Fall is an exciting time of year in Vernon Parish. There’s always legendary fun happening with festivals, seasonal events, and more! Check out what’s happening this October in Vernon Parish.

West Louisiana Forestry Festival

The West Louisiana Forestry Festival is here! One of Vernon Parish’s most beloved annual events is happening on October 2nd-6th! This celebration is a tribute to the region’s forestry industry, featuring a fun-filled lineup that the whole family will enjoy. The festival will include a parade, carnival rides, a livestock show, and food! https://vernonparish.org/event/west-louisiana-forestry-festival-2/

Lions Club Rodeo

Considered a grand part of the Louisiana Forestry Festival schedule of events, the 74th Annual Leesville Lions Club Rodeo will be held on October 3rd-5th at the Vernon Parish Rodeo Arena!

https://vernonparish.org/event/lions-club-rodeo/

Fall Pumpkin Fest at Anderson Hills

Pick out your pumpkins and experience fall fun at Anderson Hills in Leesville! School field trips are available beginning Oct 1st and it will open to the public on weekends starting Oct 5th!

https://vernonparish.org/event/anderson-hills-pumpkin-fest/

Witch Way to Main Street

Goblins, ghouls, and ghosts alike are invited to Witch Way to Main Street to celebrate Halloween! A trick-or-treating event for the whole family, Witch Way to Main Street  allows families the opportunity to safely trick-or-treat in the Main Street District. Merchants, civic organizations, and churches set up booths and pass out goodies. Join us on Thursday, October 31st from 5:30-8 p.m. for this exciting event!

https://vernonparish.org/event/witch-way-to-main-street/

Learn a Little Something

Check out cool classes throughout the fall with Dr. Charles Allen at Allen Acres Bed & Breakfast, like the Edible Plants Workshop! Visit their website for dates and all the Specifics. You can even stay on-site and enjoy their beautiful grounds. https://vernonparish.org/event/edible-plant-workshop/

Fun all Fall Long!

For fun throughout the fall, take advantage of the cooler temps and get outside! From hiking in the Kisatchie National Forest to horseback riding to fishing along our many waterways. Enjoy our great, great outdoors throughout Vernon Parish, Louisiana’s Legend Country! https://vernonparish.org/outdoors/

For more information on events throughout the year, go to www.LegendCountry.com/Events.  Tag us on social media at #LALegendCountry and share your legendary fun this October!

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To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations to former Anacoco native, Hunter Rabalais for correctly guessing all 10 winners in Week Three of the VPJ Football Pick-Em contest.  Hunter is shown with his envelope containing a crisp $100 bill.  This week there were several entries that went 9-1.  Every entry .comes with a free subscription to the VPJ.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by the VPJ by Friday at 4pm.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 20.

Thanks to our inaugural sponsors: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Bud’s Auto and Towing, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports, and Dairy Queen of Leesville.

It’s not too late to get on board.  Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

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GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville was formed 19 years ago to provide a space for the visual arts and artists in the West Central Louisiana community, work with Arts Education and expose our community to art-related projects. Since that time the reach of the gallery has grown to include the establishment and management of the Leesville Art Park, the addition of music and dance lessons in the gallery space, Co-Sponsorship of CHALK-A-BLOCK with the Leesville Rotary Club, numerous arts related grants in the community, The BOOK NOOKS, CLAYFEST, ARToftheEAT and many other arts related projects.

GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization registered with the State of Louisiana. This fall the gallery is re-seating and enlarging our Board of Directors to better serve the community and to include more voices in gallery-related projects. There are some impressive items on the horizon in the works, and we need more people from the community in the planning, directing and guidance of the gallery and our projects.

Anyone interested in volunteering or serving on the Board of Directors, please attend an Open Meeting at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN, 111 Third  Street on Thursday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m.

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*Publisher’s note: This is the final in a series of stories highlighting the 83rd anniversary of the Louisiana Maneuvers in 1941, by historical contributor, Rickey Robertson.

