A recent incident in Vernon Parish underscores the need for caution at railroad crossings. There are hundreds of these crossings in West Central Louisiana — some marked with lights and crossing arms, others just lights, and some with just a sign.
Sunday, December 22, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Anacoco Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Anacoco Fire Department, and CPKC Railroad personnel responded to a report of a northbound CPKC train that had been involved in an incident involving a passenger vehicle. The incident took place on Roy Clark Road and Highway 171 North.
A vehicle was struck in the rear by a train traveling north. The intersection where that occurred has no crossing arms. The sole occupant of the SUV was transported to the hospital for treatment of what were called minor injuries. The accident forced several other crossings to close to traffic because trains could not pass through the site. The incident remains under investigation.
Please be safe and look both ways when approaching a railroad crossing that has no lights and crossing arms. When there is a crossing with all the bells and whistles, pay attention.
The 2024 Vernon Parish basketball tournament at Simpson High School December 19-20 crowned two new champions.
The lady’s bracket was won by the Simpson Lady Broncos. They defeated Hornbeck, 58-53, and Rosepine, 46-41, before winning the title game over Leesville, 55-41. The Lady Broncos boast the best record in the parish with a 22-1 mark. Their last loss was on December 3.
The men’s bracket was won by the Rosepine Eagles. They defeated Evans, 82-25, Leesville, 57-37, and Hicks in the title game 71-68. Rosepine has won nine in a row, running their record to 12-3. Their next game is January 3 at Bolton Academy in Alexandria.
Once the site of the Fullerton Sawmill and community, the Fullerton Lake Recreation Complex now offers recreation opportunities including picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking, and a group picnic shelter. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Ruins and foundations of one of the largest sawmill operations in the South may be seen on the 1.6-mile Fullerton Mill Trail.
Happy New Year from Vernon Parish, where adventure, history, and Southern charm come together in Louisiana’s Legend Country! Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, diving into local culture, or discovering hidden gems, 2025 is your year to experience it all.
Kick off January by celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join us on Monday, January 20th, for the annual MLK Parade and rally at the Martin Luther King Community Center. The event begins at 10 a.m.
Looking for local treasures? Third Street Market in Leesville takes place every Saturday from 8am-1pm. Start the year fresh on Saturday, January 4th, with farm-fresh produce, homemade goods, and unique handmade crafts. There’s always something special to discover.
Nature lovers, winter is the perfect time to enjoy Vernon Parish! From birdwatching in Kisatchie National Forest to spotting nesting bald eagles, there’s no shortage of wildlife wonders.
Of course, no trip is complete without legendary eats! Warm up with local favorites like Brenda’s Kitchen Puerto Rican Cuisine, Joe’s Italian Restaurant, or grab a quick bite along our Gas Station Eats trail as you explore.
Looking for a unique keepsake (and a little extra warmth)? Visit Louisiana Moonshine [https://vernonparish.org/things-do/louisiana-moonshine], the state’s first legal distillery, for a tour, tastings, and a toast to the new year! And book your trip for the Louisiana Moonshine Festival coming up March 7-8th! [https://vernonparish.org/moonshinefest]
Share your Vernon Parish adventures with us by tagging #LALegendCountry on social media. Here’s to a legendary 2025 filled with memories, exploration, and Southern hospitality in Louisiana’s Legend Country!
Northwestern State University in Natchitoches recently awarded degrees to 602 Summer and Fall graduates. The ceremonies took place December 18-19 at Prather Coliseum. Here are lists of local graduates. Congratulations from the Vernon Parish Journal!
Summer 2024 graduates
Anacoco Rebecca Fournier, Chelsea Kay, Associate of General Studies; Coree Runnels, Bachelor of Science; Matthew Pajinag, Bachelor of Science/Nursing.
Ft. Johnson Emily Camacho, Lillian Holmes, Associate Degree/General Studies.
