Arson Arrest The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a Pitkin woman on September 22, charging her with starting the fire on Louisiana Highway 113 in Rapides Parish that spread into Vernon Parish. 49-year-old Laura McLaughlin was arrested and charged with four counts of Simple Arson and one count of Obstruction of Justice. She was booked into the Rapides Parish Jail. Bond was set at $25,000. The total loss of timber from the blaze is estimated at 2 million dollars. The costs associated with fighting the fire totaled 2.7 million dollars.
Vernon Parish Sheriff ‘s Office Arrests The VPSO announces these recent arrests: Timothy Ryan Jeter, age 41, of Pitkin was arrested and charged with one count of Cyberstalking and one count Improper Telephone Communication. His bond was set at $25,000. Jessica Marie Endres, age 46, of Leesville was arrested on an Outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond had not been set at the time of publication. Jerard Christopher Dennis, age 25, of Lewisville, Texas, was arrested on an Out of Jurisdiction Bench Warrant. His bond had not been set at the time of publication. David Michael Garren, age 51, of Jackson, Mississippi, was arrested on an Outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond had not been set at the time of publication. Jason Runge, age 45, of DeRidder was arrested and charged with one count of Flight from an Officer, one Count Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine) and one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond had not been set at the time of publication. All persons accused of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
L-R Organizers Christine Childers, Alma Arthurs, Fort Johnson Hospital Commander Col. Alisa Wilma, Angela DeGray, Kevin Quinn of Byrd Hospital, Ha Tina Allen, Mayor Rick Allen
Leesville Mayor Rick Allen welcomed special visitors to the Leesville City Council meeting Monday, September 25.
The Mayor proclaimed Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October. Allen welcomed the new commander of Bayne Jones Army Community Hospital, Colonel Alisa Wilma, and a panel of volunteers who have been organizing community events during October.
The Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Run/Walk on Ft. Johnson Tuesday, October 17, at 6:30 a.m. is open to all service members, families and community members. The starting point will be the 25-Meter Pool parking lot on Alabama Avenue.
Ft. Johnson will hold a Breast Cancer Awareness Month luncheon Wednesday, October 18, at the Warrior Center from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. All survivors are welcome to enjoy lunch and multiple guest speakers. Contact Ha Tina Allen at hatina.r.allen.civ@health.mil for details on getting survivors to the event.
The Leesville City Council held a busy meeting Monday, September 25, and announced big news for the Leesville Airport.
Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander Colonel C.J. Lopez announced this week that the Army awarded 17 grants totaling $100 million from the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program. These grants are given to communities whose infrastructure needs assistance to better serve the Army mission. The City of Leesville was granted $4.93 million to extend a runway at the airport that would support the JRTC and Fort Johnson with additional mission capabilities. Mayor Allen thanked State Senator Mike Reese for his work in securing matching state funds equaling 30% of the project.
Council members approved payment of monthly bills totaling $99,559. New pay requests were submitted for work at Highway 171 and Boone Street by Apeck Construction and Meyer & Associates in the amount of $44,298. This work is associated with the upcoming state roundabout project on the south end of Leesville. Bills totaling $42,461 were presented for payment by Pelican Land Surveying, Meyer & Associates, David J. Holder, P.E., and Blueprint and Copy Services.
The City introduced an ordinance to purchase land from Martin Timberlands, LLC for $18,000. This land is for building a lift station at the proposed substation on Entrance Road. A public hearing on the matter will be held October 9.
Mayor Allen issued a proclamation for October announcing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Council members met the new Bayne Jones Army Community Hospital Commander, Colonel Alisa Wilma, as she brought a host of volunteers with her for the event.
City Administrator Patti Larney told visitors she had been contacted by CPKC Railroad about bringing their Holiday Express Train to Leesville on Sunday December 10 from 4-8pm. That date is pending.
The Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra began its 2023-2024 season last week. The group has played locally for nearly 20 years.
New musicians are always welcome and there are no auditions. Requirements for joining are simple: bring your own instrument and be able to read music.
The Orchestra is currently preparing for a Christmas concert in December. The date has not yet been set. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Leesville High School Band Room.
The Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra is under the direction of Conductor Guy Bordelon. You may contact him for more information at guy.m.bordelon@suddenlink.net or Mrs. Nancy El Koubi at nanakoubi@outlook.net.
A True Vernon Parish Historian Andrew Jackson “Jack” Hadnot by Billy Crawford
Editor’s Note: Mr. Billy Crawford was a young teacher at Leesville High School when he first met Jack Hadnot. His interest in the history of Vernon Parish was sparked by Mr. Hadnot. The following is Billy’s recollection of Jack Hadnot.