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By Rickey Robertson

When the U.S. Army began to hunt for a suitable training area to conduct large-scale maneuvers, Lt. Colonel Mark Clark came to Louisiana and found an ideal location. On a Louisiana road map that he picked up at a service station, he mapped off an area that would become known as the Sabine Area. On the map he used the Red River as the eastern boundary and the Sabine River as the western boundary. He used Shreveport as the northern boundary and Lake Charles as the southern boundary of the large maneuver area. This maneuver area was made up of over 3400 square miles, making this a massive training area. One thing he noted was the majority of this area was very rural and had a very poor rural network. Both roads and bridges were in very poor condition and most would not hold up under heavy use. This area would have over 470,000 troops and over 60,000 vehicles, from motorcycles, heavy trucks, scout cars, half-tracks, and tanks moving continuously. With the movement of all these vehicles, all the roads and bridges would be damaged severely. Just weeks before the maneuvers, army engineer units began to work on the road and bridge network in an attempt to strengthen them.

As the maneuvers began, a tropical depression hit Louisiana and the roads became mud bogs. The Yankee soldiers from up north called the thick heavy mud “Louisiana Maple Syrup”. Civilian travel came to a standstill due to the conditions of the roads. The only hard surfaced roads were around the small towns in the area. U.S. Hwy. 171was only partially hard surfaced through and around the small towns in the area. As the Battle of Mount Carmel was being fought, only armored and tracked vehicles were able to move. A lady at Peason went into labor and her husband loaded her up in their vehicle and attempted to get to Many, La. to the hospital. They got stuck and they were loaded into the back of a half-track used by medics, and guess what? Between Peason and Mount Carmel she delivered a big bouncing baby boy !

As the armored units and their tanks would advance and retreat, they always were in a hurry. Mrs. Joanne Pickett told me in an interview that her brother, Willard Hopkins, liked to go watch the tanks cross the small bridge over a spring branch near their farm in the Middle Creek Community. All went well till the bridge collapsed under a fast moving tank, with the tank commander being killed in the accident. And another time the bridge over Lockwood Creek near Many, La. collapsed and a tank fell into the creek with none of the crew being injured. On Sandy Creek between Peason and Kisatchie near the Billy and Houston Dowden homesteads, the army had built a narrow wooden bridge over the creek and during a blackout movement a tank ran off the side of the bridge and fell into the deep creek. 3 tank crewmen were killed in this accident. Due to the large deep ruts in all the roads, many vehicles actually overturned and had to be up-righted. At Mount Carmel, just past the cemetery, heading towards Peason, a half-track turned over in the small creek located there and 3 crewmen were killed in that accident.

There were country stores scattered all through the rural areas of the maneuver area and they had to be supplied. In Many, Louisiana, there was the Many Nehi Bottling Company where soda pop of many flavors was bottled. My grandfather had a country store for many years at Peason and sold cases and cases of Nehi drinks to the soldiers. Army trucks would pull up and the soldiers would jump out with only minutes to try and get an RC Cola or Nehi drink and some snacks. They were always in a rush, with sergeants shouting, “Hurry up, hurry up !“ They were in such a hurry that Granddaddy had a washtub at the end of his counter, and the soldiers would throw their money into the tub, quickly load onto the trucks, and they would move out fast. And Granddaddy always said none of the soldiers ever beat him out of or owed him money for anything they had gotten.

Near Peason, the roads were filled with deep ruts that were level full of water. Livestock could not even cross the road and owners of stock could not move their animals from one field to the other across the road. My Dad was asked by Mr. Sam McCollough to help him move a large flock of sheep from one field to the other. The road was so bad that the sheep would try and cross but would get stuck and would flounder in the deep ruts and mud. My Dad got on his horse and got across the road and he would rope one sheep at a time and would drag them through the mud into the field. While doing this it came a thunder and lightning storm. Soldiers were marching in the ditches and near the fence rows as they advanced toward Mount Camel and the battles being fought there. While moving the sheep, lightning stuck the barbed wire fence near my Dad. He saw a soldier slip in the mud and grab the fence. The lightning struck the fence and the soldier was killed.  

