The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a suite of new resources today to help Louisianans stay safe during the hot summer months. These resources include an expanded public-facing heat-related illness dashboard and a collection of new heat-related health guidance documents.

Heat-related illness, also known as HRI or hyperthermia, happens when the body is unable to maintain a normal body temperature, resulting in heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.

The summer of 2023 marked the hottest on record for Louisiana, with the statewide maximum temperature exceeding 95°F on 56 days. This resulted in an unprecedented number of heat-related emergency department (ED) visits and fatalities. LDH tracked 88 heat-related deaths and 6,142 emergency department (ED) visits for heat-related illness in 2023.

The dashboard offers Louisianans a comprehensive view of ED visits for HRI across the state. Updated weekly, the dashboard provides detailed breakdowns by day, parish, LDH region, age, sex and race. It also allows users to explore potential connections between daily HRI counts and statewide maximum temperatures. This data is captured through a syndromic surveillance system that automatically identifies heat-related ED visits based on diagnoses and mentions of heat exposure in patient records.

Enhancements for the 2024 version of the dashboard include:

• Adding temperature (daily max) to the display of ED visits by date
• A visualization for ED visits by time of day 
• Interactive data visualizations for ED visits by demographic stratifications
• Additional technical information (e.g., case definitions)

New guidance documents include:

• What Employers Can Do to Protect Workers from Heat: Focuses on training, work schedules, monitoring and acclimatization
• What Workers Need to Know: Focuses on prevention, risk factors, implementing a buddy system and knowing how to call for help
• Water, Rest and Shade: Focuses on proper hydration, rest breaks and examples of different shading strategies
• Working in the Heat: Educates workers about symptoms and treatments for heat-related illness
• Employer’s Daily Checklist: Focuses on reinforcing trainings and safe work practices

LDH first began tracking ED visits for HRI in 2023, and the Department recently released a report summarizing those findings. Key findings from the report include:

• More than 6,100 ED visits were recorded for heat-related issues during the seven-month monitoring period.
• Males made up 76% of the visits. For ages 20 to 59, 8 out of 10 visits were male patients. 
• Black Louisianans exhibited a higher rate of heat-related ED visits compared to their white counterparts.
• Nearly a quarter of all ED visits involved workers, with men disproportionately affected. This aligns with the prevalence of male-dominated outdoor occupations, which put workers at higher risk for heat exposure.
• Pre-existing health conditions played a role in many heat illness cases. Patients with conditions like substance use, hypertensive and other cardiovascular disease, mental and behavioral disorders, diabetes and respiratory problems were more susceptible.
• While urban areas recorded the highest number of visits, rural areas exhibited higher rates of heat-related ED visits.

LDH leveraged last year’s findings to improve the dashboard and to shape its public health preventive measures and practices. This includes new initiatives aimed at educating Louisiana workers, employers and community members on how to prevent heat-related illness.

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A collection of paintings and drawings by Natchitoches artist Brother Michael David Elvestrom will be on exhibit at Northwestern State University’s Orville Hanchey Gallery through mid-July.  The well-known Natchitoches artist will be honored with a reception at the gallery from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 28.  The public is invited, and guests are encouraged to attend in costume.  

The exhibit is taking place in advance of Brother Michael David’s departure from Natchitoches after having been a fixture of the town’s art and culture scene for decades.  Recognizable by his monastic attire, straw hat and theatrical personality, Brother Michael David has impacted the Natchitoches community, NSU, and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts as an artist, designer, teacher, musician and local character. Later this summer, he will move to a residence in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he plans to continue an active studio and social life.

The show includes work from the 1990s to contemporary pieces completed in the last year in oils, watercolor and acrylics.  Brother Michael David titled the show “Embarrassment de Riches.” An embarrassment of riches. 

“The art of creation overwhelms me,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful discovery for me, to go back,” he continued.  “These recent ones, I did 28 paintings in one week, because they are fun for me. This is the most fun I’ve ever had doing artwork, discovering color and being free from the strictness of the academic art world.

