Graveside services honoring the life of Dorothy Jean Langton were held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Beech Grove Cemetery with Bro. Rodney Hicks officiating, under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Dorothy Jean Langton was born on March 6, 1935, in Leesville to Joseph and Bertha Tilley Beason. She passed away on January 22, 2024, in Leesville, at the age of 88. Dorothy loved rocking and swinging outside, watching her birds, and visiting with her friends and family. She was known by many endearing names such as Mama, Mama Dorothy, Maw D, Piff, Piffy Jane, and Buzzard, but her most treasured name was Maw-Maw.

She loved spending time with her two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was proud of anything and everything they did, and her greatest joy was spending time with them. She was their biggest cheerleader. Dorothy was not only a grandmother to her own, but was a grandmother to others, especially Andrew’s friends whom she loved like her own. She always ended her day with “did you lock the door” and “I love you”. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Huey Lee Langton, and parents, Joe and Bert Beason.

She is survived by her children, Marsha Langton of Leesville, Randell Langton and wife Sheila of Leesville, and Kim Milton and husband Robert of Crossett, Arkansas; grandchildren, Andrew Langton and wife Haley, and Tori Milton; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Parker.

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Harking back to the early months of 2021, America was in the grip of COVID, fear/debate, and many of us stayed indoors and focused on anything but COVID.

Think comfort foods. I had recently retired from a fulfilling media career of nearly 50 years. We menu plan at our house. I found myself cooking meals for my lovely wife on a regular basis. In other words, I was becoming fat and sassy!

One Friday night in February 2021, we were having a happy hour cocktail conversation while I played around on the internet. I saw a post that night from Niman Ranch. They are the largest farmers co-op in the country that features sustainable humanely raised meats from over 600 farms. They had teamed up with Spiceology, a large seasonings vendor, to create Meatball Madness. This meatball recipe contest was so named to cash in on the popularity of the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament.

My wife and I love to eat Italian food. We love to make our own meatballs. My daughter says it’s her favorite dish of mine. On our travels around the country, we often sample meatballs and over time have developed a great recipe. A good meatball must be flavorful and tender—not a ball you bounce off the floor. Our problem that night was the submitted recipe had to include products from both of the sponsoring companies. We looked at the Spiceology website and selected three: Crushed Italian Seasoning, Cajun Blackening Seasoning, and something called Pizza Cheese Blend.

Happy hour continued, and we concocted our recipe based on those ingredients and our own techniques. We created a name for the recipe: “Parrain’s Family Jewels.” Parrain is a Cajun term for godfather, since these were a Cajun Italian hybrid.

Our submission was made and judged by a panel, and we made the final 16! We were placed into the Meatball Madness bracket. Now our recipe had to face a challenger to advance through the bracket. Our first challenger owned a food truck and catering business in Tampa, Florida. The website published the contestants and set aside one day for each competitor and their voters to cast ballots. The entries that made the final bracket with us were from all parts of the country and showcased numerous ethnic cuisines, all with meatballs. When we were up, we led the voting all morning and afternoon but were nipped at the wire. There are a few more votes in Tampa than we were able to muster, but it was an honor to be included.

For making the top 16, we received over $300 worth of product from the sponsoring companies. It was a great experience and more than validated our recipe and concept…and, yes, we did purchase those seasonings!

Recipe for Parrain’s Family Jewels
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
6 slices white bread (crust off) soaked in milk (just enough to cover)
2 Tablespoons Crushed Italian Seasoning
2 Tablespoons Cajun Blackening Seasoning
2 Tablespoons Pizza Cheese Blend or add additional Parmesan cheese and a pinch of your favorite seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
1 Tablespoon garlic powder or more to taste
1 Tablespoon crushed oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of red pepper flakes

Mix all ingredients well by hand and form into 16-17 large meatballs. Bake at 350 degrees on parchment paper lined pan for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve with your favorite red sauce and pasta of choice. Our housemade marinara is slightly sweet. These meatballs would also fit with an Arribiata sauce or diavolo sauce (both mildly spicy). Serve with a tossed salad and garlic bread. Enjoy the meal!

