This is the final week of the regular season for area girls’ basketball teams.  Playoff pairings will be announced Monday, February 12.  Games begin February 15.

GIRLS

In local ladies’ action, Hicks, the #3 ranked team in Division V, took two games from #1 Anacoco. The Lady Pirates prevailed 47-44 and 59-40 to run their district 4-B record to 6-1. The Lady Pirates are 30-3 overall. Anacoco came into the two games with a 5-0 district mark. The Lady Indians are 29-5 overall. They finish the regular season at home Friday against Oak Hill. Hicks closed their season last night at Pitkin. The score was unavailable at press time. The #6 ranked Pitkin Lady Tigers fell to Oak Hill last week, 61-58. Hicks, Anacoco and Pitkin should all make the playoffs out of district 4-B.

In district 3-C, Simpson holds a 27-8 mark, 6-1 in district. The Lady Broncos are ranked #7 in Division V and appear playoff bound. Hornbeck is ranked #9 with a 20-11 record. The Lady Hornets beat Ebarb last week 54-26. They played at Evans last night. The score was unavailable at press time. Evans lost two games to Simpson last week, 43-40 and 58-46. Evans closed out their season last night against Hornbeck; score unavailable at press time.

The Rosepine Lady Eagles continue to be ranked #1 in Division III statewide. They have won 16 in a row, most recently beating Menard 50-38. They are 8-0 in district 4-AA play and 25-5 overall. They visited Avoyelles last night; score unavailable at press time.

The Pickering Lady Red Devils are ranked #13 in Division IV but have stumbled lately, losing to Oak Hill last week, 68-24. Pickering played at Glenmora last night; score unavailable at press time.

The Leesville Lady Wampus Cats have fashioned a 20-8 mark/4-0 in district 3-4AA. They defeated Rayne last week 58-48 in district action then won at ASH on Saturday 64-59 for their sixth win in a row. Leesville finished their season at Lagrange last night; score unavailable at press time.

The Faith Training Christian Academy Lady Patriots ended their season in the ACEL with a 36-26 loss to SWLA in the first round of playoffs. They were the defending state champs but lost four of five starters from that title team and entered the playoffs as the number 5 seed.

BOYS

Playoff pairings for boys’ teams will be announced February 19. Games begin on February 23.

Anacoco is ranked #3 in Division IV and strengthened that ranking with a pair of wins over #10 Hicks, 54-36 and 60-49. The Indians are unbeaten in district 4-B at 7-0/31-7 overall. They finish the regular season at home Friday against Oak Hill. Hicks should finish second in the district race, pending the outcome of their game last night at Pitkin. The score was unavailable at press time. Hicks will tune up for the playoffs with games scheduled next week against 5-A Natchitoches Central and Class C Singer. Pitkin beat 4-A DeRidder last week 65-56. The Tigers will finish the district season Friday at Elizabeth. They will take on Westlake and Grand Lake in playoff tune-up games next week.

In District 3-C all teams played make-up games due to the bad weather several weeks ago. Simpson broke a nine-game losing streak with a 44-41 win over Evans last Friday. They had lost to Evans the night before 58-33. Hornbeck lost to Ebarb last week 60-45 and traveled to Evans last night. The score was unavailable at press time.

Pickering is ranked #2 in Division IV, but the Red Devils lost to Oakdale last time out 65-56. Pickering played at Glenmora last night; score unavailable at press time. Rosepine won by 30 at Menard last week 70-40 and played at Avoyelles last night. The score was unavailable at press time. Rosepine is ranked #15 in Division III.

Leesville is ranked #14 in Division II but lost a district matchup to Rayne last week 69-54. The Wampus Cats played at Lagrange last night. The score was unavailable at press time.

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“These events are designed to honor the rich contributions of the Black community to our nation’s history, culture, and progress. We invite the community to join us in celebrating our history and future,” said Dr. Jasmine Wise, assistant professor, coordinator of Black Studies and coordinator for the Center of Inclusion and Diversity. “We are excited to celebrate the rich history of African Americans in our city, state and nation. February is always a time to pause and reflect on the many contributions of Black Americans in this country.”

NSU will host the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, an event postponed from Jan. 15 due to weather, on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the MLK Triangle at the corner of MLK Drive and Texas Street. The program will begin at 11 a.m. and will feature a message from Dr. Aill Harris, senior pastor at Abundant Life Church in Natchitoches; remarks from Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. and NSU students, faculty and staff. This event is open to all students, faculty, staff and Natchitoches community.

