Winn Parish is located in north-central Louisiana, 50 miles north of Alexandria and 100 miles south-east of Shreveport. There are 972 square miles in the Parish of Winn.
Winn Parish was officially created by the state legislature in 1851 from lands formerly belonging to the neighboring parishes of Rapides, Natchitoches, and Catahoula. The official organization was completed in 1852. In 1869 Winn Parish gave up part of its original area for the formation of a new southern neighbor, Grant Parish. Winnfield, the parish seat since its organization is located in the geographical center of the parish. The parish was named after Walter O. Winn, the representative who sponsored the legislation to establish the parish.
The Winn Parish Police Jury accepts white goods (appliances) televisions, furniture, etc. for disposal at the Winn Parish Road Barn located at 501 Thomas Mill Road, Winnfield every 1st Thursday of each month between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Please note that the drop off day and times have changed. Bins are provided, and this service is free of charge. Someone will be there to assist you.
Calendar dates for 2020:
Jan 2nd, Feb 6th, Mar 5th, April 2nd, May 7th, June 4th, July 2nd, Aug 6th, Sept 3rd, Oct 1st, Nov 5th, and Dec 3rd.
SALINE LAKE DRAWDOWN WORK AND SHORELINE IMPROVEMENT
REQUIRES CORP OF ENGINEER PERMIT
The Winn Parish Police Jury / Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the scheduled drawdown of Saline Lake, in Natchitoches and Winn parishes, starting June 3, 2019. The primary purpose is to control the growth of giant Salvinia during the upcoming summer months when growth potential is at its highest.
The lake is currently dewatering at a rate of 3 to 4 inches per day until it reaches a target drawdown level of 8 feet below normal pool stage. The control gates will close on October 1, 2019, to allow the lake to refill for fall, winter and early spring recreational activities.
During the drawdown, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 acres of water will remain in the lake. Boaters can still access the main waterbody from the Mulligan Inn Boat Ramp with small craft, but caution is advised. Numerous additional obstructions will be present due to the lower water level.
This action is a necessary component of LDWF’s integrated management plan to control overabundant aquatic vegetation growth and to improve access for recreational activities. An annual cycle of high and low water fluctuation can provide beneficial effects similar to a natural overflow lake system.
During the drawdown, property owners have the option to take advantage of the low water to repair boat docks, seawalls, boat slips, etc. However, a Corp of Engineer permit is required from the USACE Regulatory Branch for any such activities in and around Saline Lake before any work is started. Basically a shovel cannot be placed in the lake bottom until a permit is obtained.
Saline Lake is considered a Section 10 waterbody, and any work conducted over, in, or under the lake would require permit authorization from the Regulatory Office of the USACE. Outside of the lake itself, any dredging or filling activities within a wetland or stream may also require authorization prior to the impact. You may contact your local Police Jury / Parish Government or the Saline Lake Game and Fish Preserve Commission for help with your permit.
2020 Census
Winn Parish is gearing up for the 2020 Census. It’s very important that everyone is counted. Census data is used in many ways, including federal funding for schools, roads, hospitals, public works, and other vital programs. Currently census workers are needed. Winn Parish has 133 positions with 100 positions needing to be filled. Pay rate is $13.50 per hour. Minimum of 4 hours per week. Income won’t effect any benefits you are receiving. Apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs.
COVID-19 TESTING
Winnfield Civic Center
200 S. Jones Street, Winnfield
Friday, June 12th
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
THIS IS FOR RESIDENTS WITH NO SYMPTOMS
Open to Louisiana Residents, Age 2 & Older
No Out-of-Pocket Costs
Must bring ID and Insurance Card if you have one
Community members will receive their test results within 24-72 hours via the MyChart patient portal or by phone.
