The Leesville City Council met in regular session Monday, October 23, at 3 p.m. Finances came first with City Clerk Hannah Hillman reporting monthly bills of $71,909.37 for the City. Council members authorized payment of $1,548.41 to Meyer and Associates for the water system valve mapping recently completed.

An ordinance was introduced (#13), amending ordinance 12 of 2023, adopted on October 9 of this year, to authorize the City to purchase land for the purpose of installing a lift kit at the Entrance Road sewer project. The City will seek bids from a private contractor or partner to build hangers at Leesville Airport. The Council also entered into an agreement with TRO Energy Solutions for the purpose of building electric vehicle charging stations in the City. The City of Leesville will utilize Byrd Regional Hospital for clinical lab testing for City employees.

City Administrator Patti Larney reminded Leesville residents that trick-or-treating hours are from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31.

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Funeral services for Doyle Ray Smith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in the Silver Creek Baptist Church of Leesville with Bro. Terry McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the Silver Creek Cemetery in Leesville.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the church.

Doyle Ray Smith, 80 years old, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on October 21, 2023, in his home surrounded by his family after a long hard fight with cancer.

In 1970 Doyle met Joe Ann Freeman and they were married on January 24, 1971. They have two children, Tonya Scott and Mike Smith.

Doyle was preceded in death by his mother and father, Verda and Ray Smith, and his grandparents, Dora and Harold Marshall.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joe Ann Smith; daughter Tonya Scott; son Mike Smith and wife Jamie; grandchildren, Chris Scott and wife Yvette; Jordan Burk, and Haley Smith; great granddaughter Elizabeth (Ellie) Scott; his sisters, Ruth Gill, and Janet Koch and husband Steve Koch; Aunt Lorene Brady; a special niece Pat Corley; numerous other nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Doyle was born on July 3, 1943, to Verda and Ray Smith in Leesville, Louisiana.  After Doyle graduated from Leesville High School in 1961, he attended one year at Louisiana Tech. Doyle then joined the United States Air Force where he served in Japan. Doyle played football in high school and also played for the Tachikawa Air Base in Japan from 1963-1965. He was also very active in Judo competitions in Japan and continued after he returned to the States for a few years. Doyle returned to Houston, Texas, after his duty was over and went to work for Delta Airlines, retiring in 1995.

Doyle enjoyed many activities during his life, such as playing dominoes and 42, camping family vacations, fishing, hunting, and photography. He also donated his time as Athletics Director for Little League Football for many years. Doyle had a love for growing flowers and researching his family’s genealogy. During his research, he amassed a ton of information on our families, and he did it the hard way by going to libraries, visiting cemeteries, and going through many courthouse records. In his own words, “I enjoy genealogy and hope I can pay some tribute to those that have gone on before and maybe leave something for those that follow.” In his later years he loved Fantasy Football.  He played in the same league with Mike and friends for seventeen years. He really enjoyed the in-person draft, but Covid stopped those for a few years, and he really missed getting together with the other players. In August, this year, he was able to go to Houston for the in-person draft, even though he was in a lot of pain.  We know he enjoyed that one last time.

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By Greg Burke

Vernon Parish residents no doubt take immense pride in home grown athletes like Kevin Mawae, T. Berry Porter, and Sheila Thompson, who have been recognized for their accomplishments through induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

For years, the only point of recognition for those honorees was in trophy cases at Northwestern State University’s Prather Coliseum. In 2013, recognition of Louisiana’s greatest athletes took a monumental step forward with construction of the state-funded 27,000 square foot Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches’ downtown historic district.

In addition to being open to visitors and for group tours, the museum has hosted events such as the recent 50th anniversary commemoration of singer Jim Croce’s untimely death after performing at NSU, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, meetings, and other functions.

The first-ever Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame “Join the Team” membership drive – which research shows is standard for most hall of fame museums – has been initiated to secure resources which can be used to update and upgrade the museum. State funding underwrites basic operating costs for the museum but there are often inadequate funds to enhance the museum, especially in this age of “bells and whistles” (aka “technology”). Log on to LaSportsHall.com and click the “Join the Team” button or text LSHOFTEAM to 41444 to “Join the Team.” Checks can be mailed to 500 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

While today’s technology comes at a cost, the “asking price” for Hall of Fame membership can be as little as $10 per month. Member benefits include official Hall of Fame team member gear, the opportunity to win monthly drawings, discounts on merchandise and other amenities. 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductees Alana Beard – Shreveport (Southwood High School), Duke University, and 15-year WNBA standout – along with two-time LSU national champion and 14-year Major League Baseball pitcher Paul Byrd, are Honorary Co-Chairs of the inaugural membership campaign.