Schools throughout the area had to have classes cancelled for the month of September 1941. Both students and teachers could not get to the schools due to the damage to the roads and the lack of dependable buses and automobiles. The U.S. Army continued to conduct maneuvers all the way through 1944. In between the phases of the maneuvers army engineers would work on the roads and bridges. They hauled dirt, rock, and gravel and also installed new culverts and repaired bridges. But with the heavy traffic flow of military vehicles the roads were soon demolished. The army learned the art of moving large convoys of military vehicles in all types of weather and terrain here in Louisiana. Yes, even the roads and bad weather here in Louisiana helped to train the most powerful army in the world during World War II.

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The annual St. Michael’s Craft Fair is Saturday Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the St. Michael’s Church Center at 105 West South Street in Leesville.

Get an early start on holiday shopping.  Vendors will be located inside and outside the center.  Coffee and doughnuts will be available from 6 – 9 a.m. for donations only.  A $10 burger plate will be available from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  It will include a burger/trimmings, fries, cookie, and a drink.  To-go orders are available.

 Vendors are still being accepted; call Tara at 337-239-2656.

Items you will find at the fair include books, bows/ribbons, photos, soaps, crochet items, jewelry, quilts, handmade bags, and more.   Home businesses will also be on site, like Pampered Chef and Mary Kay.

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Funeral services for Rebecca “Becky” Ann Gohr will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Anacoco with Reverend Chad King and Dr. Will Hall officiating. The burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Anacoco on Wednesday, September 25th from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Becky was born August 11, 1948, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away September 21, 2024, in Lafayette, Louisiana at the age of 76. She began her career working for a telephone company then worked as a secretary for the government while her family was stationed in Germany. She used her creativity to make crafts and work with wood. One of the gifts that God gave her was a generous heart, and this led her to help people in many ways including being a part of Campers on a Mission. Her role in this group was to support the workers helping build churches. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Anacoco where she volunteered in many ways including cooking and taking food to people in the
community. Singing in the choir and taking part in the drama team were other ways she served in the church. Her family was grateful to have her love and support and will miss her deeply.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Finas Beason & Francis Lenore Allen Beason and siblings, Alvie Beason, Sybil Jeanise, Dewayne Beason, Jeanette Beason, and Roger Beason.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 56 years, Louis “Lou” William Gohr of Anacoco; sons, Clifton Ray Gohr and Carson Isaac Gohr, both of Anacoco; daughters, Kristal Gohr of Leesville, Melissa Phillips and husband Tommy of Evans, Louisiana, and Carla Grant; grandchildren, Kara Reann Schatteles and husband Stephen; great-grandson, Drew William Schatteles; sister, Shirley B. Kitchen of Anacoco; special family members, Katrina Leann and children, William and Hayley; close friends, Audrey Garrison and Phillis Haymon; and so many extended family members and friends.

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Funeral services for Gerald Douglas Anderson of Anacoco were held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, September 23, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Anacoco, with Bro. Robert Gentry, Bro. Jason Nolde, and Bro. Chad King officiating. Burial followed in the Self Cemetery in Hornbeck, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.

Gerald Douglas Anderson, born on March 25, 1942, in Hornbeck, Louisiana, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2024. He was surrounded by his loved ones in the home he built for his family.

Mr. Anderson was an esteemed alumnus of Northwestern State University. He dedicated 30 years to civil service with the federal government, earning numerous awards and commendations for his outstanding performance and professionalism.

A devoted member of Anacoco First Baptist Church, Gerald served on various committees, as a deacon, and as a Sunday school teacher—a role that held a special place in his heart. He also coached alongside Phil Lewis as part of the Incrediball team.

Gerald’s love for music began in his childhood and continued throughout his life. He was a member of several musical groups, including The Martin Family, The Living Water Singers, By Faith, and The Happy Day Singers. He cherished the opportunity to perform onstage with George Jones at Rebel Park in Marthaville, LA, and was an avid fan of Johnny Cash, consuming every recording and documentary ever made about the Man in Black.

Gerald enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting Graceland, The Grand Canyon, Johnny Cash’s childhood home, Disney World, Ground Zero in New York City, The Atlantic Ocean, Chicago, and many professional baseball stadiums with his son.

