Growing up as a kid who fished stock ponds his whole life, I could not wait for the day that I got my first bass boat. Every angler who loves bass fishing looks forward to the day they pull out of a boat dealer towing their first bass boat. 

As a new boat owner there are so many things that you must learn on your own. Not many dealers take you out and show you how to launch your boat or go over maintenance tips you need to do yourself. 

So much about a bass boat is learned through experience. You learn through trial and error, but hopefully the errors you make don’t cost you a ton of money to fix.

But there was one thing I learned the very first time I took out my new Pro Gator bass boat back in 1992. When you arrive at the dock after fishing, make sure you tie the boat to the dock properly. 

It was on Chicot Lake,  just north of Ville Platte, where I took it out for the very first time. I was so excited to go fishing in my new boat while learning all the ends and outs about it. 

There was one thing that got my attention as I idled away from the boat dock. I noticed on my left, there were several gators sitting on the bank sunning themselves. A couple of these gators were over 10 feet long and looked at me as if I would be their next meal. More on that in just a minute.

After catching a few bass that evening, I decided to stay on the lake until after it got dark, as the bass were really biting just after the sun went down. It was around 9:30 that I headed back to the ramp. 

Upon arriving at the boat dock, I tied off my boat (or so I thought). I then headed to my truck so I could back my trailer down the ramp and load my boat.  After getting the trailer into the water, I hopped out of the truck and walked down the dock towards my boat. But as I got to the end of the dock, my boat was gone!

Now remember, there’s no one around for help and it’s pitch dark except for the light on the dock itself. So, as I scanned the bay and saw my boat floating about 50 yards out in the bay with its running lights on, panic set in on how I was going to get to it. At the same time, reality also set in and I knew there was only one way to retrieve the boat. 

That’s right, I was going to have to swim alligator-infested waters to retrieve my brand-new bass boat. So, I did what any crazy man would do. I stripped down to my underwear and made a running sprint down that long boat dock and dove headfirst into the lake. 

Let’s just say that had this been an Olympic swim meet, I would have set a new world record for the 50-meter freestyle. Arriving at the boat and having the fear of a gator pulling me under as I grabbed the side of my boat, I hopped in it quicker than a rabbit jumping over a briar patch. 

The moral of the story: always make sure you properly tie your boat to the dock, so you don’t have to make an unnecessary swim. Good luck, good fishing and remember, every time you go fishing, it’s a great trip whether you catch fish or not. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Office of State Parks has launched the Louisiana State Parks Passport, a free program created to encourage families and travelers to visit public lands and historic landmarks across the state.

The passport booklet serves as a travel keepsake for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can collect a commemorative stamp at each location they explore. Travelers who visit all 32 state parks and historic sites can submit their completed passports to receive prizes ranging from official state park gear to a free overnight cabin or campsite stay.

“Whether hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, paddling peaceful waterways, fishing, enjoying family recreation or exploring Louisiana’s historic treasures, this passport makes every stop along the way special. Each passport stamp represents a new destination and a new adventure,” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said. “The Louisiana State Parks Passport is a fun way to get explore new places and discover everything our state parks and historic sites have to offer. Grab a passport, get outdoors, and see if you can hit all 32 destinations”

Standard day-use entry fees apply at all participating locations. Passports are free and can be requested online by visiting the Louisiana State Parks Passport webpage.

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“Use it or lose it.”

Football coaches said that in the weight room, usually while we were trying to explain why we needed to sit down. Language professors warned us to use our Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and German daily. My piano teacher said something similar about muscle memory. Apparently, muscles have memories. Mine remember how much they dislike exercise.

I haven’t used it, and I have almost lost it.

I am talking about my handwriting.

I often write notes to members of the congregation. Some are invitations to church events. Others offer encouragement during rocky times. Then there is my special category: “I know where you sit, and I haven’t seen you sitting there for a couple of Sundays.”

If you want your preacher to have trouble tracking your attendance, move around the sanctuary. Of course, convincing a Methodist to change pews may require a greater miracle than anything I am prepared to perform.

I was writing a pile of those notes this week. For every successful note, I threw away two because of mistakes. By the time I finished, I had encouraged six church members and exhausted a small forest.

