Holly Ann Grimes, age 37 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond was set at $1295. Grimes remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Travis Hance, age 48 of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Battery. Bond was set at $2500. Hance remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) investigated a fire Saturday, August 24, that broke out at LA Highway 465, north of Simpson. A logging crew working in the area had left work on August 23. While they were absent, a fire broke out on several pieces of equipment and some timber. One skidder was destroyed, and another skidder and a loader were damaged. The timber also burned. The total value of the losses was over $500,000.
LDAF fire crews, Vernon Parish volunteer units and Vernon Parish Sheriff’s deputies were involved in the evening. LDAF Investigators deemed arson was the cause of the fires. If you have any information about this crime, contact the LDAF at 855-452-5323 or the VPSO at 337-238-1311.
The Kiwanis Club of Leesville will host a giant yard sale Saturday, September 14, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Center in Leesville. The public is invited to shop for an assortment of household and family items.
Proceeds from this event will go toward the Sherell Lewis Jr. Scholarship Fund. Kiwanians will also offer a hot dog with a drink for $3 during the lunchtime hours.
Labor Day is here! It’s touted as the “unofficial” end of the summer and is the beginning of the slide into 2025. Monday, September 2, is a federal holiday, so enjoy the fruits of your labor with a day off.
Oregon was the first state to make the day an official holiday in 1887. When it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states had already recognized it. Created to celebrate American workers and their achievements in the development of this country, it was only for federal workers when it was named a federal holiday. In the 1930’s, labor unions were urging their members to strike to get the day off.
Labor Day means schools are back in session, fall sports are upon us, there are big sales in retail everywhere, AND you are not supposed to wear white and still be “fashionable” after Labor Day.
Labor Day is big in the sports world. High School, NCAA and NFL football kick off their grueling seasons. The Southern 500 NASCAR race in Darlington, South Carolina has been run on Labor Day since 1950. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be thundering to the finals of the National Hot Rod Association drag finals. In NYNY they are playing the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
So enjoy the weekend, watch some football (LSU vs USC/Sunday night), crank up the grill, and blow it out. Enjoy Monday off. That’s the plan in this neck of the woods: baby-back ribs, beans, and a football beverage. The much-needed rain that we are expecting is a great reason to stay indoors and cook a little this weekend.
History lovers in the area will note a special occasion Saturday, August 31 at 2 p.m. The Village of Florien and the Sabine Neutral Strip Historical Foundation invites you to join them for the unveiling of a historical marker to commemorate the “Freestate of Sabine”.
The unveiling will take place at the Florien Pavilion on Highway 171 South. Parking will be available at Ellie Boulevard.
Congratulations to the Freestate of Sabine and the Village of Florien.
Special to VPJ by DANIEL GREEN, L.S.W.A./BWS Sports
Pickering head coach John Daugherty can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Even though the Pickering Red Devils are mired in a 31-game losing streak, Daugherty has watched his young squad gain more strength in the weightroom, while also growing in numbers as he now has 30 players on the squad. He has also seen a positive attitude throughout the summer 7-on-7 season and in preseason workouts.
All of these things have Daugherty excited about the Red Devils as they take to the field on Friday at Turpin Stadium on the campus of Northwestern State University to take on both St. Mary’s and Lakeview in jamboree action. “We are all united in the same goal,” Daugherty said. “Our biggest priority right now is rebuilding this program and get it back to where it used to be.”
Last season, Daugherty inherited a very small squad with a daunting schedule ahead of it. By the end of the season, he had only 18 players available, with several of them being junior high athletes, and he was worried about his program. After much discussion, Daugherty and the Red Devil administration agreed it would be best for the program over the next two years to not play for district honors or a spot in the playoffs. Additionally, all the coaches on staff at Pickering agreed not to bring students up from the junior high to play on the varsity squad.
“It was a tough decision to not play for district honors or the playoffs, but it was one that needed to be done,” Daugherty said. “But it was the best thing for our team.” Despite not being able to play for district or playoff honors, the Red Devils have remained motivated. “We’ve got some new players out this year and we are motivated,” Daugherty said. “We are grinding and working hard.”
One of the new players out this year is no stranger to those who followed Pickering sports last year. Senior A.J. Berry, fresh off leading the Red Devils to the Division IV Non-Select basketball semifinals, has taken over the reins at quarterback and is proving to be a valuable addition to the team. “A.J. has lots of speed and can do lots of things for us,” Daugherty said. “He makes good decisions with the ball and has the ability to throw on the run. That will allow us to get him out of the pocket on some designed plays.”
