A public hearing was held December 18 on a resolution to change speed limits on Holly Grove Road and Holly Estates Road, both in District 2. There were no public comments, and Jurors adopted the amendments to the Parish Code of Ordinances. The speed limit on the entirety of Holly Grove Road is now 35 mph. The new speed limit on Holly Estates Road will be 30 mph to its intersection of Dogwood Drive, Holly Estates Road Extension, McRae Road, and Lonesome Lane, where it is now 15mph.

The Jury returned to its agenda following the public hearing and heard motions to add items to the agenda. A public hearing will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, on a proposed ordinance to authorize the sale of an adjudicated property. B&J Limited Properties will purchase the property for $29,000. The property was previously declared surplus by the Jury.

The Jurors heard a motion to provide for the canvassing of returns and declaring the results of special elections in Road District 7 and 8. These votes were taken November 18 of this year. A motion was also made to adopt the resolution accepting an Owner & Engineer Agreement between the Vernon Parish Police Jury and Wynn L. White Consulting Engineers to assess work needed on the catwalk between the Old Jail and Old Courthouse.

The Capital Properties Committee received a request from the Vernon Parish Office of Homeland Security for a 20’x40’ building at the new Public Safety Building for the storage of disaster preparedness items. These items are currently stored in the old Armory on the Fairgrounds. That building is in need of repairs and quotes for that work from GMT Services were accepted. The Police Jury is working with Homeland Security to improve the situation for both groups and keep disaster preparedness a priority.

The Jury’s Finance Committee met on December 11 and there was no business. Two invoices came in after that meeting from RC Paving for overlay work on Golden Lantern Road in District 7. Those invoices totaled nearly $168,000.00.

The Personnel Committee reported on December 11 the resignation of Rhonda Mason of the Vernon Parish District Attorney’s office. A request was made to split her salary among 11 other employees in that office. At the December 18 meeting, Jurors heard from District Attorney Terry Lambright who informed them that he intended to return $4,300.00 of Mason’s salary to the Jury as he continues to streamline the DA’s office. Personnel Committee Chairman Marvin Hilton recommended that jurors extend FMLA leave for an additional 12 weeks for parish employee Patrick Hickman and also offer FMLA leave, due to illness, to Shawn McLaughlin.

The Road Maintenance and Construction Committee recommended jurors approve resolutions for routine monthly maintenance for the Village of Simpson and the Town of Rosepine. The Committee also recommended the jury approve the Dirt Pit Agreement from Gordan and Sharon Tarver in District 6. The price to the jury would be $1.50 per yard.

The Police Jury’s next and only meeting in January will be Monday, January 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. This is due to organizational requirements for newly elected jurors.

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Terry Lambright, District Attorney for Vernon Parish, reports the recent convictions of David Self, Malcolm Holcomb and Derrick Cheley. Self entered a plea of guilty to two counts of oral sexual battery, two counts of molestation of a juvenile, and one count of computer-aided solicitation of a minor and is facing a maximum sentence of 50 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

Holcomb entered a plea of guilty to one count of attempted first degree murder and faces a maximum sentence of 30 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

Cheley pled guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and agreed to serve 22 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Each case was investigated by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and brought before the Honorable Judge Tony Bennett.

Assistant District Attorney Wayne Bush prosecuted Self; Assistant District Attorney Ronald Seastrunk prosecuted Holcomb; and Assistant District Attorney Drew Mason prosecuted Derrick Cheley. “Our office will continue to work tirelessly to make our community safe. These individuals committed serious offenses, and I am pleased with the outcome of each case,” said Lambright.

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ALBERT (BUSTER) VERNON DAVIS
May 8, 1936 – December 16, 2023
Service: December 21, 2023, in Galilee Baptist Church in Evans at 10:30 a.m.
VERA RICHARDSON
September 24, 1933 – December 16, 2023
Service: December 20, 2023, in First Baptist Church in Leesville at 10:00 a.m.
BRYCE WILLIAM DIXON, SR.
August 10, 1945 – December 14, 2023
Service: December 18, 2023, in Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 1:00 p.m.
FRED CHURCHMAN
January 2, 1933 – December 13, 2023
Service: December 17, 2023, in Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder at 2:00 p.m.
EVELYN JEANNETTE LUCIUS
July 19, 1944 – December 8, 2023
Service: December 17, 2023, in Florien Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

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By Charles Owen, LHS Class of 1981

Since 1910, Leesville High School has played almost 1,000 varsity football games. 974 games can be accounted for at this point in time as of the conclusion of the 2023 season. Though reporting and recorded history from the early parts of the 20th century is inconsistent, the number of 974 is very close to precise. In those games, we can account for 496 wins, 460 losses and 21 ties. There may be more, but they have not been discovered in history books. Cumulatively, the Wampus Cats have had a winning, but not dominant program. Winning has come and gone through the years, and there have been years and even decades of ups and downs.

