John Paul Driskell, age 55 of Many, was arrested by agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged with Driskell with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine). Bond was set at $3500. Driskell was also arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants from Sabine Parish. Driskell remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Willie S. Hale, age 55 of Hornbeck, was arrested by members of the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Hale with one count of Turning Movements and Required Signals, one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic, and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set. Hale remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Robert Wayne Collins, age 62 of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set. Collins remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Stanley Eugene Payton, age 64, of New Llano was arrest age 33,k of Pitkin , was arrested and charged with one count ed by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force. Agents charged Payton with one count of Possession of a Legend Drug, one count of No License Plate Light, one count of Possession of Crack Cocaine and one count of Possession of Marijuana. Bond was set at $8696. Payton remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Alexis Morine Martin, age 26, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Battery of a Police Officer. Bond was set at $1281. Martin posted bond and was released.
Neikisha L Womack, age 43, of Leesville, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set. Womack remains in the Vernon parish jail.
Jeffery Lynn Nolen, age 33, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft of a Firearm, one count of Simple Battery, and one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond has not been set. Nolen remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
Daniel Parker, age 24, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set. Parker remains in the Vernon Parish jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, all US 171 traffic will be switched to the newly-constructed roundabout lanes for the next phase of the project. The new phase includes construction of the remaining half (northbound lanes), a northbound right turn lane to Redtown Road, and intersection improvements to Redtown Road.
The contractor will divert US 171 traffic to the new southbound lanes, implement a new configuration for a temporary signal at Boone Street, and begin construction on the eastern portion of the roundabout. This phase is expected to last four months.
The roadway will remain open to local and through traffic with no restrictions for passenger vehicles and a 10’ wide lane width restriction for all oversize vehicles.
Tuesday, January 14, US 171 southbound traffic will be reduced to one through lane, 700’ south of Franklin Street. Southbound traffic will utilize the existing outside southbound lane to access the newly-constructed portion of the project at Boone Street. Southbound traffic will return to two lanes near the entrance to Walmart.
Northbound traffic on US 171 will be reduced to one through lane and diverted across the existing median, just north of the entrance to Walmart, onto the newly constructed southbound lane. This northbound lane will go back to two lanes approximately 1,000 feet north of Boone Street. Northbound traffic will still have access to enter Walmart via the dedicated left turn lane. The signal will remain in place for the duration of the phase.
Good weather will play a prominent part in the swift completion of this project.
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.
Thursday January 16, a Spelling Bee and Oratorical Contest for children and teens will be held at the Martin Luther King Center,1003 N. Gladys Street in Leesville. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Register for these events prior to their start at 5:30 p.m. at the MLK Center.
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.
The Vernon Parish School Board met in regular session Thursday, January 9, at 10 a.m. The Board voted to allow Superintendent James Williams to request and sign off on all Federal funding P.L. 81-874 on behalf of the Board.
District 6 Board member Vernon Travis accepted the gavel from outgoing Board President Shad Stewart. Travis will serve as president this year. Deidra Shell of District 3 will serve as vice president.
Karen Robertson, with the curriculum department, presented Students of the Year from 5th, 8th and 12th grades for five Vernon Parish schools. The remaining schools will have theirstudents recognized at the Tuesday, January 14, Board meeting. Robertson explained that students had to have a 3.1 GPA or higher, submit an academic portfolio and biography. They had to write essays and be interviewed. Students recognized during Thursday’s meeting and their schools: Evans, Zeppelin Boone/5th grade, Stevie Self/8th grade, Daisy Jeane/12 grade Hicks, Presley Black/5th grade, Kenzie Altenburger/8th grade, Hailey Wolff/12th grade Hornbeck, Makenzie Zayas/5th grade, Carlyn Cook/8th grade, Trinity Welch/12th grade Pickering, Raul Galvan/5th grade, Fairyn Moore/8th grade, Aiden Winstead/12th grade Simpson, Kentley Johnson/5th grade no 8th grader, Jayden Getz/12th grade.