Last year’s leading rusher, Xavier Mitchell, has moved to the offensive line, where Daugherty and new offensive coordinator, Chas Sanner, hope to take advantage of his tremendous strength as Mitchell was a state runner-up in powerlifting last spring. “Xavier made the sacrifice to move to guard for us and he is going to make us better up front,” Daugherty stated. “He’s the strongest player on our team and will be a leader for us on the line.”
Mitchell, along with Augustus James, will be the leaders in the trenches as Berry will look to get the ball to either tight end Tyler Cryer or wide receiver LaDarius Privetera, another player coming from basketball. Braden Ford and Akeem Bennett are also expected to be key components of the Red Devil offense, which will base out of the multiple spread look.
Defensively, Daugherty, as the head coach, has taken over calling the plays on defense, going from the 4-2-5 look last year to a 3-5-3 look for the 2024 campaign. Mitchell will play a key role on defense as well as he will man the middle linebacker spot as the quarterback of the defense. Bennett will join Mitchell in the linebacking corps, while Cryer and James will be key performers on the defensive line.
Along with the added players, a few new coaches have joined the staff and will help develop the junior high program while working with the varsity squad. Daniel Highbaugh and Aaron Gomez, both former Red Devil players, are familiar with many of the younger players on the team as they have been coaches in the Pickering Youth Football program for several years. “Along with more experience on the team, we have some new coaches who are going to be good for us,” Daugherty said. “Highbaugh and Gomez are well-known and familiar to these players. That will be a huge benefit for us.”
After the jamboree, the Red Devils will be on the road for the first two weeks, first at Gueydan and then at Montgomery. Gueydan is coming off an 0-10 season, while Montgomery is under new leadership.
The home opener for the Red Devils will also serve as Military Appreciation Night when they host Northwood-Lena on Sept. 20 at O’Banion Stadium.
The Red Devils will travel to Merryville the following Thursday and return home to face LaSalle in Week 5. After matchups at Crescent City of Metairie and Vinton, the Red Devils will close out the schedule with three straight home games, facing Pine Prairie for homecoming, Ringgold and Plain Dealing.
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce presents a Roaring 20’s Casino Night fundraiser, Saturday, September 14, at St. Michael’s Center. The event co-sponsor is Capture Point L.L.C. Tickets are $50 per person and include a drink ticket, food, and some seed money to start your evening.
All games of chance, including blackjack, poker, roulette and other gaming tables, will be run by a Louisiana licensed, bonded, insured gaming company.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Deep South Catering will provide finger foods, snacks and hors d’oeuvres for the evening, and a cash bar will be available. You will be allowed to re-buy and get more gaming dollars.
There will be a silent auction of one “big ticket” item. Organizers are keeping that to themselves. Get your tickets online at greatervernon.org or call the Chamber office for details at 337-424-5823.
The National Fire Heritage Center (NFHC) proudly announces that Michael Louis Kuk, Chief Emeritus, author of an “Army Firefighter in Vietnam, 1970-1971,” has received the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Writers Bronze Award. This prestigious honor acknowledges authors who have made outstanding contributions to preserving the written history of America’s Fire Service.
Chief Kuk’s remarkable book offers a vivid and compelling account of his experience as a combat firefighter in Vietnam, serving with the U.S. Army. Through its compelling narrative, readers gain insights into how a small contingent of soldier-firefighters stationed in a combat zone tirelessly supported the war effort.
“It wasn’t a glamourous war-hero position,” Chief Kuk writes. “But it required bravery and courage to face and overcome other hazards the war could present. A misstep would result in serious injury and/or death if these soldier-firefighters did not perform to the highest standard so required.”
The chair of the NFHC review panel, Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Dorner (ret), commended the author’s work for offering “the fire service a unique perspective of military firefighting in a combat zone, a subject that has not been previously explored. The book resonates with readers, shedding light on the sacrifices and challenges faced by these unsung heroes.”
With nearly half a century of firefighting experience and having served as the Senior Fire Chief for the Department of Defense/U.S. Army, Dr. Kuk brings unparalleled expertise to this subject. He holds a Ph.D. and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 18 books.
