The Leesville City Council met Monday, April 8, at 3 p.m. in Leesville City Hall.

The first order of business was a public hearing on Ordinance 3 of 2024, the rezoning of a parcel of land from A-7 Multi Family District to C-3 Neighborhood Commercial District.  The property includes lots 1 & 4 at 303 North First Street in Leesville, which will be an office for local attorney Mary K. “Katie” Beaird.  There were no public comments, and the ordinance was moved to the regular meeting agenda and was passed.

Council members authorized the payment of $55,372 in monthly bills.  They also received pay requests from Eyecatcher Signs: two invoices for $900 each for sign work at the Leesville Event Center.  An invoice from Terracon for $7300 was submitted for work on the municipal airport project.

City Engineer Mark McCarty reported to the Council that state approval for bids on the Entrance Road Sewer Project has been announced and that work should begin in thirty days.  The contract was awarded to Co-D Construction of Louisiana LLC.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in the U.S.  Tommy Edwards, Executive Director of CASA of West Central, and Lead Advocate, Beth Wilcox, talked to Council members about the group’s mission, to advocate for the foster child.  CASA has served Vernon Parish children for 19 years, and there are currently 7,183 children in the state supported by CASA.  The CASA representatives had blue and silver pinwheels for the lawn of City Hall in support of CASA, but with the weather being uncooperative, they distributed the pinwheels to Council members and those in attendance.

The Council heard and passed resolutions approving a Class A Alcohol Permit by K KAV LLC dba Shop a Lot #7 1800 Nolan Trace, Leesville.  They approved a similar permit submitted by Khadka Operations LLC dba Shop a Lot #6 at 188 Alexandria Highway, Leesville.  Council members voted to increase burial plots in the City of Leesville Cemetery from $800-$1200.

The Council adopted Resolutions 31 and 32 of 2024, to adopt the Adjusted Millage Rates for General Alimony, Sewerage Systems and Streets for the City of Leesville Tax Year 2024.  These rates will not exceed the maximum authorized rates for Tax Year 2024.  A public hearing on the matter will be held May 13.

City Planner Grant Bush invited area residents to this Saturday’s Spring Fling at the Polk Theatre Stage on East Texas Street from 3 – 7 p.m.  Enjoy live music from three bands, food trucks, and kid’s activities.  This event is free and open to the public.

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The City of Leesville Fire Department has announced that it has achieved the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) Class 3 rating, a significant testament to the commitment of ensuring the safety and well-being of Leesville residents.

The PIAL Class 3 rating is based upon emergency communications, water supply and fire department operations including equipment, staffing, training, community risk reduction and the geographic distribution of fire companies.  Departments are rated on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best protection rating.

The Class 3 rating signifies that the City of Leesville has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in fire protection services, emergency response planning, water supply and community risk reduction initiatives.  This accomplishment also carries benefits for residents and businesses within the city limits.  Insurance companies utilize the rating when evaluating and determining rates.

City Councilwoman Delaine Prewitt, who has served on several administrations, reminded those in attendance at the Monday Council meeting that this has been a long time coming and attested to how hard this process was.

Leesville Fire Chief, Bobby Hooks, extended his gratitude to the City administration, City Council, Public Works Department, Vernon Parish E-911 Communications, Vernon Parish Fire District One, and members of the Fire Department of the City of Leesville for their support and collaborative effort.

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A large citywide cleanup will be held in Leesville beginning Monday, April 22, in conjunction with the statewide Love the Boot Week cleanup campaign.

The Junior League of Leesville and the Mayor’s Women’s Commission are helping to coordinate activities with the City.

The City of Leesville Public Works Department has a schedule for trash/debris pickup around the city.  Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, will be for the removal of tree limbs and yard debris.  Tuesday,  April 23, and Wednesday, April 24, are pickup dates for building materials.  Thursday April 25 and Friday April 26 furniture and appliances will be removed.

Waste Connections will set up a large public dumpster at the Leesville Art Park on Abe Allen Drive during the week for Leesville residents to bring items for trash.

The Junior League and Mayor’s Women’s Commission will host their clean-up effort Saturday, April 27, from 8:30-11:30 with headquarters at the Leesville Art Park.  Civic groups and organizations from around the city, and schools can win cash prizes for the most trash gathered.  The first 25 volunteers receive an event t-shirt.  A hot dog lunch will be held for all volunteers at the end of the event.