As a history club project, members of the LHS History Club met on Saturday mornings to help Mr. Jack catalog grave markers in several Vernon Parish cemeteries.
On another adventure, he would take a group of us arrow hunting. He explained that the Natchez and Caddo Indian tribes inhabited this area. The most luck we ever had was in the ditches along both sides of the highway between Leesville and Kisatchie.
We didn’t discover many, but when we did it was most exciting! I don’t remember what ever happened to them, but I recently viewed a local collection of arrow heads that reminded me of some that we found over 50 years ago.
“I want the future generations to know about the beginning of this section of the country whether it’s our parish or any other. If a person doesn’t know his history, he’s in bad shape because he can learn from the past. He can learn to not make mistakes that someone else did.”
“Usually there isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t call me about some type of information on a family in the parish. Some even call me about an old criminal case because of my work in the Clerk’s office. But I’m glad to help them out because the people of Vernon Parish have been good to me”, explained Jack.
Jack first became a history buff in the 1930’s when he began tracing his descendants all the way back to the Revolutionary War period in North Carolina. It was piqued while listening to his grandmother’s constant reminiscing, and, as a result, “it wore off on me.”
In his writings Jack told his story that after graduating from Leesville High he worked at three jobs—first at the old West Louisiana Bank for five years.
He then worked in Central America for two years for a fruit company before returning to Leesville, where he went to work in the Clerk’s office. He spent 30 years in the Clerk of Courts office, 12 years as deputy clerk. His last official act was to administer the oath of office to R.L. Winfree.
In 1992, Mrs. Hadnot donated her husband’s collection of papers to the Vernon Parish Library. The papers are an important collection on the history of Vernon Parish and are available on the library’s Digital Archives.
Following multiple citizen complaints from around the state, Troopers wish to make the public aware of a current phone scam. Scammers are fraudulently using the authority of Louisiana State Police in an effort to obtain information and money from victims. These impersonators are reportedly contacting the phones of potential victims by using a call that gives the appearance of originating from a phone number belonging to Louisiana State Police. The complainants have stated that the caller is pretending to be law enforcement and attempts to gain personal information and (or) money from the victim over the phone. Troopers stress that citizens should never give unsolicited callers any personal information, and the Louisiana State Police would never ask for any type of personal identifying information, payment or monetary donation over the phone. Citizens wishing to report suspected fraudulent calls can contact the Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Center (LA-SAFE) at 225-925-4192. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is also available to the public through a convenient and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. Citizens can access the form by visiting the LA-SAFE website (https://dpsweb.dps.louisiana.gov) and report the activity.
Memorial services for Christine Patricia Crowder, 59, of Leesville, will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 11:00 A.M– 1:00 P.M in the funeral home.
Christine was born on May 31, 1964, in Fort Riley, Kansas. She passed away on September 22, 2023, in Leesville.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband; John Crowder of Leesville, La., sons; Joshua Guy Crowder (Charlene) of Leesville, La., Zachary Wayne Crowder of Bossier City, La., sister; Kelly Mendive, grandchildren; Lydia, Macy, Adele, Zachary.
Vernon Parish boasts a legendary list of things to do. That’s why we’re known as Louisiana’s Legend Country! You can stroll down Main Street and take in art, antiques, and boutique shopping, or find historic locations. With our amazing outdoor adventures and Fort Johnson as a proud part of our offerings, you’ll find so much to do, you’ll want to explore the entire area and invite friends & family along for the journey!