Gerald’s fondest memories included playing with his cousins as a child, stating that he felt it was his duty to ensure Lloyd Burlison grew up to be a responsible man. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren to swim, waking his children up for school while playing “Blueberry Hill” on the piano, insisting his children learn how to drive a standard, coaching his two out of three children to play baseball and softball, and building gymnastic equipment for the one that hated baseball and softball. He also enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame, appearing on an episode of the reality television series: My Big Redneck Family.

He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a man of intelligence, love, faith, and kindness.

Gerald is survived by his two daughters, Autumn “Chey” Anderson of Anacoco, and Tiffany Jacobs of DeRidder, Louisiana; the mother of his children, Jeanette Martin, of Anacoco; his sister, Marla Diven; and his beloved grandchildren: Dallas Jacobs, Hunter Jacobs, Sicily Jacobs, Ashleigh Dowden, Brett Dowden, Alyssa and Noah Cooley, Alexis and Justin Johnston, and Brenden Anderson; great-grandchildren, Bodhi Cooley, and Baby Girl Johnston due in March-2025.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Geneva Anderson; his sister, Diane Rascoe; and his son, Chad Anderson.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Heart of Hospice, specifically Gauge Stringer, for taking care of Daddy.

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The Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery is holding a service for a veteran with no family to attend. 

PFC Philip Anthony “Tony” Smith was a U.S. Army veteran.  He will be laid to rest on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 10 a.m.

The Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery is located at 3348 University Parkway in Leesville.  The public is invited to honor this veteran and stand in as his family.

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The 117^th Annual West Louisiana Forestry Festival features something for everyone.  Admission to the fairgrounds is free every day for law enforcement, first responders, military and family members (with proper ID).

Saturday, September 28:    5 p.m.    Miss WLFF Pageant/in the auditorium

Sunday, September 29:       10:30 a.m.   Cowboy church.    11 a.m.  Horse show/both in the rodeo arena

 Monday, September 30:      5:30 p.m.   4-H Pine Straw Stacking Contest/in the livestock barn

Tuesday, October 1:               5:30 p.m.    4-H Woodman’s Skills Contest/in the rodeo arena

Wednesday, October 2:       9 a.m.     Senior Day at the Fair/in the auditorium.  Free admission for senior citizens.     FAIR OPENS 4-10 p.m.    TWO ARMBANDS FOR $26   4-10 p.m.

Thursday, October 3:    Military Day   FAIR OPENS  4-10 p.m.    Get half off a 30 or 50 ticket package with a military ID.    $26 armbands from 4-10 p.m.   Make donation of canned goods and get $2 off armband.    Lions Club Rodeo Parade through downtown Leesville at 4 p.m.;    Rodeo at 7:30 p.m.;     105.7/4-H Big Dog Bull Roping Scholarship Event during the rodeo.

Friday, October 4:      School Day   No admission for K-12 students from  9 a.m.- 4 p.m.   $26 armbands from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. AND 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.     FAIR OPENS  10 a.m.-11 p.m.   4-H Pet show at 9 a.m.; 4-H Rabbit show at 11 a.m./both in livestock barn   Lions Club rodeo at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday October 5    FAIR OPENS   Noon-11pm    4-H poultry show at 9am   4-H Livestock show at 11am/both in livestock barn   $26 armbands from 6pm-11pm   All rides reduced by one ticket from noon-6pm   Lions Club rodeo  730pm    Finals of 105.7/4-H scholarship event during the rodeo.

Sunday October 6    FAIR OPENS   1-6pm   $26 armband   Take $2 off with donation of canned goods.

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Funeral services for Justin Lee Kay were held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Freedom Rest Baptist Church with Brother Travis Kay and Brother James Kay officiating. The burial followed in Beech Grove Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Mike Kay, Kyle Lawrence, Steven Kay, Roger Kay, Homer Kay, and Bryan Dease.

