The Leesville City Council met Monday, November 25 at 3 p.m.  All Council members were in attendance.  The first order of business was to address current monthly bills, which totaled $82,867.49.  Four months into the new fiscal year, the City should be at 33% of their budget expenses.  They are currently at 34%.

City Engineer Mark McCarty recommended the City accept the street overlay contract.  There are a few driveways to adjust before completion.  Mayor Rick Allen announced some surplus road money will be spent re-doing the four-way stop at Gladys and Lawrence streets and doing work from Nona street to Orleans. They are repairing a manhole problem and may have to close a street to identify and fix the problem.

Two ordinances were introduced Monday.  Ordinance 6 of 2024 would authorize the mayor to establish a franchise fee pursuant to a state-issued certificate of franchise authority.  Ordinance 7 of 2024 will authorize the City to accept a land donation from Two Magnolias Land Company LLC and give the mayor the authority to sign and execute the agreement.  A public hearing on both ordinances will be on December 9 before the 3 p.m. Council meeting.

Several resolutions were adopted Monday.  The City will engage with Meyer and Associates for professional engineering services for the Water Sector Program Phase 2 System Improvement Project.  The City will also engage with Karen White Consulting to provide grant assistance services for the Louisiana Inaugural Community Wildfire Protection Plan.  Another resolution authorizes the mayor to sign and execute the 2024-2025 Community Enrichment Fund and Louisiana Government Assistance Program grant applications.  The City will submit a Request for Proposals for the construction of a new splash pad at the municipal recreation complex.  The City will submit a Request for Quotes for timber and land clearing and other facility improvement projects at the recreation complex.  The City approved the “Certificate of Substantial Completion” for the 2024 street rehab project.  The city will approve APECK Construction LLC to perform the overlay work on Boone Street.

City Administrator, Patti Larney, announced property tax notices will be going out in mid-December.  She also noted City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday of this week.

Council member Willie Mae Kennedy reminded those in attendance that Jubilee Park will host their annual tree lighting for the community on Thursday, December 5 at 5 p.m.  School choirs will perform, and you can enjoy free hot chocolate and snacks.  Bring the kids to see Santa!

The City invites all members of the community to the Leesville Event Center on Thursday, December 12 at 6 p.m.  Prayers for Unity will be offered for the nation, state, parish, city and home.  All denominations are invited to attend.

The next meeting of the Leesville City Council will be December 9 at 3 p.m.

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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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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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By Quinn Marceaux and Grace Thompson

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry got the Louisiana Legislature to back his bet of lowering individual and corporate income taxes to stimulate growth in the state.

The Legislature adopted a 3% flat tax for individuals, trimmed corporate taxes and will make up some of the lost revenue by temporarily extending and increasing to 5% the state sales tax. Louisiana will now have the highest combined local and state sales tax in the nation at 10.6%.

The tax package, passed Friday with the required two-thirds votes in both chambers, received bipartisan support by aligning Louisiana’s taxes with successful neighboring states. The bills now go to the governor for his signature. The action Friday closed a special session of the Legislature that opened on November 6.

“When we came to Baton Rouge, our goal was to have a long overdue conversation on our tax package,” said Sen. William Wheat, R-Ponchatoula. “This will put Louisiana in a better competitive space to compete with our surrounding states,” he said.

In a closed-door session, Senate lawmakers merged the politically-palatable income tax cut with the steep sales tax increase to win support for the package as a whole.  The idea was to flatten the personal income tax from a tiered-rate system with a top rate of 4.25%, which would have created over a billion dollars in deficits, prompting lawmakers to raise the sales tax and find other sources of revenue to offset the cuts.

The bill passed the Senate 38-1 vote, with Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, casting the sole dissenting vote. House approval was 80-18, with Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Gray, as the only dissenting Republican.

Still, it was not clear that all the revenue lost by cutting taxes would be made up. “You’re creating a budget shortfall to provide a tax break for people who don’t need it, and creating another fiscal cliff,” said Jan Moller, executive director of Invest in Louisiana, a nonpartisan group in Baton Rouge that represents lower-income citizens.

This proposed sales tax increase mirrors one pushed by former Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2016, when Louisiana faced a significant deficit. However, Landry’s sales tax hike is intended to offset his plan to flatten income taxes, a step toward his long-term goal of eliminating income taxes entirely. To gain support, the income and sales tax measures were combined, enabling Republican legislators to stomach raising the sales tax to the highest rate in the nation.

