I’m not sure where to start to describe the impact bass fishing has had on my life. I think it’s safe to say that I have gotten a lot more out of bass fishing than probably any of my other hobbies combined. It’s a sport that has provided me a lifetime of great memories and has allowed me to make some of the best friends a man could ever ask for. 

Let’s start by going way back to my early days of fishing on our ranch in East Texas. What a great training ground it was! I was basically self-taught after being introduced to bass fishing by my best friend’s dad (who also sparked my interest in hunting as well).

By the age of 10 (in 1972), I was a subscriber to Bassmaster Magazine which really lit my fuse for basic bass fishing information. What a great publication full of tips and tricks with full scale color drawings on how, when and where to catch fish. I would literally sit by the mailbox with excitement, waiting on each issue. 

For a young boy who was not an avid reader and struggled with dyslexia, if it wasn’t for Bassmaster Magazine, I’m not sure I would have learned how to read at all. This magazine gave me a purpose and a reason to learn how to read! 

I remember the first tackle box I ever saw; it belonged to my Dad. I was enthralled with going through it and handling all the funny-looking baits. Some I had learned about through my Bassmaster Magazine, while there were other baits I had never seen before. 

Now many of these baits never made it back to Dad’s tackle box because I lost most of them on a stump or a log in one of our stock ponds on the ranch. Dad was never much of a fisherman, but he would do inventory occasionally to see just how many of his lures I had lost. 

He never really got upset about the lures lost in action, but I could tell he was disappointed that some were missing. I guess he was just happy I found something I was passionate about other than baseball. 

Well, baseball did take up much of my time up until 1985. It was then, during a routine physical, that my doctor randomly asked me what I was going to do to fill the void of my baseball playing days. I told him that I would probably play a little softball, a lot more golf, and bass fish.

Little did I know, it would be a friend of mine who would introduce me to tournament fishing by asking me to fish a night tournament on Lake Bistineau. This was life changing for me and ignited my passion for competitive bass fishing. 

After fishing local and regional team trails up until 1998, I decided to take my fishing to the next level by fishing the highest level on the FLW Tour as a co-angler. But I also jumped in the BFL’s (the lowest level of FLW) and fished as a boater/pro while also entering the FLW Everstart Series (now Toyota Series) and Bassmaster Opens, which for the last 20 years has been my passion.

For the last eight years, I’ve basically been dedicated to a couple of tournament trails within the American Bass Anglers Organization: one called the Solo 150’s (their highest level) and the other called the new Pro League. I have truly enjoyed both and still look forward to fishing. 

Over the years, I have made some lifelong friends and connections with some of the biggest names in the bass fishing world. These people, who have achieved so much, also introduced me to others who have had a huge impact on me as an angler and a person. 

There’s something about the bond anglers have that is so special. These are guys who will come to your rescue in time of need on and off the water. Guys you can share information with and that you can trust to keep that info to themselves. 

At each tournament, memories are made. Stories are told over and over of situations we have been in before along with stories of great days on the water both during practice and tournaments. But understand, anglers tend to exaggerate or stretch the truth occasionally. 

But the bonds you share with other anglers is what makes bass fishing such an enjoyable sport.

‘Til next time, keep on fishing and keep on setting the hook as you never know, the next fish you catch just might be the fish of a lifetime.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Friends, athletes and Demon fans are invited to join the Northwestern State University family in honoring Mike McConathy during a court dedication ceremony on Saturday, February 15.

The playing surface at Prather Coliseum will be named the Mike McConathy Court in honor of the state’s leader in college basketball coaching victories. The formal recognition will be during halftime of the Southland Conference men’s basketball game against Stephen F. Austin. The double header will begin at 1 p.m. with the Lady Demons, followed by the men’s game at approximately 3:30 p.m. The recognition will take place about 4:30 p.m.

