Funeral services honoring the life of Mattie Faye Manes will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hornbeck with Reverend Rickey Robertson officiating. The burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

A visitation will be held at Oak Grove on Friday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Mattie Faye Manes was born on January 10, 1939, in Hornbeck, Louisiana, to Walter and Mattie Sterling. She passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in Many, Louisiana at the age of 85. She was a 1957 graduate of Hornbeck High School and upon graduation traveled all over the country with her husband. She loved to sew and was an amazing quilter that loved to give her quilts as gifts to her loved ones. She was an amazing cook and made the best biscuits around. When company would stop by, she always made sure to have a home cooked meal for everyone. She was devoted to her church and enjoyed teaching the women’s Sunday school class.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Alfred Manes, sister, Ann Dean, and brothers, Huey P., Bill, and Henry Sterling.

Those left to cherish her memory are her 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, Orie 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, Madelyn, and Quinlee; brother, Huey “Stid” Stidivent of Vidor, TX; sister, Bert Weeks of Hornbeck; and a host of extended family members and friends.

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MATTIE FAYE MANES
January 10, 1939 – February 20, 2024
Service: February 23, 2024, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hornbeck at 3 p.m.

JAMES C. DANIELS
January 10, 1946 – February 16, 2024
Service: February 24, 2024, at Leesville Memorial Cemetery at 10 a.m.

CHARLES ZACHARY BLAKE
April 14, 1988 – February 14, 2024
Service: February 25, 2024, at River Community Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana, at 2 p.m.

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Louisiana State Police, Troop D, reports that at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, a 2007 Dodge pickup truck driven by 36-year-old Jared Bartley Doyle of Pitkin, struck a tree when it traveled off the left side of LA Hwy. 377, approximately 2.5 miles north of LA Hwy. 112 in Allen Parish.  Doyle was not restrained and sustained fatal injuries.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  A toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis.  The accident remains under investigation.

This is the first fatal crash worked by Troop D in 2024.  Troopers request that you always wear your seat belts please–every trip, every time.

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William Michel, age 30, of Leesville, was arrested on two outstanding bench warrants. Bond was not set, and Michel remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Johnathan Edward McDuffie, age 40, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant. Bond was set at $7,500. McDuffie remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Carlton Roy Jeane, age 38, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine) and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $5,061. Jeane remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Gabrielle Elizabeth Fuqua, age 22, of Deville, Louisiana, was arrested on outstanding bench warrants. Bond was set at $5,000. Fuqua posted bond and was released.

Melinda Freeze, age 51, of Anacoco, Louisiana, was arrested and charged with one count of Resisting an Officer. Bond was set at $1,281. Freeze remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Carrie Lynette Johnson, age 41, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with two counts of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine).  Bond has not been set.  Johnson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Robert Wayne Collins, age 61, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count Switched Plates, one count Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended, one count No Proof of Insurance, one count Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic, one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one count Open Container.  Bond was set at $6,206. Collins remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Rabhi Awad, age 25, of Marksville, was arrested and charged with one count Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, one count Operating a Vehicle While License Suspended, one count Theft of a Motor Vehicle, one count Resisting an Officer, and one count Illegal Carrying of a Weapon.  Bond has not been set.  Awad remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

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Several Vernon Parish girls’ basketball teams moved into the state quarterfinals with wins Monday night. They are all one game away from the “big dance” and the semis next week at the University Center on the Southeastern Louisiana campus in Hammond.

DIVISION II Non-Select
#18 Leesville had their season ended by #2 South Beauregard Monday night 59-38.

DIVISION III Non-Select
#1 Rosepine smacked down North Webster Monday night 79-15 and will now host #8 Springfield Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m.

DIVISION IV Non-Select
#13 Pickering ended their season with a loss to #4 LaSalle on Monday 58-43.

DIVISION V Non-Select
#1 Hicks took out Phoenix Monday night 56-26 and will host district 4-B rival, #8 Pitkin Thursday at 6 p.m. The two teams met twice in the regular season with Hicks winning both games, 76-60 & 60-48. Come early for this one; “The Ship” will be crowded. Pitkin earned their spot in the quarterfinals with a 70-55 win over a young Simpson team that was ranked #9.
#3 Anacoco beat Quitman in round two, 56-35 and draws #6 Castor in the quarterfinals. They meet Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m. in the Anacoco gym.
#10 Hornbeck had their season ended Monday in round two by #7 Hathaway 66-42.