The NSU NAACP Chapter and the African American Caucus (AAC) will cohost a Black history movie series in collaboration with the CID. The screenings are open to the public and will be followed by discussion sessions.
NSU NAACP Chapter President Joshua Roberson said he “understands the importance of Black History and the impact Black culture has had not only nationally but within the state of Louisiana. It’s important that we learn how Black culture has shaped our state.”
ACC will stream “Stamped from the Beginning” based on the 2016 book by the American historian Ibram X. Kendi, entitled “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.” The screening will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 in the Student Union Ballroom. The film’s trailer can be viewed here: https://nsu.la/Stamped.
“I look forward to help expanding and understanding how and why racist thoughts are intertwined into our daily lives,” said Marley Livingston, president of AAC.
NSU will host an evening of music and education by presenting “Jazz and Civil Rights” with Master Flutist Galen Abdur-Razzaq at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29 in the NSU Student Union Ballroom.
Known for his masterful flute performances, Abdur-Razzaq not only captivates the audience with his rich and powerful musicality but also delves into the fascinating relationship between jazz and the Civil Rights Movement, in the hopes of expanding the audience’s knowledge of history through music. The event is free and open to the public.
Brittany Broussard, director of Culture and Climate, said she is excited about the upcoming events.
“We are honored to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the invaluable contributions of the Black community. These events aim to foster understanding, appreciation and unity among our diverse student body and the broader community,” she said.
For more information about these events and other Black History Month initiatives at Coordinator for Center of Inclusion contact Wise at WiseJ@nsula.edu.

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Leesville Dixie Youth 

Online registration is currently underway for Leesville Dixie Youth 2024 spring season. This is for boys and girls ages 4-15 and consists of Wee ball, T-ball, baseball, and softball. Registration is $75 per player and will continue online through February 15. Just go to www.leaguelineup.com/leesvilledixieyouth . Click on the forms online to find the player registration form.

Ft. Johnson CYS Sports

Child Youth Services at Ft. Johnson is currently registering youth for the Wee ball, T-ball, baseball, and softball seasons that will play April 6-June 1.  Registration continues through February 23.  CYS registration is required to participate, and children must have a current sports physical.  For information call 337-531-6004.  

The cost for Wee ball (ages 3-4) is $25.  All the other leagues (ages 5-15) are $50.

Coaches are also needed.

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Northwestern State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present its spring dance concert February 8-10 in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Performance time is 7:30 p.m. each evening with a 2 p.m. performance on February 10. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. NSU, BPCC@NSU, and Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts students are admitted free with a current student I.D.

The choreography is by Alex McBride, Joy Campbell, Kirstin Riehl and Brett Alan Garfinkel.
The program is “falling apart, falling together” with choreography by McBride with generative collaboration from cast. The music is by Julianne Mahoney of New Iberia and Stuart Welch of Lafayette and costumes by Jessie Parr. The cast is Lara Bankston of Kenner, Jaeda Barrett, Cullen Barrilleaux and Journey Wills of New Orleans, Jillian Duggan of Shreveport, Gabrielle Marino of Lafayette, Nicole Miller of Rayville, Carleigh Murphy of Meadville, Pennsylvania, Allyce Richards of Fort Johnson, Ariyonna Sarpy of Natchitoches, Khuyên Trần of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Journey Wills. Vee Duran is the rehearsal assistant.

McBride said, “falling apart, falling together” is the second adaptation of an original solo work that was researched and created over the summer of 2023 entitled “EROSION: landscape reveals us.”

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Wilma Janet Rhoades (Morris), age 78, of Leesville, formerly of Manila, AR, passed away peacefully Friday, February 2, 2024, with her children by her side. Born in Jonesboro, AR, to Hayward and Bessie Morris, Janet was a 1964 graduate of Manila High School. She received an associate degree in accounting from Lamar Salter Technical Community College in Leesville. She was a woman of strong faith and a long-time member of Pine Hill Baptist Church.

Janet relocated to Grapevine, TX in 1986, where she was a long-time employee at the City of Hurst (TX). Later she moved to Leesville, where she was an elderly care giver that often went out of her way to make their days a little brighter and filled with joy. She was a loving, caring mother and grandmother who loved to laugh and joke around. She completely adored her grandchildren, and her absolute favorite thing was to spend time with them and watch their growth and accomplishments. She also loved to sew, garden, and go to yard sales on the weekends.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

She is survived by one daughter, Shannon Morris of Lewisville, TX; one son and daughter-in-law, Shane and Sarah Rhoades of Leesville; five grandchildren: Hailey Allmann, Madison Rhoades, Brayden Rhoades, Jaxton Rhoades, and Ian Rhoades all of Leesville. She is also survived by one sister, Millie Jones of Leesville, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at Pine Hill Baptist Church with Brother Brion Dowden officiating, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors Friday beginning at 1 p.m.  at the church.

A graveside service and burial will be in Manila, AR, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, under the direction of Howard Funeral Home.