“We are not expanding sales tax into any new services,” Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, said.  However, the package will for the first time tax digital services such as streaming services and games.

The Senate approved a significant reduction in the corporate income tax and the complete elimination of the corporate franchise tax. The corporate income tax rate was lowered from 7.5%, one of the highest in the nation, to a flat 5.5%, a move legislators believe will make Louisiana more attractive to business. The bill was passed with a 38-1 vote in the Senate and a 90-9 vote in the House.

The corporate franchise tax, a levy on owning property or conducting business in the state, will be fully eliminated starting January 1, 2026. As part of this change, certain business tax credits will expire on June 30, 2025. Louisiana was previously one of only 17 states with a corporate franchise tax. The bill was passed unanimously in the Senate and by an 84-16 vote in the House.

“Most states around us have eliminated the franchise tax,” said Sen. Jeremy Stine, R-Lake Charles, former marketing director for his family business, Stine Home and Yard. ”As a business owner, this tax is a punishing tax.”

The Senate also approved a bill to make permanent the $2,000 annual stipend teachers have received over the past two years. With Louisiana facing a shortage of some 2,500 teachers, this measure aims to retain current educators and attract new talent. The raise will be partially funded by reallocating $2 billion from the state’s Millennium Trust Fund, managed by the Louisiana Education Department, to reduce debt in the teachers’ retirement system.

However, teachers at charter schools and other institutions that have not contributed to the retirement system will not qualify for the raise. Additionally, some school districts may have leftover funds after receiving this state funding. Any surplus must be directed toward other school employees rather than expenses like textbooks. The bill was unanimously passed in both houses.

Two subsidies that Landry wanted to eliminate were partially preserved after protests at the Capitol: tax credits for movie-making and historic preservation of buildings.

“They can fill a room or two or three,” said Sen. Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, the president of the Senate.

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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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The Leesville High Wampus Cats will make their eighth trip to the quarterfinals of the LHSAA playoffs, at home Friday, by virtue of their 42-24 win over the Loyola Prep Flyers from Shreveport.  Leesville will host Booker T. Washington of New Orleans, the #18 seed, who advanced with a 56-14 win at #15 Buckeye.

Leesville took the opening kickoff against Loyola on a cold, clear night and lined up in the Wildcat formation with all state running back Xavier Ford taking the snap.  It took two plays for Ford to score on a 29-yard run.  Leesville gave Loyola a good dose of Ford and he responded with 267 yards rushing and 3 TD’s on the night.

Quarterback Trel Broom was very accurate all night, completing eleven of thirteen passes for 165 yards, three TD’s and one interception. The sophomore hit Mike Davis seven times for 114 yards and a TD (25 yds).  Freshman Ju-Ju Brown caught both balls thrown his way including an 11-yard TD while Ford got into the act with two catches, one for a nine-yard score.

The Leesville offense never let go of control of the game.  Leesville never punted. They converted four of five third down attempts. The Cats were called for 9 penalties that cost them 95 yards.  Loyola was penalized twice for 25 yards.

The Leesville defense withstood 40 pass attempts by sophomore QB Bryce Restovich.  He completed 21 passes for three TD’s and was picked off once by Ethan Stewart.  Restovich led the Flyers to 19 first downs but was rattled time and time again by the fierce pass rush of the Wampus Cats.  Deandre Herron had eight tackles, four for losses, and a QB sack.  Stewart had seen tackles to go with his INT.  Deshun McNeely had seven tackles.

Restovich, already the school career passing TD leader as a sophomore, hit WR Jake Black with eight passes for 95 yards and a TD.  WR Ben Brewer pulled down six balls for 100 yards and a TD.  Brock Geter had 61 yards receiving and caught the first TD pass of the night from Restovich.

 #7 ranked Leesville (9-2) will now host #18 Booker T. Washington of New Orleans (5-6/2-3 Dist.10-3A) Friday night at 7 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Division II Select division.  BTW advanced on a forfeit by #2 University High.  The Lions have won three in a row, including a win in the first round of the playoffs at #15 Buckeye, 56-14.  The Vernon Parish Journal will have a closer look at both teams in Friday’s edition.

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Northwestern State University has restarted its rodeo team after a hiatus of more than 20 years. 

According to team advisor Professor of Educational Psychology Dr. Michelle Morris, alumni of the program reached out to the NSU administration last summer requesting the university sponsor a rodeo team again. 