When we all do a little, it turns into a lot!

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Northwestern State University will hold Spring Commencement exercises Wednesday, May 8-Thursday, May 9 in Prather Coliseum in Natchitoches.   

During ceremonies at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, diplomas will be awarded to graduates in the College of Business and Technology and the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development.   

During ceremonies at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, diplomas will be awarded to graduates in the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.  

During ceremonies at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9, diplomas will be awarded to graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Louisiana Scholars’ College.  

For a detailed schedule, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and candidate information, visit www.nsula.edu/graduation.

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Pedro Juan Pagan-Vega, 72, of New Llano passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville, with Rev. Bill Smith officiating.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Pedro was born on February 26, 1952, in Puerto Rico, Juana Diaz, to his parents, Pedro Juan Pagan and Adela Vega.

Pedro is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Maritza Pagan.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Felicia Anita Wiley Pagan-Vega of New Llano; sons: Manuel Almodovar (Nora) of Midland, Texas; David Wisby of DeRidder, Louisiana; and Jason Wisby (Brittany) of Rosepine, Louisiana; daughters: Janice Thompson (Ben) of Fairfield, Ohio; Alma Pagan of Fairfield, Ohio; and Leslie Wright-Pagan (Jeff) of DeRidder, Louisiana; brothers:  Pedro Pagan of Rhode Island; Manuel Pagan, Rhode Island; and Miguel Pagan of Puerto Rico; sisters: Mirta Pagan of Puerto Rico; Alma Pagan of Puerto Rico; and Madeline Pagan of Michigan; and five grandchildren: Ari, Kody, Jazmine, Gracie, and Peyton.

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Vernon Parish high school softball teams will be well represented at the state playoffs, which begin this week.  Softball pairings will be announced today.  Complete details will be available in Friday’s Vernon Parish Journal. 

Only three Vernon Parish teams finished with an under .500 record — Hornbeck, Leesville and Pickering — but still might make the playoffs based on their strength of schedules.  All other schools in Vernon Parish are ranked in Division III or Division V and should make the playoffs.  The state semifinals are scheduled for April 26.   The state finals are April 27 at Frasch Park in Sulphur.

Anacoco- Lady Indians are 18-9 ranked #7 in Division V.  They have won 8 of their last 9 games, beating Oak Hill last Thursday 17-0.  Over the weekend they split a doubleheader with Iowa, the #4 ranked tame in Division II, losing 15-5 and winning 10-8.  Anacoco had their game with Grace Christian Monday cancelled due to rain.

Evans is the #19 ranked team in Division V.  They have a 10-5 overall record.  Their game last Friday with Hathaway was cancelled.  They played Merryville last night (score unavailable). 

Hicks Lady Pirates are the #11 team in Division V with a 9-7 record.  They have won 5 of their last 7 games and this past weekend went 2-1 at the Buckeye tournament.  They lost to Buckeye 3-1 but beat 5A St. Martinville 13-2 and Simpson 17-1. The Hicks game at South Beauregard Monday was cancelled due to rain.

Hornbeck finished the season with a record of 6-11 ranked #35 in Division V.  Their season ended with a loss to Fairview 17-6. Games with Hathaway and Zwolle were cancelled.

Leesville is ranked #30 in Division II with a 7-14 record.  They ended the season with a win over  Washington-Marion 20-4 but lost to Rayne 16-2. 

Pickering is ranked #19 in Division IV with an 8-12 overall record.  They lost last Friday to Avoyelles 10-0 and Saturday were defeated by Rosepine 13-1.  The Pickering-Hackberry game Monday night was cancelled.

Pitkin is ranked #9 in Division V with a 12-10 record.  Their game last Friday with Florien was cancelled.  The game Monday with Many was cancelled by weather and they hosted Plainview last night (score unavailable).

Rosepine’s 15-9 record has earned them the #13 ranking in Division III.  They beat Avoyelles last week 5-1 and Pickering on Saturday 13-1.  They hosted Oakdale last night (score unavailable).