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THELMA TERRELL
November 26, 1939 – January 26, 2024
Service: February 10, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Leesville at 11 a.m.

CARL LYNN CARTER
December 26, 1966 – February 5, 2024
Service: Private at a later date

WILMA JANET RHOADES
March 28, 1945 – February 2, 2024
Service: February 9, 2024, at Pine Hill Baptist Church in Leesville at 2 p.m.

LETTIE M. WEST
October 8, 1939 – February 5, 2024
Service: February 8, 2024, in the Kisatchie Cemetery (New), Hwy. 118 at 2 p.m.

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The public is invited to attend a Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, February 7, in the multi-purpose room at East Leesville Elementary school. The meeting will offer the most current updates on Broadband/Internet progress in Vernon Parish.

District 30 State Representative Charles Owen will welcome Veneeth Iyengar from the Governor’s Office of Broadband and representatives of broadband providers to give progress reports on the ongoing work.

The public is invited to attend.

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Latrenda Raquel Harrell, age 38, of Leesville was arrested on outstanding bench warrant. Bond has not been set, and Harrell remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Joseph Anthony DeSoto, Jr., age 31, of Leesville was arrested and charged with 2 counts unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, 1 count unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and 1 count possession of a firearm or carrying of a concealed weapon by a felon. Bond was set at $75,000. DeSoto was transferred to Grant Parish Detention Center with a detainer for the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Mark Gregory, age 39, of Leesville was arrested and charged with 2 counts of simple cruelty to animals and 1 count of aggravated cruelty to animals. Bond was set at $13,000. Gregory posted bond and was released.

Jenna Lynne Bullock, age 29, of DeRidder was arrested and charged with 1 count of forgery and 1 count of identity theft. Bond was set at $10,000. Bullock posted bond and was released.

James Joseph Karlson, age 52, of Leesville was arrested and charged with 1 count violation of a protective order. Bond has not been set, and Karlson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Dusty Joseph Carroll, age 42, of Simpson was arrested on an out of jurisdiction bench warrant. Carroll was transferred to Tensas Parish.

Heather Leigh Hillman, age 47, of Pitkin was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant. Bond was set at $3,000. Hillman remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Derek Plaia, age 33, of Leesville was arrested and charged with 1 count of criminal trespass, 1 count possession of a Schedule II narcotic, and 1 count possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $6,356.00. Plaia remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Michelle Coker, age 33, of Leesville was arrested and charged with 1 count of criminal trespass. Bond was set at $1,295. Coker remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

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The Capturing Better Futures Initiative of the Vernon Parish School Board held the dedication of the state-of-the-art Career Technical Education Training Lab on Wednesday, January 31, at the Leesville High School STEM Center. The luncheon and tour of the facility brought together all the players from around the U.S. for the dedication of this first in the nation venture.

Lisa Lohman and Vernon Travis with the Vernon Parish School Board addressed the audience and gave thanks to all who were involved. Lohman remarked that it was a shared vision, trust in each other, and teamwork that held the initiative together.

Students in the program, Andrew Lewis and Ryan Gregory of Leesville High and Odyssey Poole of Rosepine, spoke on the new direction this program gave their education.

Mr. Tracy Evans, CEO of Capture Point Solutions L.L.C., told the gathering his part in the initiative was easy; he just had to say yes. Capture Point Solutions paired with the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) and the Vernon Parish School Board to turn this idea into a practical reality that will benefit all parties and most importantly, the students of Vernon Parish.

A sneak peek of a video done by the Great Plains Institute was shown at the luncheon. This video will be distributed to media outlets nationwide in the coming weeks.

State Representative Rodney Schamerhorn said, “I am glad to see this program.  Its time has come.” Dr. Caronda Bean with the Louisiana Department of Education remarked that when she is asked about this ground-breaking project, she just tells them to call Vernon Parish and ask. Kelli Roemer with the U.S. Department of Energy could not attend because of travel problems from Montana, but she sent a message that leaders in Washington DC have certainly noticed the impact this initiative will have on the economy.

All of the speakers mentioned Mr. Gabe Sumner, the course instructor, for his tireless dedication and work on the project.

The Keynote Speaker for the luncheon was Mike Mulvaney, Vice President of UA, who flew in from New Jersey. Mulvaney told the attendees how very proud he was of the undertaking. He began his 42-year career as an apprentice welder and reminded students and parents that this is the busiest time he has seen for the union in their 100 year history. The workforce will welcome the graduates of this program on jobs locally and across the globe.

Following lunch, attendees were given a tour of the welding lab and witnessed demonstrations by the students of the program. There are currently 30 students from across Vernon Parish enrolled in the program. School Board officials expect that number to rise in year two of the initiative.

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The Vernon Parish School Board met in regular session at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 1. The morning’s business included introducing the District Teachers of the Year and Principals of the Year.