“Isn’t it amazing how it just goes on and on.  The big canvases, I painted right over the other ones…and summoned the colors coming from underneath and the whole thing opened up, so as art, they have perfect essence of the abstract.  It was a wonderful discovery.”

Brother Michael David, who identifies as a Franciscan Friar in the Catholic Church, was born in Portland, Oregon, and brought up on a farm with animals and gardens. He won honors with 4-H as a youngster and was the state representative to Chicago in 1963.  Later, he entered a cloistered New York monastery for nine months but left to attend graduate school at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in printmaking.  He taught art, music and theatre for 40 years at NSU and LSMSA and was awarded several fellowships to teach outside the United States.  His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and is included in the collections of many individuals in Natchitoches and elsewhere.

Brother Michael David has been active in the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society and other local organizations, often seen at Trinity Episcopal Church, the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and strolling through the Historic District.  Over the years he lent his design talents to several large social and holiday events, balls and historic tours. He was king of the Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras festivities in 2004 and was featured in a 2015 documentary film, “Sacred as Folk.”

In his musical life, Brother Michael David studied and performed solo and in ensembles on flute, organ, harp and as a vocalist, once giving a recital in five languages.

“I’ve done so many things. I have all my degrees.  I have sung opera.  I was in ‘Cosi Fan Tutte.’ I have sung with Dr. Jack Wann in the theatre.  I sung a solo in ‘The Messiah.’  I played in a string quartet for four years, I played harp with Shirley Jennings….”

“My works are constantly in flux and adventurous,” he said. “This whole show for me, ghosts have appeared constantly.  People think I’m doing little tight, classical drawings.  It’s going to be a nice eye-opener for people. I worked for year [on this show].”

Now facing health issues, Brother Michael David has spent recent days boxing his art and belongings in anticipation of vacating Our Lady of the Lake Hermitage, his long-time Washington Street residence, and looking forward to a new chapter.  His humor and enthusiasm remain intact.

“I’m bringing to Texas some of my outrageous candelabra from Mardi Gras.  They have a krewe out there.”

Friday’s reception is free and open to the public.

Orville Hanchey Gallery is located in NSU’s Creative and Performing Arts Complex on Central Avenue.  Regular hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon on Fridays. 

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Margie Spears McHan, formally of Hornbeck, Louisiana, and Shreveport, Louisiana, born January 6, 1940, went home to be with the Lord on June 17, 2024, in Bent, New Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her only daughter, Dolly Arnold, and husband, Joe Aragon, of Bent, New Mexico; her only grandson, Daniel Holman, and wife, Crystina Holman of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and her great-granddaughters Emma and Abbygail Holman; and her sister by choice, Constance Spears.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on June 26, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville. Burial will follow at Prewitt’s Chapel Cemetery in Hornbeck.

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The Village of Simpson will host its first ever Red, White, and Blue Festival Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Free parking is available at the Simpson High School parking lot.

The festival is free and open to the public.  There will be craft vendors, food trucks, music, slides, bounce houses, a dunking booth, games, and arts and crafts for kids.  Don’t miss the foam party!  Adults are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

The festival committee is inviting all owners of classic cars and hot rods to enter the parade at noon. Line-up is 11 a.m. for the parade at Simpson Baptist Church.  There is no cost to enter and ride.

Music in the pavilion area at Simpson High School will begin in the afternoon with James Bonner, and The Old Man Band.  Big Daddy’s Entertainment will provide a DJ and music.

For more information on the festival, go to the Facebook page for the Simpson Community Events Center.

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Luis David Cardenas, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2024. He was born on June 26, 1946, in Banes Cuba, to Rosa Salgado and Luis Torres Cardenas. At the tender age of 7, he embarked on a journey with his parents to Manhattan, New York. After immigrating to the United States from Cuba, Luis initially only spoke Spanish. However, through determination and hard work, he became fluent in English and excelled academically, a testament to his resilience and dedication.