“Coach McConathy has been a positive role model and mentor to young people for decades,” said Jill Bankston, NSU’s director of Alumni and Development. “We are excited to honor him for all that he has done for Northwestern State, the Natchitoches community and throughout the northwest Louisiana region.”

A special general admission ticket rate of $5 per person for those over age 12 will be available for the doubleheader. Kids under 12 will be admitted free of charge.

A tribute lunch will be served between the men’s and women’s games. Friends who plan to attend the lunch should RSVP by Feb. 10.

For more information and to RSVP, visit http://www.nsu.la/mcconathy. Through this page, friends can also submit photos of McConathy to share in a slideshow.

The Feb. 15 ceremony also will mark the launch of the Mike McConathy Scholarship Fund to support Northwestern student-athletes who have exhausted their NCAA eligibility before completing their degrees. A link to give can also be found at http://www.nsu.la/mcconathy.

McConathy compiled 330 of his state-record victories while coaching at Northwestern, the alma mater of his father, two uncles, both of his sons and two of his nephews.

During his 23-season run as the Demons’ head coach, McConathy led Northwestern to its first three NCAA Tournament appearances, including the first two NCAA Tournament victories in school history. The 2005-06 “Demons of Destiny” squad lives on in NCAA Tournament lore after Jermaine Wallace’s last-gasp 3-pointer lifted Northwestern to a stunning upset of No. 3-seeded Iowa – a play that was named the Pontiac Game Changing Performance that landed Northwestern a $100,000 scholarship.

McConathy’s teams were a constant presence at the top of the Southland Conference standings, winning the first two Southland titles in program history, reaching four SLC Tournament title games and winning three of them.

McConathy’s teams were also standouts in the classroom, landing numerous National Association of Basketball Coaches Team Academic Excellence Awards and holding a graduation rate of around 90 percent.

Away from the bench, McConathy’s career, which also included the starting and building of Bossier Parish Community College’s program into a national tournament participant, landed him the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Association’s Mr. Basketball Award in 2023. He is a member of the N-Club Hall of Fame and Northwestern’s Hall of Distinguished Educators.

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The Kiwanis Club of Leesville presents a Valentine lunch fundraiser, Friday, February 14.  You can pick up a great lunch or two for a Valentine’s date and contribute to a great cause.

Plates are $15 each and consist of half-a-grilled chicken, baked beans, potato salad, bread, and homemade sugar cookies for dessert.  Orders of 10 or more lunches can be delivered.  Call 337-208-4900 to place your orders.  Lunches can be picked up at Faith Training Christian Academy in the parking lot beginning at 11 a.m.  All proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club of Leesville’s Sherrell Lewis, Jr. Scholarship Fund.

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Albert Victor Pagliaro, 89, of Spencer, IN passed away Friday January 31, 2025, at his residence in Spencer.  Born November 21, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Salvatore Pagliaro and Italia (Cilente) Pagliaro.

Al was a retired Service Advisor with John Walton Ford in Martinsville, IN. He served in the church for many years in leadership positions as Elder, Deacon, Marriage Minister, and was also a retired Chaplain having served at Backstreet Missions in Bloomington, IN, for three years. Al was a member of 121 Faith Church in Bloomington, IN. Al had also been a member of Family Worship Center in Leesville, LA while living in Anacoco. Al was also a veteran of the U.S. Army with the 1st armored division having been stationed at Ft. Johnson (formerly Ft. Polk) and was a true patriot and loved this nation dearly.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Carrie Pagliaro; one son, Michael Pagliaro of Patchogue, New York; his grandchildren: Leeanne Pagliaro of Columbus, Ohio; Michelle Pagliaro of Bluepoint, New York; Michael Elijah Pagliaro of Riverhead, New York; stepchildren: T.J. (Victoria) Higgins, Trent (Keeley) Higgins, Atticus Higgins, Leo Higgins, and Eisley Higgins, all of Spencer, Indiana; and three sisters, Norma Voels of Mesa, Arizona, Olga Scileppi of Glen Cove, New York, and Adriana Paris of Southbury, Connecticut; and many nieces and nephews.