Board Supervisor, Karen Robertson, relayed the criteria for applying for Teacher of the Year. The applicants were judged by their peers. They had to record a 15-minute teaching video, compose two essays, and complete the requisite paperwork. This year, Superintendent James Williams also added a $500 stipend to each winner.

Shannon Polk of West Leesville Elementary was chosen Elementary School Teacher of the Year. The Middle School Teacher of the Year selected was Vaydra Reeves of Leesville Junior High School. The High School Teacher of the Year was Mark Brown of Rosepine High School.  “New” Teacher of the Year was Stacey Kennedy of Pickering Elementary.

The process for selecting the Principal of the Year was altered this year to help contestants at the next level of competition. Criteria included the application from the Louisiana Department of Education for Teacher of the Year as well as a pair of 750-word essays and a video.

The Vernon Parish Principals of the Year were Ramona Bennett of East Leesville Elementary; Jeffery Odom of Pickering (Middle School); and Jennifer Wilbanks of Hicks (High School). State semi-finalists in both categories will be announced March 9 by the state.

The Board hears from Curtis Clay and Cheree Atkins from the Head-Start Program. Clay asked the Board to consider four new policy changes at their next meeting. Atkins reported that as of February 1, Vernon Parish Birth through Five programs have an enrollment of 641.

Three Board members were recognized as Certified School Board Members by the Louisiana School Board Association. This certification required 20 hours of training and 20 hours of learning credits. First year Board member Deidra Shell of District 3 and multi-term members, Jim Seaman (District 1) and Vernon Travis (District 6) all received certification. Seaman sits on the LSBA Board of Directors, and Travis is the President-Elect of the organization.

The Vernon Parish School Board next meets on Tuesday, February 6, at 10 a.m. in the Board office on Belview Road in Leesville.

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Vernon Parish boys’ and girls’ basketball squads are positioned for playoff bids as they enter the last few games of the regular season. The bad weather two weeks ago has forced the make-up of several games as teams must fit those in before the playoffs can be seeded. Here is a list (alphabetical) of area team results for this week:

ANACOCO(G)…Beat Pitkin Tuesday night 64-49. BIG matchup with Hicks tonight at Hicks.
ANACOCO(B)…Have won 8 of last 9 games. Beat Pitkin Tuesday 53-37. Play at Hicks tonight.

EVANS(G)…Beat Ebarb Tuesday 41-27. District 3-C battle with Simpson last night. Score unavailable.
EVANS(B)…Played Simpson last night (score unavailable at press time). Play at Simpson tonight.

HICKS(G)…Beat Elizabeth Tuesday 62-21. Hosting Anacoco tonight with first place up for grabs in District 4-B.
HICKS(B)…Suffered first district loss to Elizabeth 41-37 Tuesday. Hosting Anacoco tonight.

HORNBECK(G)…Beat Pleasant Hill Tuesday 48-37. Hosting Ebarb tonight.
HORNBECK(B)…Lost at Pleasant Hill Tuesday 59-51. Hosting Ebarb tonight.

LEESVILLE(G)…Beat Eunice 73-14 Tuesday. Hosting Rayne tonight in District 3-4A game.
LEESVILLE(B)…Beat Eunice 55-45 in 3-4A tilt. Hosting Rayne tonight.

PICKERING(G)…Lost to #1 Rosepine Tuesday 63-28. Home against Oakdale tonight.
PICKERING(B)…Won Tuesday at Rosepine 74-66. Home to Oakdale in District 5-AA game.

PITKIN(G)…Lost at Anacoco 64-49. Hosting Oak Hill tonight.
PITKIN(B)…Lost to Anacoco Tuesday 53-37. Played at DeRidder last night (score unavailable). Play Oak Hill tonight.

ROSEPINE(G)…#1 ranked(Div.III) beat Pickering 63-38 for 15th win in a row. At Menard tonight.
ROSEPINE(B)…lost to Pickering Tuesday 74-66. Travel to Menard tonight.

SIMPSON(G)…Beat Ebarb Tuesday 45-36. At Evans Thursday (score unavailable at press-time)
SIMPSON(B)…Lost at Ebarb Tuesday 58-43. Hosted Evans Thursday (score unavailable at press time). Play at Hornbeck tonight.

The LHSAA Girls’ State Championships (Marsh Madness) are February 26 – March 2 at the University Center on the campus of SLU in Hammond. The boys’ tournament will be at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles March 4 – 9.

In the Wednesday, February 7, edition of the Vernon Parish Journal, we’ll have a feature story on the Faith Training Christian Academy teams as they prepare for the ACEL tournament in Pineville February 9-10.