Justin was born on September 17, 1957, in Leesville to Leroy and Nelta Kay, and peacefully passed away on September 19, 2024, in Rosepine, Louisiana, at the age of 67. Justin graduated from Evans High School in 1975. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Kay, on October 20, 1989, and together they moved to Wisconsin for 10 years. Upon returning to Burr Ferry, Louisiana, from Wisconsin, Justin worked several jobs where he was able to use his passion for making other people smile. He worked many years at the feed store, Vernon Moving and Storage, and greeting people at Walmart. Justin had a passion for brightening other people’s day with his welcoming smile, kind heart, and most importantly, his infamous hugs. Justin truly never met a stranger, and he loved deeply. In 2015, God blessed Justin with his greatest gift, his only child, Jordyn Anderson Kay. Nothing made Justin prouder than becoming a father to Jordyn.

No matter where you were when you ran into Justin, he always took the time to share how proud he was of his son and how much he loved him. After the birth of Jordyn, Mike and Helen Kay’s family immediately welcomed Justin and Jordyn into their lives. They all became a very close family over the past 9 years of Jordyn’s life. Jordyn truly was the gem that brought his daddy purpose and joy. Jordyn and Justin both shared a huge love for sports, especially watching the Green Bay Packers play football. Since his cancer diagnosis in 2016, and again in 2021, Justin was nothing but positive, encouraging, and brave. He never once complained and fought a long, courageous battle. Throughout his cancer journey, Justin always made sure to set the best example for his son, teaching Jordyn to lean on Christ in hard times.

Though we are tremendously saddened by the loss of Justin, we are reassured in knowing he is resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus. As it is written in Psalm 23:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”. John 16:22, “So with you; now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy”.

Justin is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Nelta Kay; brother, Johnny Kay; wife Bonnie Kay; and special friend, Jerry Jeane.

Justin is survived by his son, Jordyn Anderson Kay; brother, Jefferson Kay (DeAnn); Mike and Helen Kay; Travis and Carley Kay and daughter Clara; Kelen Kay; Kyle and Kara Lawrence and children, Fisher and Meleny; special friend Pam Jeane and family; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Landrum and staff in Leesville, MD Anderson in Houston, Hospice of Leesville, Rosepine Retirement and Rehab, and Jeane Funeral Service for their love and compassion in caring for Justin during this time.

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Funeral services for Arthur “Judy” Pelt, Jr. were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September
24, 2024, at Fullerton Baptist Church with Reverend Steve Squyres officiating. The burial
followed in Marlow Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as
pallbearers were Skylar Pelt, Brandon Pelt, Timothy Johnson, Kevin Pelt, Lynn Johnson,
and James “Mann” Pelt.

Arthur was born July 22, 1943, in Pitkin, Louisiana and passed away in Pitkin on
September 21, 2024, at the age of 81. He was a lifelong resident of Pitkin and greatly
enjoyed his occupation as a logger. His hard-working attitude and kind nature were a
major part of his personality. You could count on Arthur to be generous, and he liked to
make people laugh. He almost always had a smile on his face. Being outdoors mowing
grass was one of his favorite hobbies, but spending time with his family was the most
important thing to him.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Pelt, Sr. and Alice Johnson Pelt;
brothers, Robert Pelt, Larry “Blue” Pelt, Alton Pelt, and Kenny Pelt; and sisters, Minnie
“Turbie” Leamer, Bobbie Diez and Rosalie Moffett.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Rodney Pelt (Lisa); daughters, Bridgett Price
and Leticia McClure; grandchildren, Timothy Johnson (Megan), Cory Pelt, Brandon Pelt
(Chelsea), Sarah Price, Kylan Barton, Logan McClure, Caden McClure (Alexandria), and
Russell Wingate (Holly); eleven great-grandchildren; brother, Garland Pelt; and extended
family members.

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JUSTIN LEE KAY
September 17, 1957 – September 19, 2024
Service: September 22, 2024, at Freedom Rest Baptist Church in Anacoco at 3:00 p.m.

GERALD DOUGLAS ANDERSON
March 25, 1942 – September 18, 2024
Service: September 23, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Anacoco at 10:00 a.m.

ARTHUR “JUDY” PELT, JR.
July 22, 1943 – September 21, 2024
Service: September 24, 2024, at Fullerton Baptist Church in Pitkin at 10:00 a.m.

