Earlean Laura (Crane) Boswell, 88, gained her heavenly wings on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, peacefully in her home in Hicks, Louisiana.  She will be missed by many.

She was born in Port Barre, Louisiana, on May 12, 1935.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Coy J Boswell Sr.; daughters, Alma Marie Lewis and  Karen Lynn Corley; father, Authur Calvin Crane, and mother, Alma Merdice Crane; sister, Eula Mae Davis; and brothers, Ernist Lester Crane and Jerry Wayne Crane.

Earlean loved her work as a nurse from her early 20’s until her retirement in 2010. She then worked at Role Play at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where she met many wonderful friends. When she wasn’t working, she loved working in her yard, landscaping beautiful flower beds, painting portraits and landscapes, going to ball games, and spending time with family.

She is survived by children: Terry Borel (Marvin) of Leesville; Katharine Landry (Jesse) of Glenmora, Louisiana; Louis Boswell (Andrea) of Leesville; Coy J Boswell Jr. (Teresa) of San Augustine, Texas; 25 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 5 p.m. until time of service on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 1 p.m. Services will be held at Flactor Baptist Church, 1081 Hicks High School Road in Leesville. Officiator will be Bro. Terry Ward and speaker will be David Woodham.

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Jackie “Jack” M. Causey was born on June 25, 1950. He peacefully passed away on March 13, 2024, in Leesville after a courageous battle.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at East Leesville Baptist Church in Leesville.

The visitation will be on Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at East Leesville Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Vandenburg Cemetery in Bayou Chicot, Louisiana.

Those that have gone before him were his parents Ceasal and Eula Causey, his brother Clarence Causey, and the mother of his two children, Joycelyn Hargis Causey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Debbie Stracner Causey; son Andrew “Drew” Causey (wife Mendie); daughters, Aimee Causey and Rachel Danielson Betts (husband Jerimie); seven grandchildren that completed his life: Jackson, CarolAnn, and Josephine Causey, Poppy and Taylor Sands, and Sebastian and Penelope Betts. He is also survived by his sisters, Pamela McCarty (husband Dodd) and Rene Duhon (husband Darrell); and multiple nieces and nephews.

Jack was a gentle giant standing 6’7’’, which undoubtedly led to his outstanding athletic career. While attending high school at Acadiana Baptist Academy, he was an All American athlete in basketball. He made lasting friendships during high school that remained like brothers and sisters throughout his life. Jack then started college at the University of Southern Louisiana, and later graduated at Southern California College, now Vangard Univerity. Between the two universities, he was a five-time National High Jump champion, with a career best jump of 7’2’’. Later in life he was inducted into the ULL Hall of Fame, as well as the Vangard Athletics Hall of Fame. Not only was he an amazing athlete, he was an outstanding and unforgettable coach and mentor throughout his life to hundreds of people.

Jack was a faithful son, an amazing big brother, a loving husband, the very best Daddy, a patient grandfather, and a loyal friend. He had a variety of outdoor interests; he loved music; and you almost never saw him without a guitar in his hands.

Jack spent the majority of his career in healthcare as an administrator and CEO of nursing homes and rehab hospitals all over the country. He was an amazing leader who made every person he came into contact with feel like the most important person in the world. He was very involved in the community, and was a member of various organizations throughout the years.

During the last two years, while battling the most challenging battle of his life, he remained unexplainably positive, humbly confident, all the while continually growing closer to Christ. When anyone came to visit him, they left feeling like they were the one being encouraged. Jack’s legacy and wish would be that everyone would accept Jesus as their Savior.

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EARLEAN LAURA BOSWELL
May 12, 1935 – March 12, 2024
Service: March 18, 2024, at Flactor Baptist Church in Leesville at 1 p.m.

JACK M. CAUSEY
June 25, 1950 – March 13, 2024
Service: March 16, 2024, at East Leesville Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

OCTIVEE BUSH
June 24, 1936 – March 13, 2024
Service: March 15, 2024, at Toledo Bend Bible Church in Anacoco at 10 a.m.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest March 11 of 35-year old Matthew Sterling of Leesville.  The Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 4 p.m. Monday afternoon related to an aggravated burglary at a residence on Bolgiano Loop. 

Deputies responding learned that Sterling had kicked the doors in at the residence, stole a firearm once inside, and armed himself.  Sterling fled to another building on the property and barricaded himself inside.  He sporadically fired his weapon and made threats toward the deputies.  The location was secured, and four hours of unsuccessful negotiations ensued. 

