None to report for this edition.

The arctic air mass that descended on Vernon Parish and everything to the south on Monday was certainly an odd weather pattern.  Shreveport and Longview got nothing; Natchitoches got a dusting of powder; while Lake Charles and New Orleans had more snow than we did locally.

Wide bands of snowy weather were driven by high winds (30mph) early Monday, that kept weather moving eastward into Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.  Accumulations for most of Vernon Parish were between 2-1/2 & 3-inches, making roads difficult to travel and shutting down education and most commerce.   To illustrate the “hit or miss” of the precipitation, Johnson Bayou in Cameron Parish recorded 7-inches and New Orleans had between 4-5 inches.

The Vernon Parish School System will be out again today.  All Northwestern State campuses are closed as well.  The Vernon Council on Aging remains closed today.  Most gates at Ft. Johnson are closed and only essential personnel are working.  There were no wide-spread power outages reported by providers in the parish.  Market Basket grocery store, which closed Tuesday, may reopen today with limited hours.  Vernon Police Jury offices will remain closed on Wednesday.  The Leesville Municipal Airport is closed.  The Leesville Golf Course will remain shut down until Friday. Leesville City Hall will be closed Wednesday.  They will re-open at 8 a.m. Thursday.  All Louisiana State offices will be closed through Friday of this week.

A freeze warning through 9 a.m. Wednesday was issued by the National Weather Service, with temperatures predicted as low as 12 degrees.  High temperatures today should reach 41 degrees, rising to near 50 Thursday with sunshine in the forecast.  The high Friday is predicted for the low 50’s.  The coming weekend brings temps reaching the mid 60’s Sunday with a 50% chance of rain.

Around 5:15 a.m. on Monday, January 20, Vernon Parish Fire District #1 responded to a report of a mobile home fire located in the 3500 block of LA 399 in Pitkin, Louisiana. Unfortunately, the lone resident did not survive.

While official identification and cause of death are pending with the coroner’s office, the victim is believed to be the 60-year-old male homeowner.

At this time, efforts to determine where and how this fire started are ongoing.  However, Vernon Parish deputies did confirm that at least one space heater was in use at the time of the fire.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) continues its investigation into this fatal house fire.

Due to the bitter cold temperatures affecting the state right now, State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams wants to remind all Louisianans about safe home-heating tips. If using a space heater for warmth, ensure it is plugged directly into a wall outlet as opposed to an extension cord or power strip and make sure it is placed 3-5 feet away from objects that can easily catch fire, such as blankets and furniture. Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home, and make sure any open flames, like fireplaces and candles, are never left unattended.

In addition, deputies have been unable to confirm whether this home had working smoke alarms.

Chief Adams wants to remind Louisiana residents that smoke alarms are a critical, life-saving device for every family to have. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help especially following the large influx of alarms to the program as part of a historic donation from Lowe’s and First Alert.

To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.

Winter weather across Louisiana forced cancellations or postponed games across Vernon Parish and Central Louisiana.  Here is a school-by-school recap of recent action:

Anacoco – The 15-9 Lady Indians dropped their District 4B opener to Pitkin, 49-45 but bounced back with a 52-28 win over Hicks. The Anacoco boys are 14-13 and have won five in a row.  The Indians defeated Pitkin in their District 4B opener, 66-54.  Their game against Hicks was postponed.  Anacoco is set to play at 5A Sam Houston Friday night.

Evans – The Lady Eagles are 9-16 and had their game at Stanley cancelled.  Evans travels to Pleasant Hill on Friday.  The Evans boys are struggling at 2-22.  Four of their last games have either been cancelled or postponed.

Hicks – The Hicks Lady Pirates won their last game at Elizabeth 66-58.  The 12-15 Hicks girls had a game Friday postponed.  The Hicks boys are ranked #6 among state Class B schools, with a 24-6 record.  They are 2-0 in District 4B following a 60-38 win at Elizabeth.  Their game this week with Anacoco was postponed.

Hornbeck – The 8-10 Hornbeck Lady Hornets beat Pleasant Hill their last time on the court 43-40.  They host Saline Friday night.  The Hornbeck boys are ranked #10 among state Class C teams with an 11-9 record.  They lost their district opener to Pleasant Hill 57-41.  Their game against North DeSoto was cancelled.

