The #7 ranked Leesville Wampus Cats make their eighth trip to the LHSAA Quarterfinals tonight as they entertain #18 ranked Booker T. Washington of New Orleans at 7 p.m. in a Division II Select bracket game.

Leesville (9-2) advanced out of the regional round with a victory over Loyola Prep of Shreveport (42-24) while BTW (5-6) won at Buckeye, 56-14.  BTW was set to play #2 University High in the regionals but the lawsuit filed by University against the LHSAA went against the school and they forfeited their wins. BTW got credit for a 2-0 win.

Booker T Washington is a KIPP Charter school in New Orleans, located three miles from Caesar’s Superdome.  They battle for players with the Catholic League schools and other public schools, including Warren Easton and Edna Karr.  The Lions compete in District 10-3A against the likes of DeLasalle, GW Carver and Sophie B Wright.  Coach Wayne Reese’s squad is short on numbers but long on heart.  They have three wins in a row and have averaged over 30 points per game in those three games.  Defensively the Lions allow 33.7 ppg.

Leesville Coach Robbie Causey characterized the Lion defense as small but aggressive, featuring an all-district performer in the defensive backfield.  The Lion defense is not big, averaging 6’/220lbs according to the head Wampus Cat, but they get after the ball. In the win over Buckeye, they returned two fumbles for TD’s, including an 80-yard scoop and score. QB Corey McRaney hit 10/15 passes for 220 yards and five TDs against Buckeye, throwing to a bevy of small, quick wide receivers.  A 6’7/280-pound tackle anchors the pass protection.  The Lions used an on-side kick to start the second half vs Buckeye and quickly extended their lead to 30-7.

The Leesville offense runs through all state running back, Xavier Ford, the leading high school rusher in Louisiana.  Ford has piled up 2993 yards and 45 TDs on the season.  He became the all-time career rushing leader at Leesville High on the last game of the regular season, supplanting Cecil “the Diesel” Collins.  Collins was the first Mr. Football in the state in 1996.

The emergence of sophomore QB Trel Broom and his band of receivers gives Leesville more offensive options than last year.  Broom is in the Top Ten of sophomore QBs in the state with 104/174 1807 yards, 23 TD’s and 10 interceptions.  Broom has thrown primarily to Mike Davis (32/630 yds./8TDs) and Ju-Ju Brown (32/631yds./6TDs) but Dylan Absher, Davion Brtek and Ford have double digit receptions and 430 yards of receptions.

The Leesville defense allows 29.2 points per game, allowing 56 points to Sam Houston in a season opening loss and 62 points in the only district loss to Iowa.  Take those games away and the defense allows just 21 ppg.  The Cat Pack defense is led by Mike Williams (93 tackles), Jacob Pajinag (91 tackles), DeAndre Herron (63 tackles), and Deshun McNeely (62 tackles).  Three other defensive starters have over 60 tackles each.

Leesville kicker, Christian DeLapp has hit 38 of 45 extra points.  Leesville has converted seven two-point plays on the year.

Tonight’s winner will meet the winner of #3 E.D. White vs #6 Vanderbilt Catholic in the Division II Select semi-finals.  Leesville would travel to play in the semis.  BTW would play at home if they upset Leesville.

ON THE RADIO    KJAE-FM/93.5   KVVP-FM/105.7

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Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Waste Connection routes that are for Thursday pickup will be run on Friday.  Trash pickups that normally run Friday will run on Saturday of this week.

Waste Connections will be picking up trash Friday and Saturday.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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VOLUNTEER VERNON has a great Christmas project for the whole community.  They are looking for clubs, organizations, schools and churches to decorate trees in selected areas of downtown Leesville.  VOLUNTEER VERNON will facilitate the project, which will run through the end of the year.

There is no cost to participate and no entry fees involved.  Trees must be completed by December 8 and remain in place through December 31.  The groups decorating the trees will be responsible for removal of the trees by January 5, 2025.