And if that isn’t attractive enough, members who sign up by December 31 of this year will be entered in a January 1 drawing for the “Ultimate 2024 Hall of Fame Weekend Experience,” which includes two tickets to all induction weekend events, a photo with your favorite 2024 Hall of Famer (Drew Brees…Seimone Agustus…Daniel Cormier…or another inductee…your choice!) and exclusive access to some events. The value of that package is close to $1,000!

The initial goal is a very conservative and surely attainable 100 members. This museum is our state’s pride and joy, a legacy locker room for its greatest athletes that celebrates excellence from all 64 parishes, from Ida to Grand Isle, from Lake Providence to Lake Charles. Statewide ownership will ensure that just as Louisiana athletes are among the best from coast to coast, the same can always be said about its Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

Greg Burke is Director of Business Development and Public Relations for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. He was formerly Director of Athletics at Northwestern State University for 26 years. Burke can be contacted at gregburke@lasportshall.com

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Funeral services for Emerson “Buzz” Singletary Jr, 61, of Anacoco, were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville with Rev. Dale Mortenson officiating. Burial followed at Castor Cemetery in Leesville.

Buzz was born on January 21, 1962, in Leesville, to his parents, Emerson and Alice Singletary. He passed away at his home in Anacoco.

Buzz was a graduate of Leesville High School. He worked at Pat Williams Construction for 33 years. Buzz enjoyed fishing and was an avid coin collector. If you ever met Buzz, he was your friend for life. He was always there for anyone who needed him and would do anything for anybody. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Buzz is preceded in death by his father: Emerson Singletary; Grandparents: Leland and Madelyn Singletary, Joe and Alma Self.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Alice Singletary of Leesville; sisters: Lisa Piper of Daphne, AL, Sharon Bannister of Jefferson, GA, and Toni Lavergne of Leesville; nieces and nephews: Taneia Beech, Harrison Bannister, Austin Bannister, Chris Miller, Karen Lipscomb; great nephew, Anderson Bannister, and a host of other family and friends.

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More than 37 years have passed since Leesville resident Bambi Brantley disappeared.

Bambi Brantley was 26 years old when she was last seen on Wednesday, October 22, 1986, as she was walking westbound on Highway 8 towards Tower Trailer Park on the west side of Leesville.  Investigators believe that she did make it to her home in the trailer park and then disappeared from there.

It has been confirmed that Bambi used the pay phone at the convenience store, which would currently be Leebo’s, at the entrance to the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fairgrounds on Texas Highway.  Bambi purchased a fountain drink while at the store, and it is believed that she walked back to her residence from the store. The drink container located inside her residence was from the purchase she made on the night she disappeared.

Bambi was employed as a salesperson at Pynes Chrysler auto dealership in Leesville at the time of her disappearance.  Bambi was a social person and had many friends and acquaintances with whom she would spend time at various social clubs in Leesville.

Bambi has been described as being 5’7”, weighing 110 pounds, with hazel eyes and wavy shoulder-length light brown/auburn hair, which she parted in the middle.

At the time of the initial investigation into Bambi’s disappearance, numerous rumors circulated regarding the discovery of her body.  These rumors were all fictitious. Bambi Brantley has not been heard from since the night of her disappearance, and law enforcement has never located any human remains suspected to be those of Bambi.

Bambi’s family traveled back to Vernon Parish in 2018 to participate in a press conference where they asked the public for assistance in the case.  Bambi’s nephew, Pen Brantley, was 8 years old when Bambi went missing, and he said the questions that linger make it difficult for the family to find closure. “Her memory is perpetually suspended in limbo. She’s not alive and she’s not dead; she’s just ‘missing’,” he said. “The grief that this has brought to our family is beyond belief.”

Bambi’s youngest sister, Randi Sarsfield, said the family hopes someone can come forward to provide information that will allow them to at last lay her sister’s remains to rest. “She deserves that, and we feel like we deserve that, too,” she said.

Family members encouraged anyone who has any memory of the night of Bambi’s disappearance to come forward, even if they were somehow involved. “We will find it in our hearts to forgive them, because without a doubt Bambi would have forgiven them,” Bambi’s sister, Vicki Brantley, said. “That is how unconditionally loving she was.”

Detective Rhonda Jordan is asking for anyone who has any information about her disappearance to call her at 337-238-7248, or any local law enforcement agency. You do not have to give your name.

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Funeral services for Barbara “Bobbie” Lynn Afeman will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Lone Star Baptist Church, Glenmora, LA with Brother Calvin Robinson, Vickey Gibson, and Shannon “Bubba” Buxton officiating. The committal service will follow in Lone Star Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville, LA. Pallbearers honored to serve are Jimmy Afeman, Danny Matkin, Christopher Matkin, Alisha Matkin, Trent Robinson, and Michael Kroics.

