirmed the reported behavior.

A traffic stop was conducted at the intersection of U.S. highways 167 and 84.

The driver was identified as Kenneth Richards of Dubach. During the stop, deputies reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the truck led to the discovery of suspected synthetic marijuana on the driver’s side floorboard and a Suboxone strip inside the cab.

Deputies also recovered a plastic bag containing suspected synthetic marijuana near the driver’s side of the vehicle. According to authorities, body camera footage showed the driver discarding the bag while outside the truck.

Richards was taken to the Winn Parish Detention Center and booked on multiple charges, including failure to maintain lane, unsafe vehicle, reckless operation, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and obstruction of justice.

A blood sample was obtained for toxicology testing, and results are pending. Authorities said additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the lab analysis.

The public is invited to celebrate 67 years of ministry and missions with Calvary Baptist Church at their Homecoming service on Sunday, April 26.  Service begins at 10 a.m.

Special guests will be Dr. Doug Allen and his wife Marsha, formerly of Winnfield. Dr. Allen served as pastor of Calvary for several years. He will bring the morning sermon.  Dr. Allen and his wife now live in Dumas, Arkansas, where he serves as pastor of First Baptist Church.

Following the morning service, a covered dish lunch will be enjoyed in the Family Life Center. “Everyone is invited to attend and help us welcome Doug and Marsha,” says Pastor Norris Curry. Calvary Baptist Church is located at 2888 Hwy 84, Winnfield, (about 13 miles east of Winnfield and about 8 miles west of Tullos).

The Rural Pines Foundation, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, is proud to announce its official launch with a clear and purposeful mission: to support and enhance the health and quality of life for the residents of Winn Parish.

Rooted in compassion and community, the foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to high-quality, accessible healthcare services. Through collaboration with local healthcare providers and community leaders, the Rural Pines Foundation will work to strengthen resources, expand opportunities, and create meaningful, lasting impact across the parish.

“Our mission is to support and enhance the health and quality of life for Winn Parish by providing compassionate, accessible healthcare services,” the foundation director shared. “We are committed to improving the lives of our neighbors through care, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives.”

With a vision of building a healthier and more vibrant rural community, the foundation will focus on advancing wellness, education, and prevention while supporting the long-term sustainability of local healthcare services.

Key areas of focus for the Rural Pines Foundation include:

• Enhancing access to healthcare across Winn Parish
• Supporting and developing the local healthcare workforce
• Promoting health education and preventative care initiatives
• Addressing health disparities within the community
• Strengthening infrastructure and long-term sustainability
• Improving overall quality of life for current and future generations

By prioritizing people and partnerships, the Rural Pines Foundation aims to serve as a catalyst for positive change—ensuring that rural healthcare remains strong, accessible, and centered around the needs of the community.

“The future of healthcare in rural communities depends on our ability to come together and invest in one another,” said Ashley Files, WPMC CEO. “The Rural Pines Foundation represents that commitment to care, connection, and a stronger tomorrow for Winn Parish.”

Community members, organizations, and partners are encouraged to join in supporting the foundation’s mission as it works to build a healthier, more resilient community.

For more information about the Rural Pines Foundation, please contact: Lindlay Howell Coates at lhowell@ahmgt.com.

The City of Winnfield will open its landfill to the public free of charge on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as part of a community cleanup effort.

The landfill will operate from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., giving residents an opportunity to dispose of unwanted items at no cost.

In addition to landfill access, city trucks will travel through neighborhoods to assist with trash pickup. Residents are asked to place items neatly along the side of the street for collection.

Officials noted that tires will not be accepted during the cleanup event.

City leaders are encouraging residents to participate in the effort to help keep Winnfield clean.

The Kiwanis International honored students across Winn Parish as part of its March 2026 Terrific Kids program, recognizing young individuals for their character, leadership, and positive behavior in the classroom.

At Dodson, the following students were recognized: Jace James, Stevie Underwood, Graycee DeSadier, Mattie Claire McBride, and Sawyer Boyett. They were joined by Principal Wendy Miller and Kiwanian Rita James.

At Winnfield Primary School, multiple grade levels were recognized:

Kindergarten honorees included Taylor Reppond, Jade Ramirez, and Violet Sepulvado.
First grade students recognized were A’Den Hammond, Malaysia Phillips, A’Moura Payton, and Brasi Gray. Tre’Vonte Breaux was also selected but not pictured.
Second grade honorees included Karmen Olmos, Miranda Owens, Alexis Tolbert, and Princeton Holden.
Third grade students recognized were Passion Burch, Olivia Griffin, and Carrie Johnson.
Fourth grade honorees included Jaidyn Adams, Abe Rustom, Della Jean Etheridge, and Yasir White.

