The Winnfield Kiwanis Club will hold its annual scholarship fundraiser lunch Monday, April 13, at the Farmers Market.

The menu features Boston butt steak, green beans, potato salad, bread and dessert. Tickets are $10 and are available from any Kiwanis member. The event is takeout only, with pickup available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Proceeds fund scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Winnfield Senior High School, Calvin High School and Atlanta High School. Scholarship applications are available at each school.

The Kiwanis Club appreciates the community’s continued support of this annual tradition.

The Women of Zion of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church will host its second annual health fair Saturday, April 25. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the church, located at 430 West Jones St.

Under the theme “Save a Life,” the fair focuses on the stewardship of the body, guided by the scripture 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The program will feature guest speakers and various health presentations.

The event offers free health screenings to the public, including checks for:

• Height and weight
• Temperature and pulse rate
• Respirations
• Blood pressure and blood sugar

The health fair is open to men, women and children. G. Tomell Hamms serves as pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Louisiana residents are once again battling their annual sworn enemy as a thick layer of pollen quietly takes over cars, porches, and anything that dares to exist outside. Visibility is fine, but everything now has a nice yellow finish—whether it asked for it or not. Officials have yet to confirm when it will end, but locals agree: the pollen is winning.

Most of us know that laughter is good for us. It eases stress, strengthens relationships, lightens the workplace, and boosts our overall sense of wellbeing. Proverbs puts it plainly: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” And honestly, who among us couldn’t use a refill.

But humor, like everything else, needs healthy boundaries. We don’t have to be standup comedians or laugh at every mishap. And “putdown humor”—the kind that gets a chuckle by bruising someone else—doesn’t heal anything. It just dries up the bones faster.

What we need is the kind of humor that grows out of a joyful, grounded way of seeing the world. And believe it or not, Jesus modeled that beautifully.

Jesus wasn’t the stonefaced figure we sometimes imagine. He used humor—sharp, surprising, and downright funny—to open people’s eyes. When he talked about someone obsessing over the speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the log in their own, that wasn’t just a teaching. That was comedy.

Picture someone with a telephone pole sticking out of their face saying, “Hold still, I think you’ve got a little something right there.”

Or his line about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. That’s ancient satire. Jesus knew that sometimes the best way to expose our blind spots is to make us laugh at them.

And that’s the invitation for us today. We can choose joy over cynicism. We can practice humor that lifts people up instead of tearing them down. We can resist becoming a “Negative Nate”—the person who finds the downside of winning the lottery—and instead cultivate the kind of cheerful heart that heals.

Life is serious enough. Faith gives us permission to smile anyway. And the Great Physician still prescribes a good laugh.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

The drive to campus often carries two things at once, excitement and uncertainty.

For many students, college begins before the first class ever meets. It starts in the quiet questions that build during the summer. Where do I go? Who do I ask? What will this place feel like once it becomes mine?

At Northwestern State University, Freshman Connection is designed to answer those questions early and well.

The program serves as NSU’s official orientation for new first-year students attending the Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville, and Shreveport campuses. It gives students an organized, welcoming introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the people who will help shape their first year. Students meet in small groups led by current student Connectors, who guide conversations, share advice, and help make a university feel personal from the very beginning.

That matters, because the transition to college rarely feels small.

Students are stepping away from familiar routines and entering a new environment with new expectations. They are learning how to manage time, ask for help, build relationships, and take ownership of their education. Freshman Connection meets them in that moment. It does not overwhelm them with information and send them on their way. It introduces them to the rhythm of NSU, one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time.

During orientation, students learn about academic advising and register for fall classes. They are introduced to campus services and resources that support strong academic choices and healthy social decisions. They explore opportunities for involvement and begin to understand what responsibility looks like in a college setting. By the end, the university is no longer a collection of buildings and offices. It starts to feel familiar.

“We want you to leave orientation knowing exactly where you belong,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. “You arrive as a visitor, and you leave as a Demon.”

That sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of the experience.

Freshman Connection is also built with families in mind. Parent Connection runs alongside the student program and gives parents and guardians a closer look at first-year transitions, student involvement, campus services, university procedures, and academic resources. NSU also offers Kid Konnection for siblings ages 5 to 12, creating a family-centered welcome that recognizes college is often a transition shared by more than one person.

The 2026 schedule gives families several options. Natchitoches will host sessions May 20 to 21, May 27 to 28, June 17 to 18, and July 9. Additional one-day satellite events are scheduled for Alexandria on June 23, Leesville on June 24, and Shreveport on June 25, and these sessions are only for students attending those campuses. Registration opened Feb. 10 through the myStatus portal at www.nsu.la/mystatus, where students can also review admissions, financial aid, housing, and orientation information in one place.

That is why Freshman Connection matters. It gives students structure before the semester begins. It helps them move from uncertainty to clarity. It gives them names, faces, places, and next steps.

And for many, it marks the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.