Curtis Clay, with the Head Start program asked the board to add to the agenda for their next meeting some policy changes regarding child abuse, attendance/tardiness and personnel. The board agreed to do so. Cheree Atkins continued the Head Start report by announcing 10 new classes with room for eighty new Birth thru 5 students. Vernon Parish now has 755 students in those programs with 170 on a waiting list. Atkins reminded the board that expansion grants are available, and the board will need to discuss going after those grants. Those monies would fund new slots for 3-4-year-old children.
Maintenance supervisor, Raymond Jones informed the board members of a recent 50K grant the system applied for from the Department of Homeland Security. The grant money would be spent on cameras, locks and other safety equipment throughout the school system. Jones said he is awaiting approval of the grant.
The picture at the top of this story is artwork done by Vernon Parish students and submitted to the Louisiana School Board Association competition. These works will be displayed at the state convention of the LSBA in Baton Rouge at the end of February. The artwork from left to right in the picture: Lisa Parker/Simpson- K-5 grades, Isabel Benetiz/Anacoco- grades 6-8, and Ximena Jimenez/Pickering- grades 9-12
The next meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board will be Tuesday, January 14, at 10 a.m.
Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright reports that on January 7, 2025, McKenzie Pinzino, 25 of St. Joseph, Missouri, appeared before the Honorable Judge Scott Westerchil and pled guilty to manslaughter, stemming from her arrest in March of 2024, by the Rosepine Police Department. The defendant faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for the offense of manslaughter.
Officers with the New Llano Police Department were investigating a “hit and run” accident on February 23, 2024, when a high-speed pursuit ensued. Pinzino, while attempting to evade police, collided with another vehicle at the intersection of U.S. 171 and Highway 1146 in Rosepine. That vehicle was driven by Vernon Jackson of Rosepine. Mr. Jackson died as a result of the crash. Pinzino is scheduled to return to court on April 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. for sentencing.
“This was a tragic situation that senselessly cost someone their life,” said Lambright. I want to commend the New Llano Police Department, Rosepine Police Department and the Louisiana State Police who worked collectively to investigate this case.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ronald Seastrunk.
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host its 82nd Annual Installation Banquet on Tuesday, January 28, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Center at 604 South Third Street in Leesville. The event will celebrate 2024 achievements, say thanks to retiring board members and welcome incoming board members. The evening will begin with a networking social time at 5:45 p.m. The banquet is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets are currently available for $25 each. Visit www.greatervernon.org to purchase them. The meal will be catered by The Hickory Smokehouse.
Ms. Cindy Wann Jeane, with Phoenix Home Medical, will accept the gavel as President of the Board of Directors during the evening ceremonies. She will welcome new members to the Board: Karra Aymond with Aymond Medical Spa, Kevin Quinn of Byrd Regional Hospital, and Greg Lord, Jr. of Lord Management Service LLC.
The Keynote Address will be delivered by the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue, Richard Nelson. Nelson will address the benefits of the recently passed tax reform from the November Special Session of the Louisiana legislature.
Legendary southern gospel group, The Southern Plainsmen, will hold a free concert at the First United Methodist Church in Leesville on Sunday, January 12, at 5 p.m. The church invites all lovers of southern gospel music to come and enjoy the evening with them. The concert is free to all. A love offering will be taken. You are invited to start the new year with a great night of southern gospel favorites.
The Southern Plainsmen currently hold the #1 position on CASHBOX Magazine’s, Southern Gospel Charts, with their song, “Roll Back River Jordan”.
The First United Methodist Church of Leesville is located at 202 North 5th Street in Leesville.
Rosepine The Eagles have announced the hiring of David Weldon as their new head football coach. Weldon was the interim coach for the last game of the 2024 season, a win over East Beauregard. He is in his second year at Rosepine. Weldon served as the Offensive Coordinator last season. He has previously coached at East Beauregard, Merryville and Oberlin.
Pickering The Second Annual Red Devil Classic Powerlifting Meet will be held Saturday January 11 at the Pickering High gym. The event begins at 9am and features male and female lifters from Pickering, Leesville, Anacoco and six out of parish schools. Admission is $10. Vernon Parish had multiple good showings at the State Powerlifting Championships in 2024. Come out and support this growing high school sport!
