This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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David Bruce Reeves
August 3, 1955 – October 14, 2024
Services:  A memorial for Mr. Reeves will be held at a later time, please check back at a later date for further details. 

Steven Wayne Dill
October 25, 1949 – October 17, 2024
Service: There are currently no services planned for Mr. Dill at this, please check back at a later date for further details. 

Margie Lee Hatten Parker
December 15, 1936 – October 18, 2024
Services: A visitation for Mrs. Parker was held on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Friendship Baptist Church in Sikes, Louisiana. Funeral services began at 11:00 AM,  Interment followed within Friendship Cemetery.

The City of Winnfield has begun implementation of a photo enforcement system of traffic control in conjunction with Meta Traffic, a camera-based traffic control plan that was approved by the City Council at its August and September meetings.

“We’re not writing tickets now,” said Asst. Chief Charles Curry to assuage concerns of drivers who may see equipment and signage being set up along the five-lane.  “We’re still in the middle of training officers with the hand-held equipment.  It will be a gradual process.  First there will be a few weeks of educating the public about the program.  Then there will be a time of monitoring driving speed but issuing only warnings.  Writing of ‘civil violation’ tickets will then be phased in.”

He went on to say that “safety should be our top priority” in response to the question of need for a speed reduction program.  Over the first nine months of this year, there have been 28 accidents along the city’s US Hwy 167/84 corridor.  Another three months remain.  This plus school zones will be the target areas of the photo enforcement program.

The department noted that no ‘traffic citation’ has been written here for speeds of 1 to 10 mph over the limit.  The statistical average is 17 mph over.  A speeding fine under the new civil violation program could run $150 but the same fine under the traditional traffic citation in City Court would run $250.  Additionally, since it is a civil violation, the ticket is not reported to DMV to go on a driving record and affect insurance costs, Curry reports.

The plan, as explained to the council, will see cameras placed at key traffic areas, with likely relocations, which will record license plates (not drivers) of speeding vehicles.  This information will be transmitted to the Meta Traffic center which, in turn, will file a monthly report with the Winnfield Police Department.

“The Police Chief and his staff will decide who gets sent the civil violation ticket, not the company,” assured Curry.  “We have the final say.”  He noted that when this automated equipment is used, officers will be freed to concentrate on “more pressing community problems such as violent crimes and illegal drug activities.”  (Officers will also have the opportunity to monitor the system during their off-duty hours to make some additional money. “Funding for their pay would come from monies generated by the program, not from the city budget.”

Watch the Journal for updates on this program.

A warm afternoon October 10 was hard on the thrown chocolate candies but the perfectly clear weather was ideal for a parade as Winnfield Senior High School prepared for Friday’s Homecoming game with its traditional parade down Main Street.

There was a police escort and plenty of sirens as the Tigers led the way on Fire Department engines, followed by more police and the WSHS marching band.  Then came the lovely young ladies of the Homecoming Court atop colorful convertibles.  Then there were plenty of floats and entries to stretch down Main Street.

Kids (and adults) gathered on both sides of the street, plastic shopping bags in hand, yelling over the noise in homes of receiving some candy throws.  And they were usually rewarded.

Following are some scenes from the parade.

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As the November 5 Presidential Election rapidly approaches, Winn Registrar of Voters Bryan Kelley reminds residents that Early Voting will get underway in just two days.

Early Voting will begin in the Registrar of Voters Office in the Winn Parish Courthouse on Friday, October 18, and continue through Tuesday, October 29, from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.  Note that the office will be closed those two Sundays, October 20 and 27.  Voters should enter the courthouse through the Main Street door.  

Kelley recommends that residents download the GeauxVote app which allows voters to view their sample ballot and monitor results on Election Night.

Sample ballots are also posted on the wall outside the Registrar of Voters Office.

Voters are reminded that all Absentee-by-Mail ballots must be received in the Registrar of Voters Office by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 4.  The deadline to request an Absentee-by-Mail ballot is November 1.  However, the Registrar strongly advises that you request a ballot as soon as possible to ensure there is time to receive and return that ballot.  

Voters will have the opportunity to select their choice for President and Vice President of the United States. The Republican ticket offers Donald Trump and “JD” Vance.  The Democratic ticket offers Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.  

Voters can also look for presidential and vice presidential candidates in the Green Party; the Libertarian Party; American Solidarity Party; the Constitution Party; the Godliness, Truth, Justice Party; the Justice For All Party; the Socialism and Liberation Party; the Socialist Workers Party; and the We The People Party.  

