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RECENT VERNON PARISH CAR THEFTS
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the theft of four vehicles that occurred in the early morning hours of October 14. Three separate residences were victimized. Video from surveillance cameras shows a white pickup truck letting off one suspect to steal the vehicles. Two vehicles were taken on West Hawthorne Road, one from a residence on Hidden Trail Road, and one from a location on James Drive. All the vehicles were unlocked with keys in them. If you have information on these thefts, call the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-238-1311.
Sheriff Sam Craft reminds residents to lock their vehicles, including off-road rides, and park them in a well-lit area, if possible.
RECENT VERNON PARISH ARRESTS
Darrel Dwayne Hicks, age 44, of Leesville was arrested on two outstanding bench warrants. Bond had not been set and he remained in the Vernon Parish Jail at the time of this publication.
Donald Davis, age 64, of Rosepine was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant. Bond had not been set and he remained in the Vernon Parish Jail at the time of this publication.
William Joseph Curcio, age 51, of Simpson was arrested and charged with one count Criminal Trespass and one count of Theft over $750. Bond had not been set and he remained in the Vernon Parish Jail at the time of this publication.
Choun D. Moody, age 51, of Leesville was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant. A detainer by the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole has been placed on him. He remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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Funeral services for Joe Lee Oden, 78, of Leesville, will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in the First Assembly of God Church of Leesville with Bro. Les Comeaux officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Leesville Cemetery in Leesville.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 12:00 P.M – 2:00 P.M in the church.
Joe was born on February 10,1945, to his parents, Glenn & Nora Oden. He passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, in Leesville.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Doris Arreolla and Jane Oden.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Marilyn Oden; son, Joe Lee Oden Jr. (Rachelle) of Leesville, La.; daughter, Stacey Oden of Leesville, La.; brother, Glenn Paul Oden; sister, Betty Frances Cezar; grandchildren, Whitney Carver (Corey), Colby Oden, Kevin Nabors Jr., Logan Oden, Kaleb Oden, and Evan Oden.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Paul Schmidt, Ron Ennis, Kevin Nabors Jr., Kaleb Oden, Colby Oden, Logan Oden, and Evan Oden. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Cezar, Gilbert Arreola and David Endsley.

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Northwestern State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present Modern in Motion XI October 19 – 22 at the historic Texas and Pacific Railway Depot on Remembrance Way in Natchitoches.
There are several local students who will perform, including Ashanta Wilson of Leesville, Allyce Richards of Ft. Johnson, and Jennifer Ann of DeRidder.

Performance times are October 19-20 at 6 p.m.; October 21 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and October 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets to the October 19 Gala performance are $50, which includes a reception after the event at Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant. Admission to all other performances is $10 and $5 for students and senior citizens. Reservations are encouraged as space is limited. To make reservations or get more information, contact head of the Department of Theatre and Dance Brett Garfinkel at (318) 357-5793.
The choreography is by Garfinkel, NSU Professor and Director of Dance Kirstin I. Riehl, and Assistant Professor of Dance Alex McBride.

The Texas and Pacific Railway Depot was constructed in 1927 and closed its doors to passenger rail transportation in the 1960s, encapsulating its segregated entrances and waiting rooms. Today, the structure remains one of the last segregated train stations within Louisiana and has a deep connection to the City’s African American community. In 2019, the City of Natchitoches, who owns the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot, signed a lease with the National Park Service, Cane River Creole National Historical Park granting the park use of the building as a visitor center and headquarters. The Depot will house new park offices, a visitor center and a community lecture hall/theater for the Cane River Creole National Historical Park.

The idea for site-specific events around Natchitoches for Modern in Motion began with “Cage on the Cane” at Beau Jardin which was coupled with a concert in Magale Recital Hall celebrating composer John Cage’s 100th birthday and featuring NSU Associate Professor of Music Theory and Low Strings Paul Christopher and Mark Prince Lee. Modern in Motion has also been performed at The Sweet Cane Inn, The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, Cane River Brewing Company (now Flying Heart Brewing and Pub), the Fleur de Lis Stage at Natchitoches’ downtown riverbank, the Alumni Plaza on the campus of NSU and twice at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.

“One of the main reasons why we chose this space was the history and architecture of the train depot,” said Garfinkel. “The fact that we could get in before any museum displays allows us to use the space in its entirety. The National Park Service has been great to work with.”

For more information on upcoming events from Northwestern State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, go to nsula.edu/theatre.

Photo courtesy of City of Natchitoches

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Two big games highlighted the seventh week of the high school schedule in Vernon Parish. Leesville played at DeRidder in a classic Hooper Trophy match-up, winning 28-22, while Rosepine throttled Pickering 48-0 in the Battle for the Big Dog Jug at Pickering.