Twenty-nine different men have served as “Head Coach” at Leesville High School, with three coaches serving for more than stint in the lead job. The average length of time a coach has been at the helm of the team from Leesville has been 3.2 years. One lasted only a few months. One lasted for 9 years. 19 of the coaches left Leesville with winning records. 10 left below the .500 percent threshold.
From the all-time list of coaches, one stands out and needs to be singled out—the current coach. Robert Causey just finished his eighth season at the helm of Leesville. In his 8 years, he has achieved something no coach EVER achieved—consistent and uninterrupted winning.

In eight seasons, Causey’s record is 67 wins and 27 losses. His tenure of 8 seasons ties with Danny Smith as second all-time in terms of longevity. Smith, the coach who took LHS to the State Finals in 1995 finished his 8 years with a 44 -46 record. Third on the list of all-time wins is Jack Andre, with 41 wins and 17 losses. History records Wood Osborne as the long-serving coach at LHS. Coach Osborne served 9 years, compiling a record of 34-23-2.

In terms of total wins, Causey’s record is 67-27. Smith sits at 44-46. Jack Andre, who coached in the 1980s holds a 41-17 record. Hall of Famer Ted Paris is in 4th place all time with a 37-31-4 record.
Causey is a career educator and coach who has spent the vast majority of his career in Leesville. A graduate of Winnfield High School (1987) and Northwestern State University (1993 and 2011), Coach Causey had brief stints at Eunice, Crowley, Delhi, Jena and Haynesville prior to coming to LHS in 1999.
From 1999 to 2011, Causey was an assistant, serving primarily as Defensive Coordinator for the Cats. He served for a 5-year period as an administrator and principal from 2012-2016, but was drawn back to the gridiron when the head job came open at LHS in the summer of 2016.

Causey’s success is breathtaking in the context of all of his predecessors. In over 100 years of football, LHS has won a total of 18 district titles, with Causey notching 6 of those titles. His teams have advanced to the playoffs in all 8 years—easily the longest streak in LHS history. Coach Causey has notched 10 wins in the post season—also a school record. He’s taken his team the state semifinals in 2018 and quarterfinals in 2022. His Cats were one play away from the quarters in 2020.

Causey is the focal point of the consistency his teams have achieved. Not a single coach remains from his 2018 state semi-finalist team. In fact, not a single assistant who was on the sidelines in the 2020 season is still on staff at LHS. Though Causey will tell you he couldn’t do it without the great stable of assistants he’s lured into coming to Vernon Parish, he is the constant. He would have been removed for not winning, and he thus, should be commended FOR winning.

Though Thanksgiving is past, it’s still very appropriate for fans of LHS football to be thankful. For those old enough to remember or to have read about some lean, average or even terrible years in Leesville football, something to truly be thankful for is consistent winning. Robert Causey has brought consistent winning to the Old School on the Hill—-and we ought to all be very thankful.

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Each year the Louisiana School Board Association hosts a statewide student art exhibit for their Annual Convention. All parish schools are encouraged to submit student artwork with the theme “Louisiana”. Each school system submits three pieces, one each from classes K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN has on display this year’s production for that exhibit.

The selected works will be on display during the 2024 LSBA Annual Convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge from March 10-12. The Vernon Parish works will be on display at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville each Thursday through Saturday during December from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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The Leesville City Council met Monday, December 11, handling routine City business and ending the meeting with a positive financial outlook as reported by Mayor Rick Allen.

The Council held a public hearing on rezoning a parcel of land for a new commercial venture (All Hours Fitness) on the south end of Third Street. There were no objections.