No glass ornaments are allowed!  All decorations must be natural or non-breakable.  The tree must be secured by sandbags or cinder blocks.  Only heavy-duty extension cords and outdoor-use-only light strands will be allowed.  VOLUNTEER VERNON will have a few trees to use.  These are available on a first- come basis.

Trees will be set up at the park, next to the Museum of West Louisiana, and on the lot beside the old Phoenix drugstore downtown.  Some will also be worked into the trees on the Courthouse lawn.

Register your group or organization at the VOLUNTEER VERNON Facebook page, submit a message or text 337-424-6406 or 337-208-8915.

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To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations to high school football fan Rhonda Morrison of Leesville.  She is the mother of an athlete and coach, so we give her props for knowing her football.  There were several pickers that went 8-2, but Ms. Rhonda won it on the tiebreaker.  She just met this guy named Ben!   Good luck pickers! Every entry comes with a free subscription to the Vernon Parish Journal.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by VPJ by Friday at 4 p.m.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 14.

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.

Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

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Six states, including Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas will move from the East Region to the West on January 1, 2025.  TRICARE hopes it will help balance out the two districts and service providers.

Humana Military will continue as your TRICARE contractor until December 31.  You will need to create an account on the TriWest Patient Portal.  Humana Military care will be valid up to June 30, 2025.  To stay abreast of these changes visit www/Tricare.mil/changes and stay informed.

These changes to TRICARE contracts will affect you unless you have TRICARE for Life, the US Family Health Plan or a TRICARE health plan overseas.  Beginning January 1, TriWest Healthcare Alliance in the new west region will be giving new referrals and pre-authorizations.  These new contracts will enhance the process of finding network providers and scheduling first time visits with them.

Keep your eyes open for an e-mail or letter from TriWest.  You will be able to set up payment information on-line and download forms for recurring payments.  If you pay by a military pay system allotment they will transfer automatically.

For more information contact BJACH at Ft. Johnson.

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The CPKC Holiday Express train will make a stop in Leesville for all to enjoy.  The train will roll into the CPKC Yard at 901 South 3^rd Street from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10.  This event is free to the public.  Come see the displays, tour the train, and visit with Santa and the Elves.

Lines can be long, depending on what time you visit.  It is worth the wait for the kids.

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The Village of Simpson invites the public to their Community Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 1, at the Simpson Village Hall on Highway 8 in Simpson.  The day will begin at 2 p.m. with a wide range of activities.  The tree lighting is set for 5:30 p.m.

Gumbo will be served by the Simpson Fire Department.  A Smores Station will be set up for your sweet tooth.  Use the photo booth, and visit the kids’ shopping center and let your kids do Christmas crafts.  The choir from Hicks High will sing at 5 p.m.  Simpson’s choir will perform at 5:30 p.m.  Everyone is invited to visit and enjoy the seasonal fun!

The Village of Simpson will roll their annual parade through the Village on Sunday, December 8 at 3 p.m.  This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Village.”  The parade route will begin at Simpson Baptist Church and go to the hilltop on Highway 8 in Simpson.

For more information on the parade or tree lighting call Village hall at 337-383-7731.

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By VPJ Staff

Here’s hoping Thanksgiving was all you wished for, and the bountiful leftovers will be enjoyed for days to come.

Today is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year!  Retailers offer really, freaky good prices on everything you gotta have as well as everything you don’t need!  I can remember my ex-wife, her sister, and my daughter going shopping one year at 4 a.m.  Thanks, but no thanks.  I can buy my underwear any time of the year. It is rather hard to not buy something because prices can be jaw-dropping low!  So, go be your best shopper and spend those greenbacks.

Today is also National Buy Nothing Day.  That’s pretty self-explanatory. You are drawing a line in the sand!  Perfect for grouchy old people that just want to eat and visit with family and friends.