Leesville – The Lady Wampus Cats are ranked #10 in the current division II select rankings.  Their four-game win streak ended last week with a 40-36 loss at Buckeye.  Leesville travels to Plainview on Thursday, weather permitting.  Leesville’s boys are 8-10 on the season and had their game at Pineville postponed.  The Wampus Cats are scheduled to host their district 3-4A rivals DeRidder Friday night.

Pickering – The Lady Red Devils are 14-7 and have climbed to the #8 ranking among Division III Select teams.  Pickering won their District 4-2A opener, topping East Beauregard, 63-41.  Their game against DeQuincy has been postponed due to the weather.  The Pickering boys are 9-9 after winning their District 4-2A opener over East Beau 63-51.  Their game against DeQuincy has been postponed.

Pitkin – The Lady Tigers are ranked #6 among state Class B teams and won their district 4B opener at Anacoco, 49-45.  Their game with Fairview this week was postponed.  The Pitkin Tigers are 17-9 and ranked #7 in Class B after losing their District 4B opener at Anacoco, 66-54.  Their game against Fairview has also been postponed.

Rosepine – The Lady Eagles are the 2024 State Champions in Division III Select.  They are currently ranked #3 with a 13-9 record.  Rosepine is 2-0 in District 4-2A following a 62-9 victory at DeQuincy.  Rosepine’s Eagles are the hottest team in Vernon Parish with an 18-3 record.  They have won 15 in a row and are ranked #7 in Division III Select schools.  They beat DeQuincy 93-74.  Both boys’ and girls’ games for Rosepine against Westlake were cancelled due to weather.

Simpson – The top-ranked team in Louisiana Class C rankings are the Lady Broncos.  Their 30-2 record was bolstered by a District 3-C win at Ebarb, 56-22.  Simpson hosts Pleasant Hill Friday.  Simpson’s boys lost their district opener against Ebarb, 58-42, falling to 7-17 on the year.  The Broncos entertain Pleasant Hill Friday night.

The girls’ state playoff pairings will be announced February 17.  The playoffs will begin that week.  The LHSAA’s Marsh Madness State Championships will be played in Hammond’s University Center, March 3-8.  The boys’ playoff pairings will be announced February 25, and the LHSAA’s Marsh Madness State Championships will be played at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, March 10-15.

Louisiana’s 2024 Louisiana Sports Writers Association, Mr. Football, Xavier Ford of Leesville has committed to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.  Ford signed his letter of intent to play with the Golden Gophers of the Big Ten conference following a visit last weekend.

Ford ran for over 3460 yards this season and 52 TD’s, leading Leesville to the Division II Select semifinals.  Ford broke the National Federation of High School Association’s single-season record for yards rushing in his senior year.

Ford had been contacted by Minnesota RB coach Nic McKissic-Luke since the end of September.  Minnesota staff attended one of Ford’s games.  Ford visited the campus in Minneapolis recently, met staff and players, and was shown around the campus and city.

The 5’9”, 210-lb. Ford was rated a three-star prospect by 247 Sports.  Minnesota also signed three-star prospects from Illinois and Pennsylvania at the RB position.

Ford’s prolific career at Leesville High included being named All-State for three years and amassing 87591 career rushing yards and 123 TD’s.  Leesville football fans now can follow the Golden Gophers of Minnesota in the Big Ten conference.  This year Minnesota finished 8-5 and won the Duke’s Mayo Bowl over Virginia Tech.

Congratulations, Xavier Ford, on your accomplishments in high school and best of luck in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

By Rickey Robertson

Being raised on a farm in rural Sabine Parish, when I got big enough to help my dad, I had specific chores. My dad would go by the “pine pile” where we had a big pile of rich lighter pine and would take the axe and cut a big pile of splinters. My job as a little feller was to gather up all those splinters, tote them into our house, and put them in a special place on the hearth. The splinters would be used to help start the fire the next morning. Another chore I had when I got big enough was to make sure to bring the old wheelbarrow and park it near the large stack of oak wood.

On the way back from feeding the stock at the barn in the evening, my dad would load the wheelbarrow up with good dry firewood and would push it near the door. We would take several sticks inside and would stack them near the splinters because that would be what would make a good warm fire on a cold morning!