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Vernon Parish boys’ basketball teams begin their playoff journeys this week. The first round of the LHSAA Boys’ State Championships has a decided Vernon Parish flavor, with seven teams earning slots. The semis and finals will be at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, March 4-9.

DIVISION II Non-Select
Leesville ended the season on a four-game losing streak. They cancelled a tune-up game with Pleasant Hill and will enter the playoffs as the #19 seed. Leesville travels Thursday, February 23 for a 6:30 p.m. game with #14 Minden.

DIVISION III Non-Select
#19 Rosepine won their last district 4-2A game at Glenmora 71-67 but lost a tune-up game with #3 Winnfield 87-70. The Eagles begin the playoffs on the road Thursday at #14 Jena. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

DIVISION IV Non-Select
#4 Pickering has won five of their last 6 games and earned a bye in the first round. They will play the winner of #13 Lake Arthur and #20 Montgomery next week.

DIVISION V Non-Select
#2 Anacoco earned a first-round bye and wait on the winner next week between #18 Holden and #15 Pitkin.

#12 Hicks entertains #21 Phoenix Friday night at 6 p.m. The Pirates enter the playoffs on a six-game skid after winning their previous nine in a row.

#15 Pitkin hosts #18 Holden Friday night at 6 p.m. with #2 Anacoco waiting in the wings for the winner.

#26 Hornbeck will travel Friday for a 6 p.m. game at #7 Quitman. The Hornets had lost four in a row before beating Simpson in the regular season finale.

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Jennifer M. Luke was born on February 17, 1976, in Craig, Colorado, to George and Francis Weaver. She passed away on February 18, 2024, in Hornbeck, Louisiana, at the age of 48.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Francis Weaver; dad, Windall Sigler; special friend, JerBear; brothers, Ferlin Knippers and Dave Weaver; sisters, Cheryl Sigler and Sis Knippers; sister-in-law, Darren Luke; brother-in-law, Rusty Russ; grandparents, Sylvia and Glen Gibson, Ralph Ross, and George and Freida Weaver; great niece, Shantal Knippers; and great nephew Davin Russ.

She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Luke, Jr.; daughter, McKenzie Weaver-Luke; brothers, Richard (Cookie) Knippers, and Tristin (MeKinzie) Sigler; sisters, Regina Knippers and Susan Russ; father-in-law, Lawrence Luke Sr.; sisters-in-law Mary Weaver, Kelly Carter, and Blair (Boo) Belanger.

Per Jenny’s request, the family will not hold services. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the cost of the service.

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Early softball and baseball games are being played with many athletes still playing in the basketball playoffs.

SOFTBALL
Anacoco dropped their first two games, losing to Sulphur 15-0 and Florien 18-17. They played at Winnfield last night. Score was unavailable at press time.

Leesville is also 0-2, losing 16-6 to Merryville and 30-3 to Florien. The Lady Cats hosted Oak Hill last night. Score was unavailable at press time.

Pickering opened their season last night hosting Lacassine. Score was unavailable at press time.
Pitkin lost their first game to Rosepine 12-11. The Lady Tigers hosted Grace Christian last night. Score was unavailable at press time.

Rosepine is 3-1 after beating Pitkin and playing in the Jennings tournament. The Lady Eagles lost to Jennings 4-1 then followed that loss with wins over Lake Arthur 14-1 and Welsh 11-6.

BASEBALL
Hornbeck beat Florien Monday night 4-1. Leesville at Rosepine Monday was postponed.

Anacoco at Westlake last night…Hicks at Peabody last night…Pickering at DeQuincy last night…Simpson at Avoyelles last night. SCORES UNAVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME.

TRACK AND FIELD
Simpson, Hornbeck, and Evans are scheduled to compete in the DeRidder Dragon Relays March 1.
Rosepine heads to Barbe March 8 for the Buc Relays.

Vernon Parish Relays are slated for March 15…site to be determined.

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By Billy Crawford

This first Bookmobile served all the communities and rural areas of Vernon Parish

In November of 1956, the residents of Vernon Parish were invited to attend a public meeting of the Vernon Parish Library Demonstration, sponsored by the Vernon Parish Police Jury.

Presiding at this ceremony was James L. Love of Hammond, Chairman of the Louisiana State Board and Miss Essae M. Culver, State Librarian. They explained that the Louisiana Library Commission joined with the great philanthropic Carnegie Corporation to create a network of libraries across the state of Louisiana.