My handwriting is on the fritz. I know what I intend to write, but somewhere between my brain and my fingers, the message gets translated into a prescription.

When I was growing up, we learned cursive in the third grade. It was a rite of passage. Adults could no longer hide information in that mysterious, looping script. The Christmas gift list was finally readable. Unfortunately, so were the chores.

We spent hours forming those majestic letters. Our teachers expected proper slants, graceful loops, and consistent spacing. My handwriting now looks like a committee reached an agreement on none of those things.

These days, I do most of my writing on a keyboard. The computer straightens my lines, corrects my spelling, and occasionally changes a perfectly good word into something that could end my ministry.

I have neglected a skill I once used every day. Now my fingers need a refresher course.

Where has “use it or lose it” proven true in your life?

Some things grow rusty when we neglect them. That includes the ways we love one another. Patience needs practice, especially with people who give us plenty of opportunities. Compassion grows when we pay attention. Forgiveness takes more exercise than holding a grudge, although a grudge can certainly wear you out.

Jesus calls us to put love into practice: love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, forgive one another, and care for those who are easily overlooked. Those teachings become part of our lives as we follow him in ordinary, sometimes inconvenient moments.

We do not practice our way into earning his love. His love comes first. Then, by his grace, we learn to love as he loves.

So find a church on Sunday. We will be practicing following Jesus together. Then comes Monday, when we discover whether we learned anything. You are welcome to sit beside me. Just don’t ask me to take notes.

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By Journal Staff

There is something truly magical about bringing Louisiana communities together to celebrate what makes our state so vibrant, welcoming and unique.

Over the past few weeks, the Parish Journals of Louisiana had the privilege of partnering with Paige Alost and the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, alongside Rebecca Blankenbaker and the Cane River National Heritage Area, to help promote a one-of-a-kind regional celebration: Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend: Natchitoches Celebrates Dolly Parton.

From the moment planning began, our mission was simple: rally readers from across North and Central Louisiana and share the charm, history, and warmth of Natchitoches.

Today, we could not be prouder of the overwhelming response.

Throughout the multi-week promotional campaign, our readers answered the call in record numbers:

• Over 1.29 million total impressions were delivered across our 16 digital Parish Journals, connecting community members to the spirit and schedule of the festival.
• More than 1 million views greeted readers on topboard banners across every single news article published in our network.
• Nearly 300,000 in-depth reads were logged on our dedicated feature advertorials exploring the weekend’s itinerary and the rich heritage of Cane River country.
• More than 4,400 verified, non-duplicated entries were submitted by readers eager to win the exclusive $600 Dolly Parton Weekend Getaway package.

Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the enthusiasm of our neighbors. Whether reading in Lincoln, Webster, Rapides, Jackson, Shreveport-Bossier, or right at home in Natchitoches Parish, readers embraced the chance to support and visit a premier Louisiana destination.

Events like Truvy’s Blush & Bashful Weekend demonstrate the enduring spirit of local community. Partnering with dedicated leaders like Paige Alost and Rebecca Blankenbaker reminds us of the power of collaboration between local tourism organizations and local community journalism.

To the Natchitoches Parish Tourist and Convention Commission and the Cane River National Heritage Area: thank you for trusting us to help tell your story. And to our readers across Louisiana: thank you for supporting community events and continuing to make our parish news network your daily home.

We were honored to play a part in this unforgettable celebration—and we look forward to many more to come.

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On Oct. 13, 1972, a plane carrying 45 people crashed into the snow-covered Andes Mountains in South America. What followed became one of the most remarkable and disturbing survival stories in aviation history.

For 72 days, a group of young men endured freezing temperatures, starvation, an avalanche, and the devastating realization that rescuers had stopped searching for them. When help finally arrived in December, only 16 people remained alive.

The tragedy, now widely known as the Miracle of the Andes, began when Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 was traveling from Uruguay to Chile. Among those aboard were members of the Old Christians Rugby Club, along with friends, relatives, and crew members. The aircraft was approaching Santiago, Chile, when a navigational error led the pilots to begin descending before clearing the surrounding mountains. The plane struck a mountain, losing both wings and its tail section before the remaining fuselage slid across the snow and came to rest in a remote valley high in the Andes.