Students were recognized alongside Principal Byron King, Assistant Principal Resa Johnson, and Kiwanian Ethel Howell.

At Calvin, those honored included Bella Perot, Blair Babers, Knox Reed, Carter Holmes, and Kayden Mattox. They were joined by Teacher Kim Dupree, Kiwanians Mary Lou Blackley and Troy Rogers, and Principal Justin Tinsley.

The Terrific Kids program highlights students who demonstrate respect, responsibility, and strong character, reinforcing positive values in schools and communities.

The Melrose Arts and Crafts Show scheduled for this weekend, April 18-19, has been canceled due to the threat of severe weather and high winds, which is a safety concern for vendors, attendees and staff. The show has been rescheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026.

Louisiana Central is highlighting the grand opening of the new Winn Community Health Center in Winn Parish, calling it a significant step forward for healthcare access and regional development in Central Louisiana.

Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill participated in the opening celebration, joining community leaders, healthcare professionals, and project supporters at the new facility.

The organization noted that the new health center represents more than expanded medical services, describing it as an investment in a healthier workforce, stronger families, and improved quality of life across the region. Leaders emphasized that access to healthcare plays a key role in supporting long-term economic growth and community stability.

Those in attendance included Joe Rosier, president and CEO of The Rapides Foundation; Toni McManus McAllister, Winn Parish business owner and regional advocate; Heather Poole, chancellor of Central Louisiana Technical Community College; Deano Thornton, CEO of Trinity Community Health Centers and founder of the Winn Community Health Center; and Chris Masingill.

Winn Parish, LA — Residents across Winn Parish can expect a stretch of warm, mostly sunny weather through the end of the workweek, with temperatures climbing into near-summer levels before rain chances return over the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 87 degrees. South winds at 5 to 10 mph could gust up to 20 mph. Wednesday night will bring partly cloudy skies and a low around 64, with light south winds continuing.

The warming trend continues Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 89. Clear conditions Thursday night will allow temperatures to settle around 64.

By Friday, highs will reach near 90 degrees under mostly sunny skies, making it one of the warmest days of the week. Friday night remains partly cloudy with a low near 65.

Changes arrive this weekend as moisture increases across the region. Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m., and a high near 89.

Rain chances increase Saturday night, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Overnight lows will drop to around 54, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation.

By Sunday, conditions begin to improve, though a slight 20 percent chance of showers remains. Skies will become mostly sunny with a cooler high near 74. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 51.

Looking ahead to Monday, a mix of sun and clouds is expected, with temperatures rebounding slightly to a high near 79.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the warm and dry conditions early in the week and stay weather-aware as storm chances increase heading into the weekend.

The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, emphasizing education, prevention and support for victims across Winn Parish.

According to information provided by DART, sexual violence affects individuals of all genders, ages and backgrounds and includes any unwanted sexual contact or behavior carried out without consent. This can involve force, threats, manipulation or coercion.

The organization outlines multiple forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, trafficking and nonconsensual image sharing. Other behaviors, such as unwanted touching, public exposure and coercive acts, are also included under this definition.

DART officials note that social and cultural factors can contribute to sexual violence, including harmful norms, misuse of power and silence surrounding abuse. Prevention, they emphasize, requires community involvement at all levels — from homes and schools to workplaces and faith-based settings.

Consent remains a key component in preventing sexual violence. It must be freely given, informed and can be withdrawn at any time. DART stresses that consent is an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time agreement.

Statistics included in the report highlight the widespread impact of sexual violence. National data shows that nearly one in five women and one in 71 men in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape. Additional data indicates varying rates among different demographic groups.

The report also notes that victims often know their attacker. Among adolescents who have been sexually assaulted, approximately 74% were harmed by someone they knew, while about 21% of cases involved a family member.

DART emphasizes that victims are never at fault. Factors such as clothing, behavior or alcohol consumption do not justify assault, and responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

Sexual violence is also widely underreported. Common reasons include fear of not being believed, retaliation, shame, outside pressure and distrust of law enforcement.

The organization stresses that the impact of sexual violence extends beyond individual survivors and affects entire communities.

Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Winn Parish DART office at 301 West Main Street in Winnfield or call 318-648-0559 to connect with a local advocate.

The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival, which is going to be held on the downtown riverbank May 15-16 has released its schedule for its 29^th Festival, and as usual, it is chocked full with artists for just about every musical taste, including Jazz, R&B (of course), Country, Rock & Roll, Soul, Gospel, Folk, Blues, Zydeco and much more.  

This year’s headliner is multiplatinum Country superstar, Joe Nichols, who will appear on the main stage beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.  Preceding Nichols will be American Idol runner up and Louisiana native John Foster at 7 p.m., local and regional favorites and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs at 5:25 p.m., hit making R&B/Soul singer, Tiffany Rachal at 3:40 p.m., Natchitoches’ own Country music legend and Curb Recording artist Trini Triggs at 2:35 p.m., with the music being kicked off on the Main Stage by Zydeco legend, Gerard Delafose.  