At the end of Freshman Connection, students depart with direction. They know where to go, who to contact, and how to begin. They leave having already taken an important first step toward success at Northwestern State.

Explore Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/fc
Apply to NSU: www.nsu.la/apply
Register for Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/mystatus

We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off.

Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret.

There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy.

But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through.

I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge.

One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more.

I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!

That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.

Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos.

Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career.

While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass.

I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.

Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.

Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable.

But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon.

To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!

Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.

April 8 has marked several significant turning points in global history, from groundbreaking scientific achievements to the loss of influential leaders whose legacies continue to shape modern society.

One of the most notable events tied to this date occurred in 1974, when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing home run record by hitting his 715th career home run. The moment was more than a sports milestone—it represented perseverance and dignity in the face of intense racial hostility. Aaron’s achievement became a defining moment in American sports history and a symbol of progress during a turbulent era.

April 8 is also remembered for the death of Margaret Thatcher in 2013, the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990 and played a key role in reshaping British economic policy through deregulation and privatization. Her leadership remains a subject of debate, but her impact on global politics is undeniable.

In science and exploration, April 8, 1960, marked the introduction of the first weather satellite system capable of transmitting cloud images from space. This advancement revolutionized meteorology, providing forecasters with unprecedented tools to predict storms and monitor climate patterns. Today’s satellite technology traces its roots back to these early innovations.

April 8 also carries significance in civil rights history. In 1968, just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King led a silent march in Memphis, continuing her husband’s work and demonstrating the enduring strength of the movement. The march drew thousands and reinforced calls for justice and equality.

From sports achievements to political leadership and scientific breakthroughs, April 8 stands as a date marked by resilience, innovation, and lasting influence across multiple fields.

“It breaks my heart to think about children growing up with so much uncertainty because one parent isn’t paying what they should. When the support doesn’t come, it’s the kids and the custodial parent who carry the burden every single day — and no family should have to live that way.”

 See what Ida says 

In the 1930s, the Kutol Products soap company was dangerously close to going out of business. Cleo McVicker worked hard to get Kutol’s products into stores and ultimately in the hands of consumers. Kutol needed a new product, but what? At the time, many homes in America were heated with coal which left a sooty residue on everything in the home. Unlike regular household dust which could easily be swept or vacuumed up, coal dust was finer and more difficult to remove. Sweeping and vacuuming coal dust normally sent more of it back into the air than was collected. Coal dust also contained sulfur, nitrogen, silica, and heavy metals, which could be hazardous to health. In 1933, Cleo negotiated a deal with the purchasing agent for the Kroger grocery store chain to add a cleaner to their inventory which would remove coal dust from wallpaper. Coal dust was especially hard to remove from wallpaper because it was small enough to settle into the paper fibers of wallpaper. Cleo promised Kroger a product which did not exist.

Cleo immediately contacted his brother Noah, Kutol’s main product developer, and the two began the rigorous research and development process. After countless failures, they came up with the formula for a compound which easily removed coal dust from wallpaper. Unlike liquid cleaners which required the user to apply the liquid to a cloth and swipe away the coal dust which usually made a bigger mess, Kutol wallpaper cleaner, was non-toxic, non-staining, and made no mess at all. The user simply pressed the compound onto the wall and the coal dust stuck to it. Once the compound became saturated with coal dust, the consumer threw it away and bought another can for five cents. Because it was a replenishable product, the Kutol company was saved one nickel at a time.

For 20 years, Kutol wallpaper cleaner kept the company afloat and successful. Following World War II, many people converted their homes from being heated by coal to natural gas. No longer did homeowners have the hassle of purchasing, handling, and storing a skuttle of dusty coal. Natural gas burned cleanly and was piped directly into the home. Around the same time, manufacturers began making wallpaper out of vinyl rather than paper which made it much easier to clean. By the early 1950s, sales of Kutol wallpaper cleaner began to decline quickly. The company was once again on the brink of failure.

In 1955, Joe McVicker, Cleo’s son, was searching for a way to keep Kutol from going bankrupt when Kay Zufall, his sister-in-law and schoolteacher, convinced him that Kutol wallpaper cleaner could be used for something more fun than cleaning. Joe ran with the idea. In 1956, Kutol established the Rainbow Crafts Company Inc. and repackaged the wallpaper cleaner, but Kutol was so near bankruptcy that they had no advertising budget. That could have been the end, but Joe demonstrated his product to Bob Keeshan, better known to the world as Captain Kangaroo. Bob liked the product so much that he agreed to use it in his television show at least once a week. From 1955 until 1984, Captain Kangaroo was one of the most popular children’s shows on television. Before Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to sell their rebranded product. Because of Captain Kangaroo, Kutol struggled to keep up with demand. Since its introduction on Captain Kangaroo, billions of cans of rebranded Kutol wallpaper cleaner have been sold. It has become one of history’s most iconic toys and it remains popular to this day. We have all played with Kuto wallpaper cleaner, but we know it as Play-Doh.