Albert was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Pagliaro, of Anacoco; brothers: Joe, Randy, Teddy, and Doug; and sisters: Anita, Laura and Elsa.

Services will be held at Family Worship Center, 601 W. Mechanic Street, Leesville, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, with Pastor Mike Jackson officiating, with viewing at 1:00 p.m. and funeral to start at 2:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Cold Springs Baptist Church, 151 Church Road, Anacoco.

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Priscilla Fern George was born February 24, 1953, in Galveston, Texas, and passed away February 2, 2025, in her home in Leesville, Louisiana, at the age of 71. For 12 years, she worked making deliveries for Thrifty Way Pharmacy. Priscilla set an example for her family of how to love God and was a member of First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville. Reading her Bible and listening to Jimmy Swaggart songs gave her enjoyment. Her life was centered around her family, and caring for them was her first priority. When her health allowed, she would host family gatherings during the holidays throughout the year. They will greatly miss the many ways she showed her love to them and will cherish their memories of her.

Priscilla was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Carl Darby and Ima June Murphree Canady.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 54 years, Glen Allen George of Leesville; daughters, Tamara George of Leesville, Glenda George James (Dwight) of New Llano, and Valerie George Barger of Leesville; grandchildren, Blake Vonheeder (Kayla), Bradley Vonheeder (Tabitha), Blaine Vonheeder, Christian Gattis (Abby), Ricky Jones, and Priscilla Nicole Jones; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Brayden, Everly, Addyson, Sylas, Braylee, Elowynn, and Oliver; brother, Johnny Davis (Jeannie) of Waco, Texas; sisters, Lola Smith (Doug) of Hewitt, Texas, Sharon Sanders of Anacoco, and SueEllen Hamilton of San Antonio, Texas; and a host of extended family members and friends.

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The Leesville Dixie Youth Association is hosting Spring Registration 2025 through February 22 for wee-ball, t-ball, baseball and softball.  The cost for the season is $75 per player.  You may register online at  http://www.leaguelineup.com/leesvilledixieyouth.

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By Doug de Graffenried

The land of north Louisiana is described as rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests. I ride the route between Ruston and Gibsland almost daily. I estimate that I have driven 72,000 miles coming to work and going home over my time at Trinity Methodist Church. I very much enjoyed the drive on I-20. In that drive I experience rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests.

Of late, DOTD has a project on I-20 from Tarbutton Road to the Bienville Parish line. That is approximately eleven miles. Since early in the fall of last year contractors have been clearing the right of way on both sides of the Interstate. They have also removed the trees from the median of the Interstate.

They are efficient and organized when it comes to tree removal. The trees have been ground up. On colder mornings, the mounds of wood chips and mulch appear to be smoking. Or as we used to say, “they can see their breath.” By the afternoon, those mounds of wood chips were hauled off. I wonder what those wood products will become.

Over the course of these months my driving has changed.

The woods were growing remarkably close to the edge of the Interstate. There were multiple trees, that if blown over, would have landed on the roadway. I know it was done for safety. But it has changed my view of the drive. I can see fields not previously seen. I can see cars headed in the opposite direction. I can see the road ahead and how it curves. Strangely the drive seems more spacious. Once the grass grows this spring, it will be a more pleasant drive.

It is also the time of year that I have started trimming things in the yard getting ready for spring. The rose bushes will be introduced to my trimming shears this week. I’m not going to talk about murdering crape myrtles, but you do it if that is your thing.

There are cases where growing things need to be trimmed back or cut down! The resulting margin allows the plants to grow more fully or the driver to experience new vistas. For you overworked workaholics out there, I’m talking about creating a margin in your life. I’m hinting about taking a day off, getting some rest, cutting back, or going on vacation. For some of you I’m suggesting driving to work another way. You need to see different roads.

If you cut back and trim away some of the stuff you are busy about, you might discover some of the beauty and blessing that God has created for you.