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Memorial services for Peggy Jo Bullock Smith, 90, of Leesville, will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 5, 2024, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.  Visitation will be Monday, February 5, 2024, from 10:30 A.M – 11:00 A.M in the funeral home.

Peggy was born on August 29, 1934, in Collins, Mississippi, and the only daughter to Whitten and Lonez Norris Bullock. She passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, in Leesville.

Peggy was a long-time resident of Leesville, and she owned multiple businesses. She met Bobby Smith in Mississippi and later married in Brandon, Mississippi. She moved with her husband while he followed his Army career. Upon retirement, they moved and settled in Leesville.

Peggy is preceded in death by parents, Whitten and Lonez Bullock; son, Bobby W. Smith Jr.; brothers, Donald Bullock and Felix Bullock.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 71 years, Bobby Smith of Leesville; daughters, Anita S. Buie (Mike) and Deborah Johnson; brothers, Kelton Bullock (Jackie) and Jerry Bullock (Ann); sisters-in-law, Kathryn Bullock and Sue Bullock; five grandchildren: Lisa Johnson (Jimmy), Scott Wilson (Shayla), Stacy Anderson (Stephen), Shawn Wilson, Josiah Johnson; fifteen great-grandchildren: Lauren A., Cade, Maci, Jordan, Lauren, Jarred, Hunter, Gavin, Evan, Riley, Lena, Lola, Layla, Ethan, Haidon; and five great-great-grandchildren: Emma, Eleanor, Jett, Sadie, Sawyer and Braxton.

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By VPJ Staff

When it comes to eating and dining out, we all have different tastes and likes, phobias, and food fears, but we all enjoy a good meal. A good meal can be Grandma’s chicken and dumplings or a five-course night out on the town or a simple PB&J sandwich. Just go where your taste buds take you and don’t be afraid to try something new. Yes, it is a cliché, but variety is the spice of life.

Right here in our little corner of Louisiana you will find quite a variety. I am not talking about franchised food places. We have far more locally owned and operated places to dine.

The creativity of our local food trucks offers great choices in tacos and burritos, Pacific Rim recipes, fat burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese options, barbecue, and even seafood platters.

You can go international any night around here from Puerto Rican grub in downtown Leesville to a Chinese buffet in a shopping center. There is a gem of a Thai restaurant and local wing stores off Highway 171. Enoy pho and noodle dishes or great homemade pizza on the Entrance Road to Fort Johnson. TexMex eateries abound; pick your favorite; I dare you. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the Starlite Grill has been keeping diners happy for over 40 years. Leesville has two great donut shops and a new country bakery. We got smoky barbecue, fried catfish and shrimp, great big burgers, and enough mom-and-pop diners to keep you busy for lunch or dinner. There is even locally sourced Louisiana beef making its way into our food chain.

My lovely wife and I attended a musical concert in Alexandria recently and decided to step out of the box and try something new: Indian cuisine. We dined at the Royal Indian Bistro. If you are not familiar with Indian cooking (and we were not), alert your taste buds! Spice levels can be high in this cuisine. The menu was full of vegan and healthy options. The food was well prepared and tasty; just a little spicy for us. Since this was our first foray into Indian food, we marked it a success. Remember, different is good. It gives you perspective. Don’t be afraid to try something new on your plate next time you dine out. It keeps you young and you may surprise yourself.

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Mary Elizabeth Jackson, 66, of Anacoco, Louisiana, went peacefully home to the Lord on January 22, 2024. Beth was born February 4, 1957, in California, daughter of the late Robert Jackson and Leah Elizabeth Compton Jackson.

Mary Beth served in the U.S. Army before returning to civilian life where she worked in road construction, with Wolf Construction for many years. She also worked for many years on Fort Polk, now known as Fort Jackson (she despised the name change). But Beth’s main work over the years has been to take care of her family members. She would drop everything when any of her family members were in need.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Deborah White; brothers, John Lamar White and Robert David Jackson; niece, Tamara Renee White; nephew, Robert Brendan Jackson; and maternal grandparents, Ellis Dewey and Eula Mae Patton Compton of Danielsville, Georgia, along with several uncles, aunts and cousins.

Survivors include brother and sister-in-law, Ellis Theophil and Shirley Ann Zaborowski; nieces, Christi White Fanning (Dale), Hope Lopez, and Tiffany Jackson; aunt, Elaine Compton (Hershal) Childs, and numerous cousins.

Visitation will be Friday, February 2nd, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville with a memorial service following at 2:00 p.m.

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February is full of fun and legendary celebrations in Vernon Parish, Louisiana’s Legend Country!

Kick off the celebrations with a Mardi Gras Ball presented by the Leesville Knights of Columbus. Get tickets now for St. Michael’s Mardi Gras Ball to be held Saturday, February 3rd, at the St. Michael’s Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for cocktail hour and will close at 7:30 p.m. for the presentation of the court. Tickets are $70 each, with a great DJ on tap and Deep South Catering providing the included meal and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be open for the duration of the event, except during court presentation. For tickets, contact the office at St. Michael’s.