The City had nearly $160,000 of monthly bills submitted in November. The City will advertise bids on two new Public Works Department trucks. They are also advertising bids on a side by side and a truck for the Ft. Johnson Vegetation Control Contract.

A site plan has been approved for the development of a 25-unit RV Park in the old Tower Trailer Park location west of town. The City adopted a resolution to continue to work with the developer on this project.

The Council approved renewal of the contract to provide audit services with the firm of Kolder, Champagne, Sloven and Company for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Mayor Allen thanked the firm and all City departments for a stellar audit report that puts Leesville into the top percentile in the state.

The City’s budget has increased over $6 million under the Allen administration. Allen lauded the Police and Fire Departments for being under budget in 2023. Overall City expenditures came in $1 million under budget. The City showed a net operating surplus of $2.4 million. As Allen explained, if the City were to lose all revenue, it would be able to operate for 391 days, which is well above average for municipalities the size of Leesville. The actual report is posted on the City’s website.

Allen also announced that there will be no increase in 2024 for City water customers. Six years ago the City was losing about $6 per water customer. This year they will profit $1 per customer.

Leesville City Police Chief Beth Westlake introduced new City police officers to the Council–many of them right out of the regional police academy. New officers include Michael Dennis, Joshua Conn, Zachary Locke, Ashlee Buch, Angelina Smith, Brianna McQueary, Darrel Simmons, Tyler Hardwick, and Michael Campbell. Chief Westlake also introduced Korina Evans, a newly-hired victim advocate.

The mayor invited all Vernon Parish residents to attend the City’s Jingle & Mingle event this Saturday, December 16, at City Hall from 4-8 p.m.

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The last two Vernon Parish School Board meetings in December highlighted many positives for 2023.

Finance Director Tim Ward reviewed the budget and adjustments at the December 7 meeting. He reported $87.3 million in revenue and $87.3 million in expenses. This marks two years of Zero Net Change. The Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) is the major source of Board funding. A new round of MFP funding occurs in February 2024, and Ward anticipated some extra state and federal funding from other sources.

Transportation Director Dwain Ducote reported at the December 7 meeting on new state-mandated upgrades to school policies, including public postings, probations, parent conferences recess, Automatic External Defibrillators (AED), and a cardiac response team. The Board adopted those new policies at the December 12 meeting, with the exception of the AED’s. A committee has been formed to put together a plan by the state-mandated deadline in June 2024.

Lisa Lohman with the Curriculum Department briefed the Board on the latest District Performance Scores for 2022-23. Those scores show Vernon Parish with an ”A” rating once more. Vernon Parish is one of only 10 out of 70 school districts in the state to earn that rating. Those schools were in the same order for 2021-22, showcasing the job the Vernon system is doing for the kids. Vernon Parish had five schools rated A: Anacoco High, Evans, Leesville High, Rosepine High, and Simpson. They also had five B- rated schools. According to the state ACT Index, Vernon Parish is number one in the state in preparing students to be college or career ready.

Jeff Taylor, with Taylor and Sons Insurance, presented the Vernon School Board Employee of the Month for December to Tamara Jackson, a Special Needs Para-Professional from Pickering Elementary.

Outgoing School Board President Jim Seaman handed over his gavel to incoming 2024 President Shad Stewart of District Five. Vernon Travis of District Six will serve as the Board’s Vice President.

The first meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board in 2024 will be Thursday, January 4, at 10 a.m.

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Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital was named a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization known as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality. Top Hospitals were honored Dec. 5 at the 2023 Leapfrog Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.

Col. Takako Barrell, acting hospital commander, said BJACH was one of two in the state of Louisiana to achieve the Top Rural Hospital designation and the only military medical treatment facility in the Defense Health Agency to be recognized by the Leapfrog Group.

“Patient safety is our number one priority, and this recognition means a lot,” she said. “Our staff and beneficiaries should be proud. This award signifies how well BJACH compares to similar facilities across the nation and highlights our commitment to providing the best care to our beneficiaries.”

More than 2,100 hospitals were considered for the award. Among those, BJACH received a Top Rural distinction. A total of 132 Top Hospitals were selected, including:

• 8 Top Children’s

• 35 Top General

• 15 Top Rural

• 74 Top Teaching

The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology.