Ben Franklin, recognized as the “Father of the American Fire Service,” left behind a rich legacy of written works that encouraged writers to express their beliefs and observations. Building upon this historical tradition, the NFHC strives to inspire today’s fire writers to create valuable historical narratives for future generations.
“We are delighted to present this well-deserved recognition to Dr. Kuk,” remarked Lt. Col. Dorner. “His book not only honors the heroic actions of soldier-firefighters in Vietnam but also contributes significantly to preserving America’s fire service history.”
Funeral services to honor the life of Jerry Lynn Jeane will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at East Leesville Baptist Church, with Reverends Tommy Kiker and Mark Christian officiating. Following the service, Jerry will be laid to rest at Flactor Cemetery, under the direction of Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be Kenneth Owers, Ricky Owers, Rodney Owers, Randy Owers, Winn Ratliff, Ethan Dupree, Eli Dupree, and Luke Dupree.
A visitation will be held at East Leesville Baptist Church on Friday, August 30th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Jerry was born on February 22, 1961, in Leesville, Louisiana, and peacefully passed away in his hometown on August 25, 2024, at the age of 63. A proud graduate of Leesville High School in 1979, Jerry excelled in choir and band, showcasing the musical talent that would become a cornerstone of his life. After high school, he attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe and became a Registered Emergency Medical Technician, a role that provided him with countless stories of his adventures driving an ambulance.
While living in Monroe, Jerry found his true calling in the funeral industry—a career that would span over four decades. After graduating from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, he worked in Mansfield, Louisiana, before returning to his cherished Vernon Parish. It was here, in 2013, that Jerry fulfilled his dream of opening Jeane’s Funeral Service. For Jerry, this was more than just a business—it was a ministry. He took great pride in serving his community with compassion and without the constraints of corporate rules. His deep love for his hometown was reflected in his service on the Leesville City Council and the Vernon Parish School Board, where he represented the Anacoco and Hornbeck schools.
Jerry was known for his warm smile, reassuring hugs, and genuine love for meeting people. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with others, often discovering that he was related to them or had served their families in times of need. Many will remember his kind, humble spirit and the compassion he offered during their darkest hours.
A gifted musician, Jerry could sing and play the piano by ear, a talent he shared with many through his ministry of music in numerous churches. He led choirs with great joy and often spoke of his love for “Bapticostal” music—southern gospel with a lively twist.
On October 9, 1999, Jerry married Pam, embracing his roles as a devoted husband and instant father to two toddler daughters. The birth of his son completed his family, and in 2021, the arrival of his granddaughter Clara brought him immense joy. Jerry was a loving Christian husband, father, and papa, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and laughter that will forever be cherished by his family.
Jerry’s life was richly blessed by his close relationships with his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom held a special place in his heart. Though our hearts ache with his passing, we find comfort in the knowledge that Jerry is now in the presence of the Lord, rejoicing with loved ones who have gone before him. This is not goodbye—it is “Until we meet again.”
As it is written in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Siphronia Jeane; his brother, Jerel Jeane; and his brothers-in-law, Ed Owers and Bill Lansing.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pam Jeane of Anacoco, LA; his children, Shelby Jeane of Leesville, Carley Kay and husband Travis, and son Jarrel Jeane, all of Anacoco; his cherished granddaughter, Clara Jeane Kay of Anacoco, LA; his brothers, Anthony Jeane and wife Janet of Slagle, LA, Glen Jeane and wife Nelda of Tioga, LA, and Gary Jeane and wife Nancy of Griffin, GA; his sister, Wanda Owers of Slagle, LA; his in-laws, Jerry and Penny Dosher of Oak Grove, LA; his sisters-in-law, Mandy Grey and husband Cris of Oak Grove, LA, Melanie Lansing of Calhoun, LA, and Rebekah Dupree and husband Jim of Leesville, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Our family extends our heartfelt thanks to Byrd Hospital for the kindness shown to us and to the many friends who have demonstrated their love during this time. Jerry’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Leesville Police Department will once again be partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), and law enforcement agencies across the state to get drunk drivers off the roads and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs this year through September 2, 2024. During this period, Leesville Police Department as well as other local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for impaired driving. Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with increased enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce impaired driving on our nation’s roadways.