Leesville Halli Belton, Karsyn Blackwell, Sierra Carter, Maci Charrier, Evan Combs, Jace Donaldson, Iziah Farley, Dylan Gallion, Marlee Hall, Melinda Jackson, Jaylon Johnson, Caleb Kiker, Elaina King, Gangsun, Emma Merchant, Jennifer Olivieri, Corbett Robbins, Faith Sims, Aaliyah Smith, Kushal Upadhyay, Belinda Williams, Timothy Wise, Garrett Wolff, Erin Johnson, Associate of General Studies; Jennifer Olivieri, Bachelor of Science; Chloe Dowden, Amber Martin, Malayna Nabors, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Pitkin Mikayla Mahaffey, Associate Degree; Sarah Bennett, Brenley Carroll, Jasmine Cook, Josie Halvorson, Isaac Reed, Associate of General Studies.
Rosepine Sydney Westlake, Associate of General Studies
Simpson Hayden Doyle, Associate of General Studies; Trent Williams, Bachelor of Science
Fall 2024 Graduates
Anacoco Eric Flaherty, Associate of Science in Nursing; Hannah Womack, Bachelor of Arts; Dani Carver, Jessica Haymon, Bachelor of Science.
The Publisher and Editor of the Vernon Parish Journal both love to eat. We cook and eat at home a lot, so eating when we travel is pure entertainment! If you know us, you know this. We love conversing about food and dining, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas. What follows are some thoughts on food from a recent 20th Anniversary trip to Coronado Island and San Diego.
We like to plan our itinerary, so lunch was planned, as we were to be in SD at 10:45 a.m. Airlines have a bizarre way to make you not make plans. There was no lunch, so early dinner was an imperative on our first day away!
There were loads of options in Coronado Village. We settled on Brigantine for fresh seafood and creative twists on American classics. Opening move, after the day we had, was a passion fruit margarita and a top shelf vodka tonic. Both were done right and most drinkable. Appetizers included shrimp cocktail and artichoke fritters. The fritters were light — almost tempura style — and the lemon aioli brought the artichoke flavor home. The 10-piece shrimp cocktail was beautifully presented with large, fresh, clean, and plump shrimp. The cocktail sauce had a serious horseradish bite, waking my airline stuffed sinuses but good! Since we were dining early, both appetizers were happy-hour specials, as were the drinks! Win for the wallet!
The VPJ editor dined on a perfectly crusted macadamia nut mahi served with a creamy risotto. And the side of fresh grilled root vegetables were a big hit! The publisher went out of the box and ordered the monthly bar special, the meat loaf sandwich. I know, I know. What? This was not your ordinary meat loaf on white bread! The loaf was a combination of Italian sausage/beef. I was sold at Italian sausage. Slabs of it were covered in layers of provolone cheese. It was topped with roasted red peppers and onions plus a housemade dressing (comeback sauce). Thinly sliced, toasted sourdough bread encased this magnificent creation. Great take on a classic dish.
You cannot visit San Diego and not eat Mexican fare! Our visit was in the Gaslamp District to dine on family recipes that have been passed down since the ‘40’s at La Puerta. There was a great vibe in this small place. We sat up front, near the door and with the crowds passing by and the music, it reminded us both of a New Orleans dive bar.
La Puerta prides itself on their tequila and mezcal selections. I got into a Lowrider with reposado tequila, very traditional. The editor got a frozen Lowrider and floated some spirit on top. I amped my night up with a healthy shot of smoky Mezcal. The drinks were dangerous!
We began with an order of guacamole because of the reputation. HOLY COW!! A giant bowl of fresh warm chips arrived covered in scoops of guac, pico de gallo, serrano peppers, panela cheese and lime. The two bowls of condiments with it included a warm verde sauce and a smokey chipotle red sauce. The bowl seemed endless! When it came time to order entrees, the editor was full and could only muster an appetite for a bowl of pizole. HA! It was big enough for two people, full of stewed pork and hominy with fresh cabbage, onions, cilantro, lime, and tortilla strips to add. Authentic and delicious and all gone at the end. I went with a Viva Mexico platter of three arrachere steak tacos with sauteed poblanos and onions, melted jack cheese, panela cheese and crema. The tacos were exceptional, but the sides blew my mind. The refried beans were kissed with lard and loaded with cotija cheese on top. The Mexican corn had slivers of sauteed nopales, and you could see the veggies in the flavorful rice. I was a hungry tourista! We visited with four German tourists at the table next to us on the virtues of a Mexican Coke before we split for the island.