HOOPER TROPHY GAME
Leesville at DeRidder was a true heavyweight battle with the two teams trading knock-out punches and the lead all night. The game ended with the Dragons at the Wampus Cats’ 5 yard line as the horn sounded.

Leesville took the opening kickoff and rode the legs of All State running back Xavier Ford down the field. The end result was an 11-yard scamper by QB Corbitt Robbins that put Leesville on the board first. Leesville tried an on-side kick, but DeRidder recovered at midfield. The Leesville defense thwarted the Dragon drive, but the Cat offense stalled on their next possession at the DeRidder 8 yard line, and a field goal try was wide to the right.

Dragon Coach Brad Parmley used a variety of running backs in the split veer offense that continuously got 3-4 yards per try. Their first score came on a 9-yard run from sophomore RB Reed Williams, who tallied two more scores on the night to go along with 88 rushing yards.

Leesville answered at the end of the first half when Robbins found Izaiah Farley for a 61-yard catch and run. Wyatt McShan hit the PAT for a 14-7 Leesville halftime lead.

DeRidder took the opening kickoff of the second half and drove down the field ending with a 15-yard Williams score. DeRidder tacked on a 2-point PAT for a 22-14 lead. The next Leesville series ended up at the DeRidder 10 yard line before stalling out. DeRidder got the ball back and facing 4th and one at their own 19 opted to go for the first down. Leesville bowed up on defense and stopped them in what might have been the most crucial play of the game. That defensive stand led to a 4-yard TD from Ford to open the fourth quarter. The 2-point try left Leesville behind 22-20.

With six minutes to play Leesville hit paydirt again when Ford had a nifty 55-yard scamper to make it 28-22. He finished the night with 24 carries for 230 yards and three scores. DeRidder stayed in their run offense and methodically went down the field only to end up with fourth down and 13 at the Leesville 16 yard line. A lateral play gained 11 yards to the Leesville five before the horn sounded.

Leesville senior QB Corbitt Robbins was 9 of 14 passing for 117 yards and a score. Farley had 7 receptions for 112 yards and a score. Defensively, Leesville was led by LB Jeremiah Lee with 10 tackles including three for losses. Kade Manci had an interception, and Alex Williams and Rashad Johnson Jr. recovered fumbles for Leesville.

The Leesville victory clinches the 7th Hooper Trophy series for the Wampus Cats. Leesville moves to 4-3 (1-0 3-4A). DeRidder drops to 4-3 (1-1 3-4A).

Leesville’s next game is their homecoming against LaGrange on Friday, October 20, at 7 p.m. Listen live on KJAE-FM 93.5.

BIG DOG JUG GAME
The battle for the small school supremacy in Vernon Parish that has been the Big Dog Jug game for over 20 years was decidedly one-sided this year. Rosepine took a 50-0 win in a game shortened due to a running clock.

The Eagles shook O’Banion Stadium with a 42-point first quarter outburst. The victory gives Rosepine a 2-0 lead in the 4th Big Dog Jug trophy series. Rosepine scored on 35-yard run by Gabe McKee and two- point PAT by Devin Janice. Janice added a nine-yard TD and Lane Willis a two-point PAT on the next series for a 16-0 lead. The Eagle defense added a sack for an 18-0 margin. Landon Lawrence returned a punt 65 yards with a Willis two-point PAT to make it 26-0. Willis lit up the scoreboard on the next series with a 34-yard run, and Keyton Jackson had the two-point PAT for a 34-0 lead. Blaine Savoie got on the Eagle scoring train with a 4-yard run and two-point PAT from Janice. The final Rosepine score came on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter from Trae Bjornberg, who also had the two-point PAT for the final margin of 50-0. The Eagles go to 3-4 (1-0 4-AA) on the season while Pickering falls to 0-7 (0-1 4-AA). Pickering plays at Oakdale Friday night at 7 p.m. Rosepine hosts Holy Savior Menard Friday at 7 p.m. Listen live on KVVP-FM/105.7.

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The Louisiana Alpha Sigma chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa celebrated its 50th anniversary on Monday, October 2nd, at the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Center. Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

Alpha Delta Kappa was founded in 1947 by Agnes Shipman Robertson, Marie Neal, Marion Southhall, and Hattie Poppino. They were visionary women who saw a need to recognize and support the professional efforts of outstanding women educators. The National Organization recently celebrated its 75th anniversary in Kansas City, Missouri this past July where its international headquarters is located.

The local chapter, Alpha Sigma’s founder and charter member was Jeanette Moses. Jeanette was a well-known and highly respected educator in the Vernon Parish School System. She herself was an inspiration and mentor to many educators and enriched the lives of scores of children. She recognized the value of such an organization that would support outstanding women educators and in turn would better serve the students in Vernon Parish Schools.