But I had a very important job…and yes, that was more important than gathering the splinters and helping bring in the wood. Now remember that in the late 1950’s, rural folks all had a good milk cow.

Now a milk cow was a prize possession that provided good fresh milk for the whole family. Plus, from this fresh milk we would use Momma’s churn and would churn some fine rich butter. Boy! It was so good on a big, hot cat-head biscuit! But the milk cow had to have special treatment from the out cows. My dad would put Sookie, our old milk cow, in a stall just for her. My job, after Daddy got through milking, was to close and latch the gate to keep the milk cow in her stable so she could eat all the sweet feed and hay that was in her feed trough.

But one evening I got distracted following my dad around the barn trying to help him with all the other livestock. I forgot to shut and latch the gate to Sookie’s stable! Well, the next day when my dad went to check the stock, he looked and was surprised to see Sookie grazing out in the field. And guess what kind of tasty treat she was enjoying! Yes, bitter weeds! Before there were ever different flavored types of milk, we had “bitter weed flavored” milk! Well, my dad came and got me and asked if I had shut the gate and latched it on the milk cow’s stable. “No, sir; I got busy helping you and forgot to shut the gate”.  Well, I learned a life lesson from Daddy that morning. No, it was not what you might think. He took me over to the gate and he gave me words I never forgot. “Son, always shut the gate” and he walked with me to the gate, and I shut and latched the gate after he had put Sookie back in her stall.

Now due to my mistake, we still had to milk Sookie, even though the milk tasted like bitter weeds. All the dogs and cats got fresh flavored milk for the next three days! After about three days the milk lost its bitter weed taste, and it was good fresh milk for us to use. But I learned a major life lesson from my dad right there at that stable gate. I learned to always shut any gate I opened at the barn from that day on. Now this has been many, many years ago, but when I go now to tend to my stock and I get to the barn gate, I can still hear Daddy teaching me, “Son, shut the gate.”  And to this day I continue to shut the gate and latch it no matter how busy I may be. Thanks, Dad, for teaching me something I have never forgotten!

Merchants & Farmers Bank is thrilled to be joining forces as an affiliate partner with the Rapides Foundation and Vernon Parish Head Start (Birth to 5) to support the children and families in Vernon Parish through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners.

Together, our local partnership will ensure the costs of books and mailing are covered for all registered children in Vernon Parish—an amazing contribution to our community!

• Who Can Get Books? Any child under the age of five (residing in Vernon Parish) is eligible, regardless of family income. Just sign up and an age-appropriate book should arrive at the beginning of the month, usually six to eight weeks after enrolling.

• How many books do you get through Dolly Parton Imagination Library? If a child is signed up at birth, they’ll receive up to 60 different books by the time they reach the age of five, when they officially age out. There are multiple bilingual (English and Spanish) titles available throughout the collection.

Register today – https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/LAVERNON/

The current exhibit at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the Leesville Main Street District has
challenged the participating artists to think literally, figuratively and actually “inside and
outside The Box”. The Box in this instance can be defined as what the artist needs as a
focal point, or a point of departure. The collective of artists in this exhibit have provided
a range of interpretations, emotions and media in their work, all dealing with boxes in
some way.

In “Sources of Our Good Fortune” Leesville artist James Turner provides an
arrangement of items that all reference what can make life in Vernon Parish special. His
arrangement of common, yet memory-invoking flotsam refer to good times, and good
things (some that come in boxes).

Michael Yankowski of Natchitoches takes a similar approach, but with a different
aesthetic. His carefully crafted boxes contain thought provoking items and effects, and
some of the pieces refer to shrines and altars. There are connections to the items in the
work, but it may take you two or three viewings to make the connections. Michael’s
piece “Sacred Treasures 2” is a tall cylinder of wood that is actually a finely crafted box
that hinges open to expose a unique and personal landscape containing bird skulls,
breastbones and a drawer full of bleached bird bones. Is the avian perched on the top a
prisoner of the box or a guardian? Michael’s work many times provides more questions
than answers.