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Keep Northwestern State Beautiful was selected as a recipient of a Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) University Affiliate Grant. KLB is the state’s premier anti-litter and community improvement organization.

The $5,000 grant will reduce single-use plastic waste on campus. Grant funds will be used to purchase a filtered-water bottle filling station and distribute 350 refillable stainless-steel drinking bottles on NSU’s Natchitoches campus. Keep Northwestern State Beautiful partnered with the NSU Conservation Club to develop the grant proposal. NSU Conservation Club is a Recognized Student Organization on campus that strives to bring together like-minded individuals interested in natural science and conservation. Students from the club will distribute water bottles and conduct outreach to recipients about the Conversations Club’s goals, events and meetings.

“We’re excited about this partnership and look forward to working with the Conservation Club and other student groups in the future. We believe that this grant will not only help reduce waste, but also deliver the important message about the value of teamwork and collaboration towards achieving common goals,” said Steven Gruesbeck, NSU’s director of Service-Learning.

The University Affiliate Grant program was developed as part of a $500,000 five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant secured in 2021 by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with Keep Louisiana beautiful as a sub-recipient. The funding has created and launched the University Affiliate Program, developed a litter assessment app, developed educational training videos for campus communities in addition to grant opportunities for University Affiliates. The program is in response to growing interest in sustainability, waste reduction, and litter prevention at the university level.

NSU became a university affiliate of Keep Louisiana Beautiful last year and is committed to continuing improvement in sustainability and environmental issues by promoting student environmental stewardship and engagement. The primary purpose of the university affiliate program is to educate and engage the next generation of business owners and community leaders on environmental issues such as waste reduction, litter prevention and marine debris that have long-term effects on our state and the Gulf of Mexico.

“This program has enhanced the beautification of our already beautiful campus. NSU will continue to educate our campus community on waste reduction and sustainability. The faculty, staff, and students of NSU look forward to being a long-time participant in the Keep Louisiana Beautiful program,” said Jennifer Kelly, executive director of University Affairs.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s mission is to promote personal, corporate and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana. Through programs, and statewide network of affiliates and partners, KLB provides tools and resources to prevent litter, reduce waste, increase recycling and beautify spaces. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving a cleaner, greener Louisiana through litter reduction and beautification initiatives. To get involved, visit keeplouisianabeautiful.org.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office will sponsor a state-approved basic Pistol Concealed Carry Course.  The 9-hour class will be held beginning at 8 a.m. on February 24 at the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office on South Third Street in Leesville.

A certified NRA instructor will teach the basics of safe gun handling and shooting. This course will meet all state guidelines for the concealed carry permit. Cost is $75 per person. State fees will be collected at a later date.

Class participants must provide their own firearm and 36 rounds of ammunition for the class. No firearms or ammunition will be allowed in the classroom.

For more information contact Deputy Chuck Christ at 337.424.5209.

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KYLE DANIEL THARP
November 1, 1986 – January 22, 2024
Service: At a later date

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West Central Louisiana is under a flood watch, including Vernon, Beauregard, Allen, Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, and Rapides Parishes. The flood watch also includes four counties in southeast Texas.

The watch runs through late tonight. There will be excessive runoff from heavy rains from rivers, creeks, and streams. Flooding is possible in poor drainage areas. Area residents are urged to monitor weather conditions for flood warnings.

Residents should be prepared to take emergency actions in the face of rising waters.

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Monday night, January 22, at approximately 7:30, multiple units from Vernon Prish Fire District Number One responded to a structure fire at the Anacoco High School softball field. The blaze eventually destroyed the locker room and indoor batting cages of the Lady Indians softball team. The “Clubhouse,” as it was known, also contained the team’s equipment and softball gear.

The fire was awful, but the timing of the fire was worse, as the softball season begins in about one week. Coach Robert Partridge’s squad had worked hard to create the space and now must scramble to find gear and equipment for the upcoming season. The Louisiana Titans organization in Shreveport, which manages several age groups of travel ball teams, was gathering a truckload of equipment to send to Anacoco. Local support is already pouring in.