The funeral was held at First Baptist Church of Hornbeck in Hornbeck, Louisiana., on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Prewitt’s Chapel Cemetery in Hornbeck, Louisiana.

Luis graduated from George Washington High School and went on to attend college at New York University (NYU) in New York City. While pursuing his studies in Dental School at NYU, Luis was drafted into the United States Army and bravely served in Vietnam in the Dental Corps.

After serving his country, Luis received orders to Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Luis was honorably discharged from the Army after his service. He built a home in Hornbeck where he raised his two daughters Melinda and Amanda.

Luis was the proud owner of Cardenas Dental Lab and co-owner of West Louisiana Dental Center, where he worked for over 40 years, providing exceptional dental services to his community.

In June of 1984, Luis married Roseanna Bridges Cardenas. They raised four children together, cherishing every moment of their journey as a family. Sadly, Rosie passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

In August 2016, Luis was fortunate to find love again and married Debbie Withers Cardenas. With this union, Luis’s family expanded, welcoming three more sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Luis embraced this new chapter with joy and gratitude.

Luis was passionate about fishing and hunting with his grandson, Keegan, being outside on his tractor, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Left to cherish the memories of Luis are his wife, Debbie Withers Cardenas; children: Larry (Mandy) Hair of Ball, Louisiana; Sherry (Tim) Bailey of Argyle, Texas; Melinda (Tommy) Spears of Johnson City, Tennessee; Amanda (Randy) Ziegler of Nashville, Tennessee; Aaron (Morgan) Withers of Florien, Louisiana; Lee (Annetra) Gordon of Florien, Louisiana; and Brett Parady of Florien, Louisiana. Luis embraced his role as stepfather with love and devotion, nurturing these relationships as he did with his own children.

Luis was a loving Pawpaw to Laykin (Bradley) Rush, Kallee Owens, Jordan Hair, Aletha Bailey, Keegan (Mary) Arthur, Cody Gordon, Cayde Gordon, Blayne Withers, Averi Withers, MaKayla Gordon, Savannah Withers, Conley Parady, Brennan Gordon, and Kennedy Parady. Luis was anticipating the birth of another grandchild, expected in July. He is survived by one great grandson, Pierce Matthew Arthur, whom he had the pleasure of loving.

Luis is preceded in death by his parents Rosa and Luis Torres Cardenas and first wife, Rosie Cardenas.

Pallbearers were Dr. Greg Lord, Vernon Clark, Chuck Dowden, Jacob Arthur, Keegan Arthur and Tim Bailey.

Honorary Pallbearers were Larry Hair, Randy Ziegler, Tommy Spears, Lee Gordon, Aaron Withers and Brett Parady.

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MARGIE SPEARS McHAN
January 6, 1940 – June 17, 2024
Service: June 26, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 10:30 a.m.

LUIS DAVID CARDENAS
June 26, 1946 – June 20, 2024
Service: June 24, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Hornbeck, Louisiana, at 2:00 p.m.

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The state of Louisiana received $176 million in federal broadband funding from the American Rescue Plant Act (ARPA), signed into law in March 2021.  During November of 2022, the state Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity gave $132 million in grants to internet service providers to expand their fiber optic lines to 65,000 unserved or underserved locations.

This GUMBO (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities) program has finished 22% of the projects funded.  The remaining ones will be finished by June 2025.   The Louisiana roll-out of the ARPA funds has gone very well compared to the Federal Communication Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).  Since 2019, only 10% of those projects in Louisiana are finished.  Nearly 30% of those grants were defaulted when bidders could not meet their commitments.

In November of 2024, Louisiana was one of three states to receive their allocation of funds because they had a state office to facilitate matters.  The Broadband Equity Access Deployment (BEAD) funds will be issued in August under the GUMBO 2.0 brand.  These funds will be used to fill all the holes in the system.   