You have noticed that even Jesus needed to get away from the crowds and spend time being with God. If he did it, why do we have such a tough time trying it?

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Maurine Harville Vaughn took her first breath of life on October 20, 1936. Eighty-eight years later, on February 2, 2025, she took her final breath on earth—seven years after the loss of her beloved husband, Gardner Vaughn. As a young girl, Maurine attended Simpson High School before matriculating at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It was during her time at NSU that she met and wed the love of her life—her music man. Maurine and Gardner were married for 63 years. The Lord blessed their union with three children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Maurine took her vocation as a housewife and mother seriously. She understood that a woman’s role in the home was a high calling, and she excelled in every aspect of her work. She had a flair for sewing and enjoyed sharing her skill with others. A talented pianist, she blessed many churches with her gift. Maurine was happiest when all her children and grandchildren were gathered around her table for family meals. However, her deepest joy was found in her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Passionate about God’s Word, she spent countless hours studying and teaching others the truths she discovered. She gave selflessly of her time, energy, prayers, and resources, always encouraging others in their walk with the Lord.

Maurine Vaughn was preceded in death by her parents, E.L. and Willie Harville; her sister, Janie Leudecke Riley; her half-brother, Jimmy Harville; her husband, Gardner Vaughn; and her granddaughter, Hope Vaughn. Those left to honor her legacy include her sister, Judy Curcio; her children, Christie Smith, Jennifer Estes, and Brady Vaughn; and her grandchildren, Aimee Frost, Adam Vaughn, Leigha Wise, Katelyn Arboleda, Johnathon Bolton, Melissa Estes, Faith Wolff, and Emma Vaughn. Her great-grandchildren include Braxton Frost, Alexandra Frost, Maddox Frost, Adrianna Wise, Alicia Wise, Alaina Wise, Annalyn Wise, Luis Arboleda III, and Georgia Wolff.

In accordance with Maurine’s wishes, all are invited to join her family for a graveside memorial service on February 7, 2025, at 12:30 PM at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 3348 University Parkway, Leesville, Louisiana.

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A graveside service for Margaret Elizabeth McMahon Jarrell was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in Evans Community Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Margaret was born March 26, 1934, in Burkeville, Texas and passed away February 2, 2025, at her home in Evans, Louisiana at the age of 90. After marrying the love of her life, Athen, she lived in Evans where she was a homemaker and caretaker. Margaret enjoyed being outside hunting, fishing, and tending her garden. She provided a loving home for her husband and children and enjoyed sewing and canning. All of her family will cherish their memories of her.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Athen Merle Jarrell; daughter, Brenda Elaine Jarrell Maupin; parents, Curry and Nina McMahon of Burkeville, Texas; brothers, C.A., Barney, Bill, Roy, and Calvin Jarrell.

She is survived by her sons, Rodney Jarrell and Eddie Jarrell both of Evans; grandson, Jeffery Jarrell and wife Amy of Waxahachie, Texas; great-grandchildren, Grayson Jarrell and Sutton Jarrell; sister, Janell Henderson of Evans; and extended family members and friends.

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GEORGIE G. GIVENS
March 24, 1942 – January 24, 2025
Service: February 8, 2025, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Leesville at 12 p.m.

THOMAS PATRICK PADDY
May 29, 1944 – February 4, 2025
Service: February 8, 2025, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 10 a.m.

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Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft announces the arrest of William Anthony Bass, age 50 of Leesville, this past Friday, January 31, 2025.  Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force were conducting Criminal Patrol in the area of Graham Road at approximately 11 a.m.  Agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding.  The driver refused to comply and fled the agents.

A pursuit ensued and traveled from Graham Road to Highway 10 to the Bundicks area before the driver stopped at the dead end of Audry Lane. The driver immediately exited the vehicle and began to yell challenges at the agents. Agents deployed a taser, and at that time the driver, later identified as William Bass, fled on foot from the agents. After a pursuit on foot, agents were able to apprehend Bass.  While he was being taken into custody, Bass bit one of the agents. During a pat down and prior to his arrest, agents located a firearm and what appeared to be two homemade explosive devices on his person.