“We have received an outpouring of support from the local community offering resources to support our rodeo athletes,” said Morris. “Rodeo alumni and the Natchitoches community rallied to restart the team. They called the university, connected with administrators and faculty and made Facebook posts to gain support. I’ve never seen such an outpouring of support and enthusiasm for bringing back a cherished sport to Northwestern.” 

NSU had a rodeo program from the early 1960s through the mid-90s supported by a student fee. Cuts to academic programs in agricultural sciences made it difficult to recruit students to participate. 

Morris said the university has been helpful in restarting the team. She said NSU has provided financial support for recruitment and rodeo advising since the beginning of the fall semester. Students were gifted competition vests with NSU’s logo to use while on the team. Student fees are available to support riders at the completion of paperwork.  

The team has two members, barrel racers Karli English, an accounting major from Leesville, and McKenzie Davis, an accounting major from Pollock. English competed in four intercollegiate rodeos this semester and Davis competed in two. NSU is in the Southern Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). There are five rodeos each semester and the national finals in the summer.  

Events for male rodeo athletes include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. Events for female rodeo athletes include barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping.  

Morris said she is actively recruiting new team members. Current NSU students, incoming freshmen and transfer students who are ready to compete are welcome. For more information, contact Morris at paulselm@nsula.edu   

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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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by James R. Turner

As the boys who park their bulldozers by the fire tower say, “He’s a man with a hat but no cattle.”  It’s true!  I have a little unique spread on Anacoco Lake that is actually a bit of heaven.  It is a beautifully wooded and extraordinarily quiet place.  And as the girls say in town, “…hello handsome”. That is not true!  I have a sweet compound of historic buildings from 1855 or later called “Catalpa”. 

Meanwhile the nearby village of Leesville rolls with the punches way out here in No Man’s Land.  It’s all a measure of underappreciated luxury.

These and other mildly identifying charms, such as the historic courthouse and the whistle of the train, define a form of luxury that we might carelessly overlook.  The world is changing; decibels and water are rising.  Safe harbors are harder and harder to find.  Peace and quiet threaten to abandon the land in the big cities and sprawling suburbs, a long way from Vernon Parish.  Too much is noisy and worrisome.  In ways, anxiety seems to be creeping into every heart while small towns and quiet woods, like threatened species, become truly a luxury.  We forget the luxury of clean air, whispering pines, quiet nights, and devoted friendships.  We appreciate but often overlook the work of our law enforcement pros, our dedicated librarians and schoolteachers, our church elders, foresters, and considerate merchants as they go about their labors in support of the building and maintaining of the harmony and rhythms of a small town and good people.

What are the true luxuries we can count on?  What are the conditions that reduce or eliminate stress?  Certainly, it wouldn’t hurt us to recognize the true luxury of peace and quiet.  After all, so many yearn for it, work a lifetime to get it, and in many cases spend a fortune chasing what small towns and nearby shady woods have at arm’s length.

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David & Kylie Knight are a husband-and-wife Christian illusionist duo who have traveled and performed together for over 15 years. They have a passion for wowing audiences with their craft, and their intense love for Jesus and for each other shines through in everything they do. Check out their website at https://www.knightillusions.com/

They will be performing at FBC Anacoco on Sunday, December 8th. For interview requests with David and Kylie Knight, please contact LeannCallaway@aol.com

When Christian illusionists David and Kylie Knight want to quickly capture the attention of audiences, they have been known to make it snow inside venues or cause objects to disappear. But there is a method to their madness. 

By using over-the-top object lessons, the husband-and-wife team entertains audiences in a variety of settings while sharing the gospel.

With a blend of humor, illusions and stunts to teach lessons, the Knights have become popular entertainers for sports award nights, children’s programs, youth events, retreats and church services.

As a team they have covered thousands of miles and helped churches and ministries all around the world reach their communities with the love of God.

Born and raised around Dallas, Texas, David has always been a performer. From his first role in a kindergarten play, David has continually found himself in front of a crowd. As a child, he would urge his cousins to perform in plays that he would write (and star in) for the family.

His early love was music. Concentrating on his vocal skills, he joined the Mesquite Boys Choir where he learned more about the skills of showmanship. He was also cast in a made-for-tv movie. But, he probably won’t tell you what it was.

It was during a 6th grade reading assignment that David felt the draw of the art of illusion after reading a biography on the famous magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini.