Anacoco Principal Whitney Mawae urged fans and supporters to be wary of social media fund raisers. She asked fans and supporters who wish to help to donate directly to the school on behalf of the Lady Indians Softball Team.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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A celebration of life for Patricia Ann Mock was held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Simpson First Assembly of God.

Patricia Ann Mock was born October 19, 1943, in Annapolis, Maryland, to William Lester Chaney and Ethel Marie Chaney (Lee). She passed from this life to the next on January 20, 2024, at the age of 80, at home in Leesville.

Patricia was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland. She later married and had two children, Jon Christian Mock and Kevin Dwayne Mock, and settled in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She remained a stay-at-home mom until the youngest, Kevin, graduated from high school and left for the Army, and Jon finished out his last year and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Patricia’s life changed at the age of 45. She found herself on her own and decided on a career of emergency medicine. She became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and later a paramedic. She served as a paramedic from 1989 until 2009 at Seventh Ward Ambulance Association in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After her retirement in 2009, she continued as an EMT, serving as their van driver taking patients to their medical appointments. She continued working up to the day before her illness manifested September 11, 2022, with her total time of service in emergency medicine being 33 years, at the age of 78. Patricia touched thousands of lives from patients, family members, and other medical providers. She was loving, empathetic, caring, resourceful, technically proficient, and someone that you wanted by your side in a crisis situation.

She moved to Leesville with family and to be close to her grandchildren. The next twelve months were very special to her. Despite her illness, she attended basketball, T-ball, wee-ball, cheerleading, graduations, celebrations, and camping/RV trips. She was able to build special bonds with each child’s family. She loved to watch them play and talk with them.  Her favorite past time was reading to her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Lester Chaney and Ethel Marie Darrell (Lee); stepfather, Thomas William Darrell; and brother, Reginald Arthur Darrell.

She is survived by her sons, Jon Christian Mock and Kevin Dwayne Mock (Tammy), both of Leesville;  brother, William Chaney (Bobbi) of Jupiter, Florida; sisters, Gail Osterman (Randy) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Sue Williams (Ron) of Fredrick, Maryland; grandchildren, Benjamin Cardy (Derek), Race Johnson (Jaylen), Wesley Bodie (Carmen), Kaitlyn Dahlke (Tyler), Kiersta Mock, Kacey Mock, Kyle Mock, Elijah Mock, Keona Mock, Maggie Mock, Kaine Mock, Baby Dwayne; and great-grandchildren, Juliana, Javier, Gabriel, Raelyn, Luca, Hayven, Hayslee, and Paisley.

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The Leesville City Council met Monday, January 22.

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Ted Junior Wilson, age 42, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count Theft of a Motor Vehicle and one count Criminal Damage to Property. Bond has not been set. A detainer from the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole is on Wilson, and he remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Lindsey Ray Beard, age 27, of Florien was arrested and charged with one count Domestic Abuse Aggravated Battery/Strangulation. Bond has not been set and Beard remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Randy Michael Sherman, age 59, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Burglary. Bond was set at $15,000. Sherman remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Timothy Ryan Jeter, age 41, of Pitkin was arrested and charged with one count Criminal Trespass, one count Criminal Damage to Property, and one count of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness. Bond has not been set and Jeter remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Taylor Brittian, age 19, of Evans was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Burglary, one count of Theft and one count Criminal Damage to Property. Bond has not been set and Brittian remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Raven Fisher, age 18, of Anacoco was arrested and charged with one count Simple Battery. Bond was set at $1281. Fisher posted bond and was released.

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

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The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce held its 81st annual installation of officers banquet at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Center last week. Dr. Christina Lord passed the gavel to incoming Chairman of the Board, Luke Brandon. Brandon is CFO of Merchants & Farmers Bank.