A visitation will be held at Lone Star Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 24th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Bobbie, 79, of Hineston, LA gained her angel wings on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 16, 1944, in Gulfport, Mississippi to Charlie and Marie Farmer. Bobbie married her high school sweetheart, Eddie, in 1963, and they were married 60 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carolyn Poe; and grandparents, John & Ella Akins and Jesse & Lula Farmer.

Those left to cherish her memory and miss her are her husband, Eddie Afeman; son, Charles Afeman; daughters, Pam Kroics (John) and Paula Matkin (Danny); grandchildren, Christopher Matkin, Alisha Matkin, and Michael Kroics; brother, Randy Farmer (Delores); and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Bobbie’s family would like to thank Guardian Hospice for their personal and professional care and especially Curleisha “Curley”.

Albert F. Taylor, age 58, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Theft Over $1,500.00 and one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Bond was set at $10,000.00. Taylor posted bond and was released.

Alexis Morine Martin, age 25, of Leesville was arrested and charged with Disturbing the Peace/Language. Her bail was set at $881.00. Martin posted bail and was released.

Trevor Rentschler, age 29, of Richmond, Virginia, was arrested and charged with two counts First Degree Rape, two counts of Oral Sexual Battery, two counts of Molestation of a Juvenile, one count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, one count Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, and one count of Pandering. Bond was set at $1,005,000.00. Rentschler remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Steven Eugene Baker, age 42, of Anacoco was arrested and charged with one count Aggravated Crimes Against Nature.  Bond had not been set at time of publication and Baker remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Chad E. Thomson, age 46, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, one count Criminal Damage to Property, one count Simple Burglary-Immovable Structures, and one count of Theft.  Bond had not been set at time of publication and Thompson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Citations were issued for burn ban violations in Vernon Parish to Gilbert Stevens of Anacoco and Steven Blake Johnson of Leesville.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNITL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

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Story by Billy Crawford

Billy Bennett grew up in the Vernon Parish community of Simpson. As a student of Simpson School, he excelled both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

After graduating in 1948, Billy enrolled at Louisiana College in Pineville on a basketball scholarship. He played on the L.C. Wildcat teams from 1949 – 1951.  In 1951, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Science.

In September 1951, Billy accepted the position of science teacher and coach at Hornbeck High School. The next year he moved to Leesville High School as a teacher and head basketball coach.

Richard Reese remembers, “Around 1953, I was in the fourth grade, and we lived right down the hill on Lula Street. I would go up to the gym on the hill to watch the team practice. That team had the Goins brothers, Don, Larry, and James, and James Freeman, Eber Sandell, George Fisher, Alton Herring, and Kenneth Smith, the father of Randall Smith. The team was outstanding, 1-A District Champions. Coach Bennett was voted Coach of the Year.”

Dale Hardwick remembers, “What really got me going in basketball was when Coach took us up to Northwestern to watch a college game. I had never been in a gym that size with all the activities, so I made up my mind I was going to play college basketball.”

Edwin Cabra, team captain and All-District performer on the 1962-63 team, remembers, “Other than my father, no male figure had more influence on me growing up than Coach Bennett.  He made you work hard.  I still remember running all those lines and figure 8’s in the gym stands on Lula Street.”

In February of 1964, Coach was appointed Principal of Hicks High School. One of his first acts was to hire Dale Hardwick as the basketball coach.

All this occurred while he was simultaneously Captain Bennett, Company Commander in the Louisiana National Guard Unit in Leesville; Commissioner of the Vernon Parish Summer Youth Baseball Program; and a member of the First Baptist Church, Civitan Club, and N.H. Bray Masonic Lodge 240, among others.

After retirement from the Vernon Parish school system, Billy Bennett continued a distinguished military career. At the time of his death, he held the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was a graduate of the General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Many believe he was on track to become a General Officer.

Wilmer L. “Billy” Bennett achieved all these accomplishments in his lifetime of only 44 years!

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Leesville thrilled the 2023 Homecoming crowd with a 62-20 drubbing of district foe Lagrange, while Rosepine’s offense looked anemic in a 16-0 loss to Menard; and the Pickering Red Devils continue to set records of the wrong kind, losing to Oakdale 53-0.

Pickering
Pickering dropped to 0-8 on the year with a 53-0 loss at Oakdale. The district 4-AA encounter left the Red Devils 0-3 in the league standings. Oakdale improved to 6-2 (1-1) with the win. Pickering is currently on the longest losing streak in Louisiana high school football over the past two years. Things don’t get any easier for Senior Night this Thursday as South Beauregard comes to town for a non-district matchup. The Golden Knights are 2-6 on the season, 0-5 in district 3-AAA.

Rosepine
Rosepine hit the wall offensively in a 16-0 loss to Menard on Friday, October 20. The Eagles managed just 37 yards rushing by a combined four backs. They completed two of eight passes for eight yards. Landon Lawrence led Eagle defenders with seven and a half tackles and a QB sack. Rosepine fans will next celebrate Senior Night Friday, October 27, at 7 p.m. in McKee-McCain Stadium. The Avoyelles Mustangs ride into town for the district contest.