“Protecting patients from preventable harm is the cornerstone of The Leapfrog Group’s mission,” said Leah Binder, president, and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “BJACH has demonstrated that patient safety is their top priority, and we’re truly pleased to recognize them as a Top Hospital again this year. Congratulations to hospital staff at all levels who made this national recognition possible.”

Stacy Hall, chief of quality management at BJACH, said this recognition demonstrates that the military medical treatment facility at the Joint Readiness and Fort Johnson, Louisiana provides safe, quality driven care to our active-duty Soldiers, retirees, and their Families.

“Achieving this award, for the second year in a row, shows a strong commitment from our team to protect our patients,” she said. “We are committed to a transparent culture of patient safety and process improvement. At BJACH we create an environment conducive to compassionate, patient centered, safe care.”

To qualify for the distinction, hospitals must rank top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety and achieve top performance in their category.

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Vernon Parish is known as Louisiana’s Legend Country! There are legendary things to do year-round, but magic is in the air this Christmas season. Spend your holiday in Vernon Parish and enjoy our many upcoming events! https://www.vernonparish.org/event/christmas-ranch

From now until Christmas Eve, you can visit Christmas on the Ranch! Get your tickets now and bundle the kiddos into the car for this Christmas Lights Drive-Thru. There will be over half a million lights, including a light show set to some of the most popular Christmas classics. Don’t miss out on this great Christmas activity in Leesville! https://www.vernonparish.org/event/reindeer-run

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The public is invited to performances by the Vernon Middle School Choir, Leesville High School Choir, and the Leesville High School Concert Band at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, at Leesville High School Auditorium.

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The 2023 Christmas parade in Pitkin has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 16, at 1 p.m. This will be one of the biggest parades ever held in Pitkin, Louisiana.

We hope you enjoy the family holiday adventures Vernon Parish has to offer. Check the events page for other happenings over the holidays! Be sure to follow us on social media and tag us in your holiday photos with #LALegendCountry!

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The public is invited to performances by the Vernon Middle School Choir, Leesville High School Choir, and the Leesville High School Concert Band at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, at Leesville High School Auditorium.

A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM

The Annual Night in Bethlehem at the Family Worship Center is open to the public Friday through Sunday, December 15-17, from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  You are invited to take a walk back in time to Bethlehem.  Tours are offered every 30-40 minutes.  Please call ahead to 337-239-6066 if you have a very large group or need assistance for the elderly or special needs visitors.  There is no admission charged.  The Family Worship Center is located at 601 E. Mechanic Street in Leesville.

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The big Chili Cookoff highlights the City of Leesville’s 2nd Annual Jingle & Mingle on Saturday, December 16, from 4-8 p.m.  The city-sponsored event will actually begin at the new putt-putt golf course adjacent to the city golf course on Country Club Road at 11 a.m.  Joy the Christmas Elf will join putt-putters with gifts and treats until 2 p.m.  There is also a live radio broadcast on location.

The Leesville City Hall complex on 5th Street will host the chili cookoff and related activities from 4-8 p.m.

Come and enter your favorite recipe for chili in the cookoff, hear live music, shop vendors for gift ideas, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays.  Kids will enjoy the inflatables, the snow garden, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Live music will feature the Abigail Holt Band and local gospel choirs.

Buy a tasting cup and sample all the chili entries.  Cooks set up at 3 p.m.; tastings begin at 6 p.m.; awards presented at 7:30 p.m.

Come and celebrate the holiday season with your family and friends at the City of Leesville’s Jingle & Mingle, Saturday, December 16, 4-8 p.m. at the Leesville City Hall complex.

For more information on the chili cookoff or being a vendor, call City Planner Grant Bush at 337-404-4078.

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Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location, will host a wreath-laying ceremony, joining more than 4,000 other locations across the country at sea and abroad for National Wreaths Across America Day. Coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 1300 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual event seeks to further the yearly mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures.

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2023, 10:55 am

WHERE:
Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery
3348 University Parkway
Leesville, Louisiana 71446
337-238-6405

About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 3,700 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas.

Volunteer Location Contact:
James K Armes III
Mary Ann Conner
337-238-6405
clvc@la.gov

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John Charles Trull was born to John and Lodis Trull on March 19, 1948, and he passed on December 10, 2023.

Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife Betty Ann Taylor-Trull; children-Christopher Dale Trull and Michael Wayne Trull and wife Sarah; grandchildren-Braden M. Trull, Presley E. Trull, and Rowan C. Embrey; Sisters-Gladys Marie Trawick and Charlotte Ann Brady and a host of nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service at a later date.

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Robert Anthony Suire, age 26, of Leesville was arrested on two outstanding bench warrants. Bond was not set. Suire remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Raymond Louis Williams, age 42, of Jonesville, Louisiana, was arrested and charged with one count Violation of a Protective Order. Bond was set at $75,000. Williams remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Toby Shane Slaydon, age 47, of Leesville was arrested and charged with two counts of Theft. Bond was set at $7000. Slaydon remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Joseph Wayne Clark, age 55, of Rosepine was arrested and charged with one count Possession of Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine) and one count Violation of General Speed Law. His bond was set at $10,635. Clark remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Anthony Ray Archer, age 72, of Houston, Texas, was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant for the Texas Department of Probation and Parole. Archer is in the Vernon Parish Jail awaiting extradition to Texas.

Andrew Bradley Kelley, age 27, of Leesville was arrested and charged with two counts of Cruelty to Juveniles. Bond has not been set. Kelley remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Ulysses Parades, age 27, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespassing and one count Illegal Possession of Stolen Things. Bond has not been set. Parades remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Charles P. Martinez, age 49, of Anacoco was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant. Bond has not been set and Martinez remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

Vernon Parish Sheriff Seeks Public’s Assistance

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating Shaquille O. Davis aka Shaquille Wilson aka Dr. S. Davis, age 29, of Addis, Baton Rouge, Plaquemine Louisiana.  Davis is a business associate of the Good Life Party Bus in the Baton Rouge area.  Davis is wanted on outstanding Felony warrants.  Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Davis should contact Detective Rhonda Jordan at VPSO at 337-238-1311.

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Rodney Wilson has been named chief financial officer at Northwestern State University effective January 3, 2024. He replaces Pat Jones, who is retiring. Wilson’s appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.

The chief financial officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the business and financial services of the university. The position provides collaborative financial management leadership for the university; ensures the short and long-term fiscal health of the University; oversees the business practices of the University and ensures that the budget is linked to and supports the University’s strategic plans.

“Rodney, a Northwestern alumnus, brings a vast array of extensive experience in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems with him to the institution,” said Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones. “Based on his professional experience, Rodney possesses the knowledge and leadership qualities we value, making him the ideal candidate for the next Chief Financial Officer for Northwestern State University.”

Wilson has been finance director for the Sabine Parish School Board since 2012. He was the lead business official for the parish school system reporting directly to the superintendent of schools and managing all financial aspects of the district.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next CFO of Northwestern State University and am excited to join Dr. Jones and his team,” said Wilson. “As an alumnus of NSU and a lifelong resident of west central Louisiana, I have an interest in seeing the university continue to succeed and grow. It is my hope that my own children will someday be alumni as well. NSU is vitally important to our region, and I recognize the great responsibility that I have been afforded by this appointment.”

Wilson’s duties as finance director included filing the Annual Financial Report (AFR) with the Louisiana Department of Education, adopting the annual operating budget in accordance with the local government budget act and ensuring audit submission to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and Federal Audit Clearinghouse. He recommended financial strategy and practices to the superintendent and School Board members, levied property tax millage rates and distributed sales tax collections according to voter approved propositions and ensured securities are adequately pledged for public funds exceeding FDIC $250,000 limit.

As finance director, Wilson invested the appropriate amount of fund balance in interest bearing securities, worked with school board legal counsel on lawsuits and settlements, instructed and approved journal entries, oversaw payroll distribution for all staff in accordance with board adopted salary schedules. He managed comprehensive benefits for all staff which included working with the Teachers’ Retirement System of La, Office of Group Benefits, Louisiana School Employees Retirement System as well as the Supplemental Benefits package.

“I am looking forward to joining the university staff and working with my colleagues to ensure the finance/business office continues to support all other departments, divisions, goals, and the overarching vision of Northwestern State University. I will draw on my experience in educational finance while also leveraging a background in technology to make sound and balanced financial decisions to best serve the needs of all stakeholders.”