Jeanette approached 12 teachers to begin this journey. In May of 1973, the chapter was formed, members initiated, and officers installed by Louisiana State President Sybil Kelly. The charter was presented to the first chapter president Jeri Broyles. Three of those charter members were in attendance. Chapter President Candy Bennett and President-Elect Karen Robertson presented Pat Crawford Schwartz, Jeri Broyles and Pat Martinez – Triplett gifts of appreciation. These valuable sisters shared their insights and thoughts regarding their membership.

A slide show depicting the activities that spanned the last fifty years was presented with sisters providing commentary on fundraising activities, commitment to altruistic projects, travels to meetings and conferences, and remembering those who have gone on before us. It was a night of joy, laughter and a few tears.

ADK is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining, you can contact Candy Bennett at 337-397-2818 or Jennifer Mount at 337-353-1145.

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Funeral services for Ellis Wayne Tanner will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at East Leesville Baptist Church with Reverend Tommy Kiker officiating. The burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. The pallbearers will be Jonathan Tanner, Sheridan Tanner, Carson Tanner, Andrew Tanner, Nolan Wayne Tanner, Tanner Abercrombie, Daniel Abercrombie, and Lanny Brown.
A visitation will be held at East Leesville Baptist Church on Friday, October 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Wayne was born June 27, 1947, in Delhi, Louisiana, and passed away October 11, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 76. He worked for many years as a corporate tax attorney and retired from British Petroleum. After retiring Wayne spent many years raising cattle in Vernon Parish and enjoyed being a member of the local Cattleman’s Association. Wayne served the Lord faithfully at First Baptist Church of Leesville before becoming a member of East Leesville Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. Some of the hobbies he enjoyed were fishing, hunting, golfing, and wood working, but skeet shooting was his passion. He also enjoyed supporting the local high school basketball teams and watching LSU sports. In 2020, Wayne was inducted into the Louisiana Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame. He loved spending time with his family, especially taking his grandchildren out in the boat.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Dixon Ellis Tanner and Ruby Mae Crouch Tanner, and brothers, Harlan Tanner and Walton Tanner.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Lynn Clarice Deason Tanner of Leesville, LA; sons, Jonathan Ryan Tanner and wife Christina of Hudson, OH, and Sheridan Wayne Tanner and wife Preeyarat “Byrd” of New Orleans, LA; daughter, Natalie Lynn Abercrombie and husband Daniel of Rockford, TN; grandchildren, Carson Tanner, Andrew Tanner, Nolan Wayne Tanner, Tanner Abercrombie, and Reagan Abercrombie; sister, Patsy Ruth Fontenot and husband Bert of Beaumont, TX; sister-in-law, Eunice Tanner, and a host of extended family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lottie Moon mission offering.

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The Leesville Mayor’s Women’s Commission recently presented their October 2023 Civic Awards for Beautification to two Leesville citizens.

The residential winner was Stacie Warden who lives at 801 Dennis Avenue. Her yard is decorated on two sides with a stunning collection of Halloween curiosities. She invites everyone to stop by on October 31st when she’ll be passing out candy for any Trick-or-Treaters brave enough to enter the yard. Pictured are left to right: Bonnie Hicks (MWC), Stacie Warden and Glenda Jarrell of the Mayor’s Women’s Commission.

The commercial winner was The Circle, Byrd Regional Chapter located at 120 South Third Street. The Circle, funded by Byrd Regional Hospital, is free to join for those over age 50, and offers a variety of social activities for its members.

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JOE LEE ODEN
February 10, 1945 – October 13, 2023
Service: October 18, 2023, at First Assembly of God Church in Leesville at 2:00 PM

ELLIS WAYNE TANNER
June 27, 1947 – October 11, 2023
Service: October 21, 2023, at East Leesville Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 AM

PETRA WARD
November 9, 1967 – October 8, 2023
Service: October 24, 2023, at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville at 11:00 AM

DORMAN JOE GIERISCH
January 2, 1957 – October 9, 2023
Service: October 13, 2023, at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville at 10:00 AM

JULIEN RAYE STEVENS JR.
January 17, 1938 – October 10, 2023
Service: October 14, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Leesville at 1:00 PM

BRIGITTE LEAS
Age 68, of Leesville
Date of Death: October 11, 2023

Nicholas Ryan Langley, age 27, of Rosepine was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  He must pay $500 or serve six months in jail.  Langley remained in the Vernon Parish jail at time of publication.

Jeremy Keith Augustine, age 39, of Houma, Louisiana, was arrested on an outstanding Traffic Bench Warrant.  Bond had not been set and Augustine remained in the Vernon Parish jail at time of publication.