Wow! Dinner is calling on this Boxing Day. I have some more dining tips for you, but you have to wait a week ‘til next Friday’s Tell Your Neighbor. I am out of time today but not out of fun dining. We had the meal of our lives Monday in Houston when we returned from the coast.
An usher was escorting visitors to a seat in the sanctuary. As they walked down the aisle the usher inquired, “Clapping or non-clapping?” You can stir up some hot mess debates about clapping in the church, especially when the clapping follows a musical selection. Congregations have been applauding children’s programs and Choir cantatas as we roll through this season. Applause breaks out every Christmas season, even in the most staid of congregations.
I think we should add applause to our Christmas celebrations.
A brief history of applause tells us that it became a more formalized cultural convention in the early days of the theater. Roman theater audiences, for example, were told “Valete et plaudite!” “Goodbye and applause” at the end of every performance, which was the ancient equivalent of today’s “Give it up for “Your favorite home team” as they enter the arena!
Given that the theater was the only place in those days where you could gather the bulk of the people, politicians also used applause as a form of early polling data, gauging the crowd’s reaction when they entered the venue and took their seats. Once, when the Roman emperor Caligula attended a performance, a certain actor received more applause upon his arrival than had the emperor himself when he arrived at the venue. The maniacal emperor Caligula reportedly muttered (while fingering his sword, no doubt), “I wish that the Roman people had one neck.” Whether it’s in an ancient theater or in a modern arena, the strength of applause is still the thing that can make or break a performer or a politician.
The Romans, in fact, had three categories of applause that further made its connection to the sounds of the material world. “Bricks” was the flat-handed clapping of polite applause, while “roof tiles” or the clapping of cupped hands meant that the audience liked you a lot. The best type of applause, however, was the sound of “bees” — a cacophonous buzz that included not only clapping hands but shouting voices as well. Listen to a modern audience clapping and you can definitely tell the difference between the smattering of applause that sounds like raindrops and the full-throated roar that sounds like thunder.
In Europe especially, synchronized applause is common.
And applause is accompanied by vocal acclamation, i.e., cheering.
One part of the Christmas story reads: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Do you suppose the angels were also cheering? The angels were sharing “good news of great joy” for all of humanity. For some reason I don’t see or hear them announcing this good news with an orotund delivery. I hear joyous applause and cheering.
It is like the joy of a child on Christmas morning.
The CENLA Food Bank has announced its mobile food distribution stops for Vernon Parish in January. Friday, January 17: Hornbeck First Baptist Church of Hornbeck, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Burr Ferry – Burr Ferry Pentecostal Church, 11 a.m. – Noon
Friday, January 24: Rosepine – Rosepine Church International/ 1436 Church St., 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Slagle/Simpson – Slagle Mall Noon – 1 p.m.
The CENLA Food Bank makes monthly stops in parishes all over Central and West Central Louisiana.
It was two days before Christmas, December 23, 1967. The tiny band of paratroopers, members of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), were settled in on top of a hill known only as Hill 1153 in Bao Loc Province, Republic of Vietnam. Two LRRP teams had been inserted three days before in an attempt to locate Vietcong tax collectors that had been wreaking havoc along this section of Highway 1. The other LRRP team had made visual contact with the V.C. the day before and the brigade’s Tactical Operations Center had ordered both teams to return to their respective points of insertion. They were told that they would be extracted from the jungle the next day. Sgt. Peppy Wenglarz looked at his team leader, S/Sgt. Weems, and said, “If I had a bunch of people with guns chasing me, I’d head for the high ground.” S/Sgt Weems readily agreed and it was decided to keep everyone on guard until the danger had passed.
The moon shone brightly, and visual contact could be made at 25 meters or further. At 3:00 a.m. the sound of an object hitting the ground was heard by SP4 Mroch, who in turn alerted S/Sgt. Weems and the rest of the team. The small LRRP team would be no match for a large-size infantry unit. Slowly, a figure could be made out, it was a Vietcong soldier with an AK47 in his hand. On orders from S/Sgt. Weems, the team blew their Claymore mines, and the fight was on!!!!