Simpson ends the season on a four-game losing streak with a 9-5 record and the #26 ranking in Division V.  Their game Monday with Glenmora was rained out. They  hosted Oakdale last night (score unavailable.)

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Baseball playoff pairings will be announced Tuesday, April 16, by the LHSAA.  The state baseball tournament will be May 7-11 at McMurray Park in Sulphur.  Here are the most recent results for area baseball teams:

Anacoco is ranked #12 in Division V.  Their record may be 7-9, but last week they beat Oak Hill 16-0 and 16-1.  They lost at Northwood of Shreveport over the weekend 8-7.  The game with Hornbeck Monday was cancelled due to weather.  Anacoco hosted Elizabeth Tuesday (score unavailable).

Evans checks in with a 1-13 record.  They lost to Pickering on Friday 27-12.  They ended their season Monday with a 6-5 loss at Plainview.

Hicks – The Pirates are ranked #3 in Division V with an 11-8 record.  They beat Florien over the weekend 15-0.  The game Monday at DeRidder was cancelled.  They played last night at Oak Hill (score unavailable).

Hornbeck – The Hornets’ 14-4 record earns them the #11 seed in Division V.  They have won their last five games.  Hornbeck was rained out at Anacoco Monday. They hosted Stanley Tuesday (score unavailable).

With a record of 9-13, Leesville is ranked #30 in Division II.  They defeated East Beauregard Saturday 11-0.  They hosted Eunice last night (score unavailable).

Pickering is ranked #21 in Division IV with a 6-11 record.  They beat Evans 27-12 in their last game.  Their game Saturday with Jena was cancelled.  Pickering played at Avoyelles last night (score unavailable).

Pitkin is ranked #1 in Division V.  Their 18-3 record is one of the best in the state.  Their next game is Friday against 4A DeRidder and they host Avoyelles Public Charter on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Rosepine is ranked #10 in Division III with a 10-10 record.  They beat Westlake on Friday 12-2.  They played at Oakdale last night (score unavailable).

Simpson is currently 2-12 overall.  The game at Grace Christian Monday was cancelled due to weather.  They host Negreet Friday at 5 p.m.

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Floyd Dempsey Merchant, 67, of Leander, Louisiana, passed from this life on April 5, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Dempsey was born to Floyd and Ivor Mae Merchant on January 25, 1957, in Elizabeth, Louisiana. He was a 1976 graduate of Hicks High School. Immediately after graduation, he married the love of his life of 48 years Latricia Sigler Merchant. Together they ran the family dairy farm for many years, and they went on to have their two beloved children. He was a mechanic not only by trade, but his heart was dedicated to it; there was nothing he couldn’t fix. He went on to travel the world as a millwright for many years until he settled back home into a civil service position at Fort Polk until his retirement. He enjoyed cooking and made sure everyone who visited his home was fed. Gardening was not only an enjoyment of his, but it fed and blessed many. He could be found at almost any hour of the day or night tinkering in his shop and working on something, because there was nothing he couldn’t fix. In his years after retirement, “his” birds became his enjoyment. He could tell you stories of each and every bird that visited his bird sanctuary. If a bird was missing a feeding, he was definitely aware, and believe you me, he worried that a critter had gotten his bird. His family jokingly named him “The bird whisperer”. Oh, and let’s not forget his love of coffee time with everyone that walked through the front door. He always made sure there was a fresh pot brewing. His family was everything to him.  He was blessed beyond measure to be able to experience four generations, with Joseph carrying the Merchant legacy. Trista was not only a daddy’s girl, but she was her daddy’s world. There were many children that came into his home that he raised as his own.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Ivor Mae Merchant, sisters, Evelyn Smith and Elaine Connel, Aunt Mary Merchant, and his beloved Yorkie-poo Cloey.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Latricia Sigler Merchant; children, Joseph Dempsey Merchant (Sara), Trista Michelle Farmer (Bryan), Angela Sigler (Rion Griffin), April Wellman (Michael), and his faithful loving Yorkie-poo Zoey; grandchildren, Joseph Dempsey Merchant II (Jewel), Austin Taylor Merchant (Cammy), Emma Grace Merchant, Thomas Garrett Farmer (Kylee), Kinsley Michelle Farmer (Kayleb), Brylin McKinsey Farmer, Brett Sigler, Rhett Carlton, Krista Sigler, Kayleigh Carlton, Kassidy Carlton, DaShay Sigler, Jaceton Wellman, Jack Wellman, Jesse Wellman, Halo Wellman, and Sadie Wellman; great grandchildren, Baylor Merchant, Laney Merchant, Reid Farmer, Ryder Farmer, Hadlynn Shelton, Remington Carlton, Rustin Carlton, Rougen Carlton, Maylen Mae, Karsyn Beard, and Bellami Boutwell; sisters, Kala Gordy and Betty Freeman (Bruce); a host of nieces and nephews, and an array of extended family and friends.