William Joseph Curcio, age 51, of Simpson, was arrested and charged with one count Illegal Possession of Stolen Goods.  Bond had not been set and Curcio remained in the Vernon Parish jail at time of publication.

Justanne Nichol Evans, age 37, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass, one count of Simple Burglary and one count of Theft.  Bond had not been set and Evans remained in the Vernon Parish jail at the time of publication.

Jeffery Jordan of Pitkin was issued a citation by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office for violating the state burn ban.

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The Leesville City Council met Monday, October 9, with the first order of business: a public hearing on the adoption of Ordinance 12 of 2023.  The measure authorizes the City to purchase a tract of land from Martin Timberlands LLC for the purpose of installing a lift station for a fire substation on Entrance Road.  There were no public comments.  The Ordinance will help maintain the City’s high fire protection rating and allow more rapid response time for firefighters. 

During the regular session following the public hearing, Council members voted to pay the monthly bills in the amount of $62,981.00.  They also heard a pay request from Apeck Construction LLC for the completed work on Boone Street — moving a main water line in preparation for the new Highway 171 roundabout.  The amount submitted was $37,810.68.

Council members voted unanimously on Ordinance 12 of 2023 to allow the City to purchase the property on Entrance Road.  They also passed resolutions to allow for the securing of funds for the Leesville Airport, authorized the mayor to sign the agreement with Louisiana DOTD for vegetation control and litter pick up, and gave the okay for the removal and disposal of a water tank at the Leesville Municipal Golf Course.

City Administrator Patty Larney noted the hours for Trick or Treating have been set within City limits.  Ghosts and goblins will be allowed to wander the streets on Tuesday, October 31, from 6-8 p.m.

The Leesville Lions Club recently completed its 73rd annual rodeo in conjunction with the West Louisiana Forestry Festival. Money from the Lions Club fundraising goes to a variety of projects, but the main recipient of those funds is the Lions Camp for Children located six miles north of Leesville. Running the camp during the summer months for special needs kids from across the state costs well over a half million dollars each summer. The Leesville Lions Club is the largest contributor in the state to the camp. The Lions say thanks to the people of Vernon Parish for their generous support year in, year out. Since becoming an LRCA rodeo in 2021, the Leesville Lions Rodeo was named New Rodeo of the Year in 2021 and was listed in the Top 5 rodeos in Louisiana in 2022.

Source: Leesville Leader July 30, 1942/Vernon Parish Library Digital Archives

Story by Billy Crawford

Charter night, July 9th, was held in the American Legion Hall. The Charter was presented to the President of the Leesville Club Dick Pollard by District Governor E.A. Coco. Camp Polk Major General Silvester, the guest speaker, then stirred the group with a burning talk on Americanism.
(Remember: Seven months earlier our Country had entered the war in both the European and Pacific Campaigns.)

The officers were installed: Richard Pollard, President; Ford Stewart, 1st V-P; R.W. Hooker, 2nd V-P; V.J. Kildair, 3rd V-P; T.L. Berry, Sec-Treas; Claude Leach, Tail Twister; H.E. Hinson, Lion Tamer;
Directors: C.D. Ellis, A.L. Temple, Jake Dampf, S.M. Turner,

Members: M.J. Bartel, Russel Bailes, Dick Bergren, C. L. Davis, Herman Gold, C.E. Lawrence, D.F. McDougal, O.E. Morris, C.B. Owen, W.B. Scogin, Dan Ward, Joe Watson, I.O. Winfree.

The Leesville Lions Club members felt the rapid pulse of an active organization. The following projects were then planned and put into action.

Secured a piano for the USO Club.

24 local merchants and businesses donated space and location of gum vending machines to raise necessary funds. The proceedings will fund the Sight Conservation Fund, providing needy Vernon Parish children free glasses.

Announced a city-wide Clean-Up Campaign. Residents were encouraged to clean up around their homes and business, as well as the joining public area. The club spokesman stated, “Mayor Oscar Morris has over-exerted himself in the work and his city departments have done to clean up the city.”

Paid for the laying of cement sidewalks at the USO Building.

Assisted the Post Office in having mailboxes and house numbers erected.

Aided the farmers of the parish by guaranteeing payment on a peanut thrasher.

Sponsoring the government in Navy Recruitment.

On December 7, the Lions celebrated with a Ladies Night. There were plenty of good eats and some great entertainment. More than 60 persons were in attendance. Lions Dampf, Pollard, LaCour, Morris, and Lowe were in charge of the menu.

Eighty-one years later, the 2023 Leesville Lions Club is one of 46,000 local chapters located in over 200 countries. The Lions motto is simply, “WE SERVE”.