The LRRP team had caught the enemy off guard and the element of surprise turned out to be the deciding factor. The enemy couldn’t figure out what they had run into or how many were there. In the initial contact, 4 or 5 VC had fallen. But how many were left? As Sgt. Wenglarz looked over the top of his combat boots, he could make out the figure of an enemy soldier less than 6 feet away. As he slowly reached for his M16, S/Sgt. Weems blew the remaining Claymore mines. The Vietcong returned fire so close to Sgt. Wenglarz that he could feel the heat from their tracer bullets as they passed near his face. Something hit Sgt. Wenglarz in the head, knocking him backwards to the ground. He realized he had been hit and immediately started calling, “Medic! Medic! I’m hit!” The team medic slid up to him and found that a piece of shrapnel had hit him on the head, leaving a small cut and a large goose egg size knot on his head.
During a short lull in the battle, the team found out that they had nowhere to go. All they could do was to try and hold out until daylight and hope that gunships could help get them out.
Once again, the enemy could be heard crawling up through the jungle towards the team. S/Sgt. Weems had the team throw a volley of grenades as the enemy rushed the positions. As more and more enemy attacked, S/Sgt Weems called in artillery to within 25 meters of the American position. The artillery unit commander stopped the barrage because it was so close to the team.
S/Sgt Weems told the artillery commander that the Vietcong were right on top of the team and to fire the mission right into the American positions. The artillery commander asked how close the enemy was, and S/Sgt. Weems advised him to hang on and he’d let him talk to one of the attacking VC!
About an hour before sunrise, the Americans realized that they were extremely low on ammunition and were almost out of grenades. The team then used their C4 explosive and made grenades out of them by placing spent M16 rounds with blasting caps inside as detonators. Suddenly, the VC set a large fire right in front of the team’s position in an attempt to flush them out. It looked like the team would not live to get off that hill. By the Grace of God, the helicopter gunships were almost to the team. The gunships came in low and began to fire their rockets and machine guns. On their second run, the Huey “slicks” came in and extracted the team. As they lifted off, the team could still see the gunships working out on the VC positions. When the team got back to their base camp, they found only Sgt. Wenglarz had been wounded. As they checked their ammo, they found that they had only 8 bullets left. No grenades, no white phosphorous, no C4, and no Claymore mines. The team had expended 3982 rounds of M16 rounds, 10 white phosphorous grenades, 50 fragmentation grenades, and 32 pounds of C4.
Enemy losses were estimated as “several hundred”. What courage the American fighting man has as he faces insurmountable odds on the field of battle. We thank our veterans for the service they have rendered to our country. And remember, 24 hours a day 365 days out of the year and even on holidays they are on duty guarding our nation. And this LRRP team lived to enjoy Christmas 1967!
The City of Leesville presents Job Fair 2025 on Tuesday, January 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Leesville Event Center on Nolan Trace. There is no cost to your company or business to set up a table. Free registration for allcomers. Contact City Planner Grant Bush at 337.404.4078 or online at grant.bush@leesvillela.gov.
JD Cox assists a prospective student in operating a drone during a demonstration for NSU’s Remote System Science and Technology undergraduate certificate program.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Northwestern State University’s Remote System Science and Technology undergraduate certificate program for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program (UAS-CTI).
“Recognition of our program by the FAA is a great step forward,” said JD Cox, assistant professor of biology and coordinator of NSU’s Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations (ARGO) lab. “It shows that that NSU is preparing students for today’s job market and training them on tomorrow’s technology. Partnering with the FAA brings a new level of legitimacy to our drone program and shows that we are committed to providing a top-quality education in remote and uncrewed systems.”
The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS, a degree with a minor, concentration or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety and federal policies concerning UAS.
NSU offers an undergraduate certificate in Remote Systems Science and Technology (RSST). The program consists of 12 credit hours of core classes which cover the fundamentals of unmanned systems operation including hands-on training with remote systems, laws, policy and ethics related to UAS operation and applications best practices. The remaining six hours of the certificate consist of specific course work from each student’s area of study. This approach creates an integrated approach to remote systems integration across disciplines and better prepares students to enter the workforce in their area of interest.