Agents immediately contacted the ATF (Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms Agents), EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal Personnel), Ft. Johnson CID (Criminal Investigative Division Investigators), LSP (Louisiana State Police Investigators), and the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents).

While at the location on Audry Lane, agents also discovered additional incendiary devices in Bass’s vehicle.

A search warrant was executed for Bass’s residence on Hazel Jeane Road.  During the execution of the warrant, agents discovered numerous items used to make homemade bombs. All of those incendiary components and additional explosive devices were collected by the appropriate agencies.

William Bass was arrested and charged with one count of Speeding, one count of Flight from an Officer, two counts of Resisting an Officer, one count of Battery of a Police Officer, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one count of Manufacturing and Possession of a Bomb.  Bond has not been set, and Bass remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Sheriff Craft would like to commend the agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force for their diligence in this investigation.  Sheriff Craft would also like to thank all of the agencies who responded to the location and assisted in the collection and disposal of the explosives.

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Douglas John Juneau II, age 46 of Pineville, was arrested and charged with one count of Residential Contractor Fraud.  Bond was set at $2500.  Juneau posted bond and was released.

Devon Wade Lockhart, age 34 of Rosepine, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Lockhart remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Dakota Myriah Beavers, age 34 of Hornbeck, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $1561.  Beavers posted bond and was released.

Steven Sims, age 56 of Greenville, Texas, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass.  Bond was set at $1295.  Sims remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Jeffery Wiliams Banks Jr, age 33 of Rosepine, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant for Non-Payment of Child Support.  Bond has not been set.  Banks remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Dean Capelotti, age 19 of Simpson, was arrested and charged with one count of Illegal Discharge of a Weapon, one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile, and one count of Resisting an Officer.  Bond was set at $13,500.  Capelotti posted bond and was released

Jaylen Deshawn Downs, age 27 of Ft. Johnson, was arrested and charged with one count of Illegal Discharge of a Weapon and one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile.  Bond was set at $10,000.  Downs remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Isaiah Jones, age 17 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Illegal Discharge of a Weapon.  Bond was set at $5000.  Jones posted bond and was released. 

Ronnie Thomas Shelton, age 47, of Leesville, was arrested on two Bench Warrants.  Bond was denied.  Shelton remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Robert Van Marsh Jr, age 45, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic.  Bond was set at $1561.  Marsh posted bond and was released.

Terrence P Cross, age 37, of Rosepine, was arrested on three out of jurisdiction warrants.  Bond has not been set.  Cross remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

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

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There are just a couple of weeks left in the regular season of high school basketball.  Girls’ playoff pairings will be announced February 17, with the Marsh Madness State Championships set for Hammond, March 3-8.  Boys’ pairings will be announced February 25, and the boys Marsh Madness will take place at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, March 10-15.

Here are current results from girls and boys teams in Vernon Parish.

ANACOCO(G)   18-9  Have won 7 of last 8 games.  Beat South Beauregard last week 42-30. Played at Pitkin last night, no score available.

ANACOCO(B)   16-16  Beat S.Beauregard last game 47-42.  Played Pitkin last night…no score available at press-time.

EVANS(G)   4-24  Lost at Pleasant Hill in last game, 64-51.  Hosted Zwolle last night, no score available at press-time.

EVANS(B)  2-25   Lost at Pleasant Hill, 63-22.  Visit Simpson Friday night.

HICKS(G)  13-18  Won at Many Monday, 55-47. Play at Anacoco Friday.

HICKS(B)   27-6  Won at Many Monday, 69-35.  Play at Anacoco Friday.

HORNBECK(G)  10-11  Lost to Simpson, 62-48.  Hosted Stanley last night, no score available at press-time.