Throughout high school David honed his craft by performing in restaurants and at private parties around his hometown of Dallas, Texas. You would often find him at the local magic shop or hanging out with Dallas magic professionals like: past Society of American Magicians president Dal Sanders, world-wide performer and consultant Rick Walker or creator and TV personality Bizzaro.

While attending college, David was offered a position with world-renowned Christian illusionist, Andre Kole. He spent 3 years under Andre’s tutelage where he learned some of the finer skills of the art of illusion.  Kylie was born and raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Even at a young age, this southern girl enjoyed the stage. She participated in the school productions and was even briefly part of the Victorian Children’s Choir.

At the age of 20, with a nudge from God, she bravely decided to get on a plane and travel to the other side of the world on her own in hopes of traveling.

Kylie’s talent isn’t limited to the stage and spotlight; in Australia, Kylie was a dental assistant. She considers this her “crown”-ing achievement.

As a partner in the show, Kylie is much more than just an assistant. It is because of her tireless work and attention that the show is able to go on. Her time onstage does not reflect the copious amount of work that she does behind the scenes.

From load in to load out, Kylie handles and coordinates the set up and flow for the show. If that weren’t enough, she also has to keep David in line — that can be a full-time job in itself!

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The Junior League of Leesville will host a donation drive for the Vernon Council on Aging.  They are looking for the following items: socks, blankets, flushable wipes, shampoo, soap, hats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and snacks. The deadline for gathering these items is Monday, December 9.

Contact any member of the Junior League and they will come and pick up your donations.  Call Brittney Merritte at 225-747-0779 to arrange for the pick up.

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Glynn Edward Welch, born on March 6, 1958, in Leesville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home in Westlake, Louisiana, on November 19, 2024, at the age of 66. Glynn was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, known for his easy-going nature and determination.

A graduate of Leesville High School, Glynn embarked on a career working alongside his father and brother for many years and later as a heavy equipment operator and contractor. In his younger years he developed a passion for softball and became an avid player. He loved gospel music, and he was renowned for his culinary skills, often delighting in cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. He cherished his time with children and grandchildren. Above all, Glynn loved the Lord and imparted his deep faith to his family.

Glynn was preceded in death by his parents, William Chester “Ted” Welch and Ruth Mae O’Banion Welch; siblings, Linda Mae Cauthen, Jimmy Kenneth Welch, Anthony Scott Chamberlain; and the mother of his children, Sheila Ann Reich. He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory: siblings Adrian Smart (Jerry), Billie Thomason (Tom), Charles Welch (Glenda), Brenda Whatley (Dwayne), Teddie Medina, and Pam Castillo; children Kylie Kelley (Heath), William “Daniel” Welch (Jessica), and Brittani Teal (Daniel); and grandchildren Gabriella, Evelyn, Caroline, Brylie, Lyra, Stella, Cohen, Beau, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville, officiated by Reverends Mark Christian and Jon Welch. Burial followed at Oak Forest Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.  Serving as pallbearers were William Daniel Welch, Daniel Teal, Heath Kelley, Shane Welch, Dustin Welch, Jesse Lentz, Joshua Mata, Bradley Smart, Jeffrey Castillo, and Braeden Bradley. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Michael Castillo, Scott Chamberlain, Michael Chamberlain, Richard Cauthen, Darrell Woofter, Jon Calvin Thomason, Jose’ Mata, Joseph Loupe, David Larwood, and Tommy Burns.

Glynn will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

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A visitation for Sue Babin Marshall will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Jeane’s Funeral Service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Union Grove Cemetery in Slagle, Louisiana under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Sue was born on March 17, 1934, to Adolph and Lula Babin and was a lifetime resident of Vernon Parish. She passed away on November 23, 2024, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 90. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who adored her family dearly.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 72 years, Clarence Lee Marshall; brother, Henry Babin; and sister, Eva Self. She is survived by her daughter, Frances McClelland and husband Richard of Port Neches, Texas; granddaughter, Amber Swierkowski and husband Tom of The Colony, Texas; and grandson, Scott McClelland of Port Neches.

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BARBARA ANN WHITE
September 3, 1944 – November 21, 2024
Service: November 24, 2024, at Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Pitkin, Louisiana, at 2:00 p.m.

RONALD PAUL JETT
January 20, 1972 – November 20, 2024
Service: November 23, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, at 11:00 a.m.

SUE BABIN MARSHALL
March 17, 1934 – November 23, 2024
Service: November 29, 2024, at Union Grove Cemetery in Slagle, Louisiana, at 1:00 p.m.

