---

On April 27, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 171 at Entrance Road. This crash claimed the life of 74-year-old Hui Son
Lyons of New Llano.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2007 Nissan Versa, driven by Lyons, was westbound on Entrance Road and came to a stop at U.S. Highway 171. As the traffic light turned to green, Lyons entered the intersection attempting to cross the northbound lanes of travel to proceed southbound on U.S. Highway 171. For reasons still under investigation, a northbound 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 69-year-old Haskel Roshong of Logansport, failed to stop at the red light and struck the Versa.

Lyons, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Roshong and an additional passenger, who also were restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

In 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated 21 fatal crashes resulting in 23 fatalities.

---

The 7^th ranked Anacoco Lady Indians were the last Vernon Parish softball squad standing at the LHSAA state tournament.  They fell in the Division V semifinals Friday, April 26, 8-3 to #6 Stanley.  Following is a list of the non-select state title winners from the action in Sulphur:

Division I   #3 St. Amant 7-2 over #4 Ponchatoula

Division II   #2 Lutcher 9-4 over #1 North DeSoto

Division III   #1 Sterlington 1-0 over #2 Doyle

Division IV    #3 Montgomery 5-4 over #5 French Settlement

Division V    #1 Quitman 8-1 over #6 Stanley

BASEBALL

Three Vernon Parish baseball teams remain active in the Division V non-select bracket.  The top ranked Pitkin Tigers will host #9 Anacoco in the quarterfinals Tuesday, April 29 at 6 p.m.  In the regional round Pitkin slugged their way past #17 Simsboro in six innings, 10-0, while   Anacoco also rang up 10 runs in a 10-1 win over #8 Maurepas.  The Indians lost to the Tigers during the district 4-B season, 1-0 and 6-0.  The winner of that quarterfinal moves into the semis in Sulphur Tuesday, May 7 at 11 a.m. where they will face the winner between #5 Quitman and #4 Stanley.

The other side of the bracket in Division V contains the #3 Hicks Pirates.  They meet #6 Elizabeth Wednesday, May 1 at 3:30 p.m. on the Hicks diamond.  Hicks took both games from Elizabeth in district games, 5-0 and 2-1. The Hicks/Elizabeth winner meets the winner from #7 Lacassine and #2 Weston game Tuesday, May 7 at 2 p.m. in the state semis.

These two Division V games will open the state tournament at McMurray Park in Sulphur.  Both games are scheduled for Field #37 at the complex.  The state title game is on Field #40 at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10.   

---

Having the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame golf tournament in Central Louisiana is nothing new. It just hasn’t happened in six years.

In a couple of weeks, a couple dozen sports stars will come from around the Bayou State and beyond for a festive evening event and a scramble golf tournament the following day.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Spring Celebrity Golf Classic is Tuesday, May 14 at Oakwing Golf Club in Alexandria. There’s a Pairings Party at Oakwing on Monday evening, May 13. To participate, visit LaSportsHall.com to register using a credit card.

It’s been since 2018 that Oakwing has been the host for the LSHOF golf event. Then, it was held as part of the annual June induction weekend. Since, the LSHOF Foundation, led by Menard High graduate and former LSU baseball pitcher Ronnie Rantz, has staged separate Golf Classic events in the fall and spring.

The Spring Golf Classic is more than just 18 holes of great fun on a course in peak condition.

The event has been staged over the past few years at the University Club in Baton Rouge, at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, and at Squire Creek outside of Ruston.

The Monday evening, May 13 Pairings Party runs from 6-9 p.m. inside, and outside, at the Oakwing clubhouse. It includes experiences and sports and music memorabilia available in a silent auction, with a festive and casual vibe with a DJ, food stations, an open bar for beer, wine and soft drinks, with a cash bar for call drinks.

All golfers will get two tickets to the party, and those who are not playing can also take part in Monday evening’s festivities by purchasing tickets online.

Oakwing’s 128-yard No. 10 par-3, cozied up to the back patio, will host Closest to the Hole and Hole in One contests for $10,000. A $25,000 Putting Contest will begin and culminate the following afternoon.

On May 14th, golfers go off in a shotgun start at 10 a.m., with registration opening at 8:30 when breakfast is available and the range opens. Also, the golf contests ramp back up.