HORNBECK(B)  14-9  Beat Simpson last week, 66-26.  Hosted Stanley last night, no score available at press-time.

LEESVILLE(G)  13-9   Won 8 of last 9 games.  Beat DeRidder, 72-27 in 3-4A opener.  Hosted Washington -Marion last night, no score available.

LEESVILLE(B)  10-10  Won 5 of last 6 games.  Beat DeRidder 50-46.  Hosted Washington-Marion last night, no score available at press-time.

PICKERING(G)  16-9  Lost at Negreet last week,53-46. Played at East Beauregard last night, no score available at press-time.

PICKERING(B)  15-10  Lost at Negreet, 53-36 for third loss in a row.  Played at East Beauregard last night, score unavailable at press-time.

PITKIN(G)   18-13  Won 6 of last 7 games.  Beat Reeves last game, 64-53.  Hosted Anacoco last night, no score available at press-time.

PITKIN(B)   21-9  Won 4^th in a row at Reeves, 83-65.  Hosted Anacoco last night, no score available.

ROSEPINE(G)  17-9  Won 7 of last 8 games.  Beat Vinton 54-5.  Hosted DeQuincy last night, no score unavailable.

ROSEPINE(B)   22-3  Won at Vinton, 75-69.  Hosted DeQuincy last night, no score available. 

SIMPSON(G)  33-2  Beat Hornbeck, 62-48.  Hosted Elizabeth last night. Score unavailable.

SIMPSON(B)  7-21  Lost at Hornbeck, 66-26.  Hosted Elizabeth last night.  Score unavailable.

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By Jean Clavette Graves, BJACH Public Affairs Officer

The Defense Health Agency is changing how we deliver care at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital to fit patient needs Anytime, Anywhere – Always. My Military Health is a secure platform that gives patients greater access to safe, secure, and reliable digital tools and technologies to help manage health and well-being at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson.

Col. Alisa R. Wilma, BJACH Commander, said that beginning February 10, beneficiaries will enjoy a simpler health care experience with opportunities to meet their care team at a time and location that is convenient for them. “With My Military Health, our patients will have greater choices in how they access their care,” she said. “Whether virtually or in person, our patients can get their care where and when they need it.”

Wilma said that My Military Health is available 24/7 by phone, tablet, or computer. “Virtual video appointments will be available for primary care, specialist follow-ups, treatment plan maintenance, pharmacy prescription care management and after-hours consultations,” she said. “Patients can schedule virtual appointments through the MHS GEENSIS patient portal or through our call center to take advantage of My Military Health opportunities.”

Wilma said that My Military Health is rolling out quickly at military medical treatment facilities worldwide, with the BJACH going live this month.

For more information visit https://tricare.mil/mymilitaryhealth

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Mardi Gras in Vernon Parish offers the perfect blend of excitement, local flavor, and outdoor adventure! The parade, held on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday in Leesville (Saturday, March 1^st), is an unmissable event that invites locals and visitors to join in on the fun. But the festivities don’t stop there—this is your chance to explore the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty of Vernon Parish. Here’s how to make the most of your Mardi Gras weekend!

The WWL crew from Great Day Louisiana was in Vernon Parish recently, filming for an upcoming show! They toured attractions, dined, and went fishing on Vernon Lake before heading down Louisiana’s Myths & Legends Byway! Tune into WWL’s Great Day Louisiana to see all that Vernon Parish has to offer airing on February 17^th!

https://www.facebook.com/GreatDayLouisiana

Catch the Parade on Saturday, March 1st at 2pm

https://vernonparish.org/event/mardi-gras-parade-2/

Start your weekend on the right note by heading to downtown Leesville for the Mardi Gras Parade. Beginning at 2pm, this spirited procession through the heart of Leesville on Third Street brings the best of local floats, music, and throws. It’s a celebration for all ages, so be sure to bring your family or friends for a fun-filled afternoon. 