Bill Lohman, Technical Director of the Vernon Parish School Board, and Logan Morris with the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce have spearheaded efforts in Vernon Parish.  The School Board project involves both GUMBO and RDOF grant recipients and is the backbone of the initiative in Vernon Parish.  That project, according to Lohman, will be live next week and ready for the 2024-2025 school year.  Lohman commended the Vernon Parish Police Jury for its financial contributions, which will help fill in the gaps for our parish.

The National Digital Alliance tracks a Digital Equity Index, and Louisiana ranks 6^th in the nation for how well state and local governments are addressing digital inequity.  Currently 85% of Vernon Parish has access to broadband connectivity.

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The First Baptist Church of Anacoco will hold the largest freedom music fest in West Central Louisiana Sunday, June 30, beginning at 5 p.m. on the church grounds.

This will mark the third year for the Faith & Family Freedom Music Fest.  Last year it attracted almost three thousand attendees.  Organizers are hoping for five thousand this year.

The festival will feature some outstanding family and Christian artists.  Chosen Road was recently named Newcomer of the Year at the Dove Awards.  Point of Grace is a well-known female trio. The Jason Lovins Band will get the crowd moving with their high energy show. The evening headliner is Mac Powell, lead singer for long-time group, Third Day.  Music will begin at 5 p.m., and this event is free to attend and family friendly.

The grounds for the festival are behind the First Baptist Church but parking will be at the elementary and high schools, with golf carts shuttling festivalgoers to the event site.  You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.  Ice chests are allowed, but alcohol is strictly prohibited.

The event will feature food trucks, snow cones, and more.  Food and beverage vendors include: Chris Jennings/Italian ice and lemonade, Gringo Biscuit, Kai’s Island Grill, Smackers, The Lunch Box, Big Meaux’s BBQ, D’alish, Kona Ice, Get 2 Crackin, The Hot Dog Man, Savage Spork, and Tasty Treats on the Bend.

Following the music, organizers are planning a massive fireworks display.  They expect it will be the biggest in the area.

Make it a different kind of Sunday with your family at the Faith & Family Freedom Music Fest, June 30, 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Anacoco.

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Area rock band Gypsy Lablue will join four other Louisiana bands in Baton Rouge June 21 for the Eagle 98.1-FM, Rock Star Search: Battle of Louisiana Bands.  The contest takes place at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge with the winning band set to open the concert with Kenny Wayne Shepherd on July 13 at the Baton Rouge Riverfront Center.

Gypsy Lablue played the Leesville Mayfest this year on Friday, May 3.  The band has been together since 2006 and reformed in 2022 with a new look and sound.  Original members of the band are Kenny Jones on lead and rhythm guitars, Jessica Jones Vox on vocals, and Mike Holt on drums.  In the past year the band has added John Keith on bass and Jason Martinez on lead and rhythm guitars.  The band has one full length CD, Hearts on Fire, and is currently working on a new release. Through the years, Gypsy Lablue has supported acts like Dr. Hook, Irma Thomas, Tab Benoit, Sammy Kershaw, the late Jo El Sonnier, and Confederate Railroad.

The band will be up against formidable competition as they battle The Leif Meche Band from Lafayette, Zizzi of New Iberia, Petty Betty from Baton Rouge, and Tommy G and the Stormy Weather Band of Morgan City.  Gypsy Lablue invites all their fans and friends to join them in Baton Rouge June 21 for the contest.

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New Llano – Fireworks in the Park will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, at the New Llano Community Park on Stanton Street.  Bring your own fireworks to shoot from 6-9 p.m.  Main fireworks show is at 9 p.m.  Bring chairs and blankets, enjoy food trucks, snow cones, free watermelon, music and fun.  Free and open to the public.

DeRidder – Thursday, July 4: Big gathering at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds from 7-9 p.m.  Free and open to all.  Food trucks will start serving meals at 5 p.m.  Enjoy music and a kids’ game area.  Big fireworks at 9 p.m.  Bring lawn chairs.

Ft.Johnson/MWR – Saturday, July 6, at Alligator Lake: Independence Day Spectacular.  Gates open at 5 p.m.  Enjoy live music, a magic show, food/drink, and recreational activities.  There will even be a movie night. Big fireworks show will end the evening.