The golf scramble format: Three-man teams paired with a celebrity or four golfers with no celebrity. This is a fundraiser for the LSHOF Foundation’s efforts hosting the annual induction festivities as well as improving the amazing museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches, so there is a cost: $1,200 per team, or individuals can get in the game at $350 per player. Each foursome gets eight tickets to the Pairings Party; individual entries receive two Pairings Party tickets.

Tee sponsorships are available.

What’s for dinner Monday night? Says Rantz, who knows good food when he sees it: “We’ll have typical Cajun Monday night dishes – red beans, rice and sausage; fried catfish; chicken drumettes, Natchitoches meat pies.

“On Tuesday, out on the course will be eight food stations, four on each side, along with complimentary beer, water, sports drinks and soft drinks. The food vendors will be some of Cenla’s best and others traveling from Baton Rouge and Natchitoches and Cajun country,” he says.

For those who are not internet savvy, call the Hall of Fame Foundation office at 318-238-4255 for info.

---

Merchants & Farmers Bank is excited to collaborate with Marvel Comics® and Visa® to promote Financial Literacy and make it a core value in our community. Adults gaining knowledge on financial literacy can help save their children from making the same financial mistakes.

Visa’s® free financial education program, Practical Money Skills, helps people improve their money management skills and is an interactive guide to budgeting, saving, financial calculators, games, lesson plans, resources, and more money topics to set children on a path to financial fitness. It is designed for teachers, parents, students, and consumers of all ages to help improve their personal finance. Learning about money is fun! Visit the Practical Money Skills website and find everything you need to master the essentials of personal money management, https://merchantsandfarmers.practicalmoneyskills.com/en

Financial Football is a fast-paced interactive video game created by Visa® and the NFL®. Children of all ages learn key concepts about saving and spending, budgeting, and the wise use of credit in preparation for gameplay. Ready to get your game on? Run, pass, and score your way to financial success today!  Test your money skills and give your brain a workout with these fun and educational games, https://merchantsandfarmers.financialfootball.com/

The custom edition Comic Books—Black Panther, Avengers, and Guardians of the Galaxy, were created by Marvel Comics® and Visa® and include financial literacy exercises. The comics combine Marvel’s iconic superheroes with Visa’s financial literacy expertise to introduce young readers to fundamental money management concepts in an entertaining and engaging way, which teach young people about personal finance. Check out digital versions of the comics below:

Avengers, https://read.marvel.com/#/labelbook/35624

Black Panther, https://read.marvel.com/#/labelbook/64461

Guardians of the Galaxy, https://read.marvel.com/#/labelbook/41238

The financial literacy information is now available under the “Resources” tab on the bank’s website, https://www.merchantsandfarmers.com/ which will make it easy for families to teach their children how to save and the importance of being financially stable at an early age. Merchants & Farmers Bank will also be offering comic books at all locations, while supplies last, so stop by and pick up one today!

 

---

Vernon Parish boasts a legendary list of things to do. That’s why we’re known as Louisiana’s Legend Country! You can stroll down Main Street and take in art, antiques, and boutique shopping, or find historic locations. With our amazing outdoor adventures and Fort Johnson as a proud part of our local offerings, you’ll find so much to do, you’ll want to explore the entire area and invite friends and family along for the journey! We’ve got you covered this May on your Vernon Parish explorations!

Don’t Miss Mayfest This Weekend!!
Mayfest is Friday, May 3rd to Saturday, May 4th! Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the courthouse lawn in Leesville for two free days of family fun offering live music, vendors, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more. Don’t miss ClayFest at Gallery One Ellleven as well! MayFest, winner of the Louey Award for Festival of the Year, is an annual, FREE event with live music, food and fun held in historic downtown Leesville on the first weekend in May. Vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states offer homemade items and food made from scratch. Checkout the music lineup and more: https://vernonparish.org/MayFest/

Touch History!
Wolf Rock is located in the Vernon Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest. Archaeological evidence shows that primitive peoples once used the cave as a habitation. Access to the area is very primitive, so visitors should dress appropriately for walking in the forest. For more information visit: https://vernonparish.org/?outdoors=wolf-rock-kisatchie-national-forest-vernon-unit