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Sedelia “Delia” Danielle Kerr, 37, of Merryville, LA, passed from this life on Friday, October 6, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her three children, who made up the entirety of her world, Joseph (Karley), Austin, and Brady.

Sedelia Danielle Kerr was born on December 13, 1985, to John Kerr and Carolyn Bush in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Sedelia is also survived by her parents, Carolyn & David Bush of Leesville and John & Lisa Kerr of Burkeville,TX, and siblings, Alisha (Derek) Evans of Anacoco, Brandon (Kiersten) Nolen of Leesville, Cassie (Derrick) Jeter of Evans, and Bobby Bush of Leesville.

She leaves behind nieces, Brooklyn, Sierra, Brylie, Haidyn, Sophia, Baylee & Emmy; nephew, Easton; her beloved fur babies, Sister and Poco; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sedelia is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, LJ and Norma Kerr; maternal grandparents, Jessi Ray & Gloria Williams; uncle, Dennis Williams; and brother, Derek Nolen.

Sedelia was a graduate of Anacoco High School, Class of 2004, and was a stay-at-home mom where she enjoyed working outside in her yard and with her flowers. She was well-loved in her small town as the cherished mother to her three boys. She lived a simple life, where she immensely enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, riding to the river or lake, or spending time with her boys and whatever they enjoyed. Despite life’s difficulties, she always made time for everyone and worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for her kids. Delia was a proud boy mom and loved her boys more than life itself. She would proudly boast about them and all their accomplishments, and the support and love her family was endless.

Sedelia passed from this life after a long and enduring battle with colon cancer. We refuse to allow the cancer to claim victory because Delia’s ultimate goal was Heaven. Sedelia’s greatest love was her Lord Jesus Christ and her family, and her children were proud to call her mom.

A homegoing service was held Monday, October 9^th, at Grace Baptist Church in Evans, Louisiana, with Pastor David Richmond and Andy Williams officiating. The pallbearers were Joseph Martin, Austin Martin, Brandon Nolen, Kosan Smith, Bobby Bush, Richard Willis, Brady Smith, and Anthony Kerr. 

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The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will present a concert on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A live stream of the concert will be available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream. Associate Professor of Music Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra. Ted Scott is the graduate assistant conductor.  

The Jazz Orchestra will play “Trumpet Town” by Rich Wolworth featuring Alejandro W. Otero, Dillon Humphries, Juan Arrietta, and Ever N. Galeas on trumpet, “Who’s Sorry Now” by Ted Turner, B. Kalmar and H. Ruby and arranged by Sammy Nestico with Mario Orellana on piano, Jessica Dubose on trombone and Miguel Bustillo on vibraphone, “Artistry in Rhythm” by Stan Kenton and arranged by Paul Murtha featuring Orellana and Dubose and “I Remember Clifford” by Benny Golson and arranged by Nestico featuring Ted Scott and Galeas.

The Jazz Orchestra will also play “Work Song” by Nat Adderley and arranged by Eric Morales with Colin Stevens on saxophone and Ever N. Galeas on trumpet, “La Machine” by Paul Baker featuring Daniel Scott on tenor saxophone, Stevens on soprano saxophone and Covie Latham on drum set and “Festival Time in the Ville” Graham Breedlove featuring Arrietta, Galeas, Latham and Tim Pursell on baritone saxophone.

University Jazz Orchestra members are chosen by annual audition based on sightreading new literature. The ensemble will perform on Nov. 12 and finish its fall semester with nine performances at the annual Christmas Gala. During the spring semester it will collaborate with two internationally renowned guest artists, jazz trumpeter Carlos Ortiz, III, an alumnus of Northwestern State, and tenor saxophonist Adam Larson. The Jazz Orchestra plans to compete at the Loyola Jazz Festival in New Orleans in March.

Owen Nathaniel North, 63, passed from this life on October 7th at his home in Slagle.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Lillian North, and brother, Philip North.

Owen is survived by his sister Margaret Rascoe, sister-in-law Jamie North, niece Twila Alford (Rand), nephews Paul and Jonathan North, 5 great nephews, and his dog Simba.

After graduation from Leesville High School in 1978, Owen went to work for KCS.  He recently retired as an engineer after a long career on the railroad and was embarking on a new path with the USPS as a mail carrier.  Owen was happily making his retirement home on beloved family property in Slagle.  He was a kind and generous man who enjoyed music, poetry, literature, history and the pursuit of knowledge. Owen was a considerate guest always arriving with a gift, an interesting book, or a tidbit about his latest interest.  Conversation and correspondence with him was an exercise in the increasingly lost art of etiquette.

Always an extremely private individual, there will be no memorial service per his request, with his final remains given to the seas. 