Rosepine 3-6 (1-1 district 4-AA) hosts Avoyelles 1-7 (1-1 District 4-AA) 7 p.m.

Leesville
Leesville bounced Lagrange 62-20 in a big District 3-AAAA game to move to 3-0 in the district race as the team they are tied with, Eunice, comes calling this Friday night at Wampus Cat Stadium.

Homecoming alumni who return for annual festivities like to see their team at their best. Leesville fans had few complaints last Friday. What they witnessed was a total team effort complete with big plays on both sides of the ball. The offense scored seven touchdowns and the defense two, as the Wampus Cats rang up a five-touchdown lead early.

All State running back Xavier Ford showed the alumni from years past that he’s as good as any of the great Leesville running backs they saw in their time at LHS. Ford carried nine times for 233 yards and 5 TD’s, scoring on runs of 24-23-40-24 and 90 yards. That is a gaudy 25.8 yards per carry. His 90-yard scamper in the second quarter was shiftiness and elusiveness personified as Ford zigged and zagged his way down the field for the score.

Senior quarterback Corbitt Robbins found four different receivers on his eight-of-eleven night for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including a 22-yard toss to Izaiah Farley and a 13-yard scoring hookup to Boston Manci. Leesville had 16 first downs and did not face a third down conversion all night.

The Wampus Cats’ defense turned in two big scoring plays. Ra’zavion Taylor blocked a punt in the end zone for a safety in the first quarter, while his teammate, Taj Jackson, took his interception 70 yards for the score in the third quarter. Jeremiah Lee also picked off two Gator passes. Leesville left the Homecoming crowd smiling as they scored on the final play of the game.

Leesville moves to 5-3 (3-0 District 3-AAAA), and this week they will host the team they are tied with atop the league standings. Eunice is 6-2 on the season (3-0 District 3-AAAA). Last week the Bobcats edged DeRidder at home 21-20. They are 4-0 on the road this year and the teams have three common opponents. Eunice lost at home to Jennings while Leesville won at Jennings. Both teams lost to Catholic of New Iberia, and Leesville beat DeRidder the week before Eunice did.

Leesville is currently ranked 12th in the Division II Non-Select schools statewide, with a 12.24 power rating and a strength-of-schedule ranking of 7.86 — one of the top schedule rankings in the state in that division. Eunice is currently ranked 13th in Division II Non-Select schools with a 12.24 power rating and a 6.57 strength-of-schedule ranking.

Leesville will honor the football team, band, cheerleaders, and staff during Senior Night Friday, October 27.

Eunice at Leesville is Friday, October 27, at 7 p.m. Listen Live on KJAE-FM/93.5 and KVVP-FM/105.7.

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November 4, 2023, will be a big day for the Arts in Vernon Parish. Six new installations will be dedicated at the Leesville Art Park on Abe Allen Memorial Drive, and a reception will be held that evening at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN for a new exhibit featuring artists from the Central Louisiana area.

The six new installations at the Art Park include: “Wisteria Towers”, a special area on the north end of the park in memory of Shirley Smith. Shirley was an adamant supporter of the arts throughout her life, and a staunch supporter of the Leesville Art Park. Upon her death, the family requested that donations go to the park in her name, and this installation is a spot of Zen overlooking West Leesville Elementary School, in her memory and honor.

“Marci Joy’s Meadow” is another space created in honor and memory of a strong supporter of the Arts that has left us, Marci Joy Cook. The space is a low berm on the southwest end of the park that has plantings by the community, backed up by a Bird and Butterfly pollinator meadow that will be left to grow wild and natural.”

“Louisiana Totem” is a work by gallery member artist Joey Governale. It sits in the center of the park and is the anchor for a planned space of architectural columns, each painted and installed by a different artist. Joey’s whimsical and colorful images provide a real pop of color and activity to the Art Park and we look forward to the other columns going up soon.

“Ode to the Pottery Gods” is a work in progress of a mosaic pyramid conceived and created by local artist, gallery volunteer and military spouse Taylor Sund Peterson. Taylor has participated in many gallery events since her family was stationed here, and she is a testament of how the military family and the local art scene mesh well.

“The OTHER Sunshine Bridge” came about by the suggestion of the City of Leesville and the local Kiwanis Club. Designed by Leila Pollard, the footbridge that connects West Leesville Elementary to the Art Park was built by the SOWELA Carpentry Class under the leadership of Bobby Bordelon and funded by the City of Leesville and the Kiwanis Club of Leesville. This is a wonderful example of good people creating good things for the community.