In total contrast to these works are the whimsical creations of Leesville artist Brenda
Morrison. Brenda has created quite a following in the area with her small, air-dried clay
creature sculptures and her work in this exhibit takes that idea to another level. Her
boxes are created of foam, resemble large “typesetter” boxes and tend to be physical
illustrations of pleasant memories of the artist and her family.

“Art In and Outside The Box” opens this week at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the
Leesville Main Street District. Featured artists are James Turner, Michael Yankowski,
Brenda Morrison, Joey Governale, “Triple P” (Noah Pollard, Jack Price, Warren
Prichard) Elle Pollard, Mary Maddock, Paul Nettles and Morgan Primeaux. The gallery
is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Reception for the
Artists and this exhibit is open to the public on Saturday, January 25 at 6:00 p.m. More
details on GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN can be found on their Facebook Page Leesville
Art.

You can now make lunch plans for Wednesday, February 5.   The Pride of Pickering Band Boosters will host their annual Catfish Fry lunch on that day from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Plates are $15 and come with all the trimmings.   Profits will benefit the Pickering High School Band.  Delivery is available for an order of 10 or more plates.  Contact Band Director, Roland Smith for more information at 318-663-3350.

The catfish lunch will be served at the front of the school, making it easy to drive up and grab your order.

Funeral services for Del Ann Herring will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church with Reverend Richard Lacour officiating and Jessica Herring speaking. The burial will follow in Mt. Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Dylan Johnson, Joey Christian, Jacobie Pace, Joseph “Bubba” Peavy, George Wilder, and Galen Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Trevor Reeves, Eli Peavy, Derrick Godwin, and David Godwin.

A visitation will be held at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church on Friday, January 24th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Del was born January 9, 1965, in Many, Louisiana and passed away January 18, 2025, at her home in Leesville at the age of 60. She enjoyed listening to music, mainly rock-n-roll from the ‘70s and ‘80s, and her love of reading was passed down to her children. With her family, Del liked to laugh and joke, and they were her whole world. For many years she was devoted to creating a loving home and always put her family before herself.

Del was preceded in death by her mother, Kay Marie Cooper Riggleman, and grandson, Jaxon Reeves.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Russell Herring of Leesville; sons, Gary Young of Crowley, Louisiana, and Dustin Herring of Leesville; daughters, Amiee Peavy (Bubba) of Sugartown, Louisiana; Allison McFarland of Dry Creek, Louisiana; Amanda Wilder (George) of Anacoco, Louisiana; Jessica Herring of Leesville; and Violet Johnson of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren, Thomas Young, Emily Young, Trevor Reeves, Arlee Peavy, Eli Peavy, Lydia Pace, Cari Martin, Derrick Godwin, David Godwin, Paisley Mayo, Austin Mayo, and Finnigan Herring; brother, Jay White of The Woodlands, Texas; sister, Kim Redmond of Slagle, Louisiana; and a host of extended family members.

BOBBY GENE BOYCHER
March 20, 1938 – January 16, 2025
Service: January 24, 2025, at First United Pentecostal Church in Leesville at 2 p.m.

DEL ANN HERRING
January 9, 1965 – January 18, 2025
Service: January 25, 2025, at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Leesville at 12 p.m.

JAMES JOSEPH JERSIN, SR.
July 25, 1955 – January 15, 2025
Service: private memorial at a later date

NEVA KAY KNIGHT
April 23, 1950 – January 17, 2025
Service: January 23, 2025, at The Church House in Leesville at 2 p.m.

Meteorologists are saying an Arctic air mass will hit West Central Louisiana Sunday night and should last through Wednesday.  Prolonged periods of sub-freezing temps, hard freeze conditions and dangerous wind chills can be expected.

Whether this area gets any winter precipitation (snow, sleet, ice) depends now on a low- pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico and how much moisture it will lift into the air. Right now, the probability of snow or freezing rain does exist from sometime Monday night through Wednesday.  Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing for three to four days.

If that happens you can expect school closings, work outages, curtailing of some public services and ice on bridges.  Officials will have decisions to make.

Remember to keep your pets, livestock and tender vegetation safe and remember, it is Louisiana, and it could all change in ten minutes.  Stay safe and warm.  Please slow down and be extra careful if you have to be on the road.  Great weather for a steaming pot of soup and a cozy fire!