Vernon Basketball Earlier this week the Anacoco girls fell to 5A Natchitoches Central 55-43, while Hornbeck lost to 3A Westlake. The Pitkin girls beat 4A Livonia Tuesday 58-38. Simpson’s Lady Broncos ran roughshod over Negreet Tuesday, 69-42, to improve to 27-1 on the season. In boys action Hornbeck fell 70-65 to 3A Westlake and Pitkin dropped to 15-8 with a 60-45 loss at 4A DeRidder.
Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert P. Hodges has detailed Lt. Christopher “Chris” Wright to the position of Captain and Troop Commander of Louisiana State Police Troop E in Alexandria. Effective today, Captain Wright succeeds recently promoted Major Jason Smith.
Captain Wright began his Louisiana State Police career in 2004, initially assigned to Troop E Patrol. Throughout his career, he has held positions on the Critical Incident Stress Management team, Special Weapons and Tactics, and Transportation Safety Services. Captain Wright most recently served as a Lieutenant at Troop E. With this appointment, Captain Wright becomes the 29th Troop Commander in the history of Troop E.
Late in 2024, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville published a “Call To Artists” throughout the state for participation in an exhibit to be titled “Art in and Outside the Box”. The responding artists were compelled to provide a work or works that had to do with, or made from, boxes. Examples cited were the work of Joseph Cornell and Louise Nevelson, both which work in dramatically different genres but the common thread is boxes. Eight artists responded and will be featured in the exhibit opening in January,
Noah Pollard (age 11) of Anacoco has been experimenting with stop-action animation, was aware of the Call, and thought that possibly he could develop some animation frames within boxes. Noah comes from a creative line – his mother and father are “creatives” and his grandfather, Kenny, is a whiz at folded paper origami creations. All three have been exhibited at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the past.
Noah enlisted the assistance of Jack Price (age 12), Warren Prichard (age 11) and Elle Pollard (Age 7) to work on the project. The boys are in the same class at Faith Training Elementary School in Leesville. Earlier this month, their homeroom teacher, Mrs. Moreland noticed they were drawing gnomes and agreed to let them hang them on her classroom wall. These gnomes are all characters ranging from superheroes to political figures,
Noah’s mother, Leila, commented: “When we first received the invite I planned to help Noah with the project. He really enjoys stop-motion animation, so I suggested we do a few and frame them within boxes. We brainstormed about incorporating delivery drivers since we get to see the big 3 all the time at home. I held off on online shopping for as long as I could. But it is a part of our daily lives so I thought we should make a statement about it. I gifted Noah clay for Christmas, and he went to work producing little gnomes. When Noah and Warren were able to have a workday, the plot changed and it became a delivery battle of the boxes, which ultimately leads to the boxes being stolen by these sneaky gnomes. Their friend Jack loves to draw. So, he has taken on the challenge of producing the gnome portrait. The three of them create at school, and they’ve even designed their own logo- TP, or triple p for Pollard, Price & Prichard. Unfortunately, they are not involved in an art program, but they seem to have taken it into their own hands and are making it work for themselves!”
ART IN AND OUTSIDE THE BOX will be at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville from January 16 – February 22. Artist Reception is scheduled for Saturday, January 25. Confirmed artists are Michael Yankowski of Natchitoches, Joey Governale and Mary Maddock of DeRidder, Paul Nettles and Morgan Primeaux of Pineville, TRIPLE P and Elle of Anacoco, and Brenda Morrison of Leesville.
Peabody Magnet boys basketball coach and math teacher Charles Smith (holding award) was joined by, from left, retired Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy, NSU president James T. “Jimmy” Genovese and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland at a pregame ceremony Jan. 3 when Genovese presented Smith with the university’s prestigious Nth Degree.
By Doug Ireland
Peabody Magnet’s boys basketball team scored a signature win Jan. 3 in front of a jammed gymnasium on campus, outlasting Alexandria Senior High 65-55 in a matchup of two of Cenla’s strongest teams.
It was also a showcase in a pregame ceremony as Northwestern State University President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese presented the university’s prestigious Nth Degree to Peabody coach Charles Smith, who decades before earned a master’s degree in education from Northwestern.
Smith, 75, was inducted in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October in Springfield, Mass., the greatest honor issued for worldwide participants in the sport. He is the fifth-winningest coach in the history of high school basketball, with Friday’s victory upping his total to 1,223 career wins.