Also on the ballot is the race for Congressional Representative.  Due to redistricting, Winn is no longer in the eastern District 5 where Julia Letlow (R) is incumbent but now in the northern District 4 where House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) is incumbent.  He faces a challenge by Joshua Morott (R).  

Two names will be on the ballot for Justice of the Peace District 8:  William Walker (D) and Ian McLaren (R).  But Kelley reports that McLaren has withdrawn from that race, although too late to have his name pulled from the ballot.  

Finally there will be a Louisiana Constitutional Amendment (No. 1) offered for voter approval.  That amendment would require federal revenues received by the state, generated from Outer Continental Shelf alternative or renewal energy production, be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund.

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President “Buddy” Heard and the officers and staff at Bank of Winnfield invite you, the community this financial institution has served since 1901, to an Open House on Wednesday, October 30, to celebrate the completion of the renovation of their main branch on the corner of Main and North Jones streets, their home since 1961.

“Our Open House will be from 2 until 3:30 p.m.,” said Heard. “We want our customers and non-customers alike to come see the improvements we’ve made to the look of our bank. We’ll have refreshments and door prizes that our visitors will enjoy.”

He noted that while work on the “facelift” at Bank of Winnfield has been “nearly complete” for some time, they wanted to ensure that everything was “just right” before holding their Open House.

The background of the renovation began even earlier than the visible construction work, he indicated. Plans were to get started in 2020 but COVID shut down the country. Then hurricanes Laura and Delta hit Louisiana and repairs across the state created a shortage of building supplies. The project here finally got back on track in March 2023 under general contractor Heard Construction (no relation) with architect Yeager, Watson & Associates.

“Our goal was to modernize and create more privacy for our customers,” Heard said. “The open floor concept that we had before was inviting but not so private for financial discussion. Everything looks fresh. A good aspect is that this is still the same building. We didn’t have to add any outside construction, just made better use of our existing space.”

By way of growth, the bank was launched with $50,000 in capital stock a century and a quarter ago. That’s about $1.8 million in today’s dollars. Now the bank has total assets of around $160 million. Started at a time when horses and buggies were the norm and hay “recharged” the horses, today electric cars can be plugged into the garage wall to recharge. Pen and ink accounting has been replaced by computers.

Winn’s oldest continuously running business has seen this community through the Great Depression and two World Wars. Despite the many other changes, Bank of Winnfield still provides trusted checking, savings and loan services for both businesses and individuals.

“Come by Bank of Winnfield for our October 30 Open House to view our new look, enjoy some refreshments and visit with your longtime banking friends and neighbors.”

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The 2024 Fall Festival is just two weeks away (Thursday, October 31), a time when downtown Winnfield will be wrapped up with costumed children and parents.  The event’s organizers are asking groups, businesses and individuals to plan their involvement that evening to bring some delight for the youngsters. 

“Main Street will be awash with Halloween people from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. that day,” says Shonna Moss at the Louisiana Political Museum.  “The Costume Contest at the Museum will start at 5:30, with registration at 5, and there will be ‘bookend’ events on Main with a Pumpkin Patch and food at the Methodist Church to the west and Bounce Houses at the Baptist Church to the east.

“But there’s a lot of Trunk or Treat room between them and participation is greatly needed from individuals, businesses, and groups.  Please bring a table or decorate your vehicle and help make wonderful memories for our kids!”  Community response has always been good but planning and booth location assignments by the Museum are facilitated when folks register.

Please call Shonna Moss is you’d like to participate in this family-friendly event.  Call 318-628-0169.

Revelers on Halloween evening are reminded that a good starting point is always the Costume Contest for all ages, set at the Museum.  There will be six age groups plus Theme Groups and Pets divisions.  Hotdogs and chips provided by the Methodist Church, Family Church and First Assembly will be served at the Methodist Church.

The Pumpkin Decorating Contest will return to the Fall Festival, sponsored by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.  There are four age categories in this kids-only contest (through age 18).  Participants will need to use their own pumpkin and supplies for their painted (not carved) pumpkins.  Entry time starts today and continues through deadline at 4:30 p.m. October 30 at the Sheriff’s Office in the courthouse.

A new children and youth event (ages 18 and younger) is the WPSO first annual (rubber) Duck Hunt.  Little ducks of all colors and personalities will be hidden in plain sight (no digging necessary) along Main Street from the Methodist Church to the Museum.  “There will be no shortage of ducks to find,” says organizer Kelley Holmes, civil tax deputy for the department, pointing at a large plastic bin filled with them.  The duck hunt begins at daylight, October 29.