According to LHSC, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or other impairing substances remains a major cause of vehicle crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities in Louisiana. According to FARS data, in 2021, 31% of the motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana were alcohol-related, and the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities was 301. In 2022, the percentage of alcohol-related crashes in Louisiana decreased to 29% but remains a critical issue. The number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2022 was 267.
This Labor Day weekend, do not let the festivities turn into fatalities. Remember that aside from the obvious risks of killing yourself or someone else, driving impaired can also lead to serious punitive consequences. An impaired driving arrest can mean time in jail, loss of your license and steep financial expenses. We are hoping that drivers in our community get the message and take some simple steps to prevent a tragedy. There is always another way home. The Leesville Police Department is reminding drivers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before attending any events. Planning a sober ride home is the right choice. Help us put an end to this senseless behavior.
Through LHSC grant funding, Leesville Police Department will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrol during this time, in an effort to reduce crashes resulting from impaired driving. Remember, there’s no excuse for impaired driving. If you choose to break the law, Leesville Police Department will see you before you see them. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Northwestern State University has been recognized as a Silver designee for the 2024-2025 Governor’s Military and Veteran Friendly (GMVF) Campus designation. The announcement was made at Wednesday’s meeting of the State Board of Regents.
NSU provides a number of services for veterans including specialized financial aid and advising services, counseling designed specifically for veteran students, degree pathways recognizing military experience and training and flexible course formats tailored to veteran and service member obligations. The university has a campus at Leesville/Fort Johnson and offers classes at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City.
“We are proud and honored to be recognized for our efforts to provide educational opportunities for our military students and their families. Northwestern State has a long history of serving the military and using an approach that understands the needs of those who have a military affiliation.” Laurie Morrow, Executive Director for Economic Development and University Advancement.
The university allows veterans to apply college level life, work and military experiences toward a degree through a Prior Learning Assessment process. Students can also use previously earned college credit, transfer credit from other training or educational pursuits and take challenge tests to earn academic credit toward a baccalaureate degree.
“For medical personnel thinking about their next steps after service, NSU is at the top in providing civilian education that acknowledges the college credits you’ve earned in your respective military occupational specialty,” said Neko Martinez-Vasquez, a nursing student in the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program.
The program allows Regular Army and those in the U.S. Army Reserves and U.S. Army National Guard USAR and ARNG Soldiers to complete up to 24 months of nursing school while retaining their rank, grade and military benefits (pay, medical, etc.). After completion a soldier will be commissioned as a Regular Army nurse officer. The soldier will incur a four-year active-duty service obligation.
“Every professor I have had has been accommodating and has taken the time to work with my schedule,” said Martinez-Vasquez, “I was genuinely impressed with the faculty at NSU and moved from Colorado to attend NSU in person.”
Northwestern State offers a number of degrees completely online, in an accelerated or regular format, or in the traditional classroom. There are many available programs and minor concentrations to match individual’s interests and background. The online format provides flexibility and convenience and enables the adult student to continue working while completing a degree. There are no out of state fees for online programs. Active duty, reservists, retirees, and their dependents are eligible for a competitive tuition rate of $192 per credit hour. NSU is also an AU-ABC, GEM, and MyCAA partner. The university recognizes tuition assistance programs such as Military TA, Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11. NSU helps students in finding the best possible aid package to achieve their educational goals by offering a wide variety of programs including loans, grants, third party funds and scholarships.
Information on Northwestern State’s services for veterans is available at nsula.edu/registrar/veterans-affairs.
A One Hundred dollar bill like the one above can be yours every week in the Vernon Parish Journal’s Football Pick-Em Contest. Wednesday, September 4, we publish our first-ever slate of games for you to pick.
Win $100 weekly just by picking the winners in ten high school football games. You must also pick the total number of points scored in two tie-breaker games. You can win $100 with some knowledge and a little good luck. MUST BE 18 TO PARTICIPATE. All you need is an e-mail address. The contest will continue through the high school playoffs and the State Championship games in the Superdome. A total of $1,500 will be up for grabs for the season.
If you are not a regular reader of the Vernon Parish Journal, just visit vernonparishjournal.com. Click- JOIN. Your e-paper is delivered free of charge at 6:55am every Wednesday and Friday morning.
The list of games to pick will come out in the Wednesday edition, and you will have until Friday at 4 p.m. to make and submit your selections. The weekly winner will be announced in the following Wednesday’s edition of the Vernon Parish Journal.