You can also attend VFW Mardi Gras Ball at the VFW 3106 on Saturday, February 10th, at 7 pm.
 Tickets are $50.00 and available at the VFW canteen (free drink with every ticket)
. Please stop by the VFW 3106 to purchase your tickets. 

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will sponsor their 2024 Mardi Gras parade through historic downtown Leesville.  The parade will roll at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 10.  Local groups are encouraged to enter a float.  To register, go to the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce website, click events, go to the calendar, and register online.  The 2023 parade was cancelled due to inclement weather.

After your Mardi Gras celebrations, don’t miss out on celebrating Valentine’s Day with your loved one! Vernon Parish has beautiful places to stay, eat and shop. For shopping, check out Leesville Main Street with its varied local boutiques. For dinner plans, you can attend Hazel’s Tea Parlor’s Valentine’s Day Dinner. This is a prepay, preorder event with limited seating available. Make plans soon to ensure a romantic evening with that special someone. The deadline for reservations is February 10th. For a list of places to stay, things to do, and dining options, visit: https://vernonparish.org. 

Or explore the great outdoors with your Valentine! Vernon Parish has legendary outdoor activities like fishing, birding, golf and trails/parks! Visit: https://vernonparish.org/outdoors.

Tag us on social media at #LALegendCountry and share your February fun adventures in Vernon Parish!

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“80 and Out” used to be a common phrase for retirement plans. Example: a 50-year-old person who had worked for the same company for 30 years, 50+30=80 and blam! Retirement. Sweet. But the great anthropologist, Margaret Meade, said, “…I have every intention of dying but no intention of retiring.”

That might do for me, Ms. Mead. I will be 82 this month. I asked my sawbones, Dr. Greg Lord, my wise family physician, “How long will I last, Doc?” He said, “James, I have lots of old fellows in their 90’s. Don’t worry about it.” Well, I asked, “What is the secret?” He said, “Drugs! These drugs we now have for folks are nothing short of a miracle.”

But 80 is a milestone. At 80 you are officially “OLD”. Not everyone gets to be official in that sense. If you make it, thank the stars and go for 90. 90 is ancient. And another trick to official oldness is staying busy. There’s a sculpture show in our GALLERY 111, downtown. It’s full of good stuff done by characters like me who take a bit of pride in being old.

“Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
the last of life,
for which the first was made…”
by Robert Browning, (1812 – 1889)

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James Turner is a local author, artist, builder, historian, and landscape architect.  His most recent novel, Wolf Rock Cave, takes place in the prehistoric forests in Vernon Parish.

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PEGGY JO BULLOCK SMITH
August 29, 1934 – January 28, 2024
Service: February 5, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville at 11 a.m.

MARY ELIZABETH JACKSON
February 4, 1957 – January 22, 2024
Service: February 2, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville at 2 p.m.

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Preventable tragedies claimed the lives of four area residents over the weekend.

Saturday, January 27, at approximately 5 p.m., the Savage Forks Fire Department responded to a mobile home fire in the 200 block of Kyle Lane.  Firefighters found the body of an elderly male resident in the bedroom.  No name will be released until the investigators complete their determination.  They believe the fire began in the living room area of the mobile home and then spread.  They have not ruled out unsafe heating practices as a contributing factor to the fire.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office responded Sunday, January 28, to an early morning phone call to the Vernon Parish E911 Center of a possible missing boater on Vernon Lake.  Area first responders, agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Vernon deputies began their search upon arriving.  A body was recovered from the lake shortly after 4 p.m. and identified as 42-year-old Derek Green of Pineville, Louisiana.  LDWF investigators determined that Green had two juveniles in the boat and was running the trolling motor when a wave caused Green to fall from the vessel. He surfaced a few times before going under, according to his passengers.  According to authorities, Green was unable to swim and was not wearing a life jacket.  The body was turned over to the Vernon Parish Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death.

Thursday, January 25, shortly after noon, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house fire on Savage Forks Road. Fire crews from Savage Forks, New Llano, Leesville, Rosepine, Sundown and Sandy Hill responded to extinguish the blaze. The fire crews discovered human remains inside the building.

The State Fire Marshall’s Office investigated the fire and determined it had been set intentionally.

The Vernon Parish Coroner’s Office examined the bodies and made tentative identification.

Detectives with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office believe this was a fatal domestic violence incident. The names of the victims are being withheld at the family’s request.