Pallbearers were Garrett Farmer, Austin Merchant, Joseph Merchant, Kayleb Shelton, Jaceston Wellman, Jack Wellman, Jessie Wellman, Halo Wellman, Waylon Gordy, and Bryan Farmer.

Honorary Pallbearers were Reid Farmer, Ryder Farmer, Baylor Merchant, Jimmy Allbritton, Brett Sigler, Rhett Carlton, and Tommy Sigler.

Funeral services honoring the life of Floyd Dempsey Merchant were held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Laurel Hill Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Reverends John Smith and Victor Connell officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Moriah Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

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The City of Leesville is presenting a Spring Fling Concert Day, Saturday, April 13, from 3 -7 p.m. on the Leesville Polk Stage on East Texas Street.

The day is free and open to the general public.  Music is a mix of styles, featuring the bands Gypsy La Blue, Landon Blood, and The Parish Line Band.   Activities include inflatables, face painting, cornhole boards, and more.  Vendors will offer food and beverages for sale.

Seating is limited.  Bring lawn chairs and dress comfortably.

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Mr. Tony Weeks, 84 of Leesville, went to be with the Lord on April 3, 2024. A 1957 graduate of Leesville High School, Mr. Weeks was known for gardening, cooking, telling stories, jokes and pulling pranks on his sister Moner (Mona). He was the best listener and helped others when he could, loved to visit and share a meal with family and friends. We miss him, especially his playful and lighthearted way. 

Visitation and funeral Services for Mr. Weeks were Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Leesville, with Sister Helene Youngblood officiating. Burial followed in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Leesville under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.

Mr. Weeks is preceded in death by his mother and father, Gladys and Arno Weeks, his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Mona and Jack Maddox, his nephews Shayne and Derrek Maddox, his best friend, Wayne Westmoreland, and other close friends and family. 

He is survived by his great-niece, Crystal (Billy) Cole of Cibolo, Texas; great-nephew, Dustin Maddox of Lake Jackson, Texas; and great-great nieces and nephews Maddox, Myles, Ashton, Jensen, and Jasper.

A special heartfelt thanks to the many friends of Uncle Tony who have cared and prayed for him over the years: Helene Youngblood, Pete Blackmon, Richard Bagents, Michael and Amber Daigrepont, Susan and Jim Nelson, Carole and Wayne Westmoreland, Jenny Poe, Rose Bruce, Dottie Henry, Sonny and Stacey Brown, Melissa Maddox, his church family, and many more friends and relatives. 

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your path straight. 

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Richard Bagents, Gary McWilliams, Jim Nelson, and Billy Cole.  Honorary pallbearers were Melvin Moore, Pete Blackmon, Ronnie Beltz, John Ford, James Owens, Steve Serna, Bobby Miller, and John Lopez.

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Hershal Anthony “Tony” Weeks
October 6, 1939 – April 3, 2024
Service: April 9, 2024, at First Christian Church in Leesville at 12:00 p.m.

Pedro Juan Pagan-Vega
February 26, 1952 – April 5, 2024
Service: April 11, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 1:00 p.m.

Floyd Dempsey Merchant
January 25, 1957 – April 5, 2024
Service: April 9, 2024, at Laurel Hill Baptist Church in Leesville at 2:00 p.m.

Michael Shane Wellman
December 14, 1981 – April 8, 2024
Service: April 12, 2024, at Flactor Baptist Church in Leesville at 10:00 a.m.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has reopened a cold case from 2002 involving the death of a 19-year-old New Llano woman and the brutal beating of a 14-year-old teenager.  Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft reported several persons of interest have not been fully cleared.  His hope is that newly available DNA testing may yield clues in the nearly 22-year-old evidence.