Brandon’s Board will consist of 1st Vice Chair, Cindy Wann Jeane, owner of Phoenix Home Medical; 2nd Vice Chair, Trey Dowden of Rethink Title; new Board members: Patrick Martin, Angela Dowden, and Dr. Geralyn Janice; and second-year Board members Tina Rhodes, Wes Bailey, Robert Haymon, and Jessica Herring.

During the course of the evening, Chamber CEO, Logan Morris, introduced the Chamber’s new business manager, Mrs. Donna Dowden.

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Funeral services for Jerry Lynn Johnson, 69, of Pitkin, will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville. Burial will follow in the Drakes Fork Cemetery in Pitkin.

Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2024, from 4:00 P.M– 10:00 P.M in the funeral home.

Jerry was born on April 27, 1954, in DeRidder, Louisiana to his parents, Josiah and Delores Collins Johnson. He passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, in Alexandria.

Jerry was a resident of Cravens, La. in Vernon Parish for most of his life, living on the old home place where he was raised as a boy. Jerry’s passion was riding his Harley Davidson and passing a good time with his many Brothers, friends and family. He was self- employed as a cable splicer in the telecommunication industry for many years prior to his retirement.

He was a member of the Banshees Motorcycle Club for over 40 years, where they became family, a brotherhood and lifetime friendships were made.

He is preceded in death by his mother; Delores Smith, and one sister; Vickie Griffin, paternal grandparents Huel and Gladys Johnson, and maternal grandmother Evelyn Jackson.

Left to cherish his memory is his father; J.L. Johnson (Barbara), daughter; JoJuanna Perkins (Brian) of Pitkin, La., sisters; Deborah Wise (Terry), Rhonda Haymon (Jon), Sheila Johnson, three grandkids; Alexus Pollock (Landen), Shaun Perkins, Jaxson Perkins, four great grandkids, three aunts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Brent Perkins, Rocky Johnson, Bob Jackson, Bam Bam, Rabi, Chief.

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The Food Bank of Central Louisiana serves a nine-parish area and more than 42,500 households with assistance. Louisiana ranks #1 in the nation for Senior Citizen hunger.  During the winter months, hunger is magnified in our communities even more.  Do not let this happen to someone you know!

CENLA Food Bank’s Mobile distribution date for Vernon Parish this month is:

Friday, January 26 –

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Rosepine Church International

Noon – 1 p.m. at Slagle Mall

If you would like to make a donation to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana or seek assistance for someone, contact the Food Bank at 318-445-2773.

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Funeral services honoring the life of Claude Gordon Gosnell, Jr., were held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville, with Rev. Mark Christian officiating. Burial followed in Cooper Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Claude Gordan Gosnell, Jr. was born on April 12, 1938, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Claude and Elizabeth Hillman Gosnell. He passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the age of 85, in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Claude was born and raised in Texas and enjoyed playing high school football. Upon graduation, he served our country in the United States Air Force. He continued his education through several schools and training and worked many years as an electrical engineer. He was a known “workaholic”’; he did not like to be idle. Upon retirement, he continued to tinker with many projects in his shed and traveled around visiting. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fly fishing, and woodworking, and was an avid motorcycle racer. Claude had a wonderful sense of humor and loved joking around with everyone. He was a member of the Sons of the Confederacy, Odd Fellow, and Four Winds Cherokee Tribe. He attended First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary L. Gosnell; parents; brother, Curtiss Bean, Jr.; and sisters, Myrtle Carlock and Velma Ruth LeBlanc.

He is survived by his son, Wade Gosnell “Sharon” of Leesville; daughters, Veronica (Roni) Warwick, “Daniel” of Tolbert, Louisiana; Charlotte Hood, “Mike”, of Leesville; and Dora Gosnell, “Andy”, of East Peoria, IL; twin sister, Claudette Mifflin, Anacoco; sister-in-law, Maggie Hickman, Leesville; grandchildren, Timothy Langois, Stephanie Miller, “Kevin”; Margaret Ellis, “Chris”; Samantha Toro, “Derek”; Kayla Gonzales, “Erick”; Tyler Hood, “Sabrina”; Dallas Pounds, “Justin”; Jennifer Stracener, and Anthony Stracener; 23 great grandchildren; and special friend, Carolyn Allen.