The Remote Systems Science and Technology Program is administered by NSU’s ARGO Lab, the central hub for drone technology, remote sensing and mapping. NSU provides both on and off campus services including drone photography, videography, mapping, remote sensing, geospatial analysis and geodata hosting.
“We offer customizable training on drone operation, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and preparation for the FAA drone licensing exam,” Cox said.
Funeral services for Johnnie Williams were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church with Reverends Eugene Williams and Terry Ward officiating. The burial followed in Laurel Hill Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Dylan Williams, Travis Williams, Trampus Barton, Kenny Williams, Greg Weber, Rusty White, Chris Schamerhorn, and Wesley Grimes. The honorary pallbearers were Michael Williams, Jerry Williams, Detric Williams, John Williams, and Tyler Williams.
Johnnie was born April 14, 1947, and passed away December 19, 2024, in his home in LaCamp, Louisiana, at the age of 77. He was a resident of LaCamp all his life and was stationed in Vietnam while serving in the U.S. Army. For over 30 years, he worked as a mechanic. Johnnie enjoyed the simple things in life like hunting, fishing, gardening, and taking care of his farm animals. You could often find him at the Slagle Mall visiting with friends. His family was very dear to his heart. Spending time with them and taking care of them brought him joy.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his wife, Gale Williams; daughter, Patsy Lynn Williams; granddaughter, Valley Willis; parents, Joseph Edward Williams and Susie Miley Williams; brothers, Frank Williams and Mooney Williams; and sisters, Elsie Marie Weber and Ernie Lea Asscherick.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Jeff Williams of LaCamp, Tonny Williams and wife Michelle of Thomson, Georgia, and J.D. Williams and wife Crystal of Leander, Louisiana; daughter, Tammy Willis and husband Bruce of LaCamp; grandchildren: Detric Williams, John Willis, Dylan Williams, Abigail Williams, Travis Williams, and Tyler Williams; great-grandchildren: Aiden, Tucker, and Sarah; sister-in-law, Gerti Williams of DeRidder, Louisiana; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call from Leesville City Police at approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, in relation to a shooting victim at Byrd Hospital. Law enforcement interviewed the 36-year-old male victim in the ER. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and told authorities the incident occurred at a residence on Wilson Loop near Anacoco Lake.
Authorities went to the residence and witnessed a white male flee on foot into a heavily wooded area. VPSO deployed a drone and a K-9 team to help deputies canvass the area. The suspect, identified as Kalen Hamm, was found and taken into custody at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Deputies learned there was a female present at the time of the shooting and attempted to question her. Authorities later learned that a witness, 30-year-old Eric Stanley of Hornbeck, had concealed the location of the woman from authorities. Once located, the woman told detectives that Hamm had pointed the gun at the victim several times before the shooting.
Stanley was taken into custody and charged with one count of Obstruction of Justice. Hamm was charged with one count of Attempted Second Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Additional charges are expected. Hamm and Stanley remain in the Vernon Parish Jail.
The shooting victim is hospitalized in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.
The Town of New Llano welcomes your family to its 13th Annual Community ChristmasGumbo Dinner, Wednesday, December 25, Noon – 2 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m., in the old New Llano Town Hall building at 211 Stanton Street.
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a free sit-down dinner on Christmas Day. For more information, call Mayor Carolyn Todd at 337-378-7807 or todd94@bellsouth.net
Ms Carol Conner was a radio co-worker in the early days of KVVP-FM. Carol worked on Ft. Polk after her stint in local radio. She always had an excellent way with words and is quite comfortable on the stage. She shared this Christmas piece with us and the Vernon Parish Journal staff thought you might enjoy it too. Carol is retired and living her best life in Nacogdoches, Texas.
INTRODUCTION: Tonight we are fortunate to have a visitor, who has come to share with us the events of the first Christmas night.