The Rapides Parish SWAT team responded to assist the VPSO.  When they deployed a Bear Cat armored vehicle that removed the door to the structure, Sterling surrendered without further incident.  Sterling was transported to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation.

Sterling was arrested and charged with one count Aggravated Burglary, one count Criminal Damage to Property, one count Resisting an Officer, one count Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and one count Possession of a Stolen Firearm.  Bond has not been set, and Sterling remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft commended all agencies involved for their professionalism, with a special thanks to Rapides Sheriff Mark Wood and his personnel.

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Scharlene Matthews, age 31, of Alexandria, Louisiana, arrested on Outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond was denied, and Matthews remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Jilberto Castillo, age 22, of Leesville, arrested on out-of-jurisdiction Bench Warrant from Harris County, Texas.  Castillo remains in the Vernon Parish Jail, awaiting extradition to Texas.

Jason Hood, age 48, of Leesville, arrested and charged with one count Offroad Vehicles, one count Lighted Lamps Required, one count Possession of Schedule II Narcotic (amphetamine), one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one Bench Warrant for a probation violation.  Hood remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

James Terrell Carter, age 48, of Jasper, Texas, arrested on an out-of-jurisdiction Bench Warrant from Jasper County, Texas.  Carter remains in the Vernon Parish Jail, awaiting extradition to Texas.

Barney J. Gordon, age 31, of DeRidder, Louisiana, arrested and charged with one count Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, one count Possession of Schedule II Narcotic, one count Illegal Possession of a Firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count Flight from an Officer, one count Possession of a Firearm or carrying of a concealed weapon by a felon, one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count of Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Crash, one count of Home Invasion Intimidation, one count of Domestic Abuse Battery with child endangerment, one count of False Imprisonment, and one count Simple Battery.  Bond has not been set, and Gordon remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

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On March 11, 2024, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 3226 at BC Doyle Road. This crash claimed the life of 62-year-old Michael Townley of DeRidder.  

The initial investigation revealed that a 2004 Dodge Ram, driven by Townley, was preparing to turn at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 3226 and BC Doyle Road.  For reasons still under investigation, Townley entered onto Louisiana Highway 3226, but failed to yield to a westbound commercial vehicle (loaded log truck). As a result, Townley’s vehicle was struck by the commercial vehicle.   

Townley, who was restrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the commercial vehicle, who also was restrained, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state.  Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.  A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences. 

In 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated 12 fatal crashes resulting in 14 fatalities.  

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The Anacoco Indians suffered through another state title game loss Friday, March 8, to Sabine Parish rival Zwolle, 45-41.  This marks the second straight year Zwolle has taken the measure of Anacoco in the title game for Division V Non-select schools.

Anacoco’s defense was up to the task, holding Zwolle to 35 points under their playoff scoring average.  Neither team shot well, but Anacoco can look to the free throw line, where they hit only 7 of 16 tries (43%).  The Indians hit just 38% from the field but made only 6 of 24 three-point shots.  Zwolle was not much more effective shooting the ball.  They made 7 of 22 from the free throw line (31%), keeping the Indians within striking distance down the stretch.  The Hawks shot 44% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc.

Anacoco trailed 25-17 at half-time but managed just 3 points the entire third quarter.  The Indians did outscore the Hawks 21-9 in the fourth quarter.  Zwolle was led in scoring by Howard Ethredge with 13points.  Preston Sanders and Alec Williams each chipped in with 12 points.  Seven players scored for Anacoco, but only Caleb Taylor hit double figures with 13 points.

The game was played at Anacoco’s tempo, but cold shooting plagued them in the second half.  The Indians finish the year as District 4-B champions and made their second straight trip to the state finals game under Coach Jason Tinsley.

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The Vernon Parish Police Jury held a committee meeting Monday, March11, at 5 p.m. in the Police Jury Administrative Building.

Jurors voted to hold a public hearing on Monday, March 18, at 10 a.m. to hear input on a proposed ordinance to change the name of Trailer Park Road in District 7, Ward 7 to Cornwell Road.

Parish Building Inspector Billy McShan reported on the proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Vernon Parish Police Jury and the Rapides Parish Planning Commission.  The Commission provides an additional pool of inspectors that assists with permits and inspections for 6-8 parishes.  Jurors will gather information and a vote will be taken March 18.