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Yesterday, June 20, was the longest day of the year for sunshine, the summer solstice.  A good time to sit on the back porch overlooking the west and milk the last seconds of sunlight from the sky!  It was smooth and relaxing.

The Vernon Parish Journal staff was talking about smoothies when watching the sun go down, and how popular they are all over.  Remember, a frozen daiquiri is just an adult smoothie, right?

A smoothie is created by pureeing ingredients in a blender and spinning away.  You can start with fruit juice or milk and whatever else makes your taste buds happy.  Milk today can mean oat, almond, soy, or whatever dairy substitute you can handle.  I am kinda’ old-fashioned here; I like real moo-cow milk!  Health food stores on the West Coast started making them when the electric blender was invented.  The guru behind the Smoothie King chain started in the 60’s with Jamba Juice stores.  That has morphed into a big business with stores near every American college campus and then some.  Ft. Johnson has a Smoothie King!

A smoothie can be nutritional or just plain fun, or both!  That is your choice.  The editor of the VPJ is a smoothie queen.  It seems to work for her breakfast, given the fact she drives thirty minutes to work in the morning.  It also fits the decorum of the office she works in.  She is an almond milk/sweetener/ice/fruit gal.  I tried to expand her horizons with a note to Santa about a pack of ready-to-blend smoothies from the Pacific Northwest for Christmas last year.  In the pack were six totally different blends of fruits, seeds, nuts, and healthy stuff–just mix with OJ or your favorite milk/substitute.  We kept them frozen, and with very little fuss and a whirr in the Ninja, we created healthy smoothie bliss.  SHE LIKED THEM!!

In other cultures, you will find “smoothie-like” drinks.  Lassi from India is crushed ice, yogurt, sugar and mango. In the middle east and Mediterranean, a fruit sharbat is yogurt with honey and fruit.  If it makes you feel healthy, it’s good for you, right?  Smoothies are a great way to wean yourself off unhealthy foods and start eating better.  The Weight Watchers program has advocated that for years.

I like my smoothies rich, thick, and not so good for you; think milkshakes.  I will occasionally have one that is “good for you”.  Smoothies and summertime do seem to go hand in hand. They are cool, refreshing, and portable.

If you missed the longest day of the year, you have to settle for tonight: a little less daylight on the back porch and an ice-cold smoothie to make Friday go down easy.  Happy Weekend!  Tell your neighbor to come over and have one with you soon!

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Louisiana Music Hall of Fame free entertainment. Some of the greatest sports stars Louisiana has ever produced. Beautiful fireworks, with a sports music bed.

It’s free, this evening, on the Natchitoches riverbank stage, in a cornerstone event of the 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.

The Rockin’ River Fest Concert, presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center, runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. You are invited to join the party. At no charge!

At 9:15, members of the LSHOF Class of 2024 will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake. Then music resumes for another hour.

There will be food and beverage vendors on the riverfront. Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.

It’s family friendly. A free interactive kid’s zone presented by Louisiana Propane Dealers under the Church Street Bridge will include basketball, football, golf, and science games for all ages to enjoy.

Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs have been a staple of the concert since it began in 2018, but now as Louisiana Music Hall of Fame members, the popular group gets to headline the musical card. The Moondogs have entertained across the south and are set for another July 3-4 gig on Orange Beach during the Independence Day festivities at the Gulf Coast’s unofficial capital.

Cranking up the party this evening at 6 will be Coteau Grove, an energetic and entertaining south Louisiana band with a wide range of sounds and its own Louisiana Music Hall of Fame recognition.

For a preview, visit the bands’ websites – TheMoondogs.com and CoteauGrove.com – and see and hear what’s going to be on the riverbank stage free of charge this evening in Natchitoches.