Innkeeper’s Wife (Anna) speaks the following monologue from memory:
GREETINGS! I INVITE YOU TO COME BACK WITH ME IN TIME…BACK OVER 2,000 YEARS AGO TO THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM.
YOU SEE, MY NAME IS ANNA, AND MY HUSBAND ESAU AND I RUN THE LOCAL INN…THE LOCAL MOTEL IN BETHLEHEM, PALESTINE. PALESTINE IS PART OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE AND OUR EMPEROR, CAESAR AUGUSTUS, HAS DECIDED THAT HE WANTS TO KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN HIS EMPIRE. NOW AN EMPEROR IS LIKE A KING AND HE CAN TELL THE PEOPLE IN HIS KINGDOM TO DO ANYTHING HE WANTS THEM TO DO…AND SO HE DID. HE TOLD THEM THAT THEY MUST TRAVEL TO THE PLACE OF THEIR BIRTH TO BE REGISTERED…TO BE COUNTED… SO HE WOULD KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVED IN HIS KINGDOM.
AND SO IT WAS THAT MANY, MANY PEOPLE WERE TRAVELING HOME TO BETHLEHEM. NOW THIS WAS VERY GOOD FOR THE MOTEL BUSINESS. WE HAD BEEN BUSY ALL AFTERNOON AND THERE WAS NO ROOM LEFT IN OUR LITTLE INN.
IT WAS TURNING COLD AND CLOUDY AS THE SUN SET. AFTER SUPPER, ESAU BUILT A SMALL FIRE IN THE HEARTH; AND AS WE SAT THERE WARMING OURSELVES BESIDE THE FIRE, HE SAID, “I THINK TOMORROW WILL BE AN EVEN BUSIER DAY THAN TODAY.” ‘WELL,” I SAID. “THEN WE BEST RETIRE EARLY;” AND SO WE DID.
I FELL ASLEEP ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BUT I DID NOT SLEEP FOR LONG. NO, I WAS AWAKENED BY A KNOCK ON THE FRONT DOOR OF THE INN. I SHOOK ESAU AND SAID, “DID YOU HEAR THAT?”
“HEAR WHAT?” HE SAID.
“SOMEONE IS KNOCKING ON THE FRONT DOOR OF THE INN,” I REPLIED.
HE LOOKED PUZZLED. “HOW CAN THAT BE?” HE SAID. “WHY I PUT A SIGN ON THE DOOR TELLING EVERYONE THERE IS NO ROOM LEFT IN THE INN.”
WELL, I THOUGHT, MAYBE I WAS DREAMING. BUT THEN, I HEARD IT AGAIN…KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. WELL, IT WAS MIGHTY WARM UNDER THOSE COVERS AND SO: ESAU LOOKED AT ME AND I LOOKED BACK AT ESAU. THEN ESAU LOOKED BACK AT ME AND I LOOKED BACK AT ESAU!
FINALLY, ESAU THREW BACK HIS COVERS AND MARCHED OFF TO ANSWER THE DOOR WHILE I FELL TRIUMPHANTLY BACK INTO MY WARM PILLOW!
NOW MY HUSBAND ESAU IS A KIND MAN, A GOOD MAN, BUT NOT A PATIENT MAN. AND SO AS HE OPENED THE DOOR, I HEARD HIM SAY STERNLY, “CAN’T YOU READ THE SIGN? WE HAVE NO ROOM LEFT IN THE INN.”
A YOUNG MAN RESPONDED, “BUT MY WIFE IS EXPECTING OUR FIRST CHILD. WE HAVE TRAVELLED ALL THE WAY FROM NAZARETH IN GALILEE AND WE ARE SO WEARY. WE DONOT NEED BEDS; JUST SOMEPLACE TO LAY OUR WEARY HEADS?”
MY HUSBAND, ESAU, REPEATED, “CAN’T YOU READ THE SIGN? I HAVE NO PLACE FOR YOU TO LAY YOUR WEARY HEADS!”
“BUT SIR, THE YOUNG MAN PLEADED, “I COULD NOT HELP BUT NOTICE. YOU HAVE A STABLE. WOULD YOU MIND SO VERY MUCH IF WE MADE BEDS IN THE STRAW?’