Explore Vernon Parish’s Culinary Delights

After the parade, it’s time to treat your taste buds to some of the best local cuisine Vernon Parish has to offer. Whether you’re craving traditional Southern flavors or something a bit different, the area has something to satisfy every palate.

Hazel’s Tea Parlor is a charming spot for tea lovers, offering a delightful selection of teas paired well with featured lunch menu items. It’s the perfect place to relax before your festivities begin.

https://vernonparish.org/?dining=hazels-tea-parlor

For a unique experience, indulge in Vernon Parish’s gas station eats! Check out Anacoco Mercantile for plate lunches, sandwiches, pizza, and hand-dipped ice cream!

https://vernonparish.org/?dining=anacoco-mercantile

For a taste of Italy, head to Joe’s Italian for some hearty pasta dishes, pizza and subs—perfect for refueling after a fun-filled day of festivities.

https://vernonparish.org/?dining=joes-italian-restaurant

Don’t miss Brenda’s Kitchen Puerto Rican Cuisine! Brenda’s Kitchen offers authentic Puerto Rican dishes. It’s an exciting and flavorful way to explore culture right in the heart of Vernon Parish

Brenda’s Kitchen Puerto Rican Cousine – Vernon Parish Louisiana’s Legend Country.

Outdoor Adventures in Vernon Parish

https://vernonparish.org/outdoors/

While Mardi Gras is a highlight of your trip, Vernon Parish’s natural beauty is an added bonus. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the variety of activities that this area has to offer. Whether it’s horseback riding, golf, fishing or birdwatching, Vernon Parish has something for everyone. Get in the know for the best fishing on Vernon Lake by joining the Facebook Group, Vernon Lake Fishing Reports! https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vernonlakefishingreports

So pack your bags and come celebrate Mardi Gras in Vernon Parish—where culture, cuisine, and nature meet for the ultimate getaway! Start planning your Mardi Gras weekend now and make the most of your trip to Vernon Parish. 

And mark your calendars for the Moonshine Festival coming up March 7-8^th! https://vernonparish.org/event/louisiana-moonshine-festival-2/

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The Kiwanis Club of Leesville presents a Valentine lunch fundraiser, Friday, February 14.  You can pick up a great lunch or two for a Valentine’s date and contribute to a great cause.

Plates are $15 each and consist of half-a-grilled chicken, baked beans, potato salad, bread, and homemade sugar cookies for dessert.  Orders of 10 or more lunches can be delivered.  Call 337-208-4900 to place your orders.  Lunches can be picked up at Faith Training Christian Academy in the parking lot beginning at 11 a.m.  All proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club of Leesville’s Sherrell Lewis, Jr. Scholarship Fund.

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Southwest Jazz will host its first concert performance of the year, Friday, February 7, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Wooten Theatre in DeRidder.  The theatre is located at 102 East First Street.  THIS CONCERT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

SW Jazz is composed of area high school music teachers, band directors, and friends from several Southwest Louisiana parishes, including Beauregard, Vernon, Allen, and Calcasieu.  This is a full orchestra that features different themes to all their shows.

The February 7 show will feature a mix of band favorites with a few new songs and some the band has not played in a while.  This is sure to be a musical treat for music lovers of all ages.  Concessions will be available during the evening, and all sales will benefit the Impromptu Players.

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The Vernon Parish Police Jury announced late last week that MayFest 2025 will have a new home.  The popular local festival will move from downtown Leesville to the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fairgrounds after three decades in the historic district.

Dates for MayFest 2025 will be May 2-3.  The MayFest is free for all to attend.  No admission will be charged. Events will be available both inside the auditorium and outside, where the carnival midway is normally set up.  The two-day, family-friendly event will celebrate the history of Vernon Parish, its legends and outlaws.  

Mayfest 2025 will feature musical artists from all backgrounds, foods, vendors and artisans, as well as organized activities for kids and adults.