The Nth Degree is a special honor conferred by Northwestern since the 1960s that recognizes individuals who have gone the extra mile in meritorious service to the university or the community. It is awarded only occasionally and Smith’s honor was the first presented by Genovese since he became the university’s president Aug. 5.
Participating in the ceremony were Mike McConathy, the winningest college basketball coach in state history, and Doug Ireland, the chairman of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which inducted Smith in 2019. McConathy and Ireland are special assistants to Genovese at Northwestern.
Smith’s Nth Degree not only resulted from his basketball success, but for his educational impact on generations of students at Peabody and in Rapides Parish, and for his strongly positive community influence, said Genovese.
In his remarks to the crowd, Genovese pointed out that Smith’s induction in the Naismith Basketball Hall officially confirmed his status in the history of the game, and put him in a peer group of coaches including UCLA’s John Wooden, Georgetown’s John Thompson, North Carolina State’s Jim Valvano and other iconic figures in basketball through the 130-year history of the sport.
“It’s my honor to present Coach Smith with this award because he represents the best of us, and inspires all of us,” said Genovese. “We are proud he is an alumnus of Northwestern and we are thankful he has served his community, Peabody High School and the entire state humbly and with great distinction during more than 50 years in education.”
Coach Smith has been a role model to thousands of Peabody students, and 80-plus basketball scholarship recipients, with his former players including an executive vice president of a Fortune 500 company, pilots, doctors, attorneys, engineers, business owners, educators, coaches and two NBA players.
His Warhorses won the ninth state championship under his leadership last March, and are 16-1 this season.
He came to Peabody in 1974 as a math teacher – and remains in that role. He was an assistant coach, helping the Warhorses win the first state title in school history, before taking over the head coaching role in 1984. He earned his undergraduate degree from Paul Quinn University and after beginning his teaching and coaching career, completed his master’s at Northwestern.
Scanning the list of previous Basketball Hall inductees are superstars like Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Russell, Pete Maravich, Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Cheryl Miller, Anne Meyers, Bob Cousy, Karl Malone and Bob Pettit – not to mention the game’s greatest coaches from all levels, like Red Auerbach, Henry Iba, Pat Summit, Kim Mulkey, Leon Barmore, Lenny Wilkins, Morgan Wooten and Adolph Rupp along with Thompson, Wooden and Valvano.
Among those joining Smith in the Basketball Hall’s 2024 induction class were Vince Carter and another Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer, Baton Rouge native and LSU great Seimone Augustus.
His induction in Springfield came in Smith’s first year of consideration. As a high school basketball coach, he was chosen from a subset that previously had only four representatives among the 450 people enshrined since 1959. Smith has won 86 percent of his games, losing only 215.
Such is his stature that the gymnasium at Peabody now carries his name – Charles Smith’s Emerald Palace.
The CENLA Food Bank has announced its mobile food distribution stops for Vernon Parish in January. Friday, January 17: Hornbeck First Baptist Church of Hornbeck, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Burr Ferry – Burr Ferry Pentecostal Church, 11 a.m. – Noon
Friday, January 24: Rosepine – Rosepine Church International/ 1436 Church St., 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Slagle/Simpson – Slagle Mall Noon – 1 p.m.
The CENLA Food Bank makes monthly stops in parishes all over Central and West Central Louisiana.
The City of Leesville presents Job Fair 2025 on Tuesday, January 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Leesville Event Center on Nolan Trace. There is no cost to your company or business to set up a table. Free registration for allcomers. Contact City Planner Grant Bush at 337.404.4078 or online at grant.bush@leesvillela.gov.
Lisa Lynn Reeks was born July 17, 1966, in Front Royal, Virginia, and passed away in her home in Leesville on January 3, 2025, at the age of 58. She was a caregiver and was dedicated to caring for her brother, John, for many years. Her children and grandchildren brought her much joy.
Lisa is survived by her daughter, Jaclyn L. Hull; son, William C. Barnard; four grandchildren, Eliza, Willow, Grace, and Clayton; and brother, John C. Lowery.
Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces the January 6, 2025, arrest of Devlin Spearman, age 36, of the Knight Community.