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The Vernon Parish School Board held the Parish Social Studies Fair at the Fairgrounds Auditorium on Friday, January 19. Thanks to Ms. Deanna Vinson for providing the list of winners. The top two in each category now advance to the Regional Social Studies Fair. Following are the names of the winners from every category:

Division I Individual

Anthropology
Averie Shaw – Parkway – 1st place
Ramsey Benjamin – Simpson – 2nd place
Sadie Wellman – Hicks – 3rd place

Economics
Rain Miller – Simpson – 1st place
Ava Gonzales – Rosepine – 2nd place
Garyn Jeter – Simpson – 3rd place

Geography
Joey Nemac – Parkway – 1st place
Samantha Craft – Vernon – 2nd place
Baya Brittain – Rosepine – 3rd place

History
Presley Black – Hicks – 1st place
Auria Robertson – Simpson – 2nd place
Tab Power – Hicks – 3rd place

Louisiana History
Mathilda Black – Rosepine – 1st place
Kenli Shelley – Pitkin – 2nd place
Alaina Chandler – Hicks – 3rd place

Political Science
Zeplin Goodwin – Hicks – 1st place

Sociology
Loren Friis – Vernon – 1st place
Harper Lewis – Vernon – 2nd place
Natalie Lewis – Simpson – 3rd place

Division 1 Group

Anthropology
Blaki Brister & Carlee Knight – Rosepine – 1st place
Khloe Ibarra & Luna Johnson – Vernon – 2nd place
Jerian Rodriguez & Remington Martin – Simpson – 3rd place

Economics
Layne Chaney, Eli Gilcrease & James Keenan – Rosepine – 1st place
Mason Cooper & Tucker Rachal – Simpson – 2nd place
Huson Hughes & Paxton Skerat – Vernon – 3rd place

Geography
Alijah McNeal & Isiana Simmons – Vernon – 3rd place

History
Olivia Haustermann & Maggie Keil – Vernon – 1st place
Emma Bumgarner & Olivia Gaudette – Vernon – 2nd place
Edison Parr & Charlie Williams – Vernon – 3rd place

Sociology
Hadley George & Madelyn Balach – Vernon – 2nd place
Nottiya Davis & Ah’nihra Pittman – Vernon – 3rd place

Division II Individual

Anthropology
Evern McWilliams – LJHS – 1st place
Olivia Wojciechowska – Vernon – 2nd place
Desirae Burke – Vernon – 3rd place

Economics
Sarah Blanco – Vernon – 1st place
Ansley Gilcrease – Rosepine – 2nd place
Daliya Laster – Pickering – 3rd place

Geography
Anderson Boyle – Vernon – 1st place
Lane Parker – Hicks – 2nd place
Maria Rubio – Hicks – 3rd place

History
Levial Bell – Vernon – 1st place
Lydia Van Berge – Vernon – 2nd place
Hunter Moore – Simpson – 3rd place

Louisiana History
Brooklyn Thacker – Hicks – 1st place
Leora Slater – Anacoco – 2nd place
Savannah Perkins – Vernon – 3rd place

Political Science
Corbin Wilbanks – Hicks – 1st place
Coleman Florendo – LJHS – 2nd place
Kenzie Altenburger – Hicks – 3rd place

Sociology
Jayla Soniat – Vernon – 1st place
Charleigh Wilson – Hicks – 2nd place
Slade Merchant – Hicks – 3rd place
Division II Group

Anthropology
Ava Roberts & Kole Maattala – Simpson – 1st place
Austin Rowlands & Avery Stemple – Vernon – 2nd place
Thomas Martell & Dustin Williams – Vernon – 3rd place

Economics
Corin Preciado & Harper Fletcher – Vernon – 1st place
Teagan Morrison & Chloe Miller – Pickering – 2nd place

Geography
Rylie Shelly & Paisley Alexander – Hornbeck – 1st place
Isaiah Dagsaan & Jace Sannicholas – Vernon – 2nd place
Lathan Jackson & Izaiah Franca – Vernon – 3rd place

History
Kynleigh Donelson & Olivia Marze – Vernon – 1st place
Madelyn Moore & Magnolia Martin – Simpson – 2nd place
John Beckwith & Grayson Temple – Simpson – 3rd place

Louisiana History
Aubree Marker & Emily Shepard – Vernon – 1st place
Payton Schwartz & Kylee Bryant – Vernon – 2nd place

Sociology
Lucas Langhorne & Haston Fontenot – Rosepine – 1st place
Julianna Aiken & Kymani Owens – Vernon – 2nd place
Landon May & Mason Ward – Hornbeck – 3rd place

Division III Individual

Anthropology
Lina Mills-Zacapa – LHS – 1st place
Annabelle Lee Ouzts – LHS – 2nd place
McKenzie Wolff – Hicks – 3rd place