GEORGE ROLAND MCKENZIE
February 2, 1940 – September 21, 2024
Service: September 25, 2024, at Hicks Pentecostal Church Cemetery in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

REBECCA “BECKY” ANN GOHR
August 11, 1948 – September 21, 2024
Service: September 25, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Anacoco at 2:00 p.m.

SANDRA KAY MICALE LEWIS
December 20, 1956 – September 23, 2024
Service: September 28, 2024, at East Leesville Baptist Church at 12:00 p.m.

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Richard Ward Ronayne III, age 36 of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Agents charged Ronayne with one count of Criminal Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a Correctional Facility. Bond has not been set.  Ronayne remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Willie S. Hale, age 55 of Hornbeck, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Hale with one count of Operating a Vehicle while License Suspended, one count No Vehicle Insurance, one count No Registration in Vehicle, one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic.  Hale was also arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Hale remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Garrick Sherroid Green, age 52 of Houston, Texas, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant from Harris County, TX.  Green remains in the Vernon Parish Jail awaiting extradition to Harris County.

Richard Allen Bailey, age 40 of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Violation of a Protective Order.  Bond has not been set.  Bailey remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Jaden Lee San Nicholas, age 19 of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace/Language.  Bond was set at $881.  San Nicolas posted bond and was released.

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

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will begin Phase 3 of the roundabout project on the south end of Leesville.  Today, September 20, two-way traffic is permitted on Boone Street.  The one-way detours on Boone will be closed.

The U-turn lane on Highway 171 South, south of the Louisiana Highway 1211 intersection (1500’) will be open.

The left turn lane on Highway 171 North at Stanton Road will be open.

All other lane closures will remain closed.  This phase should take approximately three months for competition of the remaining Class II base work, lime treatment, concrete paving, drainage, driveway installation and related work.

The DOTD thanks you for your patience with this project.

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By James R. Turner

You may have read about trees I’ve championed and promoted in the past, such as ancient pines, oaks and sycamores, once used all along Leesville streets!  There are remnants of this era from our little village’s past.  Amazed?

One tree that was discussed at some length, was the Southern Catalpa (Catalpa bignoniaceae), a most interesting plant.  As you may recall, they were planted all over “The South”.  They yielded a particularly useful caterpillar that is good for fishing.  Remember?  Like the ubiquitous, China Berry Tree (Melia azaderach), used for shade and lighter, the Catalpa trees were everywhere, and very useful.  Here and there you will find them in the yards of our oldest remaining houses.  It has large floppy leaves and long beans hanging down in the summer and fall.  I’ve always been especially fond of it.

Anyway, we’ve recently named our little, historic, Leesville compound, “CATALPA”.  The compound includes the Smart Plantation House (1855, at 301 South First Street), the Kitchen House (also 1855 and later, at 501 East Lula Street), and the Barracks (circa 1940s, over on Maggie Street).  It’s now called “CATALPA” in honor of this old tree.

There, in the back yard of the Kitchen House, is the Catalpa tree of about the same vintage as the Kitchen House itself, and its caterpillars. They were no doubt used to collect a few sun perch from the nearby Castor Bayou.  Halycon days, no?

Dear friends, you might enjoy a windshield visit to “CATALPA”. Here’s what you do: come into town on LA 468, very picturesque.  Just as you cross the bridge over Castor Bayou, look to your left. You will see a meadow and the barracks, the old Catalpa tree, and then CATALPA’S Kitchen House.  Thereafter, on your left, the Smart Plantation House.  Turn left onto South First Street for a front door view of the Smart Plantation House.  Enjoy all the new trees that have been planted, Magnolias, Camelias, Oaks, Crepe Myrtles and so on.  And yes, several new, baby Catalpas.  CATALPA welcomes your windshield visit and wishes you good fishing

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Northwestern State University will hold formal investiture ceremonies for James T. Genovese, the university’s 21st president, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25 in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.  NSU alumni, supporters and friends are invited to join students, faculty and staff in the celebration. 

The investiture is one of many special events set to take place during NSU’s Homecoming weekend Oct. 25-26 as the university’s celebrates the 140th anniversary of its founding in 1884.