 

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office will sponsor a state-approved basic Pistol Concealed Carry Course.  The 9-hour class will be held beginning at 8 a.m. on February 24 at the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office on South Third Street in Leesville.

A certified NRA instructor will teach the basics of safe gun handling and shooting. This course will meet all state guidelines for the concealed carry permit. Cost is $75 per person. State fees will be collected at a later date.

Class participants must provide their own firearm and 36 rounds of ammunition for the class. No firearms or ammunition will be allowed in the classroom.

For more information contact Deputy Chuck Christ at 337.424.5209.

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Severe weather impacted games around the area last week, but games got back on track Friday night. Several Vernon Parish girls’ teams are state ranked in unofficial power rankings of the LHSAA.

GIRLS

Rosepine is ranked #1 in Division III with a 19-5/2-0 record. They hosted Avoyelles last Friday and won in convincing fashion 65-18. The Lady Eagles traveled to Oakdale last night for a District 4-AA game. That score was unavailable at press time.

Rosepine’s district rivals, Pickering, check in at #13 in the Division IV state rankings, but the Lady Red Devils’ 10-14/0-4 have fallen on tough times, losing five straight games. They stumbled against Glenmora last week, losing 55-35. Pickering played at Avoyelles last night. The score was unavailable at press time.
In District 3-4A Leesville opened their district play last night against DeRidder. Score unavailable at press time. Last Thursday Leesville beat Simpson 63-59 to run their record to 13-9. The Lady Wampus Cats are ranked #14 among Division II non-select schools.

Ranked #1 among Division V non-select schools, Hicks sports a 27-2/3-0 record after beating Pitkin last Friday 76-60. The Lady Pirates stepped way out of class in their last game, losing to 5A unbeaten Walker (they were 27-0) by a score of 68-34. Hicks gets back to District 4B action Friday at Oak Hill.

Anacoco is ranked #3 in Division V non-select schools with a 26-3/2-0 record. The Lady Indians beat Plainview Friday night 59-46. They had a district game last night at Oak Hill (score unavailable at press time) and they travel to Elizabeth Friday night.

Pitkin’s Lady Tigers are #6 in Division V non-select rankings with a 21-12/0-2 record after losing at Hicks last week 76-60. Pitkin was home last night to Elizabeth. Score unavailable at press time. They take a big step-up Thursday as they host 5A Cecilia before playing Pleasant Hill Friday night.

Simpson’s Lady Broncos from District 3C picked up big power points last week and currently rank #7 in Division 5 non-select schools. Simpson lost a squeaker to 4A Leesville 63-59. They traveled to DeRidder Friday night where they hammered 4A DeRidder 67-45. Simpson is 23-9/1-1 on the season. They hosted #10 Hornbeck last night. Score unavailable at press time. The Lady Hornets beat Evans 47-41 last Friday and stand at 18-10/2-0 on the season. Evans is 12-18/1-1 on the year. They hosted Pleasant Hill last night (score unavailable at press time) and travel to Ebarb on Friday.

The Faith Training Christian Academy Lady Patriots are currently 4-5 in the Southwest District of the ACEL.
The girls’ Marsh Madness state tournament will be in Hammond February 26-March 2 at the University Center on the campus of Southwestern Louisiana University.

BOYS

Anacoco’s Indians sport the best record locally at 25-8/3-0 to rank #3 in Division 5 non-select schools. They beat a Plainview team that had won 9 of their last 10 60-72 last week. Anacoco played at Oak Hill last night. Score unavailable at press time. The Indians will visit Elizabeth Friday night.

Hicks is ranked #9 in Division V non-select schools with a 19-11/3-0 record that includes an 8-game winning streak. The Pirates visit Oak Hill for a district game Friday night.