The Grave Houses at Talbert-Pierson Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the home to 13 wooden grave houses. Legend has it that these structures began as a way of protecting the grave before cemeteries were commonly fenced. Trees were cut from the nearby woods and then carved into uniquely designed pickets, which were then constructed into sheds complete with metal roofs. The tradition is still carried on today. For more information visit: https://vernonparish.org/things-do/talbert-pierson-cemetery/

And Touch A Truck!
Touch A Truck is coming up on May 18th from 9am-2pm! Bring the kiddos out for hands-on-fun at Touch a Truck, brought to you by the Junior League of Leesville. Touch A Truck provides the unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types, including public service, utility, construction, landscaping, military, and delivery-all in one place!  https://vernonparish.org/event/touch-a-truck/

Experience all of Louisiana’s Legend Country!
Invite family and friends to enjoy, explore and experience Vernon Parish, Louisiana’s Legend Country, this May. Find out more at LegendCountry.com. 

---

The Vernon Parish School Board has released the dates and times for high school graduation ceremonies.   Congratulations to all graduating seniors.

ANACOCO     Graduation is Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m.

EVANS           Graduation is Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m.

HICKS            Graduation is Monday, May 6 at  7 p.m.

HORNBECK   Graduation is Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m.

LEESVILLE     Graduation is Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m.

PICKERING   Graduation is Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.

PITKIN         Graduation is Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

ROSEPINE    Graduation is Monday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.

SIMPSON    Graduation is Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.

---

The Junior League of Leesville invites you to mark your calendar for its Second Annual Touch A Truck event, Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in downtown Leesville.

Bring the kids and let them get up close and personal with trucks of all sizes and uses.  Military vehicles, emergency first responder units, construction equipment, fire trucks, big rigs, tow trucks, and more.  Kids are welcome to explore them, ask questions, and pretend they are old enough to drive them!

The day will include a “Quiet Hour” from 11 a.m. – noon where adults can visit craft vendors and artisans, choose food and beverage options, and let kids participate in organized activities.  Your kids will talk about it for days!

Touch A Truck is organized by the Junior League of Leesville.  The event is free and open to the public.

---

Story submitted by Grant Bush, proud Texas Aggie

Hansen Evans Scobee was born September 17, 1926, in Leesville to Henry Rice Scobee and Leonora Hansen Scobee. He graduated from Leesville High School then went on to Texas A&M University in mechanical engineering. He was in the armed forces and served a tour of duty in the Pacific. He moved to Baton Rouge in 1948 and was employed by Ethyl Corp. Later, he was the head of a construction company and involved in several businesses. In 1962, he became president of Electrical Wholesalers, Inc. He married Dotty Voorhies in 1950. Hansen Evans Scobee died in February 2012 in Baton Rouge. His twin brother, Henry Rice Scobee Jr., went to Leesville High School and served in the Korean Conflict. Henry moved to Lake Charles and died in 2016.

Hansen Evans Scobee was the only man present from Louisiana and Leesville at famous 1945 Corregidor Philippines Muster in 1946 at the mouth of the Malinta Tunnel.

The most well-known Aggie Muster took place during World War II in 1942 on the Philippine Island of Corregidor. At this time, Corregidor was the last American stronghold against the Japanese forces in the Philippines, and Japanese artillery and warplanes were constantly attacking. The American artillery commander on Corregidor was Brigadier General George F. Moore, a 1908 graduate of Texas A&M. With the help of Major Tom Dooley, class of 1935, Moore gathered the names of 25 other Aggies under his command. Despite the fierce fighting, as the Japanese laid siege to the island on April 21, 1942, Moore held a roll call—known as muster in army terms—calling the names of each of the Aggies under his command.