The Andrew Carnegie family had formed the League of Library Commission that was looking for rural states in need of a book service but without the funds to begin operation on their own.

The League chose Louisiana to receive $50,000 (adjusted for inflation equal to $750,00 in 2024). This was made available for a three-year demonstration period. At the end of this three years, local support must be provided if the Library is to be continued.

Vernon Parish Library Board members: Paul Anderson, President, James Anderson, Nelva Cryer, Leesville; John T. Cupit, Rosepine; A.C. Williams, Anacoco; Otis E. Welch, Simpson; and E.J. Will of Temple.

Miss Margie Lynch was employed to serve as the first Vernon Parish Head Librarian. She reported that the State Library will provide 9,000 books and subscriptions for 80 different magazines and periodicals to the Library.

A Library will be located in the Courthouse space recently vacated by the Vernon Parish School Board. (New school board office was completed on Belview Road.)

The Bookmobile provided books and magazines to residents in: Burr Ferry, Evans, Knight, Cottonwood, Anacoco, Hornbeck, Simpson, Hicks, Temple, Rosepine, Midway, Diamond Hill, Pickering, New Llano, Fort Polk Main Gate, Pitkin, Pine Hill, and Cooper.

On June 4, 1957, a special tax election was held for 3.5 mills for 10 years to ensure support for the library following the demonstration period. The voters of Vernon Parish voted YES.

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

-Scout Finch, protagonist in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”

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Tayvon Markel Peterson began life began on July 21, 2009. He was the oldest sibling with a little brother, Kegan Kardai Peterson. He was born in Leesville, Lousisana, to the proud parent of Tameka Peterson and was raised with the help of proud grandparents, John and Beverly Cole. Tayvon attended school at Leesville Jr. High and was a member of Johnson Temple Church of God in Christ under the Leadership of Pastor Superintendent Maurice Johnson.

At an early age up to the age of 14, he participated in all the activities at the church, Sunshine band, Easter programs and was getting ready to assist in the audio-visual ministry with Elder Roy Mosby. On his last Sunday in church, he went to the altar for prayer and was anointed with oil, and the next day, February 12, 2024, God chose to call him home.

Tayvon was a young man of few words but full of life when you had moments to sit and talk with him. He lived a quiet life with such a humble spirit. He never complained about anything. He loved his phone listening to his videos. He was a very smart and sweet boy and would do anything you asked him to do. He had an infectious laughter that was out of this world.

Tayvon is preceded in death by his grandmother, Louise Zeno Perine; great grandmother, Dorthy Mae Zeno, and PaPa John Lee Cole Sr. He is survived by his mother, Tameka Peterson; brother, Kegan Kardai Peterson; uncle, Marlow Zeno; and a host of cousins of other family and friends.

Funeral services are planned for 2 o’clock on February 24, 2024, at Johnson Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Leesville under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.

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Northwestern State University’s College of Business and Technology hosted a panel of banking professionals February 20 for a discussion with students on career options in the banking industry. Moderated by Louisiana Bankers Association CEO Ginger Laurent, panelists Carrie Hough of BOM Bank, Luke Brandon of Merchants and Farmers Bank and Trust, Kim Nevils of Bank of Winnfield, George Clancy with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, Shanna Banker of City Bank and Trust, and Billy Gray of Exchange Bank discussed their individual career paths and offered tips on networking, internships, and advancement in the banking industry.  Representatives from Concordia Bank, First Federal Bank of Louisiana, United Community Bank, and b1 Bank were also available to engage with students who brought resumes and could register to win a $1,000 scholarship from the Louisiana Bankers Association. Administrators say that the events encourage engagement between students and industry professionals and facilitate relationships with industry and employment opportunities. Information on NSU’s School of Business is available at https://www.nsula.edu/business/.  

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Perhaps you would like to know? Andrew J. Hodges began his enterprise with a little over 100,000 acres of cutover land in Vernon and our surrounding parishes. He was to participate in and encourage the reforestation of these hills. He and his bride, Nona Triggs Hodges, loved to scout around in the heart of the acreage (approximately 4,700 acres) that they ultimately kept for themselves. 1,500 acres within these was to become the boundary of the “Garden in the Forest.” An old stone quarry (a curious 60-acre abandoned quarry) supported their curiosity. Ancient Longleaf pines still stand where the boulders and vistas enjoy an astonishingly dramatic landscape. Here they built the formal gardens, Hodges Gardens. Old timers remember these gardens with their waterfalls, lookouts and unique plant collections. Upon their death, the gardens went to their family via an endowed foundation. This plan went forward covering the cost of running one of America’s truly great garden wonders. For forty years the public enjoyed Andrew and Nona’s great works with pride. After all, it was out in the middle of nowhere. The guest ledger held names from the Atlantic to the Pacific! It was loved and adored.