“We are asking participants to limit themselves to five ducks in order to allow as many as possible to take part,” she added.  “Hunters will turn in their ducks during the downtown Truck or Treating at the Sheriff’s booth by the Courthouse to get your prize.  There will be four distinctively-marked ducks that will earn special prizes for the finders.”

One more thing:  for the “babies (ages under 5), hidden will be clear mini-ducks.  Not available to the older children, these will be keepsakes for the tikes.

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By Jasmine Jones

Photos Courtesy Tiger Snaps

The Winnfield Tiger football team went for an all-out win last Friday night at Stokes-Walker against the Rosepine Eagles. The homecoming festivities seemed to fire up Tiger pride as the score came out at the end of the night 33-6. 

In the spirit of the many signs, doors, and chants, the Tigers came out in full force and maintained their dominance throughout all four quarters. Early in the game Damascus “Tank” Lewis picked up a fumble deep in his own territory and ran all the way across the field to score a touchdown. This was followed with an excellent kick by Noe Vasquez putting the Tigers ahead 7-0 on their very first possession. 

The defense did an outstanding job holding the lead. Right after the Tigers touchdown, Rosepine drove very close to the endzone on a handful of particular plays. In one instance, Zaelyn Thomas, Joe Lewis, and Logan Brister led a group tackle pushing the Eagle’s carrier back a number of yards. Following that, John Micheal Pickett pushed Rosepine’s carrier out of bounds, then Lewis broke up a critical pass. With this team effort, possession was turned back over to the Tigers. 

Late in the first quarter, Jordan Washington caught the ball at the 43 yard line and ran all the way to the Rosepine 25 yard line where he was caught by the ankle.  But his run put the Tigers in the perfect position which they soon took advantage when Lewis was passed the ball. After receiving the ball, he powered through many attempted tackles and made another touchdown which, with a ball perfectly snapped then placed by Colby Pray, was followed by the extra point-scoring kick from Vasquez. 

Following this, the defense continued their dominance of the visitors. After Rosepine’s only touchdown, they ensured that no further points would be scored when the Tiger’s defense prevented the two point conversion effort and continued to block Eagle advancements for the rest of the night. 

During their final possession of the first half, it was their last attempt at a down, with the threat of handing over the ball looming over the Tigers. Then quarterback Nickalas Mockosher passed the ball to Lewis who made hias way into the end zone yet again, putting the halftime score 20-6. 

Starting off the second half, Mockosher handed the ball off to Detavious Williams who broke off a 41 yard run into the end zone. Following was another good kick by Vasquez, bringing the score 27-6. 

In the last quarter, the offensive line truly secured their victory with fighting dominance overcoming the Eagles in spirit and skill. Jeremy Mamon brought the Tigers in back to back first downs, then after a number of advancements later Mamon struck again and scored a touchdown from the five yard line. Then as soon as the Tigers thought their offense was done for the night, Leo Bryant intercepted a pass, handing possession back over to the Tigers for the rest of the game. 

“It was a complete game for us, the boys zoned out homecoming and came to play,” said head coach Jay Watson. “Damascus Lewis had a great night, and was the spark that we needed.” Additionally he said, “Our defensive front played well, our secondary reacted good for all passes, and our coaches did good on adjustments. We are definitely getting ready to go into the district on a high note.”

Next week, the Winnfield Tigers will play the Many Tigers at Stokes-Walker Stadium at 7 p.m.  Currently, Many High School stands 0-6 in their record. The weather will be a chilly 62 degrees. Consider coming out to support the Winnfield Tigers!

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Members of the Winnfield Kiwanis Club went to local schools to recognize the “Terrific Kids” for the month of September.

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After a little over 90 days on the job, Winn Parish Sheriff Josh McAllister reported to Winnfield’s Rotary Club members on changes made in his office at the request of Rotarian of the Day, Thomas Little, at the meeting of October 2.

McAllister reported that patrols have increased by at least 300%, as they have been able to put more vehicles in the fleet with donations from other sheriffs and by getting legislative funds for new administrative vehicles. Sheriffs of other parishes across the state have donated radios and protective vests, and local businesses have donated vests.

With a team of investigators McAllister described as ”great,” the office has solved every crime reported to it since taking office except one. They have been able to move more deputies into the narcotics division and engage in a cooperative endeavor targeting drug traffic with LaSalle and Grant Parishes. His office also has a deputy serving as resource office in every school in the parish.