The case involves a September 11, 2002, call answered by New Llano Police.  Officers arrived at a trailer on Lake Street less than a block from the police department.  At the location, they found 19-year-old Alicia Allie Rose Carver of New Llano brutally beaten and deceased.  Barbara Ivey, age 14 of New Llano, was also discovered savagely beaten to within inches of her life but alive.

Law enforcement surmised Ivey was left for dead by the attacker.  Witnesses said the two women were home alone with a male family member.  That person was interviewed and told authorities he was asleep in the home and was awakened by his girlfriend’s screams when she returned to the trailer.  Investigators said this person was cooperative during the investigation.  Law enforcement officers who worked the crime scene were shocked at the brutality of the murder. 

Cold case detectives are currently following leads and conducting interviews in this crime.  If you have any pertinent information relating to this incident, contact Detective Rhonda Jordan or Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337.238.7248.

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The Vernon Parish School Board, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and the 30^th Judicial District Court will host the 36^th Annual Academic Awards Banquet on Monday, April 29, at the East Leesville Baptist Church Family Life Center beginning at 6 p.m.

Since 1988, graduating seniors from all Vernon Parish schools and their guests gather for an evening of congratulations.

Banquet Coordinator, Karen Robertson, with the School Board said 140 medallions will be handed out to this year’s group.  These students have maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher through their high school years.  Robertson pointed out the efforts of the Junior 4-H program for serving the evening meal, the Leesville Pro-Start program for the set up, and Deep South Catering/Ed Kennebrew for the preparation of the meals.

The guest speaker for the evening will be District 30 State Representative Charles Owen.  His father, the late Creighton Owen, former Superintendent of Vernon Parish Schools, and the late Bill Bailey, former Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, were instrumental in making this program a reality for local students.

Due to the staggered graduation dates around the parish, the banquet is a little earlier than normal this year.

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It’s time for legendary music and festivals in Vernon Parish, Louisiana’s Legend Country. This spring is filled with festive events for the whole family.

Spring Fling!

The Spring Fling Concert Day is coming up on Saturday, April 13, at Polk Outdoor Stage from 3-7 p.m. Come celebrate spring with a family-friendly outdoor concert from 3-7 p.m., featuring Parish Line Band, Landon Blood, and Gypsy La Blue! There will be food, merchandise, vendors, artists, inflatables, face paintings, corn hole, and more! https://vernonparish.org/event/spring-fling-concert/

Get festive and parade on!

The Anacoco Spring Festival and Parade is Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m. Join in on the fun at this family-friendly festival and parade in the Village of Anacoco in Louisiana’s Legend Country. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Anacoco High School. To enter a float ($100 cash prize) or participate as a vendor, contact Anacoco City Hall at 337-239-0215. https://vernonparish.org/event/anacoco-spring-festival-parade/

Plan now for MayFest!

MayFest is coming up Friday, May 3, to Saturday, May 4. Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the Vernon Parish Historic Courthouse lawn in Leesville for two free days of family fun offering live music, vendors, demonstrating artists, children’s activities, and more. Don’t miss ClayFest at Gallery One Ellleven as well. MayFest, winner of the Louey Award for Festival of the Year, is an annual, FREE event with live music, food and fun held in historic downtown Leesville on the first weekend in May. Vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states offer homemade items and food made from scratch. Checkout the music lineup and more: https://vernonparish.org/MayFest/

Get festive and tag us on social media with #LALegendCountry!

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The road to the state tournament for softball teams will begin in a week as teams will shoot for the semi-finals and finals, which begin April 26 at Frasch Park in Sulphur. Here is the most current look at Vernon Parish softball teams:

ANACOCO Lady Indians have won five in a row on the road. Their game with Oak Hill on Tuesday was postponed. They played Oak Hill last night (score unavailable at press time). Anacoco is set to play a doubleheader at Iowa Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. They are 15-9 overall and 6-0 in District 4-B.

EVANS 10-5 overall, 4-0 in District 3-C. Lady Eagles lost to Zwolle on Tuesday 16-1. The game today with Hathaway was cancelled. They will finish the regular season Tuesday at Merryville.