“Though lovers be lost, love shall not. And death shall have no dominion.”   ~ Dylan Thomas

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The Vernon Parish School Board met Thursday, October 5, at 10 a.m. in the Central Office meeting room.  They heard updates on personnel matters as well as reports from the Technology and Maintenance departments.

Personnel Director Hub Jordan reported to the Board on two new state legislative acts that might ease the problem of finding certified teachers.  Act 371 of the Louisiana Legislature allows the streamlining of hiring out-of-state certified teachers.  The certification process for out-of-state teachers has been shortened and should encourage military teachers to re-enter the local workforce.  The process had been lengthy, and out-of-state teachers would often be transferred before they could finish the process.  Act 392 of the Legislature offers an Alternative Certification Program that offers conditional access to the certified program with a flexible GPA incentive to keep a 3.0 GPA.  Jordan told Board members these measures would be good in finding more certified teachers for the Vernon Parish school system.

Technology Supervisor Bill Lohman gave the Board an update on recent improvements in the school system’s internet delivery.  A staff of 10 employees maintains tech problems for 8,000 students, over 1,200 staff, and 13,000 student devices.  There are 169 miles of underground fiber optics to manage that will all come together by 2024.  The Technology Department is also looking into a phone consolidation and new phone system across the parish.

Maintenance Supervisor Dwain Ducote gave an overview of the Maintenance Department, reminding all those in attendance that all money in school maintenance funds comes from property tax, not sales tax.  All Board members receive reports monthly on work orders and projects.  Those work orders average about 25 per day, according to Ducote.  In September his department had 240 work orders turned in.  Most work orders are for air conditioners, coolers, and freezers.  The maintenance staff is comprised of 14 employees who take care of 18 schools and the Central Office complex.  There are three HVAC experts, two plumbers, two electricians, four carpenters, and three truck drivers on staff. 

Lisa Lohman with the Curriculum Department reported to the Board on a recent national conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, attended by herself and Board member Vernon Travis.  They were able to give an overview of the Board’s “Capturing Better Futures Initiative” to a national audience and shared a recently produced video of the project. Lohman said a member of the U.S. Department of Energy expressed an interest in helping grow the program.  Travis commented that the Vernon program, which began this year with 15 students, might attract twice as many or more applicants next year.

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Leesville was the only Vernon Parish football squad to light up the scoreboard last week as they put up 48 points in a home win over district foe, Washington-Marion (48-6). Rosepine was shut out at home 38-0 by Logansport, one of the top Class A teams in the state. Pickering went on the road to Alexandria and fell to Holy Savior Menard 42-0 in their District 5-AA opener.

PICKERING
The Red Devils dropped the District 5-AA opener in Alexandria to fall to 0-6 (0-1) as their offensive struggles continue. The Pickering offense was led by Xavier Mitchell who managed 26 yards rushing. The Red Devils had success returning kicks as Jae’don Sandoval had three returns totaling 74 yards. Caleb Falls had a pair of returns for 31 yards. Defensively, Pickering was led by Mariano Bunch who registered five solo tackles and an assist. Hunter Noel and Connor Joseph each had three solo tackles and two assists.
Pickering hosts Rosepine in the Battle for the Big Dog Jug Friday night, October 13, at O’Banion Stadium. The trophy series was started by radio station KVVP-FM/105.7 in 2000. The team that wins the most games in a ten-year stretch keeps a trophy for their school. Pickering won the first trophy; Rosepine the next two; and the Eagles lead the fourth trophy series 1-0 by virtue of their 62-6 win last year. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Listen Live on KVVP-FM/105.7.

ROSEPINE
The Eagles fell to 2-4 on the year with a 38-0 home loss to Logansport last week. The Tigers scored on their first possession, completing the drive with a 45-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Steven Holloway to D’Avery Robinson. Holloway tossed a nine-yard TD pass to D’Warr’Tez Chatman later in the game. A four-yard TD run by Jukadynn Carter at the end of the first half put the Tigers in the lead for good. Tonashton Bland had TD runs of 24 yards and five yards as the Tigers went to 5-1 on the season. They also converted four of their five two-point attempts.

Rosepine’s offense did not have much to show for their effort as quarterback Rowan Embry was one out of two passing for 12 yards. Running backs Lane Willis and Devin Janice ran for 55 yards and 29 yards, respectively. Defensively, Landon Lawrence led the Eagles with seven solo tackles and one assist. Gabe Leslie had an interception and the defense had three tackles for losses.

Rosepine (2-4) plays at Pickering (0-6), Friday, October 13, 7 p.m. Listen Live on KVVP-FM/105.7.

LEESVILLE
Leesville corrected some recent offensive woes during a rare Thursday home game and took a convincing 48-6 District 3-4A win over Washington-Marion. The Wampus Cats improved to 3-3 on the year, 1-0 in 3-4A play.