Desserts are a big thing this time of the year.  That’s why I love the season! Today is National Lemon Cream Pie Day.  Is that like lemon meringue or lemon ice box pie? I am easily confused by the nuance!  Whatever you call it, I’m down with it!  I dare you to serve a lemon cream and a key lime pie at the same time and watch your guests pucker up!

If you need a warm fuzzy today, it’s Electronic Greetings Day! Say hi to a long-time friend or family member.  Do it on-line or by phone; it’s all electronic!

Native American Heritage Day is celebrated all over our country today.  The indigenous tribes of the Northeast showed the Pilgrims what Thanksgiving was all about.  That’s according to the history books.  We know how many strange ways the white man showed his thanks when dealing with Native Americans.  We did them wrong and continue to do so.  The red man says it OK; come to our casinos and we’ll take a little back.

Happy day after Thanksgiving with all the joy it brings…Thanksgiving has become the Gateway for Christmas.  The season is here!  Enjoy!

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St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leesville will host Breakfast with Santa at the church hall on Saturday, December 7.  Come join the fun from 8 a.m. – noon at the parish meeting hall.

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, games, letter writing to Santa, and more.  Get your picture taken with Santa for $8; a family of four or more is $40.  Included in that price is a fully-loaded pancake breakfast, games and a photo with Santa.  Individual photos without the breakfast are also available.

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The City of Leesville is expanding the Jingle & Mingle Christmas event to three days this year with some exciting new ideas to help celebrate the holidays.

The event will be held at the new Leesville Event Center on Nolan Trace, December 6-8, both inside and outside the center.  The highlight for many will be a new indoor ice skating rink.  Skating sessions will be from 3-10 p.m. on Friday, December 6; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, December 7; and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8.  Ages 5-11 will cost $5; ages 12 and up will cost $10.  Buy your ice skating tickets today at Eventbrite.com.

The three-day event will also feature a visit from Santa and Joy the Elf, inflatables, merchandise vendors, raffle door prizes, and food trucks on site.

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The Pilot Club of Leesville will hold a Poinsettia sale on Monday, December 2, beginning at noon, at Leesville’s Dogwood Park on Belview Road.

6” plants in red or white are $12
8” plants in red or white are $20
10” plants in red or white are $30
Specialty 8” varieties (Christmas Mouse, Ice Crystal, Pink, or Picasso) are $25

The Pilot Club of Leesville has multiple civic projects going on that benefit our community. Support them and get into the Christmas spirit with lovely Poinsettias.

10TH ANNUAL REINDEER RUN

Pilot Club of Leesville presents their 10^th annual Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 14, with registration set at 8:30 a.m.  The race begins at 9 a.m.  Run headquarters will be at Dogwood Park off Belview Road in Leesville.  Individual runner cost is $35 (Early Bird cost) and $40 day of the race.  Teams of five or more runners are $25 per runner (Early Bird cost) and $30 day of the race.

Early bird registration is available until December 3.  To register go to https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race

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Welcome to the Vernon Parish Job Opportunities page. Every month you will find current job listings from The City of Leesville, Vernon Parish Police Jury, Vernon Parish School Board, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Leesville City Police.  Now that the holidays are upon us this page will now post seasonal work from the private sector.  If you are looking for holiday help you may e-mail those openings to VernonParishJournalnewsla@gmail.com

CITY OF LEESVILLE (Public Works)
Contact Chris Fox at 337-239-2995 or apply on-line at http://www.leesvillela.gov/jobs.aspx
These jobs feature great benefits: Excavator Operator, Sweeper Truck Operator.

The Leesville Fire Department is now hiring fire-fighters.  Contact Chief Bobby Hooks at 337-239-7950 or stop by the Leesville Fire Station.