If you’re looking to join in on the Vernon Parish fun this fall, check out these exciting upcoming events:
Pre-Festival Activities- September 30-October 3rd:
Miss Forestry Festival Pageant September 30 @ 7:00 pm (All pageant events at the fairgrounds Auditorium)
4-H Horse Show October 1 @ 11:00 am | Rodeo Arena
Pine Straw Stacking Contest October 2 @ 5:30 pm Livestock Barn
Sr. Citizens Day/ Buddy Night 9:00 am Senior Citizens Arrive (Auditorium) 11:30 am Senior Citizens Lunch Sponsored by Sheriff Craft & VSPO
4:00 pm Fair Opens
5:00 pm Live DJ
10:00 pm Fair Closes
THURSDAY- October 5:
Military Day 4:00 pm Fair Opens Rodeo Parade Begins Downtown
5:00 pm Live DJ
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club RCA Rodeo Big Dog Bull Roping Contest
11:00 pm Fair Closes
FRIDAY-October 6:
School Day 9:00 am Fair Opens and 4-H Pet Show (Livestock Barn) 11:00 am 4-H Rabbit Show (Livestock Barn) 1:00 pm 4-H Cornhole Contest (Livestock Barn)
5:00 pm Live Bands
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club RCA Rodeo
11:00 pm Fair Closes
SATURDAY-October 7:
10:00 am 4-H Livestock Show (Livestock Barn)
11:00 am 4-H Poultry Show (Livestock Barn)
12:00 pm Fair Opens
5:00 pm Live Bands
7:15 pm Parade of Champions (Rodeo Arena)
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club LRCA Rodeo and Big Dog Bull Roping Contest Finals
11:00 pm Fair Closes
SUNDAY- October 8:
1:00 pm Fair Opens (FREE ADMISSION)
6:00 pm Carnival Ends
West Louisiana Forestry Festival
October 4th-8th is the West Louisiana Forestry Festival at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds! Don’t miss this exciting festival with a carnival, livestock, vendors, food, and fun.
Fair admission is $5.00 (cash only) and kids 5 and under are free! There is also free admission for law enforcement, first responders, military, and family members with valid identification.
On Wednesday, October 4th, the festival begins with Senior Citizens Day and Buddy night which includes specials such as free admission for senior citizens and 2-for-1 admission for all others!
Friday, October 6th is School Day which includes free admission for all K-12 students from 9 am to 4 pm. AND September 23rd through October 1st, join in for pre-festival activities including pageants, 4-H Horse Show, Pine Straw Stacking Contest, and 4-H Woodsman Skill Contests.
The Lion’s Club Rodeo is coming up! Join the Leesville Lion’s Club, now in its seventh decade, for Rodeo action and lots of fun, October 5th-7th at the covered Vernon Parish Rodeo Arena.
The Rodeo Parade will get things started on Thursday, October 5th, in the afternoon. Enjoy the floats and all the trail riders who spent the day riding into town for the parade. Most of them will also ride in the Grand Entry that night.
If you haven’t already gotten your tickets from your local Rodeo Queen Contestant, this is the perfect opportunity to flag down a Lion’s Club member to purchase your tickets at a discount. Tickets are $12 at presale and $15 at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Louisiana Lions Camp!
Events scheduled for each night include bull riding, calf roping, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and saddle bronc riding. For more information on the Lion’s Club Rodeo, visit: LegendCountry.com/Rodeo.
From hotels and motels to quaint bed and breakfasts to RV parks and tent camping, Vernon Parish, Louisiana’s Legend Country, has a wide variety of accommodations to suit your lodging needs. If you’re looking for a place to stay for festival weekend, go to LegendCountry.com/Stay
For more information on events throughout the year, go to LegendCountry.com/Events. Be sure to tag us on social media with all your festival fun with #LALegendCountry!
Week 4 of the high school football season was a mixed bag for Vernon Parish teams. Rosepine found some offense in an 18-6 homecoming win over Vinton. Leesville struggled with defending the pass and battling Mother Nature in a 31-14 loss at Catholic of New Iberia. Pickering got blasted by Welsh 66-0 to fall to 0-4 on the young season.
ROSEPINE
In front of a large, festive homecoming crowd, the Eagles showed signs of life on offense as two running backs went over 100 yards in the 18-6 win over Vinton. Vinton scored first on a 16-yard pass from senior QB Freddy Budwine to freshman Kason Hillery. Rosepine answered with a five-yard TD run from Lane Willis but failed on the two-point try. The Eagles scored again early in the second quarter on a 13-yard run by freshman Devin Janice. Janice hit paydirt again with under six minutes to play in the game on a 20-yard scamper. He finished the night with 103 yards rushing on 13 carries. Lane Willis led the Eagles with 137 yards on 18 carries.
Linebacker Landon Lawrence led the defense with five tackles, including two for lost yards. Gabriel Leslie had a fumble recovery while Austin Lounsberry and Zach Wellmaker had interceptions.
Rosepine improved to 2-2 on the season while Vinton drops to 1-3
Next game is Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m., at DeQuincy (1-3).
PICKERING
The Red Devils got hit hard last week by Welsh 66-0, falling to 0-4 under first-year Head Coach John Dougherty. It is hard to compete week in week out when you can barely field an offense and a defense. Most of the Red Devils go both ways all game! This is a very young team being rebuilt from the ashes. Here’s hoping they stick with it because they will be bigger and stronger in 2024.
Next game for Pickering is Thursday, September 28, on the road at Lake Arthur (2-2). Kickoff is 7 p.m.