Wilson served as president of the Louisiana Association of School Business Officials, chairman of the Cooperative Accounting Management System and commissioner and vice-chairman of the Sabine Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission, He is a member of the Southeastern Association of School Business Officials and Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana where he was vice-chairman.

Before joining the Sabine Parish School System, he was an analyst and programmer for Amerisafe Inc. in DeRidder and was promoted to senior programmer.

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On December 6 at approximately 2 p.m., deputies with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a late model Ford F350 truck driven by 47-year-old Nathan Bret Sandel of Florien, Louisiana. Sandel was wanted in Vernon Parish for a felony stalking arrest warrant and for failure to appear for domestic abuse battery charges in Sabine Parish.

Sandel did not pull over and headed north on Highway 171 into Sabine Parish. He drove his vehicle across the median into oncoming traffic several times. The truck eventually stopped just south of Florien near Gandy Road. Deputies from Sabine Parish tried to negotiate with Sandel, who had armed himself with a weapon. Discussion with Sandel continued for over an hour before he turned the weapon on himself. Sandel was rushed to Sabine Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

The above information was provided by Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell.

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BY RICKEY ROBERTSON

Editor’s note: Rickey Robertson retired from Louisiana State Police and upon his retirement became a historical researcher/writer for Stephen F. Austin State University.  Rickey is a proud Peason Ridge Heritage Family member and currently is Pastor of Cold Springs Baptist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana. Rickey has written many articles on the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 and speaks to groups on this great historical event that affected our state and nation. He and his wife reside in Peason, Louisiana.

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As Christmastime approaches, we all can think back to days gone by and of Christmases of past years. In today’s world the Christmas season is a time of hustle and bustle and is so fast paced we often forget the true meaning of Christmas. People are reaching and grabbing and holding on to things they think are precious to them at Christmas. But Christmas that we remember from years ago was a season filled with the thanks for God’s blessings and for family. Does one Christmas stick out in particular? Let’s look at the last Christmas that the homesteaders and sharecroppers of Peason Ridge celebrated on their old home places in 1941.

Beginning in 1940, the US Army held large scale field maneuvers in Louisiana. Due to the success of these maneuvers, the largest field maneuvers ever conducted by the US Army were then scheduled and took place in the Sabine Maneuver Area of Louisiana in 1941. During these maneuvers, the Army found a scarcely populated area known as Peason Ridge that would be excellent for all types of military training. With the building of Camp Polk, the Army decided that further lands would be needed for training purposes. Peason Ridge was the perfect place for an artillery range.

But on Peason Ridge there were 29 homestead families and 35 sharecropper families. These hardy families had actually settled these lands beginning in 1818, and over all these many years filled with many trials, tribulations, and heartache, they had survived. They were self-supporting families who farmed and raised large herds of cattle and livestock. They had corn cribs full of corn, smokehouses full of hams, sausage, and middlin’s of bacon, and the pantry was full of fresh canned fruits and fresh jams and jellies. About the only items these families needed from town were flour, sugar, and coffee. At Christmastime there were always special gatherings and parties at the home places. If you stopped at Mr. Coleman Owers’ home, before you would leave there was a dish pan of parched peanuts that you just had to sample; if you stopped at the Foster Dowden place, before you left you had to get a pocketful of pecans to put in your overall pockets; if you stopped at the Bill Haynes’ place there was always a fresh pie to have a slice of; at the Andrew Bridges’ place if you came by, you could stop and get a good mess of turnip greens and collards in the patch; and at the Robertson place, Aunt Ted (my Grandmother) always had a big pan of biscuits with fresh jelly. The Lord had provided and these folks counted their blessings.
But the Christmas of 1941 would be their last Christmas on their homes. After the 1941 maneuvers, the Army had developed a plan where they would invoke imminent domain on these landowners. But one more Christmas was to be celebrated. At the Bill Haynes’ home place, his family, along with the Robertson, Bridges, Hilton, Westbrook, and Dowden families, and the last black family in Peason, Uncle John and Aunt Viney Love, gathered for one last Christmas. It was a very festive atmosphere, with fresh pies and cakes brought by the ladies, and real homemade eggnog. There were two big dish pans filled with eggnog, with one for the ladies and children, and one was for the men and grown boys. The pan for the men and grown boys had a little extra added to it! All the folks gathered and gave thanks for the Lords Blessings then they had a good meal filled with wonderful desserts and fresh meat. And then the guitars, fiddles, and banjoes were brought out and a lively evening of singing broke out. Why don’t we have good times such as this in today’s world? Children back then didn’t get cars and expensive gifts, only some fruit such as oranges, apples, and some hard candy. The girls got corn shuck dolls and the boys had marbles and sling shots. All these toys were handmade and not store bought. But they had something this world needs right now. And that was happiness!