The game was a great team effort as the Wampus Cats defense was in control all game. They let the offense do their thing with big plays to pick up a much-needed win going into this week’s heralded Hooper Trophy game.

The Leesville defense played lights out as Even Combs, Jaylen Tucker and Taj Jackson each rang up six tackles. Team stats were dominating with two sacks, five tackles for losses, interceptions by Jaylen Tucker and Christopher Leonard, and fumble recoveries by Matt Hazel and Dylan Walrers. The Leesville defense had negative rushing yardage against them for the game.

The Wampus Cat offense came out in a new wrinkle with All State running back Xavier Ford in the “Wildcat” formation with dynamic teammate Izaiah Farley in the backfield with him. Those two led Leesville on a 63-yard drive to open the game that ended when Farley scampered 25 yards for the first score. Farley showed his versatility by hauling in three passes for 82 yards, including a 58-yard reception for a score from Corbitt Robbins midway through the second quarter. Xavier Ford totaled 175 yards rushing and three TD’s (5-8-15) in just one half of action. Ford became just the fifth Leesville running back to go over 1000 yards in a season. Leesville led 41-0 at halftime.

When the Leesville offense sported a more traditional look, quarterback Corbitt Robbins was 5-8 passing for 120 yards and a TD. He also ran for a 15-yard score at the end of the first half. Robbins found sophomore wideout Michael Davis Jr. twice for 47 total yards. Leesville addressed an area of concern over the first five games of the season, and kicker Wyatt McShan responded by hitting six of seven PAT’s, including his first five.

Leesville is gearing up for their annual grudge match in the Hooper Trophy game Friday night at DeRidder. The trophy represents one of the longest standing rivalries in high school football. The first Hooper was awarded in 1910. DeRidder leads the overall series 56-41-4, but Leesville leads the seventh trophy series five games to two. The Cats have won the last two games: 42-15 in 2022 and 49-41 in 2021.
DeRidder comes into the game with a 4-2 record fresh off their first District win, 56-7 over LaGrange last Thursday. The Dragon defense has been formidable at times. In the four wins the defense has allowed just 19 points with one shutout. They allowed 4.7 points against them in their victories. The Dragons’ two losses have come on the road at Many and Jennings.

Listen live at 7 p.m. on KJAE-FM/93.5 and KROK-FM/95.7.

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From Vernon Parish Coroner Staff Reports

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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Funeral services for Alfred Gene Manes were held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hornbeck with Reverends Rickey Robertson and Edwin McCullough officiating. Burial followed in Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Gene was born October 20, 1937, in Halfway, Missouri, and passed away October 2, 2023, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 85. He worked for the Louisiana Department of Forestry for about 23 years and for a while at the Louisiana State School. He was a member of Cold Springs Baptist Church. You could say Gene was a jack-of-all-trades because he was good at doing so many things, such as plumbing, small engine repair, and fixing just about anything. In his free time he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and drinking coffee. He left a loving legacy to his family and will be remembered as a wonderful father and devoted husband.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Manes and Mary Jane Gibson Manes, and brothers, Albert Lee Manes and Orra Daniel Manes.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 67 years, Mattie Faye Manes of Hornbeck; sons, Fredie Dean Manes and wife Patricia, and Danny Lee Manes and wife Sherri, all of Hornbeck; daughter, Carla Dawn Rivers and husband Johnnie of Hornbeck; grandchildren, Christopher Karssen and wife Elizabeth, Sarah Ceballos and husband Marcus, Orrie Manes and wife Treasure, Nikki Stringer and husband Chase, Aurora Gann and husband David, Charles Chance and wife Amber, Rebecca Reynolds and husband Jesse, and Robert Chance; great-grandchildren, Josie, Jackson, Granger, Finley, Phalyn, Farrah, Fisher, Gabriel, Logan, Jace, Trenton, Madalynn, and Quinlee; brother, Lloyd Dean Manes (Jan) of Pittsburg, KS; sisters, Barbara Copeland of Springfield, MO, and Freda Mart of Pleasant Valley, MO; and a host of extended family members and friends.

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Delta Kappa Gamma is a national honorary organization of women educators that promotes professional and personal growth.

The Beta Sigma Chapter of DKG in Vernon Parish held their first meeting of the school year recently. The group welcomed into their ranks Ms. Vaydra Reeves, a teacher at Leesville Junior High, and Ms. Chris Heather, the Interim Principal at North Elementary School.

The Beta Sigma Chapter meets throughout the school year with programs offering different aspects of development.  For more information on DKG, text or call Ms. Brenda Bealer at 337.378.4175.