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) urges residents to prepare for extreme cold next week as a winter storm system brings freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow and ice to Louisiana.

State Climatologist Jay Grymes is forecasting morning lows in the 20°Fs across Louisiana on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will rise above freezing all three days, but only in the mid to upper 30°Fs for the northern half of the state on Monday and Tuesday.

LDH has reported one winter weather-related death this year: a 65-year-old-male in Rapides Parish who died due to hypothermia. In 2024, there were three winter weather-related deaths, two of which were attributed to hypothermia.

LDH advises residents to stay indoors during extreme cold and to seek shelter if you are unhoused. If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, a hat and gloves and carry a cell phone in case of an emergency. Check on neighbors, children, older adults and chronically ill individuals.

Know the signs of cold-related illness. See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you or someone you know has these symptoms:

• Hypothermia
• Shivering or fumbling hands
• Exhaustion or drowsiness
• Confusion or memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Bright red, cold skin or very low energy in infants

• Frostbite
• Redness or pain in any skin area
• White or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

Individuals with special medical needs

• Ensure you have an ample supply of prescription medications to last at least a week.
• Inform your caregivers, family members or trusted friends about your special medical needs and emergency plan.
• If you rely on electric-powered medical equipment, such as ventilators, home dialysis machines or other assistive devices, make arrangements for backup power sources.
• If you rely on oxygen therapy, make sure you have a sufficient supply of oxygen.
• Contact your oxygen supplier to arrange for extra cylinders or backup power sources.
• Follow the instructions and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider regarding oxygen usage, maintenance and safety during storms or hurricanes.
• Keep copies of your medical records, prescriptions and oxygen equipment specifications on hand.
• Document the name and contact information of all pharmacies, medical supply vendors, home health/hospice agencies and dialysis centers.

Generator safety

• Never use portable generators indoors. This includes a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even those with ventilation.
• Gas-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colorless. Inhaling carbon monoxide can very quickly lead to full incapacitation or death.
• Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
• Place generators outside, more than 20 feet away from the home, doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Do not refuel when hot.
• Keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions.

Heating safety

• Ensure that you have a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector.
• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
• Ensure your heating system has been properly serviced and is clean, functioning correctly and properly ventilated to the exterior. If you use a fireplace or chimney, have them inspected and cleaned as well.
• Do not use gas or electric ovens or stoves for heating. Gas ovens may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric ovens are not designed for space heating.
• Do not burn outdoor barbecue materials indoors, even in a fireplace.
• Plug space heaters directly into the wall socket, not into extension cords. Do not use the heater if the cords are frayed or splitting.
• Place space heaters 3 to 5 feet away from bedding or other flammable materials.
• Never allow children to play with or around the heater.
• Unplug the heater when not in use.
• Never leave the heater unattended.

Alcohol and hypothermia

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypothermia both physiologically and through impaired decision-making. It causes blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation), and while it makes the skin feel warm, it increases heat loss.

Alcohol also:
• Reduces the shivering response, which is the body’s natural way of producing heat, keeping the body warm.
• Causes our brainstem to lower our core body temperature.
• Impairs judgment, which can lead to risky behaviors such as not dressing appropriately in very cold weather and not responding appropriately to signs of hypothermia such as shivering, slurred speech, or mumbling.
Drink responsibly and limit the amount of time you spend outside when the temperature is near or below freezing.

Safe traveling

• Be cautious and alert. Never drive distracted
• Stay off the road as much as possible.
• If you must drive, use extreme caution during icy or foggy conditions.
• Take extra care on elevated roads, like bridges.

Staying informed and connected

• Follow the instructions of emergency officials.
• Stay tuned to your local news.
• Use weather apps and websites that provide accurate and up-to-date information.
• Maintain communication with neighbors, friends, family members, local community groups and neighborhood associations.

Additional tips

• Wear warm clothes and go to a public place like a library, recreation center, or mall for temporary relief.
• Protect outdoor pipes, bring in plants or pets, and take other necessary precautions.

The Martin Luther King Coalition in Leesville has announced the full slate of activities in celebration of the life of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.  Rev. Joseph Garner, with Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville, is chairman of this year’s coalition committee.