If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, there are just a few $100 tickets remaining to join the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney. That party is headquartered inside Mama’s Oyster House, The Blues Room and Papa’s Bar and Grill at 608 Front Street. To get set up, call LSHOF operations manager Ronnette Pellegrin at 318-332-8539 – none will be on sale this evening.

That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 2024 Induction Class.

Saturday’s Round Table Lunch at Riverside Reserve also still has a handful of seats available – call Mrs. Pellegrin at 318-332-8539.

Saturday evening’s 2024 Induction Reception and Ceremony are already sold out. A crowd of nearly 800 patrons will attend the ceremony.

You can watch live coverage free beginning at 6 Saturday evening on the LPB.org website.

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By George Frasher, Leesville Leader Editor

On July 16, 1950, the Angels of Lufkin, Texas, of the Class C Gulf States Minor League, moved to Leesville to finish the season as the Leesville Angels.

Even with a 32-19 record in July in Lufkin, the attendance was bad enough the management decided to move the team to Leesville. Possibly, it was felt the support Leesville citizens had given a semi-pro town team in the old Red River Valley League, was an omen to cut the team’s financial losses.

The Leesville Angels played in the old ballpark located in what is now the Vernon Parish School Board, East Leesville Elementary and Wampus Cat Stadium. Home plate was where the Board office is now located.

The Leesville Angels won their first game 8-0 over the Port Arthur Seahawks on Sunday, July 16, 1950.

A pitcher named Wallie Eaves went the distance for the Angels. Class C ball in those days was a major requirement since teams were limited to 17 players on the active roster and played some 145 games. 

The Angels came back on Monday night to again shut out the Seahawks 2-0. They were kept from sweeping the series Tuesday night, losing 7 to 0 to the Seahawks. Marlin Pox was the loser for Leesville. 

Other cities in the Gulf States League that year were the Crowley Millers, the Galveston White Caps, and Jacksonville Jaxs. The Angles finished the season with a record of 75-70, good for fourth place and a spot in the post season Shaughnassy Playoffs that were popu­lar in the Minor Leagues in those days. However, Crowley eliminated Leesville in the first round, 4 games to 2.

That marked the end in Leesville for organized semi-pro baseball.

Jim Garner, the catcher who came with the team from Lufkin, liked Leesville so much that when the season ended he also ended his career in pro­fessional baseball and became a permanent resident. Garner ran a service station for a number of years that was located on Fifth Street, across from where Hixson’s Funeral Home (now Leesville City Hall) is located.

 

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The Leesville Mayor’s Women’s Commission recently presented their June 2024 Civic Awards for Beautification to two Leesville citizens.

The commercial winner was Montigo Inn located at 1808 South 5th St. which is owned by Neeta and Paresh Patel, both originally from India.

The first thing to attract our attention were the gorgeous red roses that create a splash of color near the sign in front, but their beautification efforts don’t stop there. Beautiful potted plants are featured throughout the property. Among them were several Tulsi plants, also known as Indian Holy Basil. And despite its small size, an Indian curry leaf plant enticed us with its very pleasant scent. Both can be used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Pictured on the left above are (L to R): Neeta Patel, Glenda Jarrell (MWC) and Paresh Patel.

The residential award was presented to Judy Archie who lives at 2118 Jean Street.

The front of the home is shady and pleasant with lots of neatly trimmed shrubs, roses and more. A multitude of begonias fill the flowerpots standing in beds throughout the yard. When asked to identify some of the plantings, Mrs. Archie said, “I just call them pretty.” Her grandchildren help out sometimes by mowing for her, but she does most of the actual gardening herself.

Pictured on the right above are (L to R): Rachel Archie, Glenda Jarrell (MWC), Judy Archie, Diamond Hewitt, and Elijah Archie.

 

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The Village of Simpson will host its first ever Red, White, and Blue Festival Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Free parking is available at the Simpson High School parking lot.

The festival is free and open to the public.  There will be craft vendors, food trucks, music, slides, bounce houses, a dunking booth, games, and arts and crafts for kids.  Don’t miss the foam party!  Adults are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

The festival committee is inviting all owners of classic cars and hot rods to enter the parade at noon. Line-up is 11 a.m. for the parade at Simpson Baptist Church.  There is no cost to enter and ride.