LEESVILLE
The Wampus Cats battled the passing attack of the Catholic of New Iberia Panthers, and both teams sat around for over two hours as Mother Nature delayed the game with rain and lightning. The game finished near 1130 p.m. with the Panthers prevailing 31-14.
The Leesville defense allowed two scores in the first half, a 50-yard pass and a 30-yard run. The Panthers penetrated the Leesville red zone four times but only scored twice. It was a defensive stop inside their own two-yard line that led to Leesville’s first score. QB Corbitt Robbins launched a 91-yard catch and run to Boston Manci to make it 14-6 at halftime.
The teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter with Catholic scoring on a five-yard run and Leesville a 30-yard pass from Robbins to Isaiah Farley. Catholic put the game away with two TDs in the fourth quarter.
The Leesville defense was led by sophomore Tycarius England, who rang up 12 tackles, and Tim Wise, who had 9 tackles including two for losses.
Leesville’s next game is home Friday, September 29, 7 p.m. against Opelousas (2-2). The game will be broadcast live on 93.5 FM/KJAE and 105.7 FM/KVVP.
Prior to the kickoff of the Opelousas-Leesville game, a special ceremony with a presentation and video is planned to pay tribute to the Vernon High School State Champion Football Teams from 1963, 1967 and 1968. Vernon High merged with Leesville High in 1969. A reception for all players from those teams and their families will be held at Gallery One Ellleven in downtown Leesville from 5-6 p.m.
At its regular session meeting on Monday, September 18, at 10 a.m., the Vernon Parish Police Jury accepted and certified the property tax assessment from the Vernon Parish Tax Assessor for 2022. The vote to do so was unanimous. Jurors remarked there were no appeals received on assessments, and this was the first time in a while that had happened.
Police Jurors entertained two motions to amend the current Solid Waste Intergovernmental Support Agreement with Ft. Johnson, to include service of the Army’s Toledo Bend Recreation Center.
The Police Jury gave their approval on the Industrial Tax Exemption for Koppers Utility and Industrial Products, Inc. A motion to authorize payment of all invoices approved by the Finance Committee was unanimously approved.
The Capital Projects Committee received quotes on air conditioning units for new restrooms at the rodeo arena. Walters Sheet Metal submitted the low bid, which was recommended by Committee Chair David Fox and accepted by Jurors.
The Finance Committee recommended paying invoices for soil cement and lime conditioning from Merrick LLC totaling $269,117. Invoices from R.C. Paving for asphalt and grinding adding up to $297,606 were also approved to be paid.
Jurors followed the recommendation of the Permit & Claims Committee to issue liquor licenses for low and high alcohol content beverages to Dollar General Stores at 19718 Lake Charles Highway and 797 Alexandria Highway. The stores met all local and state requirements.
In other business, the Jurors approved the Road Maintenance and Construction Committee’s request and passed resolutions to perform routine monthly maintenance in the Town of Rosepine and the Village of Simpson.
Pickering High School requested the Vernon Parish Police Jury build a new entrance off Lebleu Road into the parking lot for buses. The project would cost approximately $3,800 and must first be approved by the Vernon Parish School Board. The Jury is also installing a culvert behind the Head Start office in Leesville.
The Jury will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 10, at 10 a.m. to hear public input on a proposed ordinance to amend the Vernon Parish Code of Ordinances to reduce the speed limit on Conover Martin Loop (District 6/Ward 2) to 15 mph in its entirety.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to advise candidates, as they conduct their campaigns for public office, to please keep the following in mind:
It is against Louisiana Law (see RS 48:347) to place signs within the right-of-way of a state highway.
Campaign signs placed in the state right-of-way will be removed and stored at the nearest DOTD parish maintenance unit for 30 days. Contact information for the DOTD districts can be found below.
DOTD personnel are required to remove political signs and other obstructions from state right-of-way in a timely fashion when they become aware of the obstruction.
A good rule of thumb is to place your sign behind existing utility poles on property where you have received permission from the private property owner. Most utilities are within the DOTD right-of-way.
For directions about where and how to reclaim any of your signs that have been removed by DOTD personnel, please refer to the list below.
Thank you for your cooperation and your help in keeping our roadways safe for the citizens of Louisiana.
DOTD DISTRICT 08 3300 MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, LA 71301 Phone: 318-561-5100 Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Vernon, Rapides, Avoyelles
ELECTION REMINDER….Early voting begins September 30 and ends October 7 at the Vernon Parish Registrar of Voters Office for the October 14 primary. Local polling places will be open until 8 p.m. the day of the primary election. Absentee ballots by mail must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 13.