Genovese is a former associate justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court.  Since taking office in August, he has met with students, alumni and school supporters, toured NSU’s campuses in Shreveport, Alexandria and Leesville and participated in many student and community activities. 

Genovese is a lifelong resident of Opelousas and a 1971 graduate of NSU. He was a four-year letterman in tennis and was named to Who’s Who Among Universities and Colleges, Who’s Who Among Greek Fraternities and Sororities of America and Outstanding College Athletes of America. He was also president of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and involved with Interfraternity Council, Student Government Association and intramurals.

Genovese received a juris doctorate from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1974 with honors in property law and engaged in the general practice of law in Acadiana from 1974-1995 where he served as past president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the St. Landry Parish Bar Association. His judicial career began as a judge ad hoc of the Opelousas City Court from 1975-1989. He was elected district judge of the 27th Judicial District Court for St. Landry Parish in 1995 and served as district judge through 2004, whereupon he was elected to the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal. He served on the appellate court from 2005-2016. He was elected Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, commencing January 1, 2017.

Genovese was a panelist, speaker and lecturer at conferences and continuing education seminars on recent updates, professionalism, ethics, summary judgment, writs and appeals, practices and procedures of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals and judicial review in the Louisiana Supreme Court.  He served on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Judicial Council Appellate Court Work Point Values Working Group and the Trial Court Committee to Review the Need for Judgeships and as chairman of its Long-Term Subcommittee and was the Supreme Court’s Appointee to the Juvenile Justice Reform Act Implementation Commission. Genovese is a board member of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society.

Genovese was inducted into the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction, in 2018. 

Mrs. Genovese, the former Martha Anne Janes, also attended Northwestern State as a nursing major, but chose a military career and retired as a staff sergeant in the Air Force. In addition to five daughters, they have four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Following the Investiture, the campus and community will convene at a luncheon and induction program for six new members of the Long Purple Line. The lunch will be at the Natchitoches Events Center.  Doors will open at 11:15 a.m. Tickets are available at www.nsulalongpurpleline.eventbrite.com.

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By VPJ Staff

The U.S. Air Force celebrated a birthday on September 18.  They are officially 77 years old.

The Air Force was born in 1947, when the National Security Act created the U.S. Department of Defense. Departments included the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and the newly created Air Force.  Today there are approximately 328,480 active personnel, 74,000 in the reserves and 106,000 in the Air National Guard. The Air Force employs over 170,000 civilians.  They are the world’s largest and most lethal air force

I was an Air Force brat.  Dad retired after 26 years as an E-9.  He was the NCOIC of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) command post at Barksdale AFB before retiring in 1968.  We traveled the country to stay with the nuclear weapons. Places like Loring AFB in Maine, Kincheloe AFB in the UP of Michigan and finally Barksdale AFB in Bossier City.  We had one hiccup to Earnest Harmon AFB in Newfoundland.  That marked the beginning of Air Force restructuring.

My father joined the Army/Air Corps just seven days after Pearl Harbor in 1941.  He was stationed in North Africa and ran sub patrols in the Caribbean.  He left the service but went back during the Korean conflict.  There he stayed.  When I came along in 1952, he was preparing to visit Japan in the mid 1950’s.  We lived on the economy, there was no base housing.  Sgt. Barnickel worked in the Meiji Building in downtown Tokyo.  I have such great memories and would love to revisit the Land of the Rising Sun.

When I graduated from high school in 1970, the USAF was heavily deployed in Vietnam.  Politics got in the way and Operation Rolling Thunder, despite damaging the economy and infrastructure of North Vietnam failed in it’s political and strategic goals.

Since those days, force structure has expanded the USAF to include more planes, the highest of hi-tech weapons, and 24-hour readiness.  Barksdale AFB in Bossier City is a key player in today’s Air Force.  They are home to the Air Force Global Strike Command and the “Mighty Eighth”.  The 2^nd Bomb Wing is the oldest and largest bomber wing in the world with a fleet of B-52’s at the ready.