HICKS Lady Pirates are 9-7 overall, 6-2 in District 4-B. Their game Tuesday with Negreet was cancelled. They play at South Beauregard on Monday.

HORNBECK The Lady Hornets finished the regular season last night, hosting Fairview (score unavailable). They went into the game with a 6-11 record/1-3 in District 3-C.

LEESVILLE The Lady Cats are 7-13 overall/3-5 in District 3-4A. They defeated Washington-Marion Tuesday 20-4. They hosted Rayne last night (score unavailable).

PICKERING 8-11 overall/0-6 in District 4-2A. Lady Red Devils lost Wednesday to Oakdale 16-0. They played at Glenmora last night (score unavailable). They play at Rosepine on Saturday at 5 p.m.

PITKIN Lady Tigers currently 10-10/0-6 in District 4-B. They played a doubleheader last night at Elizabeth (scores unavailable). They host Florien tonight at 5 p.m.

ROSEPINE 14-8 overall/3-3 District 4-2A. Lady Eagles lost at Menard Tuesday,13-1. Played at Avoyelles last night (score unavailable). They host Pickering Saturday at 5 p.m.

SIMPSON Lady Broncos are 9-5 overall/3-1 District 3-C. They finish with home games Monday against Glenmora and Tuesday against Oak Hill.

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A few weeks back, Tell Your Neighbor visited the Leesville Farmers Market.  We talked about looking forward to all the fresh spring vegetables and all the great things you could do with them. 

The Vernon Parish Journal staff, both Baby Boomers, have some fond memories of things we ate as kids and how our parents tried to tell us it was all good for us.  Now is the time to dust off your mom’s or grandma’s cookbooks and make some of those tried and true recipes using the latest spring veggies.

My mother was not a fancy or adventurous cook, so growing up, things tended to be simple and basic at our house.  There weren’t many recipes; there was a lot of eyeballing of ingredients, and certainly not a lot of fuss to our dinner table.  Dad had very little to do with dinner, except to fire up the grill occasionally and eat what Mom cooked.  The lovely editor of the Vernon Parish Journal had parents who were a bit more daring.  Her father would cook and suggest exotic things to eat.  Her mom was available to try most anything and  would read cookbooks as if they were novels!  Tomato aspic was one of her favorites, but there were also basics like carrot and raisin salad, or even cucumbers with salt and pepper in vinegar.

If you took a canned pear and added a dollop of mayo and a few shreds of cheddar, Voila! You had a salad!  Or you could skip the cheddar and put the pear on a bed of cottage cheese.  For holiday dining, there was always a congealed salad with Jello and/or fruit and veggies.  Lime Jello with shredded carrot or a little shredded cabbage comes to mind, or strawberry Jello with canned peaches — pretty basic stuff but much loved from my childhood.

My former mother-in-law, Alice McShane, made a congealed salad that came out like clockwork every Christmas.  It was a red, white and green salad: plain straight Jello with a cream cheese filling in the middle.  I never could figure out why it didn’t all run together!  It would be an understatement to say I looked forward to it every year.  Alice was big on tradition and a great cook. 

Here are some real recipes to use this spring.  Since zucchini is one of the first spring crops, check out these easy tasty muffins.  There is also a great congealed salad throwback that is just too good!  Enjoy …  and tell your neighbor!

Zucchini Muffins

3 eggs

2 c. sugar

3 T. vanilla

1 cup oil

2 c. grated zucchini

3 c. flour

½ tsp. baking powder

1 tsp soda

1 tsp salt

3 tsp cinnamon

1 c. chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Heat oven to 350°F. Beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, oil, sugar, and zucchini. Mix well.  Sift dry ingredients together. Add to wet mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts. Pour into well-greased muffin pans or small bundt pans. Bake for about 20 minutes. Makes 28 muffins.

Spring Congealed Salad

1 cup crushed pineapple (drained with juice reserved)

1 cup water (more or less, depending on what’s needed; see instructions below)

2 packages lime jello (3 oz each)

1 cup mayo

1 cup evaporated milk (canned)

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large multi-cup measuring cup (I use my 4 cup Pyrex), add all of the reserved pineapple juice and then add enough water to the juice to make a total of 2 cups. Pour into pot and bring just to a boil.