Funeral services for Ida Arena Self Liles, 80, of Anacoco, will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in the Anacoco Pentecostal Church with Rev. Dennis Bjornberg, Rev. Shannon Buxton, and Rev. Rod Buller officiating. Burial will follow in the Good Hope Cemetery, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 12:00 P.M– 2:00 P.M. in the church. Ida was born on September 15,1943, to her parents, Lud and Yowamah Freeman Self. She passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Ida is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Mose Self. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 56 years, Leo Liles, her children, Earl and Darla Reines, Mary and Rob Curtis, Dewayne and Melanie Liles, and Cathy Liles, her grandchildren, Clay and Jessie Holbert, Autumn Bodine, Brent and Emily Trichel, Sean and Katlyn Bradley, and Adam and Grace Chaisson, and her great grandchildren Leah and James Holbert, Bryce Bodine, Zayden and Kyson Beaty, Raegan and Sutton Trichel, and Penelope Bradley. She is also survived by her siblings, Kelly Bonneau, Zoe Whitt, Max Self, Mann Self, Lud Self and Marty Self. Pall bearers honored to serve are Earl Reines, Dewayne Liles, Clay Holbert, Brent Trichel, Rob Curtis and Bobby Pruitt.
The other evening, I decided that supper would include steaks. I did the early morning preparation for the late afternoon cooking ritual. Those steaks were well prepped.
The other part of the steak ritual involves the grill. I have one of the wood pellet grills. It is spiffy. My cooking has improved. Once upon a time, hamburgers that I grilled were not palatable and later used as official hockey pucks. I’m much better now. The wood pellet grill needs several minutes to warm up to steak temperature. It gets very hot but helps me avoid hockey puck cooking accidents.
The cover came off. I checked the inside of the grill. Verified the nice little drip bucket would have adequate room for drippings. The wood pellets were checked and determined to be adequate.
I reached around back to turn the grill on. Nothing! The switch glows orange when the grill is on. This switch was dark. I checked the plug, after all I had wired it with my redneck electrician method of designing an outdoor circuit. The GCFI plug was tested and verified to be working. It has a nice green light showing it’s functioning.
Never trusting the one outlet, I grabbed an extension cord and plugged everything into the other GCFI outdoor outlet. Nothing! Tried a couple of other outlets inside the shed. Nothing!
In my rapidly filling up mind, I decided the switch had gone bad. The steaks were begging to be cooked, so I reverted to the broiler inside. The steaks were marvelous. I was a little bummed about the grill though. It is not that old.
After the sumptuous steak supper, I grabbed the manual that came with the grill and turned to the troubleshooting chapter. Nothing! The switch would not light up. The grill would not come on, although clearly my redneck circuits were supplying power to the outlets.
I resolved to call and check the warranty. I walked back outside to put the cover on the grill and roll up the extension cord. That’s when I learned that I’m a dumb donkey. OK, I’m the other thing, but I can’t use that language in this family friendly publication.
The cord for the grill not only plugs into the wall, but it also plugs into the grill. The end of the cord plugged into the grill had worked its way loose. When I unplugged the grill cord from the extension cord, the other end fell to the ground.
I had to confess my stupidity. I resolved to check that end of the cord each time. But here’s the deal, I should have thought of it. Who would have thought that the other end of a power cord could come loose from where it plugged into the grill? The answer is, just about everyone!
In a conversation last week, a person said, “I don’t feel like I’m connecting with God very well these days.” I know who is unplugged. When God seems distant, you need to check both ends of the spiritual connection. If you don’t know about the two directions of a spiritual connection, come see me on Sunday, I’ll explain it to you. We might have steak!
Representative Rodney Schamerhorn is more than just a representative and advocate for shared conservative values, he is a man with a mission. Earning a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 24 four years prior, Rep. Schamerhorn has decided to run for re- election, pledging to continue the fight for the people of Louisiana and the values they hold dear.
A dedicated family man, Rep. Schamerhorn is not only the proud father of two successful business owners but also a loving grandfather. His personal life is as vibrant and engaging as his political career, with his children and granddaughter embodying his values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. His dedication to his family is mirrored in his commitment to serving the people of Louisiana, ensuring he remains actively engaged with the local community.
As a representative, Schamerhorn has emerged as a stalwart protector of our constitutionally protected, God-given rights and conservative values, striving for financial responsibility, quality education, robust infrastructure, and limited government intervention in our daily lives.