ESAU HESITATED AND I HEARD A YOUNG WOMAN SPEAK. SHE CALLED, “JOSEPH, JOSEPH, I THINK MY TIME IS NEAR.”
WELL! I JUMPED OUT OF THE BED AND RAN TO ESAU’S SIDE AND WHISPERED IN HIS EAR, “YOU MUST LET THEM STAY IN THE STABLE. WHY, THE WOMAN CAN GO NO FARTHER.” I TOOK DOWN A LATERN, LIT IT AND HANDED TO TH E YOUNG MAN, AND BECKONED THE COUPLE TOWARD THE STABLE.
AFTER I WAS SURE ESAU WAS COMFORTABLE BACK IN OUR BED, I GATHERED SOME LEFTOVERS FROM OUR SUPPER AND A COUPLE OF WARM BLANKETS AND FOLLOWED THE YOUNG COUPLE TO THE STABLE. THEY WERE SO GRATEFUL FOR A PLACE TO STAY. THEY TRULY NEEDED A PLACE TO REST; FOR WHEN I LOOKED IN THE YOUNG WOMAN’S EYES, I KNEW IT WOULD NOT BE LONG BEFORE HER CHILD WAS BORN.
WHEN I WAS SURE THAT THEY WERE SETTLED IN AND THAT THEY WOULD CALL ME IF I WAS NEEDED, I RETURNED TO THE HOUSE AND TO MY WARM BED. I REACHED OVER AND KISSED ESAU ON THE CHEEK; BUT HIS ONLY RESPONSE WAS A LOUD, COMFORTING SNORE. MY EYES FILLED WITH TEARS…TEARS OF JOY…AS I REMEMBERED THE BIRTHS OF MY OWN CHILDREN AND BEFORE I KNEW IT, I WAS AGAIN FAST ASLEEP.
I DIDN’T REST VERY LONG FOR I WAS AWAKENED BY THE SOUND OF BEAUTIFUL MUSIC…SUCH BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. I SAT UP IN BED AND I COULD SEE LIGHT LITERALLY GLEAMING THROUGH THE BEDROOM WINDOW. I KNEW IT COULD NOT BE MORNING SO I RAN TO THE WINDOW TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I COULDN’T BELIEVE MY EYES. WHERE THERE HAD BEEN CLOUDS AND MIST, IT WAS CLEAR AND BRIGHT. AND THE STARS…THE STARS WERE LITERALLY DANCING IN THE SKY. I COULD HEAR ANGELIC VOICES CHANTING: “HOSANNA, HOSANNA, HOSANNA TO THE KING.”
I RAN AND SHOOK ESAU. I SAID, “WAKE UP, WAKE UP, SOMETHING IS HAPPENING!”…DRAGGING HIM TO THE WINDOW. AND AS WE WATCHED, THE STARS…THEY FORMED AN ARCH OVER OUR LITTLE STABLE! AND ANGELS FILLED THE MIDNIGHT SKY SINGING, “GLORY, GLORY, GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND PEACE TO ALL OF GOODWILL!”
ESAU AND I HUGGED EACH OTHER, TEARS OF AWE FILLING OUR EYES. HE SAID, “COULD IT BE?” AND I RESPONDED, “COULD IT BE THAT THE MESSIAH HAS BEEN BORN THIS NIGHT IN OUR HUMBLE STABLE.”
Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville, La is a part of the Louisiana Department of Veterans cemetery program. The cemetery provides a final resting place for all eligible veterans, spouses and dependents. Compliant with the National Cemetery Administration the cemetery upholds the highest respect for veterans and their families.
Monday, December 23rd, 2024 at 11:00 am, the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery will have a service for a veteran with no family.
US Army Veteran, SPC Michael Fish, passed in a Nursing Facility and will only have a few members of his church family to attend. Let’s not let him go home alone!
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and everyone at CLVC appreciate the public’s attention to these services of our Veterans who have no family to see them on.
Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery is located at 3348 University Parkway, Leesville, Louisiana.
There are certain recipes that remind us of holidays. Perhaps it’s the memory of eating it, making it, or just the smell of it cooking. Since it is almost Christmas, we thought we would share some of our favorites.