Vendor applications are currently available by calling the Vernon Parish Police Jury at 337-238-0324 or e-mail,  festival@vppjla.com.

DETAILS ARE STILL IN PROGRESS.  Follow the progress of MayFest 2025 on the VPPJ Facebook page under the MayFest 2025 tab.

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The Leesville Dixie Youth Association is hosting Spring Registration 2025 through February 22 for wee-ball, t-ball, baseball and softball.  The cost for the season is $75 per player.  You may register online at  http://www.leaguelineup.com/leesvilledixieyouth.

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By Rickey Robertson

When the Peavy Wilson Lumber Company came into southeast Sabine Parish, they built both a sawmill town and they built the largest pine sawmill west of the Mississippi River. This was a very big sawmill, with products being sent all over the United States. To harvest and to produce many various lumber products from the massive virgin pine forests, Peavy Wilson Company had to have crews working in the mill and in the log woods. My grandfather, Ora Robertson, was one of those loggers.  I can say I am the proud ancestor of a logger and a Peavy Wilson Company employee!

Now, the men working the log woods were hard workers. The massive logs were brought to the log train and were loaded with a McGiffert loader. But it took some special loggers to get these logs out of the creek bottoms. My grandfather was the son of a Confederate veteran who was a blacksmith. Granddaddy learned how to make harnesses, ox yokes, barrel staves, horseshoes, and other iron products, and to even doctor a sick animal. When he came back from World War I, he was hired by Peavy Wilson Company in 1919 for a special reason. Granddaddy had both oxen and mule teams that were trained to work together and skid the logs out of the creek bottoms and baygalls. Now, the men driving these teams had a special language that the animals understood.  The men, being the ox herders, were called “bull punchers” and they walked beside the team of oxen, carrying a long stick with a whip attached to it.  If the team did not do as the puncher said, he would reach out and pop the ox yoke with the whip. This got the oxen to listen closely. No, Granddaddy and the men who drove the ox teams would not whip the oxen or mules. If a man whipped a team of oxen, Granddaddy fired him on the spot for injuring the animals. And being taught by his father, he would doctor the injured animal to prevent infection and screw worms in the wound.

Now, the mule skinners worked the mules differently than the bull punchers. These men carried a short stick to get the mules’ attention, and they rode the mules. No, they did not have to walk beside the mules as the men driving the ox teams. Mules were used because they could take their time and pull massive trees. Now, the man riding the mules would ride on the “off wheeler mule” so they could make a correct turn with the log. Now, both the bull whackers and mule skinners talked and gave directions to their teams. If they said “get up” that meant to go and “whoa” meant to stop; for the team to turn right, he would say “gee,” and if he wanted the team to go left he would say “haw”. It was a special language the animals understood!

Many of the woods crews had up to 65 men working doing various jobs . The team of 2 men cutting the trees with a crosscut saw were known as “flatheads”.  When a new tram road was being laid “swampers” would clear the route for the new tram road. To level the tram roadbed teams of “slip teams” would level out the ground and following the slip crews was the “steel gang” that would be laying down crossties and placing the steel tracks. When an area was cut out the steel gang would retrieve these valuable tracks for re-use. Now these woods crews would make anywhere from twenty-five cents to thirty-five cents an hour. So, they made a little over a dollar a day. And the last tree cut for the Peason Mill was on top of Eagle Hill by a mixed white-and-black flathead crew in 1934.

On Fridays, all the oxen, mules and some horses were loaded on special rail cars and were carried to the Peavy Wilson Corral Site. There they were fed and rested, and if they were sick Granddaddy would doctor them. The animals did not work on Sundays!

I am proud to be able to share the language Grandaddy taught me of his days working in the log woods for Peavy Wilson Company. And stop and think back…..you may have a logger as an ancestor!

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The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Leesville Mardi Gras Parade, Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m.  The parade will roll through the historic downtown Leesville area.

Get into the spirit of Louisiana and enter a float or unit. Contact the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce for entry information at 337-238-0349.

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