Our thanks to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Dairy Queen in Leesville, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports and Buds Towing and Auto for joining us on the inaugural year of our contest. Advertising space is still available at a great low price. Contact the Vernon Parish Journal at 337-208-9253 for information on advertising rates in the Vernon Parish Journal.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??
By Billy Crawford
Harry H. Goodwin, Jr. DDS
Leesville High School Class of 1964
B.S. USL Lafayette, Louisiana 1968
Loyola Dental School 1969-1971
Lieutenant in the Navy dental services 1971-1973
Goodwin Dental Clinic in DeRidder
“I really like what I do. I’m so absorbed in my work-just like my dad was.
I enjoy taking care of my patients.” Harry H. Goodwin, Jr.
Harry remembers: “In 1961 my family moved to Leesville when my dad got a job at recently reactivated Fort Polk. My parents wanted our family to settle down in one place, and Dad wanted to start his own welding business, AAA Welding in New Llano.
“We lived in the trailer park on West Texas Street until we bought a house on Harriet Street near the School Board Office. My dad had worked seven days a week on the pipeline. We moved often; in fact my mother, dad, sister Terry Sue and I lived in a small trailer. We were a close-knit family–we had to be!
“As teenagers back then we would “hang out” at the Burger Bar, cruise around town in the family car, usually trying to connect with a girl. Gas was only about 30 cents a gallon, which does not sound like much, but the minimum wage was just over one dollar an hour.”
Harry played the trombone in the LHS marching band, a member of basketball team, and summertime was spent playing Pelican League baseball.
Harry recalls, “Our Pelican League team was coached by George Smith and Bobby Craft. Both had been outstanding Wampus Cat athletes. George was a running back at Tulane and Bobby was the baseball catcher at McNeese. It was so much fun playing for these ‘very colorful’ coaches.”
Harry and his wife Alicia have two sons, Brett and Brandon, who are graduates of Duke University. Brett is an interventional cardiologist in Lake Charles, and Brandon is a corporate lawyer in Houston. They have three granddaughters and one grandson.
Harry still enjoys taking care of his patients after 53 years.
Thanks, Harry, for sharing your amazing story!
In loving memory of Rev. Willie Lee Benson Sr., who was called home to be with the Lord on the 22nd of August 2024, at the age of 71. Born on January 15, 1953, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he was a devout believer who committed his life to Christ at an early age, a commitment that illuminated his path through the years.
Rev. Benson was an esteemed graduate of Druid City High School. He served his country with valor and dedication in the Army for 22 years, earning the respect and admiration of his peers. After retiring from military service, his enduring commitment to service led him to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Llano Police Department, and Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital. The community of Kinder, Louisiana, was blessed with his spiritual guidance as he pastored at Hannah Chapel A.M.E. for 14 years.
His journey on earth concluded in Lafayette, Louisiana, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family and friends. Rev. Benson was preceded in the journey to eternal rest by his parents and several siblings, including Willie Ed Benson, Charlie Bell Benson, Rev. Eddie Joe Benson, Robert James Benson, William Hal Benson Sr., Carl David Benson, Sheila Benson, and Clara Bell Benson.
He is survived and fondly remembered by his devoted wife, Myong Ae Benson; his children, Liflower Benson, Rev. Velvet Benson-Early, Willie Lee Benson Jr., and Solomon Muhammad Benson; his siblings, Roy, Field, Jessie, Charlie Gennetter Minor (Lucion) and Mary Benson; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his cherished nephews, Randall and Raynard Jones, whom he raised.
The Benson family invites friends and loved ones to pay their respects and celebrate Rev. Benson’s life on the 31st of August 2024, at Johnson Temple C.O.G.I.C, located at 200 Nona Street in Leesville, Louisiana. Visitation is scheduled from 12pm until 1pm, with the funeral service commencing at the conclusion of visitation. Interment with military honors will follow on September 3, 2024, at 1:30pm at the Central Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery near Fort Johnson. A memorial service will also be held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on September 7th, 2024.
The Benson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Arrangements are being managed by Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, Louisiana.
JERRY LYNN JEANE
February 22, 1961 – August 25, 2024
Service: August 31, 2024, at East Leesville Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m.
John Warren, age 25 of Forest Hill, was arrested and charged with one count of No License Plate Light, one count of Operating a Vehicle while License Suspended and one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $3531. Warren posted bond and was released.