Activities on Saturday, January 18, begin with a 10 a.m. community blood drive with LifeShare Blood Center at the MLK Center.  The Annual Scholarship Banquet will be held at the center at 6 p.m.  Tickets for the evening are $20 per person and available by calling Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 337-238-1779.  Guest speaker for the evening will be Mr. Regionald Seastrunk, longtime Leesville businessman and community leader.

Sunday, January 19, a King Day Community Worship Service will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church beginning at 7 p.m.  A community choir will perform, and the keynote address will be given by Rev. Cedric High of the New Birth Baptist Church in Leesville.

The weekend wraps up on the Federal holiday, Monday, January 20, with the annual MLK Day Parade.  The lineup will be at 9 a.m. on the corner of Highway 171 and MLK Drive in Leesville.  The parade will roll at 10 a.m., ending at the MLK Center on Gladys Street.  Following the parade there will be free refreshments, food and celebration speakers at the Center.

For information on all events call Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 337-238-1779.

Brandie Lynn Perkins, age 30, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond was denied.  A detainer for the LA Department of Probation and Parole was placed on Perkins.  Perkins remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Sonya Turner, age 51, of Burr Ferry, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants.  Bond was denied.  Turner remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Sherry Ellen Martinez, age 26, of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Agents charged Martinez with one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic.  Bond was set at $17,500.  Martinez remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Tracy Lynn Stephenson, age 54, of Hornbeck, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Agents charged Stephenson with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic.  Bond was set at $3500. Stephenson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

GIRLS

The top record in Vernon Parish still belongs to the Simpson Lady Broncos.  The Class Division IV select state-ranked number one squad ran that record to 29-2 with a 56-17 blasting of Menard on Tuesday.  Simpson plays at Ebarb tonight.

Anacoco’s girls have won six of their last seen games.  Improving their 14-8 record was put on hold Tuesday as the game with Hornbeck was cancelled.  The Lady Indians host Pitkin in a district 4-B game tonight.  Pitkin(14-12), comes into the game fresh off a 69-35 spanking of 4A Westgate.

Leesville has won four in a row to move to 10-8.  The Lady Cats beat Pleasant Hill Tuesday, 66-39 and played at Buckeye last night.  The score was unavailable at presstime.

Pickering’s Lady Red Devils are 13-7, but lost a real heart-breaker at home to 5A Sulphur Tuesday, 48-47.  The Division III Select State Champs at Rosepine are 12-9, following their 44-15 beatdown of Vinton on Tuesday.  The Lady Eagles play at DeQuincy tonight.

Hicks lost to Fairview Tuesday, 70-43 and fell to 11-16 on the year.  The Lady Pirates play at Elizabeth tonight.  The Hornbeck Lady Hornets had their last two games cancelled, but they swing back into action tonight, hosting Pleasant Hill.  Evans is struggling with a 9-15 mark. They play Negreet tonight.

The girls of Faith Training Christian Academy are 5-3 in the ACEL Southwest division.  They lost their last two games by a combined six points.

BOYS

Leading the boy’s contingent from Vernon Parish are the Rosepine Eagles with a 17-3 record.  The Eagles opened district 4-2A play with a 65-59 win over Vinton.  They play at DeQuincy tonight.

Pitkin’s Tigers are 17-8.  They demolished St. Joseph’s-Plaucheville, 82-20 in their last outing.  The Tigers open district 4-B play, tonight at Anacoco.  The Indians have won four in a row but had two games cancelled this week.  Anacoco is 13-14 on the season.

The Hicks Pirates are 23-6 after beating Fairview Tuesday night, 46-41.  Hicks has won four of their last five games.  They play at Elizabeth tonight.

Leesville has won three of the last four to move to 8-10 on the season.  The Wampus Cats lost Tuesday to St. Louis, 51-50.  They next play Tuesday at Pineville.  Pickering has also won three of the last four games.  They host East Beauregard tonight.

Hornbeck is 11-8 on the year but had two games cancelled last week.  The Hornets host Pleasant Hill tonight.  Evans is struggling at 2-21.  The Eagles host Negreet tonight.  Simpson has lost seven in a row, falling by 20 points to Menard, Tuesday. They visit Ebarb tonight.