VERNON PARISH POLICE JURY
There are no listings this week for the VPPJ

LEESVILLE CITY POLICE
City is always interested in hiring Patrol Officers. Contact Lt. Matt Warren at 337-238-0331

VERNON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The VPSO has two job listings this week: 1) Corrections Deputy – must be 18 years of age. Have high school diploma.  No experience needed;  2) Louisiana POST Certified Patrol Deputy.  Must have a minimum of two years’ experience.  Must be POST Certified through Louisiana.  For information, contact Chief Deputy Calvin Turner at 337-238-1311.

VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
The school board has the following openings.

Certified Speech Language Pathologist (VPSB)

Special Education Teacher at Leesville Junior High

Head football coach at Rosepine High (teaching responsibilities may vary)

Fifth grade teacher at Hicks Elementary

ELA teacher at Parkway Elementary

 

Apply online at  http://www.vpsb.us

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In some families, Thanksgiving will involve holding hands and praying before the meal. I was thinking about all the tables full of food surrounded by family members, who have gathered for this holiday. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love and grace. What are your family traditions around this holiday? Will you share your blessings? Are you a hand-holding family?

Has God given you a hand to hold?

Ronald Greer tells this story:

“I was sitting in the Atlanta airport, waiting at Gate 32 to board a plane. Zones 1 and 2 were called; I stood, picked up my briefcase, and walked toward the line that was forming. As I passed a row of seats, I heard a girl ask her mother, “Do I stand up now?”

Something about the girl’s voice got my attention. She was developmentally disabled. I kept walking, got in line, and boarded the plane.

I took my place in seat 7C. After I settled in, I looked up. There was the girl, coming down the aisle by herself. I was surprised to see that she was a teenager—she was so petite that she appeared almost frail. The seat in front of mine was hers.

Then “Animal House” boarded. A group of college students came down the aisle and took several rows of seats across from us. They were laughing, joking with one another, and having a great time. But above all else, they were cool. Cool, you understand, was imperative.

Finally, the plane was pushed back and began taxiing. Ten minutes later the pilot announced that we were cleared for takeoff. He made the final turn onto the runway.

I looked up and saw that little head with brunette hair lean partway across the aisle. I heard the girl say to the college student across from her, “I get really nervous when we take off. Would you hold my hand?”

My eyes were riveted on the young man to see what he would do. Holding a stranger’s hand is not cool. After a first nervous blush, he began to smile, and halfway across the aisle came that kid’s big ol’ hand. The girl’s tiny fingers grabbed it and squeezed it.

There they held hands across the aisle, as our Delta jet was airborne.

There they held hands as I stared, also in disbelief, and memorized that sacred moment. I knew I was seeing a sacrament.”

Has God given you a hand to hold?

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A memorial service for Vera Alyene McRae will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Old Anacoco Baptist Church with Brother Bill Blackmon officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Alyene was born February 12, 1945, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away November 24, 2024, in Leesville at the age of 79. After graduating from Simpson High School, she worked for a while at Hernandez Farm Supply before beginning a long career as the office manager at Scoggins Automotive. Reading her Bible was something that Alyene loved to do, and she marked many favorite passages. She had the heart of a caregiver and cooked delicious meals to share with others. Taking care of people was important to her, and she would often visit the nursing home to cheer someone up.

Alyene was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Wayne McRae; parents, Robert “Jack” Dillon and Irue Marler Dillon; and siblings, Wayne Dillon, Mary Danzy, Faye Blansette; and Bobbie Sue.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Bryan W. Stephens of Colfax, LA; daughters. Kayla Annette McRae of Anacoco, LA, Janice Dixon of Anacoco, LA, Monica Yarbrough of Belcher, LA, and Shaunda McRae of Leesville, LA; grandchildren, Savannah, Brianna, Sierra, Sheridan, Dillon, Dalton, Micaela, Mitch, Morgan, Marc, Christopher, and Samantha; great-grandchildren, Paislee, Anna, Ronnie, Regan, Raylin, Grayson, Lane, and Bennett; and a host of extended family members.