Twelve people died in the initial crash, while others succumbed to injuries in the days that followed.

Those who survived found themselves stranded thousands of feet above sea level, surrounded by towering mountains, with little food, inadequate clothing, and no reliable means of communicating with the outside world.

The wrecked aircraft became their shelter.

Passengers used luggage, seat cushions, and pieces of the fuselage to block openings and protect themselves from the bitter cold. With almost no medical supplies, they treated injuries as best they could. Meanwhile, search aircraft flew over the region, but the white wreckage was nearly impossible to distinguish from the surrounding snow. After several days of unsuccessful searching, authorities suspended rescue operations.

The survivors eventually learned through a small radio that the official search had ended.

They were on their own.

As their limited food supplies disappeared, the group faced a decision that would become the most controversial aspect of their survival. With no vegetation or animals available and no other source of nourishment, the survivors eventually resorted to consuming the bodies of those who had died. The decision was not made lightly. Many of the passengers were deeply religious, and the dead included their friends and family members.

Survivors later described the emotional struggle surrounding the decision, explaining that it became a matter of survival rather than choice.

But their ordeal was far from over.

On Oct. 29, an avalanche struck the wreckage while the survivors were sleeping inside, burying the fuselage in snow and killing eight more people. Those who remained alive continued to endure the harsh mountain conditions as the weeks passed. Eventually, they concluded that waiting for rescue was no longer an option.

In December, three survivors — Nando Parrado, Roberto Canessa, and Antonio Vizintín — set out across the mountains in search of help. Equipped with makeshift clothing and a sleeping bag constructed from materials salvaged from the aircraft, the men began an exhausting journey through deep snow and rugged terrain. After several days, Vizintín returned to the crash site so the remaining two could conserve their limited food supplies.

Parrado and Canessa continued, climbing and descending through the mountains until they finally encountered a Chilean herdsman named Sergio Catalán. Their encounter set a rescue operation in motion. On Dec. 22 and 23, helicopters reached the crash site and evacuated the remaining survivors.

After 72 days in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments, 16 people returned home alive. Twenty-nine others had died.

The extraordinary events captured international attention and eventually inspired books, documentaries, and films, including the 1993 movie Alive and the 2023 Spanish-language film Society of the Snow. The latter introduced the tragedy to a new generation, emphasizing the relationships, sacrifices, and impossible decisions faced by those stranded in the mountains.

More than half a century later, the events of Oct. 13, 1972, remain a powerful example of human endurance. What began as a routine flight to a rugby match became a 72-day struggle against starvation, isolation, and death — and a survival story that continues to challenge conventional ideas about the limits of human resilience.

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Dr. Kathryn “Kathy” Sullivan wanted to take a walk, but this was no walk around the block.  She wanted to take a 140-mile walk.  Let me explain.  Kathy’s brother Grant had heard about the planned walk, had applied to be a participant, and encouraged Kathy to apply as well.  She was uninterested at first because she wanted to take a seven-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean instead.  Kathy disregarded Grant’s suggestion until she saw an advertisement for the upcoming walk in a scientific magazine.  Shortly after she applied for the walk, William Ryan of Columbia University offered Kathy the chance to take the seven-mile swim that she had been dreaming of for years.  William and Kathy discussed the walk and the swim, and they concluded that Kathy should wait to hear if her application to take the walk was accepted.  Williams reassured Kathy that she would have another opportunity to take the swim but the opportunity to take the walk would probably never happen again.  Kathy’s wait was worth it.  She was invited for a week of interviews, psychological examinations, and physical examinations.  Of the large group who were chosen, Kathy was one of six females selected.  Grant, Kathy’s brother who had encouraged her to apply, was not selected.                    

The magazine advertisement I mentioned earlier said women could apply, but many scientists believed that women would be unable to complete such a walk because they were inferior to men.  Scientists believed women would require more specialized equipment than men to complete such a walk.  Of course, those scientists were mostly men.  Kathy was fitted with a special pressurized suit which provided oxygen and blocked out the Sun’s rays.  Kathy spent years training for the 140-mile walk which would last just a few hours.  On October 11, 1984, 33-year-old Kathy dressed carefully in her specialized clothing which weighed more than she did.  Then, she stepped out of the vehicle and began her walk.  There were no trees, no sidewalks, nor automobiles on her route.  Despite the initial doubts of scientists, she completed the walk without any trouble at all.  Kathy made history. 