Pitkin sports a 16-11/0-1 record and a #13 ranking among Division V non-select schools. The Tigers dropped a 65-47 decision at Hicks last Friday and faced Elizabeth last night (score unavailable at press time). They will entertain 4A power Cecilia Thursday before a home game against Pleasant Hill Friday night.

The Pickering Red Devils continue to hold the #2 state ranking in Division IV non-select schools. Their 17-7/3-0 record includes a 76-45 home win against Glenmora last week. Pickering traveled to Avoyelles last night. The score was unavailable at press time. The Red Devils will visit Holy Savior Menard in Alexandria Friday night.

Rosepine is ranked #14 in Division III non-select schools with a 10-10/1-0 record. They defeated Avoyelles last week 62-54. The Eagles traveled to Oakdale last night. That score was unavailable at press time. They return home Friday for a date with Glenmora.

The Leesville Wampus Cats have climbed to #14 in the Division II non-select school rankings. Leesville has fashioned a 14-9 mark, and they open District 3-4A play at DeRidder Friday night. In their last outing they defeated Class C Simpson 72-40.

Simpson’s 10-18/0-2 record includes that 72-40 loss that made it four losses in a row for the Broncos. They played Hornbeck last night. Score unavailable at press time and host Pleasant Hill Thursday night.
Evans 9-19/0-2 record and Hornbeck 9-16/1-1 round out the teams in Vernon Parish. The Hornets ended a four-game losing streak with a 70-49 win over Evans. The Hornets played at Simpson last night; score unavailable at press time. Evans hosted Pleasant Hill last night; score unavailable at press time. The Eagles travel to Ebarb Friday.

The FTCA Patriots are 10-2 in the southwest district of the ACEL. They have beaten Legacy Christian Academy in their last two games 66-17 and 68-30.

The boys’ Marsh Madness state championships will be held March 4-9 at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

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“Art in the Third Dimension” is the first exhibit at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN for 2024, kicking off
the 20th year of providing a venue and support for Art and Artists in West Central Louisiana. As
the exhibit name implies, this is a sculpture exhibit and will feature the work of five artists from
across the state: Cindy Blair, Tony McDonald, Martin Needom, James Turner and Sherri Manes.
The work will be diverse and created from a multitude of materials and objects.

Cindy Blair of Alexandria creates undulating lighted works of translucent plastic. Her pieces are
ethereal and flowing, with organic and spiritual references. Tony McDonald’s constructions are
developed from found objects, construction materials and other common resources. He is a
painter and sculptor who has a studio in Leesville.

Martin Needom is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, growing up in the community of Algiers
on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Working primarily as a three-dimensional artist, his
contemporary, abstract, and non-objective three-dimensional works consist of a variety of
materials such as paper, wood, stone, acrylic composite, steel, and bronze.

James Turner is an author, painter, sculptor, and landscape architect with a studio also in
Leesville. His work comes from local natural found materials. Sherri Manes is a metal sculptor
with her studio in Hornbeck, Louisiana, where she focuses on large and medium scale steel
works, many having equestrian and nature themes.

These artists were selected for this exhibit based on their wide ranging and diverse mediums,
and their commitment to quality design and construction.

This exhibit will run from January 25 to March 9, 2024, with an opening reception on Saturday,
January 27 at 5:00 p.m. The reception and this exhibit are sponsored by the Vernon Parish Journal, a
FREE source of local news in West Central Louisiana delivered to your email, phone or tablet on
Wednesdays and Fridays.

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Leesville Dixie Youth 

Online registration is currently underway for Leesville Dixie Youth 2024 spring season. This is for boys and girls ages 4-15 and consists of Wee ball, T-ball, baseball, and softball. Registration is $75 per player and will continue online through February 15. Just go to www.leaguelineup.com/leesvilledixieyouth . Click on the forms online to find the player registration form.

Ft. Johnson CYS Sports

Child Youth Services at Ft. Johnson is currently registering youth for the Wee ball, T-ball, baseball, and softball seasons that will play April 6-June 1.  Registration continues through February 23.  CYS registration is required to participate, and children must have a current sports physical.  For information call 337-531-6004.  