Rep. Schamerhorn is a staunch advocate for parental rights, standing firm against any attempts to infringe upon them. He believes parents should make decisions regarding their children’s medical treatment and their education, opposing the infiltration of radical WOKE ideologies in classrooms.
His fight also extends to election integrity, endeavoring to ensure all legal votes are counted and secured ahead of the 2024 Presidential election.
As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, Rep. Schamerhorn is determined to uphold citizens’ right to bear arms, viewing Constitutional Carry as a non-negotiable right. He is a critic of the government’s overreach, overregulation, and high taxes, which he believes suffocates small businesses and families, and prevents economic prosperity here in Louisiana.
Recognizing the significant role of the oil and gas industry in Louisiana’s economy, Schamerhorn has committed to protecting it from political attacks and overregulation.
However, Rep. Schamerhorn is aware that there is more work to be done. He expresses his disappointment over the unsuccessful override of 24 bills vetoed by Governor Edwards and sees this as a rallying cry for more conservatives to join the fight in Baton Rouge.
Schamerhorn’s dedication and commitment have not gone unnoticed. He recently received the endorsement of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus PAC and was recognized by the Republican Party of Louisiana at Victory 2023 for being one of only 19 House members who stood firm against busting the spending cap.
As his re-election campaign gains momentum, Representative Rodney Schamerhorn continues to prove that he is a resilient voice for the people of Louisiana. With his tireless dedication to serving and the backing of his constituents, Schamerhorn stands ready to champion the causes that matter most to the people of District 24.
Vernon Parish boasts a legendary list of things to do. That’s why we’re known as Louisiana’s Legend Country! You can stroll down Main Street and take in art, antiques, and boutique shopping, or find historic locations. With our amazing outdoor adventures and Fort Johnson as a proud part of our offerings, you’ll find so much to do, you’ll want to explore the entire area and invite friends & family along for the journey!
If you’re looking to join in on the Vernon Parish fun this fall, check out these exciting upcoming events:
Pre-Festival Activities- September 23-October 3rd:
Junior Forestry Festival Pageant September 23 @ 9:00 am
Teen Forestry Festival Pageant September 23 @ 5:00 pm
Miss Forestry Festival Pageant September 30 @ 7:00 pm (All pageant events at the fairgrounds Auditorium)
4-H Horse Show October 1 @ 11:00 am | Rodeo Arena
Pine Straw Stacking Contest October 2 @ 5:30 pm Livestock Barn
Sr. Citizens Day/ Buddy Night 9:00 am Senior Citizens Arrive (Auditorium) 11:30 am Senior Citizens Lunch Sponsored by Sheriff Craft & VSPO
4:00 pm Fair Opens
5:00 pm Live DJ
10:00 pm Fair Closes
THURSDAY- October 5:
Military Day 4:00 pm Fair Opens Rodeo Parade Begins Downtown
5:00 pm Live DJ
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club RCA Rodeo Big Dog Bull Roping Contest
11:00 pm Fair Closes
FRIDAY-October 6:
School Day 9:00 am Fair Opens and 4-H Pet Show (Livestock Barn) 11:00 am 4-H Rabbit Show (Livestock Barn) 1:00 pm 4-H Cornhole Contest (Livestock Barn)
5:00 pm Live Bands
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club RCA Rodeo
11:00 pm Fair Closes
SATURDAY-October 7:
10:00 am 4-H Livestock Show (Livestock Barn)
11:00 am 4-H Poultry Show (Livestock Barn)
12:00 pm Fair Opens
5:00 pm Live Bands
7:15 pm Parade of Champions (Rodeo Arena)
7:30 pm Leesville Lions Club LRCA Rodeo and Big Dog Bull Roping Contest Finals
11:00 pm Fair Closes
SUNDAY- October 8:
1:00 pm Fair Opens (FREE ADMISSION)
6:00 pm Carnival Ends
West Louisiana Forestry Festival
October 4th-8th is the West Louisiana Forestry Festival at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds! Don’t miss this exciting festival with a carnival, livestock, vendors, food, and fun.
Fair admission is $5.00 (cash only) and kids 5 and under are free! There is also free admission for law enforcement, first responders, military, and family members with valid identification.
On Wednesday, October 4th, the festival begins with Senior Citizens Day and Buddy night which includes specials such as free admission for senior citizens and 2-for-1 admission for all others!
Friday, October 6th is School Day which includes free admission for all K-12 students from 9 am to 4 pm. AND September 23rd through October 1st, join in for pre-festival activities including pageants, 4-H Horse Show, Pine Straw Stacking Contest, and 4-H Woodsman Skill Contests.