“KISATCHIE” is a monumental sculpture installed on the South end of the Art Park. This work was funded in part by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism through a grant, the City of Leesville, the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission, and private donations. Four artists and craftsmen worked on the sculpture; Tony McDonald designed and provide some painting on the work, Will Jenkins provided welding, lighting and logistical input, Ben Moss provided design and painting, and Joey Governale provided four paintings for a “gallery in the round” on the sculpture that provide images of the Kisatchie National Forest.

After the 3 p.m. public dedication of these six new investments in the Leesville Art Park, the public is invited to GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN where a reception will be held for “All Together Now” – an exhibit of new work by nine artists from the Central Louisiana area. Food will be catered by Kai’s Island Grill with seafood provided by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion Board and the Office of the Lt. Governor.

Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright reports the recent conviction of Regina Shafer, age 30 of Leesville, for vehicular manslaughter. On November 17, 2022, Shafer was operating a motor vehicle in Vernon Parish when her vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. Shafer’s 3-year-old child died as a result of the crash. The Louisiana State Police investigated the crash, determined that Shafer was impaired, found to be at fault, and her impairment a direct cause of the crash.

On October 6, 2023, Shafer pled guilty before the Honorable Judge C. Anthony Eaves and was sentenced to 15 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Wayne Bush.

Other recent convictions also reported by Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright include that of Christopher Kade Young, age 36, and Tasha Renae Young, age 36, both of New Llano. In January 2023, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of the Youngs engagement in sexual acts with a minor child 15 years of age. As a result of the investigation, Christopher and Tasha Young were arrested for molestation of a juvenile as well as indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Christopher and Tasha Young appeared before the Honorable Judge C. Anthony Eaves and entered pleas of guilty on October 6, 2023. Christopher Young pled guilty to 4 counts of molestation of a juvenile and was sentenced to 20 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Tasha Young pled guilty to 2 counts of molestation of a juvenile and 2 counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and was sentenced to 15 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Both cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Wayne Bush.

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Robert Lee McElroy Sr. (Bob) was the son of Ruthie Wood and Junior McElroy. He was born on September 22, 1946, in Macks, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 20, 2023.

Bob was drafted to the United States Army in 1966 and deployed to Vietnam in 1967-1968, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart along with several other Army medals. He became a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, in 1975 and was on the trail until 1977. Bob retired in 1991 as a CW3 with 23 years of service.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and teaching his kids and grandkids how to use firearms safely. He loved cooking, traveling and old cars. He was a certified scuba instructor, a licensed pilot and a race car driver. Bob also loved his community where he served as a Vernon Parish Sheriff Deputy for 16 years.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy and Ruby; and brother, Daniel.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cris McElroy; son, Robert Lee Jr. and his wife Debra; daughters, Erika and her wife Karen; Jennifer and her husband Cole; four grandchildren, Brandon, Ashlee, Dakota and Nikole; great grandchildren, Ethan, Grayson, Paxton, Tullulah; brothers, Billy and his wife Mary; Bo, and sister, Judy.

A memorial service will be held at Old Anacoco Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, with Bro. Wayne Chance officiating.

By Doug De Graffenried

For a couple of hours on Sunday afternoon my fate hung in the balance.

Rolo and Chester are the canine occupants of the house. I rescued Chester at the Gibsland exit, moments after he’d been dumped at the exit. He was still cowering beside the road. He has been with us since January. He is just now becoming comfortable with his surroundings. He’s 80% Pit Bull and 20% Boxer. Yes, he’s had the DNA test done. He has this funny boxer mouth that looks like he’s judging you all the time. He’s learned that he’s safe in our home.

Rolo is the offspring of a Pit Bull that I rescued after she was dumped at the same exit. It took me nearly a month to catch the dog we named Maggie. I worked so hard to catch her because I knew she was pregnant. She had nine puppies. Rolo was one of those nine puppies. He had a tough start. Maggie stepped on his head on his first day. We fed him with an eyedropper for the first couple of weeks of his life. He was the runt of the litter. The runt now weighs 80 pounds! Rolo’s DNA indicates he is ½ Beagle and ½ Pit Bull. The two dogs are inseparable.

Now back to my fate hanging in the balance.

I went out on Saturday to move a sprinkler. Since God will not water my yard, I am taking care of it. We have an old house, so I have old fashioned screen doors. I enjoy opening the doors and letting the breeze blow through the screen doors. Sunday, I was allowing the breeze to blow through the screen doors. On Saturday, I had not latched the front screen door.

The dogs escaped out of the front door.  They did it twice in a row. The first time they came immediately to the backyard gate and barked for me to let them in. I gladly let them in. I proceeded to inspect the fence. I suspected those two dug under the fence some place. The inspection yielded no results. Then I remembered the trip outside on Saturday to water the front yard. Yes, I had not latched the screen door. Yes, the dogs were gone again.