Music in the pavilion area at Simpson High School will begin in the afternoon with James Bonner, and The Old Man Band.  Big Daddy’s Entertainment will provide a DJ and music.

For more information on the festival, go to the Facebook page for the Simpson Community Events Center.

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by James Turner

I’m trying to wrap my mind around the idea of THE TWO DOMAINS:  men and women.  I know almost nothing has more documented content than the difference between men and women, but here goes.  First, it takes years for the two to awake to this factor:  they are different creatures, so different.  Being a man, I will be challenged to fairly describe my views on the subject without prejudice.  Women occupy a domain unique to them.  Robbin and Meriget are concentrating on the differences in parts of their sewing kits, particularly the “seam ripping devices” and down to the descriptions of their ripping devices in terms of where they came from, who gave them to one person or the other, and how they are stored, and where, etc., etc., etc., then suddenly enlarging their discussion to their sewing kits: both in-house and on-the-road versions.  Bemoaning their shortcomings and regrets at the same time, about various threads, pins and a dizzying discourse on needles.  I’m losing my mind trying to imagine what the hell they are talking about.  It gets worse, much worse, as the details of sewing equipment and supplies fall under different headings and levels of importance.  This could take half a day and start afresh after lunch.

Meanwhile Dennis and I are investigating, among other things, timing lights for older trucks.  To get the timing right, the firing sequence of each cylinder must be perfect.  Getting the timing belt correct and the exact sequence of events leading to combustion is one of the achievements of the 19th and 20th century.  Bang!  But the problem is problematic.  For one thing, timing lights are no longer manufactured.  They are not readily available.   Even if Dennis and I had one, we wouldn’t be able to find it.  Robbin and Meriget look at us cross-eyed like we were from a different planet.

That difference is what I’m getting at.  This is way beyond the normal list of differences to do with abstractions like beauty.  It straddles the fence, falling in the ditch like a bowling ball through the subtleties of life.

Let’s talk about cooking!  No, let’s not.  Okay, how about football?  Forget about it.  Part of what’s going on today is a lack of real appreciation, one for the other.  Women are expanding their repertoire to include football.  Why?  Beats me.  Hopeless?  Men are trying on “gentleness and concern”, emotional entities better left to professionals, like women.  I’ll get in trouble by pretending to know the first thing about the subject.  Shall the twain ever meet? The difference between men and women joins the pantheon of mysteries.  Time and patience probably help.  More later, unfortunately.

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The CENLA Food Bank mobile delivery truck will make the following stops in Vernon Parish in the month of June:

Friday, June 21:  First Baptist Church in Hornbeck 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
                          Burr Ferry Pentecostal Church 11a.m. – noon

Friday, June 28: Church International at 1436 Church St., Rosepine 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
                          Slagle Mall in Slagle, noon-1 p.m.

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On Tuesday June 18, Linda Brown Hilton went to meet the Lord. A graveside service will be held at Prewitt’s Chapel in Hornbeck, LA on Friday, June 21st at 11:00 AM.

Linda Brown Hilton was known for being a great woman, amazing mother and grandmother, and an outstanding friend to many. She was always there for her family and friends no matter what. Having her in our life was a true blessing. We know she will be missed by many; however, we should take note that she is in a much better place with no more pain, hurt, or despair. All of her ailments that were prevalent in her earthly body are gone and she has a new body in Heaven. This whole situation came as a shock to everyone, but it should serve as a reminder. GOD does not promise tomorrow, and we do not know when we will breathe our last breath on earth. This life here on earth is only temporary and in the blink of an eye it can be gone. To say that Linda will be missed is an understatement, but I know one day we will all be reunited in Heaven.

Preceding Linda in death were her father, Olvin Brown, and mother, Agnes Brown.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Christopher Hilton and wife Meghan Hilton; sister, Janice Cole; grandchildren, Mylee and Abby; and nephews, Waylon Cole and Stacy Cole.