The Lion’s Club Rodeo is coming up! Join the Leesville Lion’s Club, now in its seventh decade, for Rodeo action and lots of fun, October 5th-7th at the covered Vernon Parish Rodeo Arena.
The Rodeo Parade will get things started on Thursday, October 5th, in the afternoon. Enjoy the floats and all the trail riders who spent the day riding into town for the parade. Most of them will also ride in the Grand Entry that night.
If you haven’t already gotten your tickets from your local Rodeo Queen Contestant, this is the perfect opportunity to flag down a Lion’s Club member to purchase your tickets at a discount. Tickets are $12 at presale and $15 at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Louisiana Lions Camp!
Events scheduled for each night include bull riding, calf roping, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and saddle bronc riding. For more information on the Lion’s Club Rodeo, visit: LegendCountry.com/Rodeo.
From hotels and motels to quaint bed and breakfasts to RV parks and tent camping, Vernon Parish, Louisiana’s Legend Country, has a wide variety of accommodations to suit your lodging needs. If you’re looking for a place to stay for festival weekend, go to LegendCountry.com/Stay
For more information on events throughout the year, go to LegendCountry.com/Events. Be sure to tag us on social media with all your festival fun with #LALegendCountry!
Leesville picked up a nice road win at Iowa 30-13, but both Pickering (0-47) and Rosepine (0-34) fell in week-three action of high school football.
LEESVILLE
The Leesville Wampus Cats rebounded from a tough home loss to Jena by going on the road and taking a convincing 30-13 win at Iowa last Friday night. The Leesville defense allowed an early score before dropping the hammer down on the Yellow Jackets.
Seven Leesville defenders had six or more tackles, led by Evan Combs and Tim Wise with nine tackles apiece. Kade Manci had eight stops, and the defense registered eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage plus an interception.
Xavier Ford and Isiah Farley led the offense. Ford had 39 carries for 264 yards and three TD’s (42-2-1) while Farley had a 20-yard TD reception and a 34-yard rushing TD. QB Corbett Robbins was 8/13/87 yards passing and the TD to Farley.
Leesville (2-1) travels Friday, September 22, to play Catholic of New Iberia (2-1). Gametime is 7 p.m. The game can be heard on KJAE-FM 93.5.
PICKERING
Pickering’s Red Devils fell to 0-3 last Thursday, September 14, with a 47-0 loss at Grand Lake.
Offensively Pickering continues to have trouble moving the ball, gaining only 30 yards rushing for the game. Defensively the Red Devils were led by Logan Sneed’s four tackles and three assists.
Special teams highlights included two kickoff returns for 45 yards by eighth grader Jae’don Sandoval and a Caleb Falls kick return for 27 yards.
Pickering will host Welsh (1-2) in their next home game Friday, September 22. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at O’Banion Stadium.
ROSEPINE
The Rosepine Eagles came out in some new offensive sets for their home opener but ended up on the short end of a 34-0 loss to Kinder last Thursday, September 14, at McKee-McCain Stadium.
Bright spots for the Eagles included 78 yards rushing from freshman Brynamm Channey, including a 64-yard scamper. Devin Janice added 31 yards rushing. Senior linebacker Landon Lawrence led the Eagle defense with four tackles and a fumble recovery.
The Yellow Jackets scored first on a six-yard run by freshman Isiah Thomas. Kinder wasted little time getting on the board moments later on a 40-yard pass from junior Landon Rice to senior WR J.J. Eaglin. The other two Kinder scores came on an 11-yard run from sophomore Brandon Perkins and a 13-yard run by senior Ben Fontenot.
Rosepine (1-2) will host Vinton (1-2) on Friday, September 22. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at McKee-McCain Stadium. The game can be heard on KVVP-FM/105.7
There will be a celebration of life graveside service for Claude Ray Airhart, 92, of Hornbeck, Louisiana at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Prewitts Chapel Cemetery with Reverends Wayne Chance and Nick Hilton officiating under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. The pallbearers will be Trent Airhart, Paul Wanjura, Austin Sanders, Danny Airhart, Johnny Airhart, and Brian Airhart.
A visitation will be held at Prewitts Chapel Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ray passed peacefully at home on September 15, 2023, with his wife of 78 years, Emogene, by his side. He retired from the City of Pasadena after 32 years of service. He was a faithful member of Pasadena First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and drove the church bus. After retiring, Ray and Emogene moved back home to Hornbeck where he served as a deacon at Prewitts Chapel in Plainview.