VERA ALYENE MCRAE
February 12, 1945 – November 24, 2024
Service: November 30, 2024, at Old Anacoco Baptist Church in Anacoco at 12:00 p.m.

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The Vernon Parish School Board was informed by the Louisiana Department of Education that 2023-2024 district and school SPS results are out. The Vernon system has once again earned an “Academic A” rating as one of the top ten school districts in the state.  Vernon is ranked #7 in the state.  The district SPS score went up 1.4 points, which indicates the system has achieved its goal of returning to pre-Covid student performance levels.

Lisa Lohman, Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum Director pointed out six Vernon schools were rated as “Academic A” schools.  Nine schools received “Top Gains” status for an overall Academic A in student progress.  Vernon is the only Academic A district in the state for ACT index.  The system was awarded top marks in high school indexes like, student progress, strength of diploma, graduation rate and interest and opportunities.

Lohman thanked the Central Office staff, administrators, teachers, support personnel, students and parents for their work in getting such high marks statewide.

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David & Kylie Knight are a husband-and-wife Christian illusionist duo who have traveled and performed together for over 15 years. They have a passion for wowing audiences with their craft, and their intense love for Jesus and for each other shines through in everything they do. Check out their website at https://www.knightillusions.com/

They will be performing at FBC Anacoco on Sunday, December 8th. For interview requests with David and Kylie Knight, please contact LeannCallaway@aol.com

When Christian illusionists David and Kylie Knight want to quickly capture the attention of audiences, they have been known to make it snow inside venues or cause objects to disappear. But there is a method to their madness. 

By using over-the-top object lessons, the husband-and-wife team entertains audiences in a variety of settings while sharing the gospel.

With a blend of humor, illusions and stunts to teach lessons, the Knights have become popular entertainers for sports award nights, children’s programs, youth events, retreats and church services.

As a team they have covered thousands of miles and helped churches and ministries all around the world reach their communities with the love of God.

Born and raised around Dallas, Texas, David has always been a performer. From his first role in a kindergarten play, David has continually found himself in front of a crowd. As a child, he would urge his cousins to perform in plays that he would write (and star in) for the family.

His early love was music. Concentrating on his vocal skills, he joined the Mesquite Boys Choir where he learned more about the skills of showmanship. He was also cast in a made-for-tv movie. But, he probably won’t tell you what it was.

It was during a 6th grade reading assignment that David felt the draw of the art of illusion after reading a biography on the famous magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini.

Throughout high school David honed his craft by performing in restaurants and at private parties around his hometown of Dallas, Texas. You would often find him at the local magic shop or hanging out with Dallas magic professionals like: past Society of American Magicians president Dal Sanders, world-wide performer and consultant Rick Walker or creator and TV personality Bizzaro.

While attending college, David was offered a position with world-renowned Christian illusionist, Andre Kole. He spent 3 years under Andre’s tutelage where he learned some of the finer skills of the art of illusion.  Kylie was born and raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Even at a young age, this southern girl enjoyed the stage. She participated in the school productions and was even briefly part of the Victorian Children’s Choir.

At the age of 20, with a nudge from God, she bravely decided to get on a plane and travel to the other side of the world on her own in hopes of traveling.

Kylie’s talent isn’t limited to the stage and spotlight; in Australia, Kylie was a dental assistant. She considers this her “crown”-ing achievement.

As a partner in the show, Kylie is much more than just an assistant. It is because of her tireless work and attention that the show is able to go on. Her time onstage does not reflect the copious amount of work that she does behind the scenes.

From load in to load out, Kylie handles and coordinates the set up and flow for the show. If that weren’t enough, she also has to keep David in line — that can be a full-time job in itself!

---

By Billy Crawford

LEE HILLS – Leesville’s First Housing Subdivision

Dedication ceremonies for the Lee Hills Housing Project, one of the largest privately owned housing projects built exclusively for Commissioned Officers in the United States and Defense family members, was held on Friday evening, July 3, 1942, at 6 o’clock.

Jean M. King, president of the Leesville Improvement Corporation Lee Hills project, was master of ceremonies. After introducing the members of the board of directors of the Lee Hills project, he introduced principal speakers for the event, Fred H. Bailey Federal Housing Administration for Louisiana, and Major General Alvan C. Gillem, Jr. Commanding General of Camp Polk.

