POPULATION & AREA
Franklin Parish has a population of about 28,100 and Winnsboro's population is
approximately 6,000. Franklin Parish has 414,712 acres; while Winnsboro is made up
of 1,525 of those acres. Other communities in Franklin Parish include: Wisner,
Gilbert, Crowville, Baskin, Liddieville, Fort Necessity, Extension, Jigger and Chase.
TOPOGRAPHY
The farming communities of Franklin Parish stretch across its landscape, with an
occasional town dotting the map. The land area of the parish, mostly part of an
alluvial valley of the Mississippi River, averages an elevation of approximately 75 feet.
The Macon hills characterize much of the landscape, extending west of Bayou Macon
throughout the entire length of the parish, forming a divide between the Tensas and
Boeuf Rivers. There are nine small lakes in the parish, of which Turkey Creek Lake is the
largest, comprising part of the Turkey Creek Game and Fish Preserve.
CLIMATE
Franklin Parish enjoys a complete seasonal cycle with beautiful spring and fall
seasons. Louisiana's pleasant climate throughout the year gives way to a variety of
year round sporting activity. Winter months are usually mild with cold spells of
short duration: the average January temperature is 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The
summer months are quite warm, with an average daily temperature in July of 82 degrees
Fahrenheit. Annual precipitation averages 54 inches.
RECREATION
Outdoor activities and recreational pursuits are limitless. Winnsboro is the
center of one of the greatest natural hunting, fishing, and outdoor game preserves left in
the South. The extensive water and wildlife areas provide almost unlimited
opportunities for all types of hunting, fishing and boating. An area located east of
Winnsboro is the Big Lake Wildlife Management Area.(WMA). This 14,711 acre tract provides
good cover for excellent deer, squirrel, and native turkey hunting. Various species
such as mink, nutria, raccoon, beaver, fox and several others are also hunted there.
Lakes in the area offer bass, bluegill, white perch, catfish, buffalo, carp, drum, gar, to
be caught both commercially and for sport.
Winnsboro has an organized recreational program which includes swimming, tennis and
Dixie Youth baseball. Three public parks totaling eighty acres, offer recreational
activities such as swimming, softball, baseball, tennis, children's playgrounds,
picnicking, and camping. Swimming lessons are offered to parish school children
through a summer program. If something a little more exclusive is preferred, Twin
Oaks Country Club has an 18-hole golf course, four tennis courts and a swimming pool.
EDUCATION
| There are 11 public
schools in Franklin Parish with over 4,000 students enrolled. There are 4 private
schools in the parish. For more information on the schools in Franklin Parish,
access the Franklin Parish School District Home Page through www.nls.k12.la.us/~fpsb/ or contact the School
Board Office at 7293 Prairie Road, Winnsboro, La. 71295, phone # 318-435-9046, or fax
318-435-3392. |
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Advanced vocational/technical training is
available at the Louisiana Technical College-Northeast Louisiana
Campus, Winnsboro, La. The state-operated coeducational institution exists
for the purpose of assisting students in becoming gainfully employed in business and
industry. For further information contact the Louisiana Technical College, 1710
Warren Street, Winnsboro, La. 71295. Phone: 318-435-2163, fax: 318-435-2166. |
MEDICAL SERVICES
| Franklin Medical Center, located
in Winnsboro, is well-known as a major factor in the growth and development of Franklin
Parish. The Medical Center is served by 18 active and consulting physicians. The
Franklin Parish Health Unit, a state-operated clinic, provides skilled medical care for
the residents of the parish. In addition, a large Glenwood Regional Medical
Center, E.A. Conway Medical Center, and HCA North Monroe Hospital offer excellent medical
care alternatives. |
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The Medical Center is licensed for 59 beds, including 8 beds in the
intensive care unit, with a 6 bed, fully staffed emergency room.
The Franklin Medical Center is "committed
to quality care." |
EMERGENCY SERVICE
There are 6 organized fire departments in Franklin Parish including the Winnsboro Fire Department. Franklin Parish Ambulance LTD. is also based in Winnsboro.
LOCAL NEWS MEDIA
- Local Newspaper: The
Franklin Sun--514 Prairie Street--Winnsboro,
Phone:318-435-4521
- Radio Station: KMAR--1823 Highway 618--Winnsboro, Phone:318-435-5141
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