The arrest is the result of an investigation into a complaint of Criminal Damage to Property which occurred at a store in the Evans Community.
On January 3, 2025, the driver of a U-Haul truck attempted to drive beneath the canopy of the store. The top of the truck struck the support beams of the canopy, causing approximately $1500.00 worth of damage to the structure.
The truck was occupied by three individuals who all left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
A social media post was made on January 6, 2025, in relation to the incident.
Shortly after 5 p.m. deputies with the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office located the U-Haul truck with three occupants in the Junction Community.
Devlin Spearman was operating the vehicle and was identified as the driver of the truck at the time of the Evans incident.
A U-Haul representative advised law enforcement that the truck had been rented in August 2024, and the vehicle failed to be returned as agreed upon in the rental contract. The truck was reported stolen in October 2024, at a law enforcement agency in the Houston, Texas area.
Deputies located a lease agreement in the vehicle and determined that none of the current occupants of the truck were listed on the agreement. The truck was towed from the Beauregard Parish location.
Devlin Spearman was transported to Vernon Parish where he was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Damage to Property. Bond was set at $10,000.00. Spearman remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Sheriff Craft would like to thank the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office for a job well done in locating and detaining Spearman.
Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single vehicle crash on Saturday January 4 at approximately 5 p.m. The accident occurred on Louisiana Highway 101 near Bearhead Road in Singer, when a 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, traveling south on Highway 10, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway, and struck a tree.
Jeromy F. Ambrose, age 42 of Leesville was killed in the accident. Ambrose was wearing a non-approved DOT helmet and suffered fatal injuries in the crash, dying at the scene.
Routine toxicology tests are pending. The investigation continues by officials of Troop D Louisiana State Police.
The Louisiana Department of Health reports the patient who had been hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana and the U.S. has died. The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.
LDH’s extensive public health investigation has identified no additional H5N1 cases nor evidence of person-to-person transmission. This patient remains the only human case of H5N1 in Louisiana.
The Department expresses its deepest condolences to the patient’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family, this will be the final update about the patient.
While the current public health risk for the general public remains low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses.
Protecting yourself and others from H5N1 infection: • Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring sick wild animals into your home. • Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces. • Do not eat uncooked or undercooked food. Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food. • Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses from animals that have a suspected or confirmed infection. • If you work on poultry or dairy farms, talk to your provider about getting your seasonal flu vaccination. It will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but it can reduce the risk of coinfection with avian and flu viruses. • Report dead or sick birds or animals to the USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593 or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Diagnostic Lab at 318-927-3441.
If you have been exposed to sick or dead birds or other animals or work on a farm where avian influenza has been detected, watch for respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis. If you develop symptoms within 10 days after exposure to sick or dead animals, tell your healthcare provider that you have been in contact with sick animals and are concerned about avian influenza. This will help them give you appropriate advice on testing and treatment. Stay home and away from others while you have symptoms.
State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams urges Louisianans to be aware of and proactive about addressing home fire hazards after six lives were lost recently in three different house fires across the state.
Just after 4 a.m. on January 7, the Winnsboro Fire Department responded to the 200 block of Willow Street for a house fire where four victims, including children, were tragically discovered.
Less than an hour later, firefighters were called to the 800 block of E Oak Street in Abbeville for a house fire where one victim has been sadly confirmed.
Then around 7 a.m., the Shreveport Fire Department responded to a call in the 5200 block of Norton Street where one victim was unfortunately found inside.
While the investigations into what caused these fires are still early and ongoing, the frigid forecast across the state is being considered as a potential factor in all of them.
“It has been a truly devastating past few hours, especially after multiple warnings about the increased risk of home fires when temperatures drop and, of course, our constant message about the life-saving difference smoke alarms make,” said Adams.
These concerning deaths follow three others that have occurred since the start of the year in Church Point (Jan. 2), Abbeville (Jan. 2) and New Orleans (Jan. 4), each resulting in one life lost. The investigations into those causes are ongoing as well.
“Louisiana, we have to take all fire dangers seriously and act as if it can happen to every one of us, at any time, because it can,” said Adams.