Mr. Bailey outlined the building of the Lee Hills from the beginning, giving very interesting information. General Gillem expressed the Army’s appreciation for the building of Lee Hills was probably the only one on record of its kind in the United States, built exclusively for use of the Army. (Camp Polk did not have family housing on the Base at this time.)

The Lee Hills project was begun with McGregor & Pickett as contractors on the building of the houses, the project consisting of 435 housing units. The improvement work was done by W.R. Aldrich & Co. under contract with the City. The sewer system was built by E.L. Dalton & Co., also under contract from the City. Mr. O.E. Morris was mayor of Leesville.

The streets in Lee Hills were named after Board members: Kings Road, John Paul Jones (formerly Morrison Street), Marvin, Dennis, Douglass, Pinckney, Jean, Edwards, Miriam, Aaron, Merchants, Merritt, Thomas, Allison, and Abe L. Allen Memorial Drive.

The 435 homes had a typical Lee Hills floor plan– two bedrooms, one bath, living room, dining room, and kitchen with a pantry and small back porch. An attic fan was used for cooling and the floor furnace for heating. Each home had a driveway leading to a separate car garage. There were also duplex homes mixed in with a double garage.

Rent for the month was $65. The Lee Hills Office was located across the street from Lee Hills Park, Mrs. Maydele Whitman or Mrs. Hazel Edwards were the office secretaries.

Lee Hills Park was the gathering place where teens would meet up after school and during the weekends, playing the “sports of the season”—shooting hoops, touch football, and baseball.

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Pilot Club of Leesville presents their 10^th annual Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 14 with registration set at 8:30.  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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A team of Demon Coders from Northwestern State University participated in the International Collegiate Programming Contest (IPCP)/Mid-Atlantlic USA regional competition November 16. The three mathematics majors competed with colleges from all over the south and placed first in Division 2 in Louisiana, 12th in the region consisting of Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma and were the first team to solve two problems in Louisiana.  Pictured above from left are Masen Starks of Many, Shannon Boone of Pitkin, and Natalie Sutton of Bossier City.  Dr. Nicholas Richardson, assistant professor of mathematics, is team sponsor. Information on Northwestern State’s Department of Mathematics is available at  https://www.nsula.edu/mathematics/.  

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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 behind the old Phoenix Healthmart 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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By VPJ Staff

Today is National Cashew Day.  Cashews are my favorite nuts, with salted peanuts a close second.  I enjoy cashews in the cuisine of southeast Asia, and for snacking they can’t be beat!  Nut lovers will have differing opinions.

If you eat nuts, this is your time of the year.  The holidays are rife with recipes that include pecans, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachios and more.  Savory recipes, sweet treats galore … everyone has a favorite recipe using nuts. The holidays bring out the nuts, no pun intended.

Growing up in Bossier City, we lived off the back gate of Barksdale AFB, in the Shady Grove subdivision.  There was a pecan tree in every backyard!  My mother came from a large family in Pittsburgh, where pecan trees can be scarce.  Marge would shell five-pound bags of pecans and send them to her sisters.  What a gift for a baker!  Go check the price on five pounds of shelled pecans these days! For Mom, it was just a labor of love.  True to her Slavic roots, Mom would make Hungarian nut rolls for Christmas — some to eat, some to give as neighborhood gifts.  THEY WERE A HIT ALWAYS!  She rolled out the homemade dough, added the chopped nuts and seasonings, then rolled them up and baked em. They were great with coffee, tea, or cold milk.  Whoever helped Mom the most got to eat some first.  I volunteered a lot!

I am truly saddened to learn so many people have nut allergies.  No PB&J sammies, no putting salted peanuts into a cold bottle of Coca-Cola, never knowing the nut/nougat joy of a Payday candy bar.

Thanksgiving tables next week will be littered with pecan pies, brownies with walnuts, and  mixed nuts to snack on during football.  Sweet potato casseroles will be sprinkled with pecans, and almonds will find their way into green bean dishes.

The legendary Catfish Junction restaurant, south of Leesville, gave you roasted peanuts to nibble before your visit to the salad bar.  I loved that, but hated the thought of someone having to sweep up all those shells from the floor at night’s end.

There will be a congealed salad on our Thanksgiving table, and it will have nuts in it.  The Pie-Caken we bought for dessert has a layer of carrot cake, then a layer of pumpkin pie, and a slice of pecan pie on the bottom.  MIND OFFICIALLY BLOWN!

Here’s hoping nuts find their way to your Thanksgiving feast.  From one nut to another, Happy Thanksgiving!

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