McAllister told the group his chief deputy is retired State Trooper Mike Gilliam, the lead investigator is Gregg Davies, along with David Loftin, Danny Green and Andy Roberts. Tommy Sikes is his head of training and his main assistant for all day-to-day affairs. His civil deputies are JoAnn Martin and Kelley Holmes.

McAllister says the biggest problem he has confronted is illegal drugs, and his office has been able to devote more resources to working on this issue. His office is also working on a solution to the animal control problem in the parish outside Winnfield city limits, but he cautions that a long-term solution will take more time.

Sheriff McAllister encourages everyone to call the Sheriff’s Office if your vehicle breaks down and you are stranded on the side of the road, request a patrol by your house if you are going to be out of town, or for any other reason you need assistance his office can provide. He did joke, however, that you should call your plumber first if your toilet backs up, for he and his staff have no plumbing experience!

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The Kiwanis Installation banquet was held Monday, October 7, at Mama’s Iron Skillet. The meeting opened with the pledge of Allegiance, prayer requests, prayer and the defining statement. President Margaret Coon welcomed the attendees and took care of a little business. Then a delicious meal of pork loin, loaded mashed potatoes, green beans, roll and awesome cake was enjoyed. 

After the meal, Legion of Honor Certificates were given to Dr. Jerry Williams for 60 years, Dr. Bill Gaddis for 45 years, Margaret Coon for 30 years, Lamar Tarver for 30 years, Jimmy Dale Zimmerman for 30 years, Steve Bates for 25 years and Jason Tarver for 25 years. 

The Region 7 District Trustee Darren Green was on hand to install the incoming officers. They are Rita James, President; Mary Lou Blackley, President-Elect; Ethel Howell, Vice-President; Dr. Bill Gaddis, Secretary-Treasurer; and Margaret Coon, Past President. Board members who were installed were Miranda Atkins, Troy Rogers, Bryan Price, Dr. Jerry Pipes, and Lamar Tarver. 

Margaret Coon presented each member present with a Kiwanis pen for something they had done to contribute to the club this year.  Dr. Gaddis also had some Kiwanis items for members. Margaret presented Steve Bates with the Service Award for his contributions to the Pancake supper, the scholarship committee and his financial advice to the club. 

The Kiwanian of the Year award was presented to Kim Bruce Futrell for her contributions to the club in the way of keeping members up to date on community activities Kiwanis should be involved in, her contributions to the Scholarship meal along with selling the most tickets, attending the Mid-Winter conference and the District Convention and pitching in wherever she is needed. 

Margaret Coon was presented with a plaque honoring her year of service as president.

Rita James ended the program with remarks about the year to come. Membership is a big issue for this year. Changes are being made to some of the committee heads of the club’s ongoing committees. She is looking forward to a great year.

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A walk and balloon release in support of Breast Cancer Research will be held here in Winnfield on Saturday, October 26, with a theme “We Are Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.”

Lineup for the walk which will begin at 8 a.m. will be at the Farmers Market on Main Street.

Organizers are “calling all supporters, thrivers and survivors” to join in this Making Strides event.  It is a non-competitive walk where individuals unite to bring awareness of breast cancer. It also serves to generate donations that help fund research into this disease as well as providing patient assistance.

 

A checklist of ways to be involved has been provided by organizers:

Come out to participate in the walk.  Bring family, friends and others.  (If you can’t walk, come spectate, donate, release balloons).

Share this upcoming event information with others.

Wear pink (t-shirt, costume, outfit) for yourself or in honor of loved ones.

Bring signs to support the walk or for a participant.

Bring pink balloons for the balloon release at the end of the walk.  Leave balloons in your car until time for the release.

Make a donation at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer site:  (Find an Event Near You:Donate:WinnStrong2gether!)

For questions, contact 318-302-2607.

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A great turnout of both volunteers and buyers has made the Kate’s Krewe annual Spaghetti Sale a success.

Spearheaded by Mrs Laure Derr, there was over $7,000 raised going to FARA for research for a cure for Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Both Walker families (Jimmy & Helene and Bo & Chris) whose granddaughter, Kate, is the inspiration for the fundraising efforts appreciate the work of the many volunteered and the support of those who purchased meals, expressing their thanks.

“The adage of ‘It Takes a Village’ is so true when it comes to things like this,” observed Bo Walker.

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