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Gina Charlene Lopes, age 39, of Taunton, Massachusetts, passed away on July 18, 2023, at her family’s home in Leesville, Louisiana.  She was born on September 4, 1983, to Bob and Emily Lopes, in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Gina was a gifted hair stylist and shortly after graduation opened her own salon in Mansfield, Massachusetts.  In 2015 Gina switched careers and became a Certified Nursing Assistant.  After working in this field for over eight years, Gina moved to Louisiana to attend school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Caring for children was a natural gift for Gina.  She was an “unofficial” nanny for countless friends through the years as their families grew.  The Lord blessed Gina with the gift of giving and she freely gave her love, her time and her passion to many friends, patients and loved ones. 

Surviving family members include her parents, Bob and Emily Lopes of Leesville, LA; sisters, Rachel Lopes and Leona Lopes of Ocala, FL; two nephews, Owen Lopes-Gassett of Windsor Locks, CT, and Zyrus Leduc of Ocala, FL.  Aunts and Uncles include Charlie and Richalie Lopes of Lakeland, FL; Paul and Jackie Allbritton and James and Gloria Allbritton, all of Leesville; Rae and Joe Turberg of Green Valley, AZ; and Ann and David Crosby of Katy, TX.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Gina on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, Louisiana.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to Operation Underground Railroad to support ending sexual trafficking of children.  The website is http://www.ourrescue.org. 

The family would like to say thank you to all the people who have reached out to them, sharing their love and their prayers.

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Fall fun continues in Louisiana’s Legend Country, Vernon Parish.  While the West Louisiana Forestry Festival and Lions Club Rodeo brought in October fun, festivities mark the entire month!

You don’t want to miss the annual Anderson Hills pumpkin patch in Leesville with hayrides, corn mazes, plenty of photo ops with your cute pumpkins, and apple cider to toast cooler temps (they will eventually come)! Open every weekend through October 31st! Check their site and load up your kiddos, costumed or not!

You will definitely want those costumes for Witch Way to Main Street shenanigans in Leesville on Saturday evening from 6-8, October 28. Ghosties and goblins enjoy treats galore all along the Main Street square! Be sure to bring your treat bags!

And, start that Saturday with the cutest racers you’ve ever seen (both young and old)! Join us in downtown Leesville for Derby Daze, the Louisiana Soap Box Derby Championship races! Racer registration is at 8 a.m. on Texas St. with some practice runs then racing beginning at 9:30 a.m. Awards presentation at 3 p.m.

The Armadillo Motorcycle Rally includes riding, and plenty of festivities, such as music & vendors, along with bounce houses for the kids. Registration starts at 9 am for vendors, bike and car show, and motorcycle riders. (Sign up is at the VFW Hall where you can also have breakfast!), and events downtown last all day, up through trick-or-treating at Witch Way to Main. Proceeds benefit the Leesville Pilot Club.

Main Street has plenty of activities throughout the fall, with Saturday Farmers Markets each week including the freshest of produce, jams & jellies, and other homemade goodies. The special Second Saturday Extended Market, October 14, also includes lots of locally crafted items and other goods – it’s not too early to get those Christmas gifts purchased!

Check the Events Calendar for all the info! LegendCountry.com/Events.

Food for Days
Vernon Parish also features good food throughout the week, with restaurants offering an eclectic array of specialties, from Brenda’s Kitchen Puerto Rican Cuisine just off the courthouse square on Third Street, serving up exotic favorites from empanadas to tostones, to Hazel’s Tea Parlor a few blocks down on Third Street, showcasing a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and seasonal teas for lighter fare. Next door to Hazel’s is Cuore Coffee, whose unassuming exterior and drive-thru belies the gourmet coffees and flavorful Korean options available to enjoy at wood-top tables surrounded by beautiful artwork. Plenty of other restaurants, including award-winning milkshakes & burgers at Fatboy & Skinny’s, barbecue spots like Hickory Smokehouse and Wagon Master Steak House, Cajun favorites likes Toup’s Kajun Kitchen, and plenty of spots to stop on-the-go at featured Road Food locations like Craven’s Handi-Stop with boudin & plate lunches to feast before hiking in Kisatchie National Forest. Get the entire list at LegendCountry.com/Dining.

Take a Hike!
As the temps get cooler, hiking becomes a much more pleasant adventure, and we have an entire forest to explore! There are plenty of cool treks along the Calcasieu Ranger District, from the Blue Hole Recreation Complex to the Wild Turkey Trail, and Wolf Rock Cave is a must-see! Get more information, at LegendCountry.com/WolfRock, and lace up those hiking boots for beautiful views in Louisiana’s only National Forest.

Find Fall Fun Just Outside in Vernon Parish
Enjoy this fall with festivities, food, fun, & forests throughout Vernon Parish!

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