Ray is survived by his wife, Emogene Airhart of Hornbeck; son, Donnie Airhart and wife Sharen of Pasadena, TX; daughter, Sheryl Gonzales and husband Art of Decatur, AL; son, Rickey Airhart and wife Michelle of Mobile, AL; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Sullivan & Alice Airhart; daughter, Barbara Kay; brother, Billy Airhart; and sisters, Othal Walters, Ruth Curtis, Virginia Hale, Iva Lee Smart, and Juanita Browning.
The Solutions to Achieve Viability and Efficiency (SAVE) Task Force was created after the approval of Louisiana Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 43 in the 2023 session and will focus on developing solutions to assist distressed Louisiana municipalities, many of whom are, due to a variety of reasons, currently facing financial doom. For some communities, this could mean the dissolution of their status as a municipality.
Members of the task force represent a broad spectrum of Louisiana administrators, consisting of elected officials, lawmakers and representatives from various state offices and associations. They have been directed to study the issues and submit their written recommendations, including any specific proposals for legislation, to the legislature no later than September 6, 2024.
At their first meeting on August 29, Leesville Mayor Rick Allen, currently serving as the 1st Vice-President of the Louisiana Municipal Association, was chosen as Vice-Chairman of the committee.
(L-R) Principal Jeffery Odom, District 4 Board Member Randy Martin, Employee of the Month Mark LeBato, Superintendent James Williams, and Rod Taylor of Taylor and Sons Insurance
In its meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the Vernon Parish School Board recognized Mark LeBato, a 22-year veteran teacher and coach, as the September 2023 Employee of the Month. LeBato is currently in his first year as Athletic Director for Pickering High School.
The Employee of the Month program is sponsored by Taylor and Sons Insurance, a School Board vendor. Candidates are submitted by their principals. Winners are selected by the company and recognized by the Board at a monthly meeting.
In other matters, Board members called for a special election for the Ward 7 (Rosepine) school district and made applications to the State Bond Commission. Money generated will go toward construction of a new cafeteria and classrooms at Rosepine Elementary.
Board members voted to approve the Industrial Tax Exemption status for Koppers Utility. The exemption is for five years and has been approved by the other governing bodies in the parish.
Vernon Parish School Superintendent James Williams reminded the Board that schools are out Friday, October 6, for School Day at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival.
The next scheduled meeting of the Vernon School Board will be Thursday, October 5 at 10 a.m.
Owen: Respectfully Volunteering to Serve Four More Years
By State Representative Charles Owen, Candidate for Re-Election, District 30
Early Voting 30 Sep – 7 Oct; Election Day is 14 Oct
To the good citizens of the 30th District: I hope you’ll give me your strongest consideration when you cast your vote for State Representative in the Fall election.
When the people of Vernon and Beauregard elected me four years ago, I promised to be transparent and available and represent the values of the citizens of this district. My conscience is clear that I have done those things and I am eager and hopeful about the opportunity to serve you for 4 more years.
My focus has been on being available for the citizens of the 30th and supporting the types of legislation we need here and around Louisiana. I have supported what I believe to be good government at every turn. I stood for our public school teachers, students and families—working tirelessly to ensure both the funding for our schools and pay raises for our teachers. Three permanent pay raises and a strong stipend came through for our teachers and support personnel. More needs to be done and more WILL be done. I personally helped fight off inclusion of radicalism being introduced to our school students—we have pro-American Social Studies being taught in our schools now! I’ll introduce legislation the next session to change and expedite the Cost of Living adjustments for our retirees; we must do better for our retirees.
Over $50M of state construction dollars have come in or are earmarked for our area. Improvements to Hwy 117 are locked in and starting now; we also secured money for water systems, city and parish roads and hospitals. I lobbied for, supported, and voted for all these initiatives.
I stood without flinching during pivotal moments, such as when we passed the strongest pro-life law in the country, when we protected young women in sports, and when we outlawed the mutilation of children via experimental procedures.
I stood resolutely with law enforcement and DA’s, working to address our current public safety situation and prepare for a better Louisiana for our children and grandchildren. One of our pathways to a better future in Louisiana is to support an environment that supports a healthy economy; I stood for good policy to support both small and large businesses every time I had the chance.
My most important duty as a legislator has been being available to our citizens and to hold state agencies and others accountable. Our people deserve good treatment and prompt response from the state when they have a need. I routinely intervened for our citizens with state agencies and got results. https://www.facebook.com/realchuckowen or www.owenforlouisiana.com.
Please prayerfully consider how you vote on this important day and in all our elections. God bless you.