Kathy still wanted to take that seven-mile swim, but it took longer than she had imagined.  36 years after Kathy completed her walk, she finally got the opportunity to take that swim in the Pacific Ocean.  Just as she had for her walk, Kathy prepared well and used specialized equipment.  On June 8, 2020, sixty-eight-year-old Kathy finally fulfilled her dream and completed the swim that she had dreamed of for decades.                   

Kathy does not consider herself an adrenaline junkie, but a scientist and explorer.  You see, the 140 miles I mentioned was not the distance she traveled on her walk, but the height above the Earth she was when she took her walk.  On October 11, 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to take a walk…a spacewalk 140 miles up in space.  On June 8, 2020, she became the first woman to swim, well… descend, in a submersible to Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in Earth’s oceans.  Kathy is the only woman known to have both walked in space and visited Challenger Deep.

 Sources:

1.     Colin Dwyer, “1st U.S. Woman To Walk In Space Dives To Deepest Point In The Ocean,” NPR, June 9, 2020, accessed September 27, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2020/06/09/873194201/first-u-s-woman-to-walk-in-space-dives-to-deepest-point-in-the-ocean.

2.     Mark Kahn, “Kathryn D. Sullivan: From Outer Space to Under the Sea,” September 17, 2022, accessed September 27, 2026, https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/kathryn-sullivan-outer-space-under-sea.

3.      “The New Space Age with Kathryn Sullivan,” University of Alaska Anchorage, accessed September 27, 2026, https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/cas-community-lecture-series/sullivan.cshtml.

 © 2026 Brad Dison. All rights reserved. Remember This? is distributed for licensed publication only.

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John Douglas “Bo” Walker Jr.
Dec 5, 1946 — Oct 9, 2026

John Douglas “Bo” Walker Jr.

Bo’s journey through life was marked by his constant devotion to family, his long and distinguished career, and his vibrant community involvement.

John Douglas “Bo” Walker Jr., a man whose life was a testament to family, love, and service, was born on December 5, 1946, in Alexandria, Louisiana, the beloved son of John Douglas “Johnny” Walker and Billie Jean Cole Walker.

Bo was preceded in death by his parents and beloved daughter-in-law Rachel Walker.

Bo’s journey through life was marked by his constant devotion to family, his long and distinguished career, and his vibrant community involvement. In 1968 he married the love of his life, Christine Gaspard Walker, with whom he shared a beautiful partnership enriched by their devotion to family and mutual respect and love for each other during their 58 years of marriage.

A proud veteran, Bo served his country with honor in the U.S. Navy, stationed in the Philippines. His service was a reflection of his enduring commitment to duty and his country.

Bo dedicated over 50 years to the financial and banking industry, where his senior leadership, integrity, and guidance left an indelible mark. His colleagues and clients alike respected him for his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering standards of excellence.

Bo Walker’s life was a rich tapestry of love, service, and joy.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bo was deeply involved in his community. He was an active and cherished member of the Winnfield Rotary Club for over three decades, actively participated in Ducks Unlimited in roles from local treasurer to regional Vice President over his more than twenty years of service to that organization, and supported the Winn Chamber of Commerce for many years, including serving as president. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where his presence was a constant source of inspiration and support, most notably in his leadership of the church’s meals delivery program, the St. Joseph’s Table feast and celebration, and the monthly First Saturday Brunch. Bo’s love of cooking, his celebrated skills, and his enthusiasm made these events famous far beyond all expectations.

Bo’s love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting and fishing, pursuits he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. He was particularly fond of white perch fishing, traveling all over the South to do that on many memorable fishing trips.

Family was the heart of Bo’s world. He was a loving father to his daughter Joliene and her husband Rudy, and to his son Jason and wife Rachel, who is remembered with love. His grandchildren, Walker Sosa, Piper Sosa, and Kate Walker, were his pride and joy, his “special babies,” and he cherished every moment spent with them, from the many family vacations over their growing up years to the nightly texts to each of them to say he loved them. Bo’s sisters, Donna and Elyse, held a special place in his heart, and their bond was a source of great strength and joy throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA – donation link at bottom of obituary) in honor of Kate Walker and in memory of Bo’s generous spirit and enduring legacy of support of that organization, from the many spaghetti fundraisers to the annual rideATAXIA events, where he contributed his world famous gumbo and was loved by all.