Jurors adopted a resolution to approve and accept the Multi-Jurisdictional Agreement between police juries in Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, Cameron, Beauregard, Allen and Vernon Parishes for the Workforce Innovative and Opportunity Act.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury also accepted a letter of engagement from Thomas Cunningham, Broadway and Todtenbier, CPAs, for the statewide audit for 2023.  They will also handle the financial audit for 2024 and 2025.

The Economic Development and Planning Commission received the plat for Cedar Ridge Subdivision Lots 1-11, located off Highway 28 E in District 6, Ward 6.  The Parish Road Manager reviewed the plat and recommended the Jury approve the plat.  The Equipment Committee accepted a request form District 2 for a new 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.  Three bids were received, with the lowest being $54,446.25 from Chevyland in Bossier City.  The Finance Committee received invoices from Meyer and Associates for the Vernon/Ft.Johnson Thoroughfare Lift Station Generators.  The total was $30,354.75.  The Committee also recommends approval of a donation of $7,000 for assistance with the sound, stage, and lighting at MayFest this year.  The Road Maintenance and Construction Committee received two requests from the Vernon Parish Health Unit to fill in a pair of abandoned wells.  They also recommended the resolutions to perform routine maintenance work for the Village of Simpson and Town of Rosepine.  They will also install reflectors on Stanton Street in New Llano and assist with repairs to Section Line Road.

The next Vernon Parish Police Jury meeting will be Monday, March 18 at 10 a.m.

 

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The Congressional Medal of Honor is America’s highest and most solemn military award.  First given by the Navy in 1861, the Army followed in 1862.  Now, the Air & Space Forces and the Coast Guard have their own medal. The medals are of slightly different design, but all signify valor and bravery at the highest level.

Criteria for awarding the honor has evolved through the years.  Over 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded: forty percent of those during the Civil War.  In 1917, over 900 medals were stricken from recipients.  Some famous names who were awarded the medal include Sgt. Alvin York (Army), Buffalo Bill Cody, and the only President to win one, Teddy Roosevelt.

Ft. Johnson, “The Home of Heroes”, is named after a Medal of Honor recipient from World War I, Pvt. William Henry Johnson, although his medal was not awarded till 2015, decades after his death.   Ft. Johnson is the only Army post named after an enlisted soldier, a point of pride for all enlisted soldiers who pass through here.

The post will recognize this extraordinary honor with a number of events.  A ceremony will be held Monday, March 18, at Palmetto Terrace Housing on post.  During a walking town hall, Major General David Gardner, Commanding General of Ft. Johnson/Joint Readiness Training Center, will unveil new street signs on streets named for Medal of Honor recipients.  Corvias Military Housing is responsible for putting the Medal of Honor logos on the new street signs.  They will be the only street signs on any Army installation to bear that logo.  Ft. Johnson currently has ten streets in three of its housing areas named after recipients.

Medal of Honor Day is Monday, March 25.  Ft. Johnson will host a full range of activities for all ages designed to make Army families more aware of the medal’s history.  AAFES will set  up static displays on the 29 Medal of Honor winners from Louisiana.  There will be a Medal of Honor display and book reading at the post library on March 22.  The Guardian e-paper will also run feature stories, and post personnel will visit local radio stations for interviews during the month.

The nearest Medal of Honor winner to us locally is First Lt. Douglas B. Fournet, from the Vietnam era.  His aptly marked grave is in a field outside of Oberlin, Louisiana.  For more information about the Congressional Medal of Honor, try reading The Making of a Hero by Linda Moss Mines.

Thanks to Mark Leslie, Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security on Ft. Johnson,  CSM (Ret) Chris Ausbun, and their volunteers for their help in this story and planning the activities on post.

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By Rickey Robertson

During World War II, Camp Polk hosted many dignitaries and Hollywood entertainers. USO shows were popular with the troops training at Camp Polk. At this time in its history Camp Polk was known as an armored training base. But something changed on January 2, 1944. Camp Polk received the 11^th Airborne Division, and now with armored units there were parachute infantry regiments training for combat here in Louisiana. A man who would become a famous TV personality came with this unit.