Muster again on the island of Corregidor, on “the Rock” where Aggies did the same in 1942 right through the Japanese Siege. Bunkered inside the Malinta Tunnel, most of those men of 1942 died or were taken prisoner when Corregidor fell to the Japanese Only 12 of the 25 survived the battle and the POW camps to which the survivors were sent. Dooley told a United Press correspondent about the gathering, and the reporter sent an article back to the USA about the 25 Aggies who had “Mustered”. The story captured the imagination of the country and “helped boost American spirits at a time a lift was badly needed.” Lt. Col. (Ret.) William A. Hamilton, Jr., Class of 1940, recognized as the last living survivor of the “Muster on the Rock”, died on January 4, 2018, at age 99. In April 1945, just eight weeks after Corregidor had been recaptured by the Allies, three Aggies conducted a Muster “on the Rock”. They wrote letters home to McQuillen to let him know about their impromptu Muster. A year later, on April 21, 1946, an even larger Muster occurred on Corregidor. With the war now over, A&M held a special Victory Homecoming Muster on Easter morning in 1946. Over 15 thousand Aggies gathered at Kyle Field to listen to a speech by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Lt. Col. Tom Dooley also presented the “Muster Tradition” and conducted a WWII Roll Call. To represent the 900 alumni who died in World War II, the names of the four deceased WWII Aggie Medal of Honor recipients were called. Association of Former Students Executive Secretary E. E. McQuillen, Class of 1920, credited with refocusing San Jacinto Day as a remembrance for fallen Aggies. He changed the April 21, 1943, celebration to be the first known as an Aggie Muster and sent packets to each A&M club, Aggie Moms club, and to US military bases around the world with a detailed program of events for April 21. It included greetings from the A&M President and the Muster Poem. The response was overwhelming, with 10,000 alumni worldwide mustering in 500 locations. The following year, McQuillen added a list of recently deceased Aggies to the packets, asking each local group to choose names from the list and call them aloud during their ceremony, and “as each name is called a comrade will answer ‘Here’.”

Muster became a student organization in 1950, and students now coordinate all aspects of the campus Muster in College Station, Texas. Thanks to April Salazar of Fort Johnson, there has been a Muster each year at Wagon Master Steak House in Leesville, Louisiana.

---

This weekend’s Mayfest in downtown Leesville has Mayfest Mac drooling, literally!  The food selection at this year’s event may be the most diverse and finger-licking-good selection ever!

Lots of food and craft vendors will be on site when the music begins at 4 p.m. on Friday. Saturday they will be there early and late!  Saturday begins early with the Leesville Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast.  Cooked, served, and available for dining on site or to go! The Lions cook good pancakes for a great cause!  Pancakes are served from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.  Tickets are $10.

For convenience, festival food should be portable as you stroll around and visit; however,  there is space to sit and dine downtown.  Just come hungry!

Mayfest Mac knows turkey legs are big at festivals, and they got ‘em at Mayfest!  If you like food on a stick, how about alligator or chicken on a stick?  Mac likes those giant corn dogs!  You can go international with Jamaican jerk pork or curry chicken.  Jamaican jerk chicken quesadillas sound very interesting.  Try some slow-braised beef birria tacos or a Louisiana meat pie.  Stroll the food alley for grilled burgers, fresh egg rolls, hot dogs, smoked brisket, rib plates, chicken wings, and boudin!    Mac says YES to a dressed fried chicken sandwich with loaded French fries or nachos.  Keep your sweet tooth happy with churros, funnel cakes, fried festival dough, ice cream, and shaved ice treats. 

Mayfest Mac likes a cup of plain shaved ice from Pat, the ice cream guy, with a soda pop poured over it…. lasts for an hour!

There may be a few more vendors with food surprises that make it at the last minute. There will absolutely positively be something for everyone at Mayfest 2024.

P.S. Local law enforcement cautions you not to feed Mayfest Mac.  He might follow you home!

---

Robert Burke Richardson was born July 12, 1942, in Pueblo, Colorado, to May and Hallie Richardson. Burke went home to the Lord and the loving arms of his wife, Lorraine, on April 28, 2024.

Burke was married to Lorraine for 60 years. He was a loving father to two children, Robert Richardson and Angela Ringersma. He was also a loving grandfather to two grandchildren, Hailey Taylor and Kelly Kealaula.

Burke grew up in Leesville, Louisiana and graduated from Leesville High School in 1959. He was never much for formal learning. He would always share that when his father drove him to college he managed to make it back to Leesville before his father. He then enlisted into the Marine Corps earning the rank of Corporal. Burke was extremely proud of his service to his country and even managed to make Marine Corps history with his battery and lifelong friend Ski by firing the first Howtar artillery round. He was also a firm believer in “once a Marine, always a Marine.” After the Marine Corps, he took a position locally at the bus station until he went to the post office, where he served his community for 33 years. Retiring as postmaster in 1997 he enjoyed all the benefits of living in Louisiana, food, hunting, family, and church.