All Services will be held at Our Lourdes Catholic Church, 772 Country Club Rd., Winnfield, La 71483, on Saturday October 17, 2026. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., eulogy and comments from friends will be from 10:15 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., at 10:30 a.m. a rosary with prayer intentions will be given by his friends – Johnny Brister, Max Daughtry, Eddie Quitta, David Rockett, and Tom Yannarella. Following the recitation of the rosary there will be a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Louis Edward Sklar III and Deacon Lee Moreaux will be celebrating and seminarian Blake Bernard will serve the altar.

Bo Walker’s life was a rich tapestry of love, service, and joy. He had a passion for life and living. He loved and enjoyed his life, he loved his family and friends, and his memory will forever be cherished and celebrated by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

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Danny “Danny Boy” Ferguson
December 10, 1953 — October 11, 2026
Service: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 2pm at Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield. 

John Douglas “Bo” Walker Jr.
December 5, 1946 — October 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Winnfield.

Theresa Sanders Fletcher
April 28, 1964 — October 8, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 2pm at Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield.

Winn Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or bill@journalservicesllc.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to WinnNewsLa@gmail.com

September 30, 2026
JaKobi Sherman, 22, of Winnfield, was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm.

October 3, 2026
Andrew Smith, 43, (homeless), was arrested for criminal trespassing and criminal damage to property.
Joda Rhone, of Winnfield, was arrested for disturbing the peace (violent and tumultuous manner).
McKelvey N. Rhone, 23, of Winnfield, was arrested for disturbing the peace (violent and tumultuous manner).

October 6, 2026
Joshua Shell, 35, of Winnfield, was arrested for disturbing the peace.

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Arrest Report

No Report Provided

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A Winnfield man is in custody facing multiple felony charges following an overnight manhunt that began after a shooting on Oct. 1, according to the Winnfield Police Department.

Andrew Smith, 43, of Winnfield, was arrested and booked into the Winnfield City Jail. He faces charges of aggravated battery, aggravated second-degree battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, criminal damage to property, and trespassing.

Officers initially responded Oct. 1 to the Winn Parish Medical Center emergency room after receiving a report of a gunshot victim. The victim, identified as Michael Foster, 35, of Winnfield, told investigators he had been pistol-whipped in the head and shot in the arm during an altercation in an open field between Hodges and Halsey streets. Foster identified Smith as his assailant before being transferred to another medical facility, where he remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigators processed the scene of the shooting and launched a search for Smith, who is believed to be unhoused and frequently transient. Officers learned Smith had fled the area on a bicycle, which police later recovered at a residence on Lucky Avenue.

Believing the suspect had barricaded himself inside, Winnfield police requested assistance from outside law enforcement agencies to surround and secure the home. After several unsuccessful attempts to establish contact, officers entered the residence and determined Smith had already fled.

The search continued through the night, with officers checking numerous abandoned properties based on community tips. During the early morning hours, police responded to a resident’s report of suspicious noises coming from a neighboring abandoned house on South Jones Street. Officers entered the structure and took Smith into custody without incident.

Winnfield Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter commended the agencies that assisted in the search and credited community members for helping resolve the situation safely.

“Chief Carpenter extends his sincere appreciation to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and especially to the citizens who provided timely tips to the department,” the agency said. “Their cooperation led to Smith’s capture without further danger to the community.”

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WINNFIELD, LA — The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield welcomed Reverend James E. Green, Democratic candidate for Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) District 5 (#19), as their guest speaker at the club’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Green, who currently serves on the Shreveport City Council and has pastored Union Mission Baptist Church for 49 years, is running for the PSC seat being vacated by longtime commissioner Foster Campbell. He was accompanied by his campaign manager, Dr. Markey W. Pierre, DBA, MBA, a well-known policy strategist, Haughton native, and recipient of the Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Award.