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ALVIN WAYNE WILLIAMS
September 29, 1958 – November 26, 2024
Service: November 30, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church in Leesville, Louisiana, at 12:00 p.m.

 

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Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Waste Connection routes that are for Thursday pickup will be run on Friday.  Trash pickups that normally run Friday will run on Saturday of this week.

Waste Connections will be picking up trash Friday and Saturday.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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Korey James Trauth, 36 of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Agents charged Trauth with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $4601. A detainer was placed on Trauth by the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole.  Trauth remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Michelle Tinsley, 24 of Leesville, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants.  Bond was denied.  Tinsley remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Nathan Daniel Lindsey, 45 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment.  Bond was set at $25,000.  Lindsey remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Cyril Lee, 35 of Leesville, was arrested on an out-of-jurisdiction Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Lee remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Michelle Coker, 34 of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Coker remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Derek Plaia, 34 of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Plaia remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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Tuesday, November 26, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a hunter, who had located what he believed to be human remains.  Detectives and deputies went to the area off Lunkers Cove Road, near Anacoco Lake.  The hunter told officers he had been on his ATV in dense, bushy woods when he came upon the remains.

Law enforcement confirmed the remains were human.  The Vernon Parish Coroner’s Office assisted with processing the scene.  Further examination will be made, but authorities confirmed the remains were those of 61-year old Bobby Burns of Leesville.

Burns was reported missing in April of 2024 by family members.  At that time, Burns’s abandoned vehicle had been located by law enforcement around the VFW Road area.  Foul play is not suspected.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office was involved in an active pursuit on Monday, November 25, of two suspects wanted on burglary charges in Lafayette Parish.  Deputies chased 18-year-old Landon Burrows of Benton, Louisiana, and Hunter Martin of Keithville, Louisiana through portions of Beauregard and Vernon Parishes, before the vehicle they were in crashed in the area of Beltz Road in Vernon Parish.  Burrows attempted to flee but was apprehended by law enforcement.

Martin ran into the woods nearby and was pursued by deputies.  Before they could find him, Martin was picked up by an accomplice near Highway 467.  Deputies in DeSoto Parish located Martin later in the day, but he again fled on foot into the woods.

The Vernon Parish Journal spoke with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s office Tuesday afternoon after 2 p.m.  They referred us to the Louisiana State Police for further information. We received no further information on the investigation after inquiries to the LSP. It is unknown if Martin has been apprehended at this time.

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The Vernon Parish Police Jury’s Road Maintenance and Construction Committee met on Friday, November 22, at 3 p.m.  Discussion centered on the method used in letting bids for road overlays.

Currently, bids for soil/cement work and asphalt are bid separately.  Jurors discussed combining those bids in hopes of attracting bigger contracting firms to bid on the “bigger” job.  Jurors were in agreement that changes to the bid policy would get them more competitive bids.

Jurors will meet with road foremen to compile reports on each road to be overlaid 2025 list.  Those reports must be turned in by December 10 to the central office.  This will most likely cause bids to go out later than normal.

The 2024 Parish Overlay Project had 14 of 31 roads that were not completed.  Those roads will go on the 2025 list for finishing.  Jurors hope to attract more contractors willing to bid on larger projects, with the end result being a savings for Vernon Parish and the road budget.

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The Vernon Parish Journal will publish notice of your business, organization, or church Thanksgiving celebration that is open to the public.  Send the information to:  vernonparishjournalnewsla@gmail.com

Crossties and Grace Bible Church- Free Community Thanksgiving meal.  Thursday, November 28, at noon.  Organizers will serve jambalaya, green beans, rolls, desserts, and drinks. All are welcome.  Grace Bible Church is located at 1101 Boone Street in Leesville.

VFW Post 3106-Leesville- VFW Post 3106 on Harriet Street in Leesville will host a Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner on Thursday, November 28 at 3 p.m.  Free food, drinks for purchase. Bring a side dish to share.  Open to the local community.

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