After the family was unable to continue the plan, Hodges Gardens became a Louisiana State Park, whose funding also dried up after yet another shorter but decent run. The garden, as it had been known, closed in 2017. Or did it?

The family’s non-profit foundation took over yet again, and the Board members and their families went to work with a very challenged lifeline. New directions were required to stay afloat, so to speak. A. J. Hodges’ grandson, “Andy,” has pine trees in his DNA. The new direction was to focus on the ecological plant associations of the Longleaf pine forest. Today, this forest is the largest privately managed Longleaf stand west of the Mississippi River. It is astonishing to behold. What’s more, it is actually helping to pay its way. The core gardens have not survived, but significant potential to realize something new is still possible. The most encouraging aspect of the gardens, and the original acres nearby, is the program to share the place once again with the public. That is to say, the new Louisiana Ecological Forestry Center is set up to support research groups, nature study groups, birders and butterfly folks, universities, and other educational classes, and so on. They have a new, refurbished lodge for overnight guests. I was even fantasizing about our Gallery 111 artists dropping in for a session. We would be most welcome. The dynamic, young land manager, Mr. Rodney McKay, welcomes guests and programs that foster appropriate uses. Indeed, a dozen programs are already underway thanks to his energy and commitment. A. J. Hodges’ granddaughter, Nona Dailey, met me there yesterday, and we will be working together with the land manager to imagine where the old core gardens might head. It’s all pretty exciting.

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James Turner is a local author, artist, builder, historian, and landscape architect.  His most recent novel, Wolf Rock Cave, takes place in the prehistoric forests in Vernon Parish.

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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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Funeral services for Ruby Lucille Jordan (Mom, Momma, Maw Maw Lou and Aunt Lucy) of Anacoco, Louisiana, were held on February 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville. Burial followed in the Sycamore Community Cemetery in Burkeville, Texas. Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Bobby Moore, Erik Carroll, Tyler Hilton, Phillip Smith, Eddie Wolfford, Preston French, John T. Miller, and Michael Miller.

Lucille was born March 29, 1939, to Isaac and Ruby Miller Richmond in Burkeville, Texas. She passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, in Anacoco, Louisiana.

Lucille married L. C. Jordan on July 19, 1957. They had four children: Rocky Jordan (Barbara), Patti Larney (Teddy), Melinda Turner (Calvin), and Tony Jordan. Lucille had nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her two sisters, Dortha Moore and Vickie Junique.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, L. C. Jordan; parents; sister, Rebecca Richmond; and newborn brother, Rodney Richmond.

Our Momma and Maw Maw loved her family and God and had a heart of gold. She loved her many trips to Branson.

The family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, food, and words of comfort. A special thanks to Chris and all the staff of St. Joseph Hospice in Alexandria, Louisiana.

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RUBY LUCILLE JORDAN
March 29, 1939 – February 15, 2024
Service: February 17, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 2 p.m.

TAYVON MARKEL PETERSON
July 21, 2009 – February 12, 2024
Service: February 24, 2024, at Johnson Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Leesville at 2 p.m.

JENNIFER M. LUKE
February 17, 1976 – February 18, 2024
Service: None planned

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Vernon Parish girls’ basketball teams began the road to the state championships last night. Leesville, the #15 seed in Division II non-select schools, took a 65-48 win at home over #18 Minden last night. They now visit #2 South Beauregard Monday night in the regional round.

In Division V non-select schools, #9 Simpson blasted #24 Starks 68-39 and now face a local rival in the regional round. The Lady Broncos will play Pitkin Monday night. The Lady Tigers took care of business with a 65-48 win over Zwolle.

Also in Division V non-select, #10 Hornbeck squared off against #23 Evans for the third time this season. Hornbeck came away with the win 44-35. They move into the regional round Monday and visit #7 Hathaway.

In Division IV non-select schools, #13 Pickering hosted #20 South Plaquemine last night and registered a 59-14 win. The Lady Red Devils play in the regional round Monday at #4 LaSalle.

The top ranked local teams with byes, #1 Hicks and #3 Anacoco from Division V non-select schools, both have home games Monday night. Hicks will host Phoenix, a 3-point winner over Calvin, while Anacoco waits for the winner of the Quitman-Florien matchup.