Club member Dr. Bill Gaddis introduced Green, highlighting Green’s extensive background in municipal leadership and community ministry. Taking the podium, Green immediately demonstrated his appreciation for local history by detailing key milestones of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield, noting its charter on June 22, 1954, its service in Division 11, and its three decades organizing the annual Winnfield Christmas Parade.

Centering his address on his campaign slogan—“Protect the People, Protect the Pocketbook, Protect the Power”—Green emphasized the direct financial impact the Public Service Commission has on everyday households, small businesses, and community institutions.

“Public service goes directly to your pocketbook,” Green said. “It determines how you pay your bills, and right now families on fixed incomes, seniors, and working citizens are crying out for relief as electricity and grocery bills continue to rise. I’m not anti-business; I’m pro-people. If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Ratepayers need a fighter in Baton Rouge who will ask utility companies the tough questions: why do you need a rate hike, and how will it help the people?”

During an open question-and-answer period, attendees raised vital questions regarding local utility fuel adjustments and the proliferation of large-scale AI data centers across North and Central Louisiana. Green took a decisive stance regarding industrial power consumption, asserting that large commercial developers must not push the financial burden of grid expansions onto residential ratepayers. “They need to bear all of the burden,” Green stated, stressing that corporate data facilities should utilize dedicated power grids or on-site generation. “They’re going to keep all the profits; they should not pass the cost to the people. Not as long as I have a vote.”

Green pledged to maintain strict transparency, vowing never to sign non-disclosure agreements that conceal utility negotiations from the public, and promised to hold regular town hall meetings across District 5 before rate cases and major infrastructure projects are finalized.

Dr. Pierre also spoke with attendees regarding collaborative energy strategies, highlighting innovative opportunities such as placing solar arrays over commercial parking facilities and expansive rooftops to reduce strain on the power grid while protecting farmland.

Green concluded by reaffirming his commitment to consumer affordability, weatherization assistance, and proactive storm-hardening for electric infrastructure across North Louisiana’s 24 parishes.

In keeping with Kiwanis tradition of providing a fair and open platform for all candidates, Dr. Gaddis noted that Green’s opponent in the District 5 election is scheduled to address the club in the coming weeks.

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In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) of Winn Parish is calling on the community to participate in National Wear Purple Thursday on October 15.

Winn Parish residents, businesses, and schools are encouraged to wear purple—the international color of domestic violence awareness—to show their solidarity with survivors, honor those who have been lost, and raise awareness about the impact of domestic abuse in the community.

“Wearing purple is a simple but powerful way to show survivors that they are not alone and that our community stands against domestic violence,” said Annie Goods, DART DV Survivor Advocate. “We want to fill Winn Parish with purple on October 15 to spark conversations, raise awareness, and let everyone know that help is available.”

DART-Winn Parish invites everyone participating to share their photos to help spread the message. Community members can submit their pictures wearing purple by phone, email, or by tagging Annie Goods on Facebook and Instagram.

Whether it is a t-shirt, a scarf, a wristband, or a tie, any visible purple makes a difference. DART encourages workplaces, faith groups, and school classrooms to take group photos to show their collective support.

The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is dedicated to “Helping Keep Families Safe” by providing shelter, advocacy, resources, and support to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

For more information about National Wear Purple Thursday, to submit photos, or to access domestic violence resources and support, please contact Annie Goods at (318) 648-0559 or connect via social media.

About DART

The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) provides safety, advocacy, and support services to victims of domestic violence and their children, while work to educate the community to end domestic abuse.

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WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish will see several days of sunny and hot weather before small rain chances return for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 93 degrees. Winds will be calm early before becoming easterly around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 62.

Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 93. Mostly clear skies are expected Thursday night as temperatures fall to around 60.

Friday will be mostly sunny with another high near 93. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 61.

A chance of rain will return Saturday, particularly during the afternoon. The National Weather Service forecasts a 30% chance of showers, mainly after 1 p.m., with mostly sunny skies and a high near 91. Saturday night will bring a 20% chance of showers and a low around 63.

Sunday will be partly sunny with a 30% chance of showers and a high near 91. A 20% chance of showers will continue Sunday night, with a low around 64.

For Columbus Day on Monday, a 20% chance of showers is forecast. Otherwise, conditions will be mostly sunny with a high near 93 degrees.

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