Burke was a family man through and through, his main passions in life were his wife, Lorriane, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and taking care of his land. He would say that before he met Lorraine, he thought he was happy, but he never knew true happiness until he got to love her. The love that they shared was a great one and the truest form. One was always right behind the other. They were each other’s entire existence. From that love they got their wonderful children Robert and Angela. While Robert and Angela were growing up, he enjoyed hunting with Robert and fishing and always said that those memories were some of his fondest. Angela was always the bookworm, and he was so proud of all her accomplishments, they would study together as their own way of spending time together, along with some fishing and hunting as well. Burke’s second true love was his granddaughter. He was a very rough and tough man until she came along and turned him to mush. He very much enjoyed any time spent with his grandchildren. He loved to teach them about taking care of the property and showing them how to garden. He was extremely proud of his family and loved them all dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, May and Hallie Richardson, and his wife, Lorraine Richardson.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela Ringersma; son, Robert Richardson (Tammy Richardson); granddaughters: Hailey Taylor (Scott Taylor), and Kelly Kealaula (Buddy Gibson); great grandchildren:  Caleb, Carsyn, and Cadyn; and sister, Catherine Hudson (Frank Hudson); niece, Laurie (Joe); and nephew, Michael (Beth), and Dan Ringersma.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Leesville Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

---

Born to loving parents on February 15, 1950, in Suwon, South Korea, Hui-Son Lyons was an outstanding cook and worked in the culinary field over the years alongside the military base there in the city. In March 1979, she met her future husband, Richard, and in 1980, she and Richard were united in marriage at the U.S Embassy.

In January 1981, Hui-Son made the commitment to journey with him to the United States by way of her new home in Fort Polk and Leesville, Louisiana. Shortly thereafter, they were able to proclaim her devotion in their official marriage ceremony at the place she enjoyed being in the most.

To this union four years later a son was born and was named Peter which meant “Rock”—Steadfast and unmovable like she was in her steady dedication to Jesus Christ.

Hui-Son loved Jesus very much and served as a deacon in the Korean Assembly of God Church, and also the Leesville Korean United Methodist Church for many years. It was there where her spiritual statement was made, and her life’s mission was completed.

She truly loved everyone around her, and her simple acts of kindness never went unnoticed through all the contributions made in the church and all around the Leesville-DeRidder community for decades.

She had an angelic voice and loved to sing praise songs. She always found herself using that everlasting passion for singing as a member in the church choirs. Her voice was strong and powerful, and she remained a faithful member of the church until Jesus finally called her home. Heaven has certainly gained a true angel.

---

From May 2-4, Downtown Alexandria will turn into a vibrant festival playground with
Alex River Fête. Enjoy three days of music, featuring an eclectic mix of big-name and
emerging artists across multiple stages.

Dinner on the Bricks: Start the festivities from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on May 2 with a feast
of local flavors on Third Street, where dining meets community spirit.

Que’in on the Red: Experience fierce competition in our barbecue battle, sanctioned by
the Barbecue Competitors Alliance, featuring categories like chicken, pork spare ribs,
and beef brisket.

Art Fête: Explore a world of creativity with stunning artworks in various mediums,
perfect for art enthusiasts looking to add to their collections or just to browse and enjoy.
IndieFête: Celebrate the spirit of local, independent creativity at IndieFête, offering a
unique blend of crafts, art and performances.

Food and Refreshment: Indulge in a variety of delicious offerings at Food Truck Alley
and unwind in the Beer Garden for those over 21.

Luminary Procession (May 3, 8pm): The Alexandria Museum of Art’s Luminary
Procession is a dazzling parade of hand crafted, life sized art pieces made by local
artists and community members!

Join us for a weekend of joy, culture, and community spirit. Alex River Fête is more than
just a festival—it’s a vibrant showcase of what makes Alexandria unique. For more
details, visit alexriverfete.com. Come hungry, leave inspired, and make lasting
memories!

---

ROBERT BURKE RICHARDSON
July 12, 1942 – April 28, 2024
Service: May 4, 2024, at Leesville Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

HUI-SON LYONS
February 15, 1950 – April 27, 2024
Service: None noted

---