Tabitha Sue Smyth, age 29 of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Reckless Operation of a Vehicle and one count Flight from an Officer. Bond was set at $12,500. Smyth posted bond and was released.
Steven Michael Eargood age 36 of Brandon, Florida, was arrested on a Commitment to Await Extradition Warrant. Eargood remains in the Vernon Parish Jail awaiting extradition to Hillsborough County, Florida.
Aaron Lucas Leslie, age 30 of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Assault and one count of Disorderly Conduct. Bond was set at $5881. Leslie posted bond and was released.
Derrick Mayweather, age 43, of Leesville, was arrested on four outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set. Mayweather remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Brett Lane Bennett, age 38 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count Principal to Theft. Bond has not been set. Bennett remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Over last weekend, volunteer firefighters responded to several incidents in West Central Louisiana. The Junction Fire Department in Beauregard Parish was called out to combat a small blaze that erupted from the smoldering embers of a burn pile on Saturday. The Hornbeck and Anacoco VFD’s were assisted by the South Sabine Fire Department in a fire that broke out near the Vernon/Sabine Parish line.
Early Sunday afternoon, volunteers fought a fire on Highway 467 that was caused by a downed power line. Responders contained the blaze, which was over six acres in size. Units from Slagle, Dry Forks, Kurthwood, Alco/Hutton, Sundown, and Savage Forks were engaged in the action.
Conditions are very dangerous for wildfires at the present time, however weather forecasters are calling for a 60-70% chance of rain over the next seven days. Please exercise extreme caution when and if you need to burn. It would be a good idea if you contact your local VFD to let them know of your intentions.
The Leesville City Council met Monday, August 26 at 3 p.m. in the City Hall meeting room.
Monthly bills were presented for payment in the amount of $52,967.34. Pay requests were received from multiple entities. Southland Environmental presented an invoice for $1,471.57 for work on replacing the ballpark lift station. Meyer and Associates submitted an invoice for $2,662.50 for the Entrance Road sewer project. A pay application was made by Co-D Construction of Louisiana L.L.C. for $307,213.17 for the Entrance Road project. Council members okayed the payments.
City Engineer, Mark McCarty, reported sewer pipes are being installed on the south side of Entrance Road. The Leesville city street project will begin next week, with the work completed in under a month.
Council members passed several resolutions; one to authorize the City to find a surveyor for work at the City recreation complex. The other resolutions call for an easement on the new lift station on Entrance Road, an amendment to the DOTD maintenance agreement, and the acceptance of the DOTD Aviation grant for work at the airport. A final resolution called for the re-appointment of Jeremy M. Smart to the Leesville Civil Service Board.
Mr. Paul Jackson, airport manager, gave an update on airport construction. Two permanent hangers have been completed and the contracts signed for the building of seven T-hangers. Pat Williams Construction will do the foundation work and utilities prep. Jackson reported the T-hanger buildings are on back order, so the project is slightly behind target date. When those hangers are done, the airport will boast 40,000 square feet of hanger capacity. The expansion is expected to bring in $22,000 a year in hanger rent to the City as well as increased fuel sales.
The final business of Monday’s meeting was an addition to the agenda to rename the new playground area at the recreation complex Patti’s Playground. Mayor Allen and Council members did this in tribute to City Administrator, Patti Larney, who worked tirelessly to see the project to completion.
Mayor Allen reminded Council members to communicate with their constituents to renew the sewage and maintenance tax on the ballot in December. This is a renewal of an existing measure.
City offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday. The Leesville City Council will meet next at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office made several recent arrests beginning late last week into a series of thefts of communications wiring in several areas of the parish. The thefts had been ongoing for months in the area off VFW Road and had disrupted phone service to the area and resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.
On surveillance Friday, August 23, detectives observed a white male suspect removing wire in the early morning hours. The suspect was confronted and fled on foot into a heavily wooded area. A search by deputies and K9 Officers was unable to locate the suspect.
Friday afternoon the VPSO arrested Austin Ross, age 26, at his residence in Anacoco. Ross was charged with one count of Felony Theft. Bond has not been set. Ross remains in the Vernon Parish Jail. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
In another similar but unrelated case, deputies arrested Dennis Moreau, age 38, of Leesville and Toni Moreau, age 45, of Leesville. Detectives identified the husband and wife as suspects in the theft of communications wiring from the area of Highway 117 and Kurthwood. Tens of thousands of dollars in property damage and phone service outages for months were the result of these thefts. Both were arrested and charged with one count of Felony Theft. Bond has not been set and both remain in the Vernon Parish Jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
By Sgt. Danny Hough, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
The Louisiana National Guard’s 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) officially welcomed its new command team, Col. Kevin James and Command Sgt. Maj. Somkid Kimball, during an official change of command and responsibility ceremony at the Dabadie Center, Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville, August 18.