I knew that if anything happened to Rolo, I was dead man walking. I would not recover from the guilt of allowing the favored dog to escape. Everything I had ever done wrong, paled in comparison to this dog getting out and not coming back. We got in two cars and began searching the metroplex of Gibsland. We drove all over town and nothing. I saw places in Gibsland that I didn’t know existed. I found an apartment complex and a cool shed that had been remodeled into a home. 

No dogs!

My guilt and dread were increasing.

The good news is that we found them very close to home. They were together and exhausted. We got them home, fed them, and they slept soundly until Monday morning.

The dogs didn’t know they should not run off. The dogs didn’t know they were in danger. The dogs didn’t know that we were driving all around town looking for them. The dogs didn’t know that prayers were going heavenward on their behalf. The dogs didn’t know we dropped everything to find them. They didn’t know!

Isaiah reminds us, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” We are like sheep. We didn’t know we were lost until we were found.

Sunday reminded me that the Good Shepherd looked for me, until He found me. I thank God that His love was seeking me when I didn’t know!

You know?

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Great family fun and plenty of Halloween treats are in store for your family in Historic Downtown Leesville Saturday, October 28.

The annual Louisiana Soap Box Derby Championships start the day off with racer registration at 8 a.m., followed by some practice runs down Texas Street in the heart of Downtown. Racing begins at 9:30 a.m. with an awards ceremony set for 3 p.m.

The City of Leesville’s annual Armadillo Motorcycle Rally and Car Show will feature a motorcycle ride and games, classic cars on display, music, vendors, bounce houses for kids, and much more. Registration for the bike rally and car show will be at 9 a.m. on the corner of Third and Lee Streets.

The Leesville Main Street program “Witch Way to Main Street” will take over downtown Leesville from 6-8 p.m. for a massive giant Trick-or-Treating family costume night. This attraction has been a hit from its beginnings in 2012, with crowds estimated some years between 2500-3000 attendees. Several blocks of Downtown will be set up, with the staff of local organizations and businesses doling out tons of candy and treats to all comers. There will be live music with The Old Man Band, food trucks, haunted tents, and even a pet costume contest.

Leesville City Administrator Patti Larney announced that Trick or Treat hours in the Leesville City Limits have been set for Tuesday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m.

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Barbara “Bobbie” Lynn Afeman
November 16, 1944 – October 22, 2023
Service: October 25, 2023, at Lone Star Baptist Church, Glenmora, LA at 11:00 a.m.

Doyle Ray Smith
July 3, 1943 – October 21, 2023
Service: October 26, 2023, in the Silver Creek Baptist Church of Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

Robert Lee McElroy Sr.
September 22, 1946 – October 20, 2023
Service: October 27, 2023, at Old Anacoco Baptist Church in Anacoco at 10:00 a.m.

Emerson “Buzz” Singletary Jr.
January 21, 1962 – October 19, 2023
Service: October 23, 2023, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 10:00 a.m.

Loretta Ann Muse Ward
January 7, 1963 – October 19, 2023

Ashton Krue Nations
October 13, 2023 – October 13, 2023
Service: October 20, 2023, at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

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Vernon Parish voters made their voices heard in the October 14 primary elections.  District 30 State Representative Chuck Owen retained his seat in the House with 85% of the votes cast in his campaign against William “B.J.” Jones.  A tighter race was held in House District 24 where incumbent Rodney Schamerhorn received 60% of the votes in his race against Hornbeck Mayor Clarence Bebee.

Incumbent Vernon Parish Clerk of Court Jeff Skidmore received 65% of registered votes in his campaign against Joshua Smith (34%) to win re-election.  Vernon Parish Police Jurors David Fox (District 3), Doug Roshong (District 4), Scottie Benjamin (District 8), Charnel Bailey (District 7) and Kenny Haymon (District 12) were all re-elected.  In District 5, incumbent Reggie Johnson fell to Cody Hostetler 536 votes to 468 votes.  There is a runoff for Justice of the Peace (Ward 8 Constable) between Brian Herrington and Danny James.

Vernon Parish voters generally followed state voters in the statewide elections.  Jeff Landry (Governor), Billy Nungesser (Lt. Governor) and Liz Murrill (Attorney General) were all favored by Vernon voters.  Runoffs are pending November 18 for the offices of Louisiana Secretary of State: Nancy Landry (R) and Gwen Collins Greenup (D); and State Treasurer: John Fleming (R) and Dustin Granger (D). Voters in Vernon Parish and across the state said yes to all four constitutional amendments on the ballot.  There are additional amendments on the ballot for November 18.

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Julien Raye Stevens Jr., fondly remembered as Rod Stevens, passed away serenely on the morning of October 10, 2023. Born on January 17, 1938, in Leesville, Louisiana, Julien Jr. held the distinguished legacy of being a third-generation resident of Vernon Parish and leaving behind the sixth generation.