2. Add the lime Jello mixes to the boiling pineapple juice/water and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat, allow to cool just slightly.

3. In a mixing bowl, stir together the mayo and evaporated milk. Combine until very smooth. Slowly stir in the Jello mixture until all is incorporated with the mayo/milk mixture. Stir in the crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and walnuts.

4. Pour mixture into an 8×8″ glass casserole pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (preferred).

Recipe can be made 1-3 days in advance of serving.

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Funeral services honoring the life of Henry Earl Smith will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Beech Grove Methodist Church in Anacoco at 1:00 p.m. with Douglas Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Visitation will be on Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at Beech Grove Methodist Church.
Henry Earl Smith was born on May 3, 1933, to Henry and Blanche Smith in Vernon Parish. He passed away on April 1, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 90. Henry was a United States Army veteran. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his garden. He worked for Sears & Roebuck for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Smith, and brothers, James, Wayne, Cecil, and Charles Smith.

He is survived by his sons, James Edwin Smith and Kennley Wade Smith, and wife Kandiss; daughters: Tresa Smith Harris; Mannah Schmidt and husband Tommy; and Kaycila Gerbig and husband Chris; sister, Annie Jane Parr; grandchildren, Shane, Alexa, Kennedi, Kinzley, Keith, Kevin, Kyle, Jason, Elizabeth, Josiah, and Toby; and two great grandchildren.

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Last year, at the beginning of the high school basketball season, the Vernon Parish Journal had a story on the caliber of basketball played in West Central Louisiana from the smallest schools in the state.  We detailed the number of state titles won by boys’ and girls’ teams from this corner of the state for years, and 2024 was no different!  The Rosepine Lady Eagles made it back-to-back state titles in Division III.  The Hicks Lady Pirates were state runner-up to local rival Fairview in Division V.  The Anacoco boys lost in the Division V finals for the second year in a row to Sabine Parish rival Zwolle.

The individual awards also came rolling into Vernon Parish. Kelly Norris and Addison Fruge of Rosepine were named by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association to the Class AA All-State First Team.  Norris, an LSU-A signee, was also named Outstanding Player in the State for Class AA.  Rosepine Head Coach C.T. Kiely was named State Coach of the Year in Class AA.  Six of the ten girls on the first and second teams were from West Central Louisiana and North Louisiana.  On the boys’ side in class AA, junior A.J. Berry of Pickering was named to the First Team All-State team.  Hayden Brister of Rosepine was named to the Honorable Mention squad in AA.

The LSWA girls Class B All-State team included Reese Stephens of Hicks and her teammate, Shyanne Phillips.  Stephens was named Outstanding Player in Class B in Louisiana.  Bailey Davis of Anacoco was named All-State second team, and Abbilee Dowden of Anacoco was selected to the Honorable Mention team.  Dustin Welch of Anacoco made the LSWA Class B All-State First Team while Hayden Doyle of Hicks was named All-State second team.

In Class C, Parker Alexander of Hornbeck was named to the LSWA All-State second team.  Beau Austin of Evans was selected Honorable Mention.  On the ladies’ side, freshman Olivia Edwards of Simpson and junior Jaida Davis of Hornbeck were named to the Class C All-State second team.

It was another banner basketball year for Vernon Parish and West Central Louisiana.  Don’t expect the 2024-2025 season to be any different.  Vernon Parish will represent in basketball at the state level!

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The annual Armadillo Stampede, presented by the Association of the United States Army, will be held Saturday, May 4. The 5K Run/Walk will start at 7:30 a.m. on lower Third Street in Leesville, near Oak Pointe Wellness. On-line registration is ongoing through May 2. Register at http://www.runsignup.com. You must register by April 9 to guarantee a race t-shirt.

Competitors may pick up race packets on Friday, May 3, from 1-6 p.m. at 11275 Lake Charles Highway.

This event has been held for over 40 years. Runners/walkers are encouraged to meet their families downtown at the Mayfest following the race.