I live today in an Army town, but I still bleed a little Air Force blue.  The USAF was good for my dad and family for a long time.  You know, they took the blue from the sky and pretty girl’s eye and a touch of Old Glory too.  They gave it to the men and women who proudly wear the USAF blue!  Happy 77^th birthday US. Air Force!!

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Ft. Johnson held an Inactivation Ceremony on Warrior Field, Thursday, September 19, at 10 a.m. for the 3^rd Battalion, 353^rd Regiment of the Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC).

This long-standing U.S. Army unit was one of over three hundred regiments formed by Congress as the country entered World War I.  They saw combat in Europe and following the war were based in Kansas as part of the organized reserves.  They returned to active duty in World War II, once more seeing combat in Europe.  They remained a drilling unit for reserves following the war and were briefly reactivated during the Persian Gulf war of 1991.  The unit was inactivated along with the rest of the 89^th Infantry Division in 1996.

The Army selected the 3rd-353^rd as the battalion that would train combat advisors at Camp Fullerton, Kansas from 2006-2009.  Army restructuring forced the 162^nd Infantry Brigade to be deactivated in July of 2014.  All of the 162nd’s former responsibilities fell to the 3^rd Battalion; one battalion successfully completing all the missions previously given to a full brigade! 

In October 2014, the 3-353^rd was reassigned to Ft. Polk (Johnson).  In September of 2020, they were reassigned to Security Force Assistance Command.

SFAC Deputy Commander, Colonel Matthew Bunch praised the unit’s well-deserved reputation and recounted the thousands of advisors trained by “The Tigers”.

The soldiers of the 3-353^rd have been transitioning to other units at Ft. Johnson and commands elsewhere. However, the 3-353^rd stands ready to reactivate and train advisors and units in security force assistance and security, providing the Army and joint force commanders the ability to train, advise and assist partners around the world.

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The following release is from the 82nd Airborne Public Affairs Detachment:

It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pfc. Matthew Perez, a paratrooper assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, from injuries sustained during training at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Johnson on September 13, 2024.

“His sudden loss has been felt across our formation, and we extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates within the Panther Brigade,” said Col. Jaron Wharton, Commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

The incident is under investigation. Soldiers who want assistance are encouraged to engage unit leadership directly for information on resources available.

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Sheriff Sam Craft and the employees of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate William Gilcrease on his retirement.

Deputy Gilcrease served the citizens of Vernon Parish for a total of 11 years and 8 months between 1993 and 2024, retiring this week.

Thank you, Mr. Bill, for your service, dedication, and professionalism. We wish you the very best on your retirement.

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A memorial service for Robert John “Bobby” Geelen will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024, at First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville, Louisiana, with Brother Mark Christian officiating. A visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday and will continue until the time of service. The family will hold a burial at a later date.

Robert was born November 9, 1962, in Howard, Maryland, to Harley Henry Geelen and Bonnie Dale LeBlanc Guillory and passed away on September 13, 2024, at Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. To know Bobby was to love him. He brought joy wherever he went. Bobby never met a stranger, and he loved meeting new people and asking, “Hello how are you? Are you happy? I’m happy.” Bobby always had a bright, big smile on his face wherever he went. He loved to walk everywhere in Vernon Parish and visited his spots where he was well known in the community in which he lived. Bobby enjoyed people watching, his Friday the 13th movies, playing bingo straight, and 4 corners as he would call it. He would watch his cards closely. He would rather visit, socialize, and enjoy life to the fullest. He was a giver and because he was a giver, Bobby’s family knew he would want to be an organ donor. So, Bobby will continue to do what he loved best and give a piece of himself to live on.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; stepdads, Leroy Guillory and Woodrow Parks; grandparents, Snowwhite and Ellis LeBlanc; two brothers, Harley and Clyde Geelen; uncles, Elwood LeBlanc, Ernest Geelen, and Bernice Kibodeaux; aunt, Lily, and nephew, Harley Geelen.

He is survived by his brothers, Mike Geelen, Frank Geelen, and Steve Parks; sisters, Ginger Parks, Joan Parks, and Sendy Parks; nephews, Kenneth Parks and Marlee Henley; nieces, Lacy Lynette Castro, Amber Kuhl, and Karlie Parks.

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