The 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment made up part of the 11th Airborne Division. And in this unit was a young PFC by the name of Rod Serling. He was raised in Syracuse, New York, and when he graduated in 1943, he joined the US Army. Serling wanted to be a paratrooper but was under size at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed only 150 pounds. But he kept trying and was accepted into the paratroopers and was sent to Camp Toccoa, Georgia, where he earned his paratrooper wings. He was then assigned to the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division. This division trained extensively in various camps and was sent to Camp Polk, Louisiana, arriving there on January 2, 1944.  The division stayed there until April 20, 1944, when it was alerted for movement to San Diego, where they boarded ships and headed to New Guinea. On New Guinea, the men of the 11th Airborne trained but also fought the Japanese in the Owen Stanley Range of mountains there from May to November 1944.

In November 1944, the division, along with T/4 Serling, moved by ship to Leyte in the Philippine Islands, where they fought until January 1945. The division was moved to the island of Luzon, and they fought fierce Japanese resistance, but they captured Cavite, Ft. McKinley, Nichols Field, and part of Manila. During these battles T/4 Serling was wounded in the knee and wrist. T/4 Serling was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific medal with 4 campaign stars, WWII Victory medal, Parachute Badge, Glider Badge, Occupation ribbon, Philippine Liberation medal, and Presidential Unit Citation. Rod Serling was a true combat soldier, but he was greatly affected by his time in combat.

After World War II, Rod Serling attended and completed college. He began working on radio programs and then switched to television. With television, he became known as the actor/writer of The Twilight Zone. Many of our readers remember this television series from the 1950’s and 1960’s. He continued his writing and productions until his death in 1975. His WWII experiences influenced all his Twilight Zone episodes.

We remember Rod Serling and his trademark introduction to The Twilight Zone of “This is a dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call The Twilight Zone”.  Rod Serling: another personality who came through our area due to the large military presence located here.

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Rickey Robertson retired from Louisiana State Police and upon his retirement became a historical researcher/writer for Stephen F. Austin State University.  Rickey is a proud Peason Ridge Heritage Family member and currently is Pastor of Cold Springs Baptist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana. Rickey has written many articles on the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 and speaks to groups on this great historical event that affected our state and nation. He and his wife reside in Peason, Louisiana.

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Funeral services for Clifton Joseph Benoit, 75, of Leesville were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville with Father Kenneth Michiels officiating. Burial followed in Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.  Clifton was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who passed away peacefully in Pinehurst, North Carolina, on February 28, 2024.

Clifton was preceded in death by Edna Wiltz, his loving wife of fifty years, and is survived by his six children (Charlotte, Terry, Christy, Christine, Aaron, and Sean), fourteen grandchildren (Mia, Tatum, Ravyn, McKenzie, Colby, Liam, Michelle, Michael, Kaylee, Aurora, Sean Jr., Ariella, Arolyn, and Andraya), and seven great-grandchildren (Ramzey, Azher, Nolyn, Rose, Nova, Issabella, and Haisley).

Clifton was a retired decorated Army SFC (Sergeant First Class) Vietnam Veteran who served 24 years in different parts of the world (Korea, Vietnam, Germany, St. Martinville, and New Iberia).

Clifton was a gregarious soul who loved to crack jokes and make you smile. His most popular joke was that he had three hobbies: Bingo, beer and making babies.

His loving family will greatly miss him, and he will always be remembered in their hearts.  They are sincerely grateful to the many friends he made throughout the years who enriched his life.

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By Billy Crawford

The two-story Leesville Hotel first opened in 1907 with 35 luxury hotel rooms located on the second floor.

Over the years the first floor was occupied by numerous businesses including a pharmacy, soda fountain, newsstand, barbershop, Western Union, gift shop, Word Insurance Agency and Real Estate, John Brothers Sporting Goods, and Dale Werner’s Hotel Bar.

The hotel’s history provides many stories. During the Louisiana Maneuvers, General George Patton and General Douglass MacArthur stayed at the hotel. Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long was once kicked out of the hotel. And Bonnie and Clyde stayed at the hotel during their robbery spree across the U.S. in the 1930’s to name just a few.

Most of you, like me, know the building as the Phoenix Drug Store. As a youngster, Don Goins worked at the newsstand located in the Hotel. Working there spurred his desire to go on to pharmacy school. After graduating he returned to Leesville to work at the same pharmacy. Don eventually would become the owner of the building and the pharmacy.

 

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Source: Vernon Parish Library Digital Archives

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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Otis Osborn Ferguson who passed peacefully in his sleep Friday March 1, 2024, at the age of 86.  A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco, led by Tinker Hillman. Burial followed in the Beech Grove Cemetery directed by Jeane Funeral Service.