Economics
Austin James – Rosepine – 1st place

Geography
Juliana Mills-Zacapa – LHS – 1st place
Daultyn Smith – Hicks – 2nd place
Zayda Goodwin – Hicks – 3rd place

History
Macy Mawae – LHS – 1st place
Brycen Dowden – LHS – 2nd place
Lexi Wolff – Hicks – 3rd place

Louisiana History
Brayden Doyle – Hicks – 2nd place
Julia Cummings LHS – 3rd place

Political Science
Gabriel McKee – Rosepine – 1st place
Julie Rheinhart – LHS – 2nd place
Allison Jeter – Hicks – 3rd place

Sociology
Emmalee Polk – LHS – 1st place
Hermione Current – LHS – 2nd place
Yejun (Joseph) Lee – LHS – 3rd place

Divison III Group

History
Ninoshka Leon Silva & Rebecca Cryer – LHS – 1st place
Jazalea Miller & Gabrielle Gunn – LHS – 2nd place
James Pelican & AJ Hewitt – Simpson – 3rd place

Louisiana History
Shyann McCummings & Kimberly Davis – LHS – 1st place

Sociology
Jaden Booker, Tawny Huff & Amaya Ratliff – LHS – 1st place

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Funeral services for Delton Levionne Hillman were held Monday, January 29th, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Mora, Louisiana, with Brother John Lewing Jr. and Brother Terry Ward officiating, under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Pallbearers were Bobby Hillman, Michael Merriman, Dillon Hillman, Randall Hillman, David Hillman, Devin Miller, Jerry Lee Johnson, and David Stone. Honorary Pallbearers were Gerald Behan and Heath Williams.

Delton, known to all as Lavon, passed away in his home on January 25th, 2024. He was born to Delton and Viola Hillman on September 8, 1960. He was a lifelong resident of Vernon Parish. He resided in Hornbeck but lived most of his life in Hutton. He graduated from Simpson High School and held several career titles throughout his life. He worked in the oil field for some time. He later carried two badges for 11 years, serving as a Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and the Head Walk Sergeant at the Allen Correctional Center. After spending years of working on vehicles with his dad and others, he later began working at Alford Motors as a mechanic. He ended his time in the workforce after working for Gene Koury Automotive for 20 years. Upon retirement, he spent his days running the roads with his father-in-law or was in the woods somewhere, which was his favorite place to be.

Lavon loved the outdoors and wildlife. He enjoyed camping, whether it was at the deer lease or the lake. Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes. He wasn’t always able to make every event, but he absolutely adored his grandkids, nieces, and nephews, and loved catching a ballgame or supporting them in their endeavors when he could. No one was prouder of them all than he was.

Lavon loved people. He was a friend to all and would do anything he could to help. If you needed it, he had it! He loved bartering, swapping, trading, and buying anything and everything. He loved a good deal and often found the best ones. He also never met a stranger because he always had a story or a connection of some sort to everyone he met. With his blue, Santa Claus eyes and sweet dimpled smile, he’d strike up a friendship with anyone. Be careful though… those dimples usually meant he was fibbing about something! He loved gatherings and events. His favorite holidays were Easter and Christmas Eve when he was surrounded by people he loved. He loved cooking for a crowd, too. You couldn’t find a more loyal and kind friend than Lavon Hillman.

Lavon is preceded in death by his parents, Delton and Viola Hillman. He is survived by his wife, Angela Behan of Hornbeck; his siblings, Bobby (Annette) Hillman of Comrade and Shelia (Kenny) Goins of Hutton; his brother at heart, Gary Schoborg of Union, Iowa; his children, Jessica (Aaron) Wilson of Leesville, LaShanda (Brandon) Merriman of Simpson, Delton (Rachel) Hillman of Hutton, Heather (Tyler) Taylor of Hornbeck, Holly (Ronnie) Taylor of Pasadena, Texas, and Nick Behan of Natchitoches; his grandchildren, Rodney “Austin” Wilson, Anden Wilson, Travis (Josie) Hillman, Michael (Jill) Merriman, Danielle Merriman, Brandy Hillman, Hunter Hillman, Dean Hillman, Nicky Taylor, Sam Osborn, Denium Osborn, Tommy Floyd, Kylee Shanks, Heather Pennock, Angie Pennock, and Michael Matlock; and one great-granddaughter, Kacee Merriman, as well as a great-grandson on the way, Kolton, and one other great-grandchild on the way. He had a host of nieces and nephews that he loved like his own children. He also had so many, many friends that he regarded as family, as well.

The family would like to thank all the medical staff for their care and support with Lavon’s medical needs. He absolutely loved giving his nurses a hard time, and the good ones knew to give it right back to him. He truly appreciated and respected everyone helping him with his health and well-being.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any monetary donations be made to Jeane’s Funeral Service to help with burial expenses.

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