Quite a number of years ago, my mother copied this recipe from The Shreveport Times. It quickly became a Christmas breakfast tradition!
Sausage Coffeecake 1 lb. roll of breakfast sausage 1/2 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup grated Swiss cheese 1 egg, beaten 1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley 1 cup Bisquick baking mix 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 egg yolk 1 Tbsp. water Brown sausage and onions; drain off grease; add next 5 ingredients; stir together and set aside. Make a batter of Bisquick, milk and mayonnaise. Spread half of the batter in a 9x9x2” greased baking dish. Pour in sausage mixture, then spread remaining batter on top of sausage mixture. Mix egg yolk and water and brush top of batter. Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until cake leaves edge of pan. Cool 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
Rice Krispie Cheese Crisps (This appetizer recipe has been around awhile!) 2 sticks butter, softened 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups puffed rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with baking parchment or silicone lined baking mat. Combine all ingredients with clean hands. Form into small balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place on lined baking sheets about 1-inch apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork that has been dipped lightly in water. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes, or until lightly browned.
As children of the 1950’s, we have discovered some signs of the times our mothers had in “kitchen common”: 1) kept a ball of used aluminum foil in a kitchen drawer to use and re-use; 2) had very special holiday serving dishes; and 3) often made congealed salads. This is a festive holiday recipe.
Bing Cherry Congealed Salad 1 (16.5 ounce) can pitted Bing cherries, drained, juice reserved 1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved 1 (6 ounce) package cherry gelatin (such as Jell-O) 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese 6 fluid ounces cola-flavored carbonated beverage 1 cup chopped pecans In a saucepan, combine reserved cherry juice and pineapple juice to equal 1 cup. Bring to boil; add gelatin and whisk together. Remove from heat and add cream cheese and blend together until smooth. Add cola and beat until mixture becomes fluffy. Fold in cherries, pineapple, and nuts. Pour into molded container, chill 6 to 8 hours or until firm.
This recipe is one we have just discovered in an older cookbook. I had passed over it for years! They’re not just for breakfast.
Breakfast Cookies 1 cup unsifted all purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg, at room temperature 1/2 cup well-drained crisp bacon (8-10 slices) broken into bits 1 stick butter, softened 2 cups raisin bran cereal 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Measure flour, sugar and soda into bowl. Mix well. Add bacon pieces, egg and butter. Mix until all ingredients are well blended. Then add raisin bran and vanilla. Drop by teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees 13-15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned but still soft. Cool slightly before removing from pan. Makes 2-1/2 to 3 dozen.
Congratulations to George Koss of Many. George is a huge football fan and won twice this season in our Pick-Em contest. I think he likes having Ben around for the holidays! Thanks to everyone who played our contest this season. Thanks for helping to grow the Vernon Parish Journal. We’ll be back with another Pick-Em in 2025.
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.
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.
Vernon Parish E-911 Communications Division- Currently accepting applications for Public Safety E-911 Dispatchers. Full-time and part-time positions available. Pick up application Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm @ 190 Ned Woodham Road, Leesville. Must be 18 years of age to apply. Must have high school degree or equivelant.
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)
James Larry Corley, Jr. was born on December 5, 1971, in Many, Louisiana. He passed from this life on December 12, 2024.
He loved hunting, fishing, playing pool, cornhole, horseshoes, and loved singing all the old classics. He loved spending time with his family and was always a jokester, always joking about something. He loved to cook, whether it was a BBQ, crawfish boils, or at The Dog House Bar and Grill, where everyone nicknamed him “The Cook”.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Justus (Retha Mae) Corley, Harry O. Knowlton, and Beatrice Lofton, and his father James Larry Corley, Sr.
He is survived by his wife Telida Corley; sons, Justin and Richard Corley; daughter, Brittany Handy; mother, Mary Corley; siblings, Wanda (Jimmy) Moreland, Harry Corley (Kayla), Cletus Corley (Christy), Tanya (Paul) Mainville; and a host of extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at The Dog House Bar and Grill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jeane’s Funeral Service.