Otis was the proud son of Otis (O.T.) and Gladys Harvey Ferguson, having been born on October 3, 1937, in Houston, Texas. His young years were spent in numerous places in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi as O.T. worked in the oil field. In 1950, the family moved to Anacoco. Otis graduated from AHS in 1955 and became an LSU Tiger, graduating as a petroleum engineer. Uncle Sam was waiting, so Otis proudly joined the Army. He was a patriot through and through. Following his military service, he began a career in the petroleum business. When he retired, he went back to college and became a surveyor and worked for many years in the Dallas area for Roome, retiring to a quiet life in Anacoco. Throughout his life he was a kind and gentle lover of children. He volunteered in and supported several organizations that serviced children. Otis was a lifelong learner. He was extremely curious and well-read, having books, charts, DVDs and maps second only to the parish library. He studied and researched endlessly, often staying up all night. He especially studied history and the Bible.

He is predeceased by his parents and two sons,James Andrew Ferguson and Patrick Scott Ferguson. Those left to cherish and honor his memory are one son, Eric Owen Ferguson (Myra); two grandchildren, Eric Owen Ferguson and Ella Grace Ferguson, all of Springfield Missouri; three sisters, Sarah Goins of Leesville, Patricia Gallien of Natchitoches, and Janene Davis (Rod) of Norman Oklahoma, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers were Eric Ferguson, Owen Ferguson, Delman Haymon, JD Haymon, Frankie Smart, and Roger Hillman. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Smart, Rod Davis, Deigo Quesada, Steven Jeane, Jeff Goins, Noah Wann, and Tucker Wann.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Certified Auto Repair Specialists opened during the early days of COVID in 2020. Solid business has allowed a move to a bigger shop on Nolan Trace, investments in high quality tools, and the latest equipment. They are able to provide the most minor repairs all the way up to custom engine design and builds.

Right now, through the end of March, CARS is offering a special on wheel alignments. Purchase a set of four tires and get an alignment for half-price. A well aligned vehicle has improved fuel economy, reduced noise levels, and less vibration. When tires are unbalanced, uneven wear occurs, reducing the life of your tire and potentially causing driving hazards. A minor misalignment can take thousands of miles off a tire’s life. A major misalignment, especially in the toe angle, can chew through your tire tread depth in just a few hundred miles if not corrected.

Owner Charles Renz and wife Roisin believe in treating customers the way they like to be treated. Their Christian faith is an important part of the business operation. The business logo for CARS includes a carpenter’s hammer in the middle. This symbolizes how the Renzes go through life and operate their business. Before Jesus became the greatest teacher, he was a carpenter. The carpenter’s hammer is a constant reminder that Jesus is at the center of all they do at CARS.

Charles has over 30 years of honing his mechanical skills, starting by working in a Seattle oil shop. He has taken advanced automotive classes and offers years of hands-on experience. In 1998 he earned the level of Master Certified Technician from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). That, of course, is the gold standard in the US and Canada for auto repair technicians. Master Technicians must re-certify every five years. Charles has gone way beyond that. He holds Advance Level certifications in L1-Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification, X1-Under Specialist Exhaust Systems Certification and C1-Xervice Consultant Certification.

There are 197,440 ASE technicians in the US. Only 69,678 of them are Master Automobile Technicians and less than 35,000 of those are L1 Certified. One of those is Charles Renz at CARS.

CARS at 1108 Nolan Trace are people you can count on with the knowledge you need to keep your vehicles roadworthy. Through the end of March, buy a set of four tires and get an alignment for half-price. Call CARS at 337-353-7668 and get the details.

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The Vernon Parish Cattleman’s Association will hold their “Spring Round-up” Friday, March 15, at 7 p.m. The gathering will take place at East Leesville Baptist Church.

Sponsors for the meeting are the Calcasieu Soil and Water Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services. This is an annual meeting, and the locally led conservation organization will be asking for local input on priority resource concerns.

If you plan on attending, please contact Jack Bass at 337-532-1105; Rusty Bailes at 337-424-1178; or David Porter at 337-208-2242. Memberships for 2024 are being collected by the Vernon Parish Cattleman’s Association, and dinner will be served.

The Beauregard Parish Cattleman’s Association will hold a similar event Thursday, March 28, at First United Methodist Church in DeRidder starting at 7 p.m.  The same business will follow for the sponsors of the meeting as they gather and distribute information from association members.  Dinner will be served.  For information, call Jeff Meadows at 337.396.9999; Ken Rayford at 281.782.9537; Delbert Conner at 337.884.1252; or Patricia Andrews at 337.375.5966.