Sources:

1. The Cincinnati Enquirer, April 19, 1936, p.25.

2. The Akron Beacon Journal, April 18, 1938, p.19.

3. David Kindy, “The Accidental Invention of Play-Doh,” Smithsonian magazine, November 12, 2019, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-play-doh-180973527/.

4. “The History of Play-Doh: Good, Clean Fun!” The Strong National Museum of Play, accessed March 29, 2026, https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/the-history-of-play-doh-good-clean-fun/.

October 11, 1933 — March 28, 2026

Jane Claborn Purser, a cornerstone of the Winnfield community, transitioned to her eternal home on March 28, 2026. Her 92 years were a profound testament to the biblical call to love one’s neighbor, defined by a life of quiet grace, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to serving others.

A Ministry of Presence and Service

Jane’s civic leadership was not merely a duty but an extension of her Christian walk. For 56 years, she served the Rotary Club of Winnfield, embodying the motto of “Service Above Self” through a lens of faith. Her devotion was most visible at the Winn Community Food Pantry, where she spent her retirement years as the hands and feet of Jesus, ensuring her neighbors were nourished in both body and spirit.

A devoted Elder of First Presbyterian Church, Jane believed deeply in the power of redemption. This belief led her to the Winn Correctional Center, where she spearheaded the pre-release program and served through KAIROS Prison Ministry. To Jane, these were not just programs, but a mission to offer the “second chances” promised by her faith to those seeking a new path.

Nurturing the Next Generation

Jane’s 40-year career as an educator and counselor was her primary mission field. She viewed every student as a child of God, leading with a kindness that left a lasting imprint on generations. Her commitment to Christian education shone through “Tuesday School,” a program she helped create to nurture the spiritual lives of Winnfield’s children.

Even in her professional leadership with Delta Kappa Gamma and the development of Project LET, Jane’s work was characterized by the “pure joy” and selflessness that earned her the titles of Citizen of the Year and Woman of the Year.

Family and Legacy

Jane was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Rhodalee Claborn, brother John D. Claborn and her husband of 50 years, Donald Raymond Purser. Together, they built a home centered on love and service, with four children—Paul (Rosanne), Donald (Leah), Pamela, and Matt (Tracy). Her legacy of faith continues through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were her greatest earthly treasures.

Celebration of Life

A service honoring Jane’s life and her journey home will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Winnfield on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m., presided over by Pastor Lane Thompson of New Iona Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Winn Community Food Pantry, PO Box 302, Winnfield, LA 71483, or the NSU Jane Purser Band Scholarship at this link https://northwesternstatealumni.com/purser-scholarship/, continuing Jane’s mission of supporting education and community care.

GRACE’S OBITUARY

Grace Elaine Cox, age 70, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born on January 14, 1956, in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

Grace was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She cherished her family above all else and found great joy in the time spent with them. A dedicated nurse by profession, Grace had a compassionate heart and touched countless lives through her care and kindness toward her patients. She also held dear the friendships she made during her years with her Nichols Department Store family.

Outside of her work, Grace found peace and happiness tending to her flower beds and caring for her beloved six “fur babies,” who brought her constant companionship and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene Terral, Sr. and Bertha Stotts Terral; and her beloved husband of 50 years, James Cox.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Janis Lawson and husband Bobby, and Valerie Berry and husband Jeff; her grandchildren, Destiny Bryant and husband Keith, Hunter Sims and wife Katie, Garrett Berry and wife Leesha, Daniel Berry and wife Rachel, Hailey Warren and husband Blake, and Holly McCartney and husband Cole; her great-grandchildren, Little Keith, Waylon, Memphis, Colt, Grayson, Beckett, Audie, and Josie; her sister, Jewell Cloud and husband Leroy; her aunt, Mary Koop and husband Dave; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Sims, Garrett Berry, Daniel Berry, Wesley Coker, Spencer Gaar, and Keith Bryant. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Lawson, Jeff Berry, Leroy Cloud, and Anthony Harmon.

Visitation was held at Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and again on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 12:00 noon until service time.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Bobby McGuire and Rev. Otis McGee officiating. Interment will follow at Transport Cemetery.

The family invites friends to share expressions of sympathy and condolences by visiting http://www.southernfuneralhome.com
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Grace will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering love for her family, and the kindness she extended to all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion and devotion will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Winnfield Police are investigating a hit-and-run incident involving a toddler that occurred during a gathering at Luckey Street Park.

According to authorities, officers were notified through a 911 call that a child had been taken to the emergency room at Winn Parish Medical Center after being struck by a four-wheeler. Reports indicate the incident happened during a family gathering where multiple individuals were riding off-road vehicles.

Investigators said the suspect was identified and was seen loading the four-wheeler onto a trailer before leaving the scene.

Officers conducted a search and later located the vehicle at a residence on Cedar Drive. Authorities said warrants are being prepared for the suspect.

Proposed charges include hit-and-run driving, reckless operation of an off-road vehicle and second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

Officials said the child was treated and released, and the injuries were not considered life-threatening.