Walter B. Hatten
A Winn native, born in Sikes before moving as a boy with his family to West Monroe. Hatten served 30 months in the Merchant Marine during World War II and was aboard an armed ship headed for Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped, ending the war. With a degree in journalism, he began as a reporter for the News– Star World, leaving 16 years later as managing editor. He won office and served 12 years as mayor of West Monroe, receiving sage advice from Shreveport mayor Clyde Fant. He was able to rebuild the strength of a “weak and struggling city.” A robust checklist of accomplishments includes establishment of the Downing Pines Industrial Park. Returning to his journalism roots, Hatten purchased the Ouachita Citizen which he ran for 20 years before selling to friend Sam Hanna.