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Funeral services honoring the life of Paul David Koonce were held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Grace Assembly of God, Hornbeck, Louisiana, with Reverends Wayne Chance, John Lewing and Rodney Hicks officiating. Burial followed in the Beckhom Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Scott Parker, Aaron Davis, Jeremy Fullerton, Roland Arthur, Gary Fields, Jodi Squillini, and Jason Richardson. Honorary pallbearers were Jason Ebarb, Logan Jordan, Ethan Ebarb, and Pete Parker.

Paul David Koonce was born on July 17, 1953, to JP and Christine Koonce in Hornbeck. He passed away on March 6, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 70. He was an excellent mechanic and worked at Patrick Miller Tractor for many years. Paul was a very loving man, easy to get along with, and always willing to help others. He had a great sense of humor and loved teasing others. He loved being with his family and many friends, being outdoors, fishing and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, JP and Christine Koonce, and sister, Kathleen David.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Anna Koonce of Florien; sisters, Virginia McClelland and husband Mark of Michigan; Charlotte Koonce of Justin, Texas; Janet Ebarb of Florien; and Linda and Pete Parker of Hornbeck; stepdaughter, Kisha Goldvarg and husband Eric of Spring Texas; and a host of extended family and friends.

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OTIS OSBORN FERGUSON
October 3, 1937 – March 1, 2024
Service: March 12, 2024, at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco at 11 a.m.

PAUL DAVID KOONCE
July 17, 1953 – March 6, 2024
Service: March 10, 2024, at Grace Assembly of God Church in Hornbeck at 4 p.m.

DOROTHY PAULINE THOMAS
June 9, 1944 – March 7, 2024
Service: At a later date

CLIFTON JOSEPH BENOIT
July 28, 1948 – February 28, 2024
Service: March 11, 2024, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville at 10:30 a.m.

IDA MAE GREEN
April 28, 1945 – March 10, 2024
Service: March 12, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 4 p.m.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Town of Anacoco will perform an emergency water line repair Friday, March 8, on Highway 111 in front of the First Baptist Church of Anacoco.

This activity is dependent on the weather and may be rescheduled. DOTD thanks the motoring public for their patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution and look out for work crews and their equipment.

This project will be completed, weather permitting, by the end of the day.
Get the latest in roads in real time traffic by using the 511 Traveler Information System.

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Last year, Anacoco fashioned a march to the state finals on solid defense and basketball smarts. In the Division V Non-Select finals against long-time foe Zwolle, it came crashing down, 40-25. These two highly regarded programs will battle on the big stage again tonight at 6 p.m. for that same title at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

The #1 ranked Zwolle Hawks (29-3) and #2 Anacoco Indians (33-7) will take willingly to that stage and the sparks will fly! Anacoco went to Zwolle in November of last year and came away with a 58-56 victory. The Indians need to win the big one tonight to rid themselves of last year’s bitter defeat taste!

These two have history that goes beyond last year’s finals. Anacoco took a 59-46 win over Zwolle in the 2016 title game. The Indians beat the Hawks in the 2015 semi-finals on their way to the state title.  Zwolle’s title victory last year was the 16th in school history and their first since 2017, when they won all the marbles 37-34 over Hathaway. They seek title number 17 tonight. They are currently tied with Southern Lab for the most in Louisiana high school history.

Tonight’s game will be a contrast in styles. The high-flying Hawks have averaged over 79ppg in their three playoff games. Anacoco averaged 49ppg in their playoff games but has allowed only 36 ppg on defense.
Anacoco-Zwolle: just another Vernon-Sabine rumble. Happens all the time!

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The Vernon Parish School Board invites everyone out for the annual Vernon Parish Special Olympics, Friday, March 22, at the Rosepine High School track and football facility.

The morning begins at approximately 9:15 with the Law Enforcement Torch Run making its way to the stadium. The Parade of Athletes will follow around 9:30. All 18 schools in Vernon Parish will be represented by the nearly 500 Special Olympians who will compete in various events. Over 70 student workers and 120 parents and volunteers will lend their support in managing the day.

This event has been held for nearly 40 years in Vernon Parish and is a highlight for many of the competitors. The public is invited to sit on the home-side bleachers and cheer the Olympians on. There will be food, refreshments, and other activities to support the Special Olympics Program.

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