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LINDA BROWN HILTON
January 30, 1955 – June 18, 2024
Service: June 21, 2024, at Prewitt’s Chapel Cemetery in Hornbeck, Louisiana, at 11:00 a.m.

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Richard Wayne Ronayne III, age 36, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass.  Bond was set at $3500.  Ronayne posted bond and was released.

James Thomas Shepard, age 33, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace.  Bond was set at $881.  Shepard posted bond and was released.

Austin Ray Cooley, age 30, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.  Bond has not been set.  Cooley remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

John David Hemmings, age 37, of Spurgeon, Indiana, was arrested and charged with one count of False Imprisonment, one count of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, one count of Criminal Damage to Property, and one count of Improper Telephone Communications.  Bond has not been set.  Hemmings remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Erik Williams, age 51, of Leesville was arrested by agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  He was charged with one count of Possession of Cocaine.  Bond has not been set.  Williams remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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The Vernon Parish Police Jury met in regular session at 10 a.m., Monday, June 17, at the parish administrative offices.

Visitor Ken Johnson spoke to the jurors on several concerns with Mary Hunt Road in District 12, Ward 1.  New housing in the area has meant children playing, and a contractor has been dumping dirt inappropriately.  Jurors will seek to adjust the speed limit and contact the party responsible for dumping the dirt.

Scottie Benjamin with the Equipment Committee reported on bids received for a new mower for the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office mowing team.  C&S Power Equipment submitted the low bid of $6,599.  The bid was accepted by the jurors.

Finance Committee Chair Curtis Clay reported two invoices received from Meyer and Associates for engineering services.  Jurors accepted them both.  The Fal Road Rehabilitation Project invoice was for $1,848.13.  The invoice for work on the Lift State Generator Phase 2 was $1,747.65.

Marvin Hilton, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, had three items for jurors.  The Jury was notified by the 30^th Judicial District Court of the hiring of Mr. Brock A. McKiness as a law clerk effective May 8, 2024, at a salary of $3500 per month.  Hilton recommended the Jury approve the request of the parish road manager to hire Blayne K. Nolen as a full-time equipment operator for District 5 with a six-month probation period.  Hilton also recommended a change in status for Virginia Billingsley to permanent full-time Receptionist and Purchasing Agent in the Administrative Office, with a six-month probation period.  Jurors agreed with the recommendations. 

The Jury also declared Friday, July 5, a holiday for staff.  All parish employees will be off July 4 and 5 for Independence Day.

Dean Mitchell read the report from David Brister, Chairman of the Road Maintenance and Construction Committee, who was absent.  The Vernon Parish Health Unit made requests to fill in two abandoned wells and to bury a horse in District 7, Ward 7.  The committee recommended a resolution to perform routine maintenance for the Town of Rosepine and Village of Simpson.  The requests were approved.

In other Jury business a resolution was approved authorizing Sabine State Bank to make monthly transfers to the Operation Account at Merchants and Farmers Bank for sales tax distribution, and jurors agreed to refinance the John Deere Motor Grader in District 5 with Cadence Bank.  Jurors adopted a resolution to establish a policy governing the requirements of a revised Louisiana Statute allowing for any member of the public with disabilities recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in VPPJ meetings remotely by teleconferencing.  Administrators are currently working on the specifics.

The Police Jury will hold a public hearing Monday, July 15, at 10 a.m. to hear input on three proposed ordinances to amend section 13:31 of the Vernon Parish Code of Ordinances.  The first would reduce the speed limit on Cypress Church Road (District 7, Ward 2) to 20 mph in its entirety.  The second would reduce the speed limit on Hebert Road (District 1, Ward 4) to 15 mph in its entirety.  The third would reduce the speed limit on Mary Hunt Road (District 12, Ward 1) to 20 mph in its entirety.

The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury will be Monday, July 8, at 5 p.m. in the parish administrative office.

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