There will be over 15 bands on three stages with the schedule for the Fleur De Lis Stage and Roque House Stage listed below.  For the first time ever there will also be a Natchitoches Original Music Showcase Stage located at Beau Jardin.  That stage will feature mostly Natchitoches artists performing their original music.

The fun begins on Friday night with Tribute to Legends night which will begin with Led Zeppelin tribute band, The Zeppelin Project at 7 p.m. featuring a faithful recreation of the super group’s hits.

Prior to the Zeppelin, will be Waterloo, the nation’s premiere ABBA tribute act will faithfully create the 70’s Swedish super group’s concert, including dancers and a lights show.  Attendees are encouraged dress up and sing along.  

As always, there will be plenty of great food and kids’ activities at this family event.  For more information and to order tickets go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com

Fleur De Lis Stage

12:00 – 1:00 Snake Doctors.   Led by grizzled veteran, Ed Huey, this Natchitoches based Doctors prescription will be an eclectic blend of Blues, Jazz, Folk, with a little Rock & Roll and R&B thrown in.  You will hear things you’ve never heard before from this entertaining group.

1:10 – 2:10 The Luke Brouillette Jazz Trio (Traditional and Modern Jazz).  Led by guitarist Luke Brouillette, this trio which includes Sammy Nix on drums and Dion Pierre on bass will play through well-loved jazz standards featuring Swing, Latin, and Bebop.  Listen and watch while these virtuosos perform some righteous jazz.  

2:20 – 3:20 Deep Water Rehab – (Classic, Southern Rock, Country, Originals & Covers).  This Winnfield-based band covering Classic & Southern Rock, Country, and even some R&B tunes.  They’ll also be performing cuts from their album of original songs which recently dropped.

3:30 – 4:30 Gumbo Delux  – (R&B/Soul). This is a high-energy Shreveport based Soul/R&B group serving up a spicy mix of covers of great songs of yesterday and today.  

4:45 – 5:45 Junior the Third – (Blues and Jazz).  This Shreveport based trio started out as raw, stripped-down Blues and has stretched into something deeper, shaped by soulful jams, old standards, and the kind of feel you can’t fake.  Pulling from the well of Delta and Hill Country blues, they built a sound that’s less about polish and more about pocket.  

6:00 – 7:00 Becky Birdwell and the Shuffle Kings (Classic Rock/R&B/Country/Gospel).  Becky and her family band has been a fixture at the festival for many years and play a crowd-pleasing mixture of classic rock, R&B, Country with some gospel thrown in.   

Roque House Stage

1:00 – 2:00 The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (Gospel/R&B/Rock/Country/Inspirational).   This Natchitoches-based Gospel/Inspiration group will perform an eclectic blend of secular and traditional gospel music which will include some Rock & Roll, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Contemporary Christian songs.  Their set includes some unique “Mash Ups” of traditional hymns with more modern secular music.  All of it, music with a message!  

2:10 – 3:10 Jenny & Kelli (Harmonious Rock, Covers, & Originals).  These popular Natchitoches songbirds play a rousing blend of songs that you know and love along with a few of their very own originals.  Every song will feature their spectacular angelic harmonies.   

3:20 – 4:20 Broken Peaces –  (Classic Rock).  This kind of a “Super Group,” made up of members of various bands who have come together to make some great high-energy music, focusing mainly on the Rock & Roll of the 70’s through the 90’s.  

4:35 – 5:35 Badd Apple – (Classic Rock/ R&B).  Led by local legend, Billy O’Con, featuring some of the finest musicians in north Louisiana, this rocking group will have everyone on their feet and dancing from the first note.  

5:50 – 6:50 Jester – (Rock and Blues).  This 3-piece high-energy band, exploding out of Bossier City is fronted by 13 year old guitar protégé and vocalist, Odin Cobb, and is fueled by the thunderous drive of a 17 year old drummer and locked in tight by a veteran bassist.  Don’t miss this highly entertaining act.  

Advance tickets may be purchased at http://www.natchjazzfest.com

The Winn Parish School Board is seeking approval for a significant investment in local educational facilities at the State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at 9 a.m.. The board has proposed a bond issue not to exceed $23 million for Consolidated School District No. 12.

According to the official agenda, the general obligation bonds would carry an interest rate not exceeding 7% and mature over a period of up to 20 years. The funds are designated for capital school expenditures, most notably the construction of a new gymnasium at Winnfield Senior High School.

Additionally, the project includes additional classrooms and renovations at Winnfield Middle School, along with necessary equipment and furnishings.