The Patriots of Faith Training Christian Academy are 2-10 in the Southwest division of the ACEL.  They lost to SWLA Monday, 56-21.

By VPJ Staff

What have you missed this year?  I love perusing the National Day Calendar.  There are so many things, quirky and not, to look at.  The things we celebrate and revere.

This Monday, January 20, America celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Rightly so! He’s an inspiration to so many Americans for his stance on freedoms and civil rights.  Don’t miss the parade in Leesville, Monday at 10 a.m., weather permitting!

Here’s what you missed so far in January 2025:

National Spaghetti Day was January 4.  Do you really need an excuse to dig into a big bowl of pisketti and meatballs?

January 5 was National Whipped Cream Day, as if you need a reason to stick a spoon into a new carton of Cool-Whip?

January 6 was National Bird Day.  We have many opportunities for ornithologists in West Central Louisiana.  Lovely songbirds abound and bald eagles soar over our lakes.

January 7 was National Bobblehead Day.  They are so prevalent at sporting events; I got a bobblehead football player the last time I went to an Astros baseball game!  Go figure.

January 8 we celebrated National English Toffee Day (think Heath bar) and National Bubble Bath Day. Well, we can celebrate those two in one fell swoop in a giant soaking tub!

January 10 was National Oysters Rockefeller Day.  You gotta love spinach to enjoy this day!  The next day was National Milk Day.  I celebrated by having two big glasses! Real, not oat or almond or soy!  Moo-cow juice for me!!

Now it is January 17, about halfway through the month, and we have Popeye the Sailor Man Day.  Pop that top on a can of spinach and flex those forearms!  Give Olive Oyl a big hug for us…just don’t snap her like a twig.

Today is also National Hot Buttered Rum Day.  With arctic air coming our way, you might need a nip of Sailor Jerry rum to keep that chill away.  Hot toddy anyone?

Stay safe and warm next week!

It was one of those days.

The schedule for the day had me on I-20 headed west toward Shreveport. It was raining felines and canines.

Rain is not bothersome to me. I have been driving since telephones were attached to the wall. I became proficient by spending a summer driving on I-95 between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. I grew up in North Alabama, so I know about driving on ice and snow. While in Louisiana, I drove in tropical rainstorms and fog so dense the hood of your own vehicle disappeared. My adage is to slow down and be deliberate.

In all my years of driving, I have not one time used my emergency flashers while driving. When did the snowflakes take over our roads? Buck up, Paco! Even the truckers were using their flashers while driving on the Interstate. Where did you people learn about this abomination? Did you know it is illegal in Louisiana? Did you know it doesn’t help me see you better? Do you know it just affirms what most of us behind you already know, you can’t drive! So next time it is raining felines and canines, pull completely over to the shoulder of the road and turn on those emergency flashers to your heart’s content. I feel like Andy Rooney now! But I do feel better. Quit it!

I suppose those drivers are looking for a way to feel safe and in control in an environment in which they have little control. I have unwelcome news. There are only two things you can control. You can control your actions. You can control your attitude. That is about it.

Jesus said this, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

The Greek word for worry can be translated as “anxiety or care.” I think Jesus just told me not to “care” so much about the emergency flashers during rainstorms. Yes, I can control my attitude. You too?

VFW Post 3106 in Leesville, the DAV & DAV Auxiliary/Jack Redell Memorial Chapter-Unit 20 will sponsor an Informational seminar for veterans and active duty military.  The seminar is Saturday, February 1, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Post 3106 home on Harriet Street in Leesville.

Veterans and active duty military are welcome to learn about benefits, services, and opportunities available. Information will be on hand relating to changes in veteran’s benefits, mental health and wellness.

Breakfast will be provided by Whataburger of Leesville.  Guest speaker for the event is Ms. Beverly James, DAV National Service Officer.

This event is free to attend and open to all veterans, active duty military and their families.

The Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance, formerly known as Ft. Polk Progress, is moving into new offices and invites the public to come and share their excitement.  The organization keeps an ear to the ground on all military doings that impact the state of Louisiana.

The new office is located at 203 South Third Street in the historic old Vernon Parish Courthouse in Leesville.  The public is invited to the grand opening on Friday, January 31, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Please come by and meet the staff and learn more about their mission.