The incoming regiment commander of the 199th, Col. Kevin James, a native of Anacoco, Louisiana, was commissioned into the Regular Army in 1998 and joined the Louisiana Army National Guard in 2004. Over his career, James has served in several key assignments including company commander, battalion commander, brigade executive officer, LANG J2: Director of Intelligence and most recently served as the LANG J7: Director of Plans.
“Maj. Gen. Friloux, thank you for the opportunity to command and for entrusting me with the development and training of our future leaders. I don’t take this responsibility lightly,” said James, addressing Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, the adjutant general of Louisiana, during his remarks. I am honored to command the 199th Regiment and lead this outstanding team of professional Soldiers. For the Regiment to continue its long tradition of excellence, we must be a team of supporting teams, built around disciplined, confident, and competent professionals who train hard to published standards, espouse the Army values, and thoughtfully balance mission and family.
The incoming senior enlisted advisor of the 199th, Command Sgt. Maj. Somkid Kimball, a native of New Llano, Louisiana, enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard in November 1988. Kimballs roles have included serving as the command sergeant major of the 2-156th Infantry Battalion, 3-156th Infantry Battalion and the 769th Brigade Engineer Battalion.
In a time-honored tradition known as the passing of the organizational colors, Col. Willus Hall, the outgoing commander of the 199th, received the colors from Command Sgt. Maj. Demetria Faircloth, the outgoing senior enlisted advisor, and then passed them to Friloux, symbolizing Halls relinquishment of command. Friloux then passed the colors to James, marking the beginning of his command. Finally, James passed the colors to complete the symbolic exchange.
“I know you’re just the person; you’ve had a lot of leadership positions that have prepared you for this point,” said Friloux, addressing the newly appointed commander. “You’ve shown and displayed that every day. Same with you, Command Sgt. Maj. Kimball; you’ve done an excellent job leading our Soldiers,” continued Friloux.
In recognition of their service to the 199th and the Louisiana National Guard, Hall was presented with the Legion of Merit award, and Faircloth received the Louisiana Cross of Merit medal.
The ceremony concluded with Faircloth relinquishing responsibility of the regimental colors to Kimball, symbolizing his new role as the senior enlisted advisor of the 199th.
The 199th began as the Louisiana Military Academy in 1960 and was redesignated the 199th Regiment (RTI) in 1997. The unit’s training history started with the formalization and implementation of the Officer Candidate School program in July 1960. In July 1976, the unit established the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Over the years, the 199th Regiment has evolved to support the needs of the Army and the Louisiana Army National Guard. The Regiment now trains Regular Army, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers in various courses under its two battalions.
Please visit https://geauxguard.la.gov for the latest LANG releases, photos and videos.
A One Hundred dollar bill like the one above can be yours every week in the Vernon Parish Journal’s Football Pick-Em Contest. Wednesday, September 4, we publish our first-ever slate of games for you to pick.
Win $100 weekly just by picking the winners in ten high school football games. You must also pick the total number of points scored in two tie-breaker games. You can win $100 with some knowledge and a little good luck. MUST BE 18 TO PARTICIPATE. All you need is an e-mail address. The contest will continue through the high school playoffs and the State Championship games in the Superdome. A total of $1,500 will be up for grabs for the season.
If you are not a regular reader of the Vernon Parish Journal, just visit vernonparishjournal.com. Click- JOIN. Your e-paper is delivered free of charge at 6:55am every Wednesday and Friday morning.
The list of games to pick will come out in the Wednesday edition, and you will have until Friday at 4 p.m. to make and submit your selections. The weekly winner will be announced in the following Wednesday’s edition of the Vernon Parish Journal.
Our thanks to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Dairy Queen in Leesville, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports and Buds Towing and Auto for joining us on the inaugural year of our contest. Advertising space is still available at a great low price. Contact the Vernon Parish Journal at 337-208-9253 for information on advertising rates in the Vernon Parish Journal.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??