The son of Julien Raye Stevens Sr. and Mamie Wead Stevens, Julien Jr. had deep roots in the community. As a boy, he dedicated many days assisting his grandfather, Hurd Maurice Stevens (born 1838), to stock the shelves of the family’s grocery store in Leesville. Completing his early education, Julien Jr. proudly graduated from Leesville High School in 1956 and furthered his studies at Northwestern State University.

Life took a romantic turn when he wed Marilyn Owen on February 15, 1958. The couple’s journey together saw them relocating to Amarillo, TX, due to the closure of Fort Polk military installation. While in Amarillo, Julien Jr. donned the hat of a construction worker. Their travels later brought them to Houston, where Julien Jr. served guests at the then glamorous Shamrock Hilton as a bellhop.

However, at his core, Julien Jr. was a spirited entrepreneur. Throughout his life, he embarked on numerous ventures, from owning and operating heavy machinery, owning and managing timber operations, owning a slew of diverse businesses — ranging from liquor and convenience stores, a mobile home sales center, to a flight school and charter service in DeRidder, LA. Julien Jr. had an unmatched knack for spotting business opportunities, often diving into side jobs to further provide for his family.

A passionate outdoorsman, Julien Jr. relished in hunting and fishing adventures. He cherished the moments spent amidst the majestic mountains of Washington, New Mexico, and Colorado. His spontaneity was legendary; he was known to embark on sudden road trips to south Louisiana, driven by an insatiable craving for blue crabs or crawfish. Julien Jr. embraced life with vigor, love, and abundant laughter.

He leaves behind a legacy of love: his devoted wife of 65 years, Marilyn Owen Stevens; brothers, Travis Stevens (Andree) and Milton Stevens (Marie); sisters, Karen Stevens Hebert and Helen Doucet (Richard); sons, Julien Raye Stevens III, known as Butch (Jennifer Bergeron) and Rickey Owen Stevens (Vikki Davis); six grandchildren: Bridget Stevens Hazel (Chris), Brandon Blanchard Stevens (Haley Tuck), Julien Brock Stevens (Jessica Anderson), William Cole Stevens, Evan Grant Stevens, and Christopher Tate Stevens. Julien Jr. also had the joy of being surrounded by seven great-grandchildren: Mathew Hazel, Taylor Stevens, Jae Lynn Stevens, Madelyn Hazel, MaKylee Stevens, Blanchard Stevens, and Ava Mae Stevens. He had the joy of having many nieces and nephews as well.

Julien Jr.’s spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and love for the great outdoors will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Funeral services for Julien Jr. wwere held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Leesville with Reverend Jason Nolde officiating and Chuck Owen speaking. The burial followed in Leesville Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Pallbearers were Brandon Stevens, Brock Stevens, Cole Stevens, Grant Stevens, Chris Hazel, and Phillip Landry. Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Craft and Richard Schwartz.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Julien Jr.’s memory to the Lions Crippled Children’s Camp.

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The Vernon Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, October 10, at the Central Office in Leesville.  It was a day of business motions, many congratulations and awards, plus news on recently awarded grants to Vernon Parish Schools.  Board members approved motions to accept employee retirements, budget amendments related to personnel, authorized the president to pay claims, and approved 2024 meeting dates.  The meeting dates are posted on the Board’s website.

On the report from Finance Director Tim Ward, Board members accepted a bid from Jim’s South Butane and Propane of Alexandria to provide propane for Simpson, Hicks, and Evans.  Ward was recognized by Superintendent James Williams for receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School and Business Officials.  Multiple governmental agencies held several evaluations to determine the recipients.

Congratulations were in order to Hornbeck High, Parkway Elementary, Pickering High, Pitkin School, Vernon Middle School, and West Leesville Elementary.  They were lauded for their efforts by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as Energy Star Buildings.  These campuses were among the Top Twenty-Five percent in the nation for energy conserving buildings.  Representatives from Cenergistic, the School Board’s energy consulting partner, presented the awards and told the Board that they would like to clone the work of the six schools.  Since partnering with Cenergistic, the Vernon Parish school system has reduced energy costs by over forty percent.  The cost of utilities is the second largest budget line item for the Board.

Ms. Tracy Smith, HeadStart Instructional Coach, was recognized as October Employee of the Month by Mr. Jeff Taylor of Taylor and Sons Insurance.  Ms. Smith works with all members of the HeadStart and Birth-5 Programs.

The final good news of the meeting came from Lisa Lohman of the Curriculum Department.  Lohman announced that Anacoco, Evans, Leesville, Pickering, Pitkin, and Simpson were all awarded Mirror Grants.  These grants will allow students to earn certification in business, retail, or customer service, easing their way into the work force.  Lohman explained it as basically free money at no cost to the Vernon Parish School Board.