But this was to be the last Christmas together for these families. By June of 1942, these families had been served by US marshals their eviction paperwork for their own farms. From a time of happiness at Christmas to a time of sorrow, they had to leave a way of life and the land they loved. With Louisiana still not out of the Depression, there was no money for these families to purchase new farms. And to add insult to injury, the US Government did not pay these families anything for one full year. But they survived.

But these families had one last Christmas together that is remembered to this very day. And yes, these people were my family and neighbors, and we have never forgotten this Christmas. We still tell the old stories of our ancestors and keep them alive. Now, as you think about Christmas and the many gifts you will receive, let’s look at the gift that these families gave to our nation. These families gave up a heritage and way of life and all their lands so that we would have FREEDOM.

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Tommy Neal Wakefield passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023, in Byrd Hospital ICU, Leesville, LA after a fall, broken hip, and a general health decline. His care in ICU was professional and compassionate. Tommy was born December 13, 1941, in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, to Rufe and Chloe Wakefield. At the age of 2, he and his family moved to Leesville for his father’s job with the KCS Railroad.

Tommy graduated from Leesville High School in 1959. He married Dana Russell in 1965, and they had two boys, Christopher Neal and Jeffrey Franklin. Tommy retired from the post office, but the job in life that he loved was role play at Fort Polk. His faith in God, his many friends from postal work, role play, and life in Vernon Parish were instrumental in helping him to cope with the loss of his son Jeff in 2020 and wife Dana in 2021. Tommy enjoyed bass fishing and LSU sports. He attended or listened to LHS football games every Friday night.

Tommy is survived by his son, Chris Wakefield; his sister, Ruth Cryer (Bruce); his nephew, Paul Cryer (Chas); and his niece, Lisa Davis (Chris); two great nieces and two great nephews; and his beloved canines, Bella and Squirt.

His wishes were to be cremated and no memorial service. The family appreciates your prayers and well wishes.

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Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location, will host a wreath-laying ceremony, joining more than 4,000 other locations across the country at sea and abroad for National Wreaths Across America Day. Coordinated and led by local volunteers, sponsorship groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 1300 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual event seeks to further the yearly mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures.

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2023, 10:55 am

WHERE:
Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery
3348 University Parkway
Leesville, Louisiana 71446
337-238-6405

About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 3,700 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas.

Volunteer Location Contact:
James K Armes III
Mary Ann Conner
337-238-6405
clvc@la.gov

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Funeral services for Edith Jean Gill Smith, 76, of Leesville, were held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville. Burial followed in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Leesville.

Edith was born on March 4, 1947, to her parents, Ret. Col Clyde R. Gill and Delores Kennedy Gill Phillips. She passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, in Anacoco.

Edith is preceded in death by her parents; son, Paul Smith; and sisters, Judith Gill and Janice Gill.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Joseph Bryan Smith of Leesville, La.; son, Peter Smith (Jennifer) of Anacoco, La.; grandchildren, Isaac Davis (Merrik) of Anacoco, La., Anslea Leblanc (Clay) of Hicks, La., Garrett Cole Smith of Anacoco, La.; and one great granddaughter, Evie Claire Leblanc.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Louisiana Lion’s League for Crippled Children, Inc., 292 Beauford Drive, Anacoco, LA 71403.

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The annual DeRidder Gem and Mineral Show will be December 9 & 10 at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds, 276 H.M. Stevens Blvd. in Leesville.  Hours are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, December 9, and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, December 10.

The event is presented by the DeRidder Gem & Mineral Society.

The show includes minerals, gemstones and jewelry; Native American artifacts; gem-cutting equipment and supplies; educational exhibits and demonstrations; and Christmas shopping.

Admission is $2; free for children ages 12 and under.  There is something for everyone.

For more information, visit https://www.rockngemswla.com/

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