Rosepine, #1 from Division III non-select schools, will host the winner of North Webster and St. Helena C.C.A. Monday night in the regional round of the playoffs.

BOYS

Vernon Parish boys’ basketball teams await the playoff pairings that will be announced Monday, February 19. Most of the nine teams in the parish are in or on the bubble. Some teams are finished with the regular season while some are finishing their seasons tonight. Here are the most recent results:

Anacoco, Hornbeck, and Evans are finished and await playoff seedings. Hicks ended their season with six straight losses, falling to Singer 57-51 to end the regular season. Leesville was set to play Pleasant Hill tonight. They may or may not play the game due to the Leesville girls’ playoff game. Pickering posted a 39-33 road win over Menard to end the season with a record of 22-9 and are playoff bound. The Pitkin Tigers beat Weston 67-44 and tune up for the playoffs at Grand Lake tonight. Rosepine lost their last district game to Glenmora 71-67 and finish the season tonight hosting Winnfield. The Simpson Broncos beat Hackberry in their last game 64-49. They end the season tonight at 2A Glenmora.

Playoff pairings will be announced by the LHSAA on Monday. The first round of the playoffs begins February 22. The boys’ state tournament this year will be March 4-9 at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

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Danny Austin Kay, age 60, of New Llano, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond was set at $1,295.00. Kay remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Jeffrey Darnell Jahshawn Putman, age 27, of Pineville, was arrested on an Outstanding Bench Warrant for Dallas County, Texas. Putman remains in the Vernon Parish Jail awaiting extradition to Texas.

Karlee Anne Russell Johnson, age 19, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count Domestic Abuse Battery. Bond was set at $3,500.00. Johnson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Brooks Theodore Bridges, age 25, of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count Turning Movements and Required Signals, one count Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine), one count Operating a Vehicle while License Suspended. Bond was set at $5,470.00. Bridges posted bond and was released.

Jason Paul Harmon, age 45, of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count Failure to comply with Provisions of Supervised Release and two Outstanding Bench Warrants. Harmon must pay $663.50 in probation fines and fees or serve six months in the Vernon Parish Jail. Harmon remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Devin Royce Johnson, age 53, of Simpson, was arrested and charged with one count Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, one count of Simple Assault, and an Outstanding Bench Warrant from Alexandria, Louisiana. Bond was set at $3,124.00. Johnson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

James Jeffery Dickens, age 43, of Rosepine, was arrested and charged with one count Domestic Abuse Battery. Bond has not been set, and Dickens remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Kyle Coffman, age 38, of Leesville, was arrested on a Bench Warrant from Beauregard Parish. Coffman was transferred to Beauregard Parish.

Johnathan Edward McDuffie, age 40, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Firearm or Carrying of a Concealed Weapon by a Felon and one count of Signal Lamps and Signal Devices Required. Bond has not been set. McDuffie remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Cheyenne Littlebear, age 25, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count Violation of a Protective Order, one count Theft, and one count Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $11,500.00. Littlebear posted bond and was released.

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Funeral services for Ronald Clark, 56, of Leesville will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville with Bro. Jerry Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Leesville Memorial Cemetery.

Ronald was born on October 20, 1967, in Pineville, Louisiana, to his parents, Mose Clark and Eula Tyler Clark. He passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, in Leesville.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons: Michael Clark, Aiden Clark and Austin Clark; sisters: Barbara Ann Long, Virgil Jones, Lubertha D. Clark, and Agnes Clark; and brothers: Austin Tyler, Joe Richard Jones and Jerry Clark.

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GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville has secured a grant for $8,000.00 from the State Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism for a mural project to be installed on the end of Classroom Building “B” facing the Leesville Art Park. The funding comes from the “Percent for Art” program administered by CRT. A Call to Artists was issued in August of 2023, and artist Liz Cornett of Forest Hill, Louisiana, was chosen to execute the project.

Ms. Cornett is an experienced muralist, and she will be working with art students at West Leesville Elementary for the final design, with the theme “Louisiana Wildflowers and Creatures.” Her murals can be found in the downtown area of Alexandria, at private homes, and in other central Louisiana areas.

Senator Mike Reese commented, “I’m thankful for GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN always pursuing every opportunity to expose more students to the arts. This is a great partnership between the state, students, and local artists. I look forward to seeing the finished product.”

The artist will begin working with the art students this month, and the mural will be completed no later than May 15, 2024.

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