Following the meeting, the Board members convened for lunch before they began a five-hour session in ethics and accountability conducted by the Board’s legal representatives.

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October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. A safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death, like suffocation.

The Vernon Parish Coroner’s Office has teamed up with Southwest Louisiana Safe Sleep Taskforce and the Cribs for Kids Nationwide Program. Our mission is to prevent infant sleep-related deaths by educating parents and caregivers on the importance of practicing safe sleep for their babies and by providing portable cribs to families who, otherwise, cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep. Our office has made a commitment to reducing infants’ deaths due to unsafe sleep practices by offering this 1-hour class several times a year. In addition to these classes, we offer one-on-one sleep education on request, when necessary, in order to ensure our community babies are sleeping safely. We have been offering these classes since 2018 and we have seen a significant drop in infant deaths in our area. This program operates by donation only and we have been fortunate enough to have our community step up and assist us in raising awareness and providing prevention.

After suffering the tragic death of their grandson Brentley Rowe in 2017, Daniel and Suzanne Rowe have focused their grief into helping us raise the funds necessary for these Graco Pack-N-Play cribs, Northwestern State University (Fort Johnson Campus) has provided us classrooms and allowed us to use their facilities for this community mission. If you would like to assist us in this endeavor, please reach out to our office at 337-392-2349. Please spread the word and come join us for our next Safe Sleep class on Friday, November 17, 2023, to educate new and expecting mothers on the importance of a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. We also encourage dads, grandparents, nurses, and caregivers to attend as well!

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The Vernon Parish Police Jury met in regular session Monday, October 16, at 10 a.m. Visitors included Chad Hagan and Lori Marto from the Vernon Parish 4-H Program. Marto is a nutritionist, and she explained the various healthy eating programs designed for all ages to promote better nutrition. This information is for all residents of Vernon Parish. She wanted Jurors to understand the programs and their benefits. Hagan thanked the Jurors and staff of the Police Jury for all the work they did at the recently- held West Louisiana Forestry Festival. Ms. Sharon Green with the Vernon Parish Coroner’s Office addressed Jurors about what the Coroner’s Office does for Vernon Parish residents. She asked the Police Jury for more help with transportation, workspace, and pay for being on call. Green told Jurors the office is working on national accreditation, which could lead to grant money for the parish.

Dane Bergeron with the South Central Planning and Development Commission reported on a small business loan program that has $50 million to loan in assisting Vernon business owners affected by recent hurricanes and floods. Bergeron said that his office in DeRidder is ready to assist Vernon Parish residents with paperwork, and he wanted Jurors to tell their constituents about the availability of funds.

Local resident Reggie Strain brought his concerns to the Police Jury about the difficulty he has had with the parish building inspector. His comments led to a lively, fifteen-minute discussion on the topic. The general consensus of Jurors was there are some issues that need to be addressed, and they promised to do that.

In business matters, Jurors approved a motion to give $200,000 to the City of Leesville for extension of sewer lines and service on Jean Chapel Road and Entrance Road. This would be a big benefit for residents living in those areas. Jurors okayed a claim for $300 worth of damage done to a resident’s mobile home skirting by a parish road crew. They also heard a report from the Personnel Committee on one new hire and sick leave time for an employee. They also approved a request from the Road Maintenance/ Construction Committee to pay for a pair of Vernon Parish School Board projects and approved the maintenance resolutions for the Village of Simpson and the Town of Rosepine.

There was a public hearing but no discussion on a motion to change the speed limit on Martin Conover Loop (Dist.6-Ward 2) to 15 MPH in its entirety. Jurors approved the change.

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Great family fun and plenty of Halloween treats are in store for your family in Historic Downtown Leesville Saturday, October 28.

The annual Louisiana Soap Box Derby Championships start the day off with racer registration at 8 a.m., followed by some practice runs down Texas Street in the heart of Downtown. Racing begins at 9:30 a.m. with an awards ceremony set for 3 p.m.

The City of Leesville’s annual Armadillo Motorcycle Rally and Car Show will feature a motorcycle ride and games, classic cars on display, music, vendors, bounce houses for kids, and much more. Registration for the bike rally and car show will be at 9am on the corner of Third and Lee streets.

The Leesville Main Street program “Witch Way to Main Street” will take over downtown Leesville from 6-8 p.m. for a massive giant Trick or Treating family costume night. This attraction has been a hit from its beginnings in 2012, with crowds estimated some years between 2500-3000 attendees. Several blocks of Downtown will be set up, with the staff of local organizations and businesses doling out tons of candy and treats to all comers. There will be live music with The Old Man Band, food trucks, haunted tents, and even a pet costume contest.

Leesville City Administrator Patty Larney announced that Trick or Treat hours in the Leesville City Limits have been set for Tuesday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m.