With extended freezes expected throughout the state for the remainder of the week, the SFM is stressing the following home heating safety tips:
▪ If using a space heater, make sure it’s placed 3-5 feet away from objects that can catch fire easily like blankets and furniture.
▪ Ensure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet as opposed to an extension cord or power strip.
▪ Space heaters should also always be turned off when you’re going to sleep or leaving the room and/or home.
▪ Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home
▪ Make sure any open flames, like fireplaces and candles, are never left unattended.
▪ Have a working smoke alarm!
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 last month.
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.
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host its 82nd Annual Installation Banquet on Tuesday, January 28, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Center at 604 South Third Street in Leesville.
The evening will begin with a networking social time at 5:45 p.m. The banquet is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets are currently available for $25 each. Visit www.greatervernon.org to purchase them. The meal will be catered by The Hickory Smokehouse.
Ms. Cindy Wann Jeane, with Phoenix Home Medical, will accept the gavel as President of the Board of Directors during the evening ceremonies. She will welcome new members to the Board: Karra Aymond with Aymond Medical Spa, Kevin Quinn of Byrd Regional Hospital, and Greg Lord, Jr. of Lord Management Service LLC.
The high school basketball season is in full swing with district games up next for everyone. The Simpson girls have been the most impressive team, sporting a 26-1 record. They won the Vernon Parish tournament in mid-December and tournaments at Florien, Hicks and Simpson. The Lady Broncos were impressive at the ASH Round Robin, posting victories over 4A Tioga and 5A ASH. Pickering’s ladies are 12-6 after losing to Leesville Monday night. The Lady Eagles of Rosepine, defending state champs in Division III Select, are off to a 11-7 start and had a win over Ebarb Monday night.
The local boys’ teams are led by Hicks with a 20-5 mark. Pitkin sports a 15-7 record going into a game Tuesday night with 4A DeRidder. Hornbeck’s Hornets are 11-7 with a recent big win over St. Mary’s. The hottest team in the parish may be Rosepine. The Eagles are 14-3 and have won 13 of their last 14 games, including a 34-point win over Ebarb Monday night.
VERNON PARISH TEAM RECORDS ANACOCO(G) 11-7 Beat 4A Leesville 48-36…played at 5A Natchitoches-Central last night. ANACOCO(B) 9-13 Lost at Leesville 70-49…Played at 5A Natchitoches-Central last night. EVANS(G) 8-13 Played at Singer last night, no score available. EVANS(B) 2-19 Played at Singer last night, no score available HICKS(G) 8-13 Next game vs Fairview on Jan.14 HICKS(B) 20-5 Next game at Holy Savior Menard on Jan.14 HORNBECK(G) 7-9 beat St. Mary’s 70-40, played at Westlake last night..no score HORNBECK(B) 11-7 beat St.Mary’s 68-25, played at Westlake last night..no score LEESVILLE(G) 6-8 beat Pickering Monday night 57-35, SR Shyann Cummings had 31pts. LEESVILLE(B) 5-8 Lost at Pickering Monday night 52-48 PICKERING(G) 12-6 Lost to Leesville Monday night 57-35 PICKERING(B) 7-9 Beat Leesville Monday night 52-48 SR A.J. Berry had 27pts. PITKIN(G) 12-12 Lost 4 of last 5 games. Hosted Livonia Tuesday. No score available. PITKIN(B) 15-7 Played at 4A DeRidder last night. No score available. ROSEPINE(G) 10-7 Lost by 1 to 5A Barbe on Jan.3. Beat Ebarb Mon. 58-46 ROSEPINE(B) 14-3 Won 13 of last 14 games. Beat Ebarb Mon. 95-61 SIMPSON(G) 26-1 12 wins in a row. Hosted Negreet last night. Score unavailable. SIMPSON(B) 7-12 Hosted Negreet last night. Score unavailable. Faith Training FTCA(G) 5-1 Host CHEF on Friday Jan.10 Faith Training FTCA(B) 2-6 Host CHEF on Friday Jan.10
COACHES…The Vernon Parish Journal would love to high light the achievements of your teams. Please send your game results to vpjnewesla@gmail.com. The VPJ is published every Wednesday and Friday, and we would be happy to include your teams’ results in our updates.