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Funeral services for Joe Lynn Bolton will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church with Brother Terry Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Joe Lynn Bolton was born on October 6, 1930, in Slagle, Louisiana, to Joe and Olga Bolton. He passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 93 years, 5 months, and 24 days. He graduated from Simpson High School in 1947. After graduation he attended Vincent Business College in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to study accounting. That is where our parents’ romance started and certainly stood the test of time. Joe Lynn Bolton and Cathleen James Bolton were married on December 16, 1949, at Boulevard Baptist Church in Lake Charles. Little did we know that this would be a lasting legacy of nearly 70 years together as one.

In his early years he worked for Calcasieu Marine National Bank, Pan American Import Company, and then moved on to work for Swift & Company for 11 years. In 1960, he went to work for Continental Oil Company, eventually known as Conoco Oil Refinery. After 31 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1991 from Conoco Oil Refinery. He continued working after retirement by serving on the board of directors and as secretary of the Credit Union at Swift & Company and Conoco. In 1994, he was elected to the Board of Directors of East Central Vernon Water Department in Slagle and served as Secretary-Treasurer until his death. In 1970, our family moved to Slagle where our dad established himself as an active servant and dedicated member of Antioch Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Twelfth Street Baptist Church in Lake Charles and Antioch Baptist Church in Slagle.

His biggest love and greatest joy was found in his unwavering, gentle, and devoted love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was a supportive, dedicated, loving husband, father, paw paw, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved spending time with us as a family and has passed on that heritage and legacy to all of us. He loved to sit on his porch, drink coffee, and visit with friends and family, always eager and proud to share pictures of his life and his family with others. He has always been more of a giver than a taker when it comes to helping and serving others. He loved to grow a garden and raise cows. He enjoyed hunting squirrels, deer, hogs, and occasionally an armadillo. His favorite pastime was reading the newspaper from cover to cover. He enjoyed riding in his side by side with his loyal companion Bailey. They would ride around the neighborhood checking on friends and family together. He just loved life and would always say, “Go with what the Good Lord gives you and I am thankful for everyday the Lord gives me.” Our dad was truly a man of God, and he loved the Lord with all his heart. It is a privilege to call you dad, paw paw, and friend. Even though our hearts are broken at his departure, we do rejoice in knowing all is well with his soul. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ and we have peace in knowing we as believers will be reunited with him in heaven one day. As we celebrate his departure from this earth let us reflect on the beautiful person he was. We will forever cling to the precious memories we have of him, never letting them fade from our memories.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Cathleen James Bolton; son, Walter Lynn Bolton; daughter, Stepheny Bolton Waugaman; son-in-law, Joe Waugaman; parents, Joe and Olga Crumpler Bolton; brothers: W.T. Bolton, Melvin Bolton, and Archie Bolton.

He is survived by his sons: William Bolton of Slagle, Teddy Bolton and wife Karen of Lake Charles, and Jesse Bolton and wife Melanie of Alexandria, Louisiana; daughter, Lesa Bolton Miller and husband Dale of Anacoco, Louisiana; daughter-in-law, Regina Bolton of Slagle; 20 grandchildren, 33 Great-grandchildren, 2 Great-Great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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ART of the EAT II will be held at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the Leesville Main Street District on April 20 at 6:00 pm. This event is an annual fundraiser and purchasing a $25.00 ticket will provide samples of food from 13 countries, access to the open bar, and an evening of great food, music, and Art that exposes the diversity of cultures that abound in Vernon Parish.

Countries represented this year are Peru, Panama, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Germany, Lebanon, France, Belgium, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma) and South Korea.  Cooks from those countries will provide not only a taste of their culture but are being encouraged to dress their tables with traditional objects and items for everyone to discuss and enjoy. Foods represented will be hearty, savory, and sweet, and this year many of the dishes will include Louisiana Seafood provided by the Louisiana Seafood Promotions Board and beef ingredients will be provided by RUNNING N CATTLE of Leesville.  Food ingredients will be posted on the tables to assist those with food allergies.

Tickets are limited and should be purchased ahead of the event. Unsold tickets will be available at the door the night of the event. Tickets are on sale and can be obtained from any gallery member, at the gallery on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, or by contacting them through Facebook Messenger or email at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

This fundraiser is to support the Arts in Vernon Parish and all proceeds will go to improvements in the Leesville Art Park and GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN.

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