The cost for Wee ball (ages 3-4) is $25.  All the other leagues (ages 5-15) are $50.

Coaches are also needed.

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JERRY LYNN “JAY BIRD” JOHNSON
April 27, 1954 – January 19, 2024
Service: January 27, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 2:00 p.m.

JACKSON LOUIS HINES
July 21, 1950 – January 16, 2024
Service: January 27, 2024, at Unity Baptist Church in DeRidder at 3:00 p.m.

DOROTHY JEAN BEASON LANGTON
March 6, 1935 – January 22, 2024
Service: January 24, 2024, at Beech Grove Baptist Church in Anacoco at 10:00 a.m.

CLAUDE GORDON GOSNELL, JR.
April 12, 1938 – January 18, 2024
Service: January 23, 2024, at First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville at 1:00 p.m.

PATRICIA ANN MOCK
October 19, 1943 – January 20, 2024
Service: January 23, 2024, at Simpson First Assembly of God Church at 2:00 p.m.

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Joshua Clayton Hilton, age 21, of New Llano, was arrested and charged with one count Possession of Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine) and one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $9,061.00.  Hilton remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Sharon Greenough, age 46, of Rosepine was arrested on an Outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set, and Greenough remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Kimberly Casper, age 37, of Pitkin was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant. Casper was transferred to the Allen Parish Correctional Facility.

Matthew McCormack, age 33, of Merryville, Louisiana, was arrested on an Outstanding Bench Warrant. 

Phillip Brister, age 34, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Second Degree Battery.  Bond has not been set, and Brister remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Ronald Dean Hastings, age 56, of Rosepine was arrested on an out of jurisdiction Bench Warrant.  Hastings remains in the Vernon parish Jail.

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

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A culinary landmark of West Central Louisiana, the Hickory Smokehouse in DeRidder, was engulfed by flames Wednesday night, January 17. The Anderson family had operated a restaurant in that location for generations. We mark the occasion not knowing what plans, if any, the family has to re-open the location.

The Hickory Smokehouse on Ft. Johnson has fed tens of thousands of soldiers and their families through the years and continues to do so. The staff has catered so many events in the area and region, it’s almost too many to count!

One year, my wife hosted a high school reunion soiree at our home. The gang from Hickory Smokehouse set up a fish fry for about 35-40 people. When they finished feeding everyone, they bagged up the leftovers for us and quickly slipped away…NINJA caterers, if you will!

I chaired the Association of the United States Army golf tournament at Emerald Hills once and got Theo to come out with his food wagon. He set up on the hill overlooking the 18th green and made sure everyone had something tasty to eat as they finished… a portable 19th Hole. Theo travels well!

His portable crawfish rig catered the Bud-n-Boil promotion at KVVP-KROK since the get go…and they still do. Now that is a portable crawfish kitchen!!

Theo’s crawfish are legendary. I took two sacks of graded, select bugs to a boil in Shreveport once. They set the bar high for me as everyone wanted to know where I got the monster crawfish.

During the Iraqi-Gulf war in the early 90’s, KVVP did a live broadcast from The Crawfish Trap on Highway 10 in Sandy Hill; another Theo Anderson idea. There were tons of troops here on rotation and they swamped us. Theo did nearly two tons of bugs that day, and we stayed an extra hour on the air because it was a hell of a party.

I am saddened by DeRidder’s loss of a fine eatery but very glad to have a Hickory Smokehouse location in Leesville on the Alexandria Highway, right around the roundabout from my house. It’s just another hiccup in life, Theo…continued God speed in your endeavors.

The bottom line is that the Anderson family and their staff will continue to do what they do best, and we are better off in our community for it!

CRAWFISH IN SEASON, GREAT BBQ, SIDES AND DINNER CHOICES…FRIED AND BOILED SHRIMP…… CATFISH…TOP NOTCH CATERING FOR 20-2000…LOCATIONS IN LEESVILLE AND ON FT. JOHNSON

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