After dispatching of one charter school easily in the first around of the Division II Select playoffs, another charter school stands in Leesville’s way in the second round.

The No. 14 Wampus Cats (6-5) head to No. 3 Lake Charles College Prep (8-2), who earned a first-round bye after rolling through District 3-3A with all four wins by double digits.

Leesville has been on a roll as well, winning five straight games culminating in the 52-7 first-round playoff win against No. 19 Kenner Discovery Health Science Academy.

The Wampus Cats needed just 30 offensive plays to rack up the points, which included deep touchdown passes of 69 and 65 yards from quarterback Trel Broom.

LCCP will be a much different task as the Trailblazers held its last four opponents to 20 points or less and have won five straight.

The streak started with a 43-32 win against Jennings (No. 9 seed in Division II Non-Select), the most formidable opponent in that District 3-3A.

The Trailblazers challenged themselves in the non-district slate, beating Class 5A Barbe (75-70), Class 4A Opelousas (41-34), and Class 2A Mansfield (44-22).

LCCP’s two losses came to Westgate (28-20) and Catholic-New Iberia (49-42).

The Trailblazers scored at least 40 points in seven of their 10 games.

LCCP advanced to the second round this past season and the quarterfinals in 2023.

Leesville is attempting to continue its playoff success post Xavier Ford, who broke the state’s single-season rushing record with 3,467 yards in 2024 en route to Louisiana Mr. Football honors.

A win at LCCP would catapult the Wampus Cats into quarterfinals for the third time in four years.
Leesville advanced to the semifinals in 2024.

TV station KPLC is reporting that LCCP quarterback Dylen Vital, who suffered an injury in Week 1, will make his return to the field this week.

Vital threw for more than 2,700 yards in 2024, and his return may take some of the load off running back Ayden Carter, who’s rushed for nearly 2,500 yards this season and has 3,100 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns.

Leesville’s defense has improved over the course of the season, which includes stout performances in four of its last five games.

Only once did a team score more than 20 points (a 36-34 win against Eunice) while the game was still in reach.

Leesville will put its own offense quartet to the test — Broom has 2,246 passing yards with 27 scores to just three interceptions with the majority of those passes finding Michael Davis Jr. and Julius Brown – paired with the hard-nose running of Grant Braxton (1,379 rushing yards and 18 scores).

The West Cenla Shriners will host their First Annual Car Show Fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds.

The event will feature a wide variety of vehicles, including classic cars, new models, motorcycles, and 18-wheelers. Entry is $20 per vehicle. Attendees can also enjoy live music, games, food, and family-friendly fellowship throughout the day.

Proceeds from the car show will support the Shriners’ annual Christmas party for children receiving care through the Shriners healthcare system.

Organizers are encouraging the community to participate and help make a difference.

For more information, contact:
• Carl Trotti – 337-424-8957
• Jason Adams – 719-271-6315

The West Cenla Shriners ask the community to “Help us help kids!”

June 11, 1951 – November 18, 2025

Funeral services for Reginald Anthony Welch will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Good Hope Baptist Church with Reverends Chris Welch and James Kay officiating. The burial will follow in Gum Springs Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Bo Stewart, Ken Welch, Trent Anthony, Brennan Kay, Scottie Brister, and Jessie West. The honorary pallbearers will be Paul Maineville and Cooney Patin.

Anthony was born June 11, 1951, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away at his home in Anacoco on November 18, 2025, at the age of 74. For many years, he worked for the Sabine Parish Police Jury. After retiring from the police jury, he spent most of his time outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. Anthony was a loving father, brother, pawpaw, great-grandpa, and friend, and was a simple man who never asked for much but was willing to help anyone every chance he got. He was family oriented, and he thought very highly of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Olen Welch and Edna Jewel Jeane Welch; son, Anthony Drew Welch; granddaughter, Maria Perez; brothers, Reverend Gail Welch, Reverend Larry Welch, and Audie Welch; and sister, LaRue Trotti.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Jim Welch (Manzie) of Elizabeth City, NC; daughters, Nicola Welch (Wilson) of Anacoco, LA, Vanessa Roberts of Leesville, LA, and Jessica Welch of Hornbeck, LA; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lee Smith; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Jennie Lea Jeane
Service: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 1 pm at Hearts United Christian Fellowship

Ashley Dene’ “Nene” Hildebrand
Service held on Nov. 20

Reginald Anthony Welch
Service: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10 am at Good Hope Baptist Church

Antoinette R. Williams
Service: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the Loan and Security Agreements and Disclosure Statement as outlined be, we need to hear from you:

DATE: On or About 07/20/2021
EXECUTED BY: Ryan J. Yeagley
AMOUNT: $24,764.00
In Favor of: La Capitol Federal Credit Union

If you have any knowledge or know the whereabouts, please contact Attorney Sharon Whitlow at 225-217-0060

The Vernon Parish Police Jury has formally voted to oppose carbon capture and sequestration projects within the parish, citing significant concerns over public safety, environmental risks, and long-term oversight. The decision, made on Nov. 17, reverses the parish’s earlier willingness to consider industrial development tied to carbon storage.

According to the resolution adopted at the meeting, the police jury affirmed its responsibility to protect the health, safety, property, and natural resources of residents. The resolution notes that carbon capture and sequestration—an industrial process involving the capture, transport, and underground injection of carbon dioxide—has raised substantial concern both locally and statewide.

Jurors referenced reported incidents in other regions involving CO₂ pipeline ruptures and storage failures, stating that such events demonstrate potential hazards, particularly in rural areas with limited emergency response capacity. The resolution also points to unanswered questions surrounding long-term monitoring, liability, and whether local governments or landowners could be left responsible for risks or financial burdens associated with the projects.

In its final language, the police jury declared its opposition to the siting, permitting, construction, or operation of any CCS project or related CO₂ pipeline infrastructure in Vernon Parish unless the technology is independently verified as safe, effective, and supported by informed consent from local residents.

The resolution also calls on the Governor of Louisiana and state regulatory agencies—including the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality—to fully consider the concerns of local governments and citizens when reviewing carbon capture proposals.

The vote follows months of mounting public objection, with residents expressing unease about groundwater protection, soil stability, property impacts, and long-term environmental stewardship. The parish’s action places it among a growing number of Louisiana communities that have taken formal positions on carbon storage projects as the issue continues to gain statewide attention.

Gov. Jeff Landry announced on Nov. 18 that Louisiana is the first state in the country to receive federal approval of its final proposal to deploy $1.355 billion in Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding. The approval marks a major milestone for Louisiana’s GUMBO 2.0 program, moving the state closer to connecting every parish with reliable, high-speed internet. The plan also supports long-term growth in the workforce, education, healthcare, and innovation.

“This is a generational investment that places Louisiana at the forefront of America’s tech transformation. I would like to thank President Trump, Secretary Lutnick, and our congressional delegation for making this possible,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “By focusing on efficiency and accountability, Louisiana is leading the way in deploying infrastructure, creating jobs, and preparing our country to win the future. I also want to thank Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director for ConnectLA, and his team for doing a great job and leading the way for broadband efforts in the country.”

“I commend Louisiana for being the first state to receive full approval of their BEAD Final Proposal, bringing the state even closer to universal connectivity,” said NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “The state broadband office’s efforts to rein in excessive costs, use diverse technologies, and collaborate effectively with the private sector demonstrate the Benefit of the Bargain reforms in action. We can’t wait to see shovels in the ground and every Louisianan finally connected.”

“With this approval, we can shift from planning to putting shovels in the ground in the next several weeks,” said Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of ConnectLA. “This plan is built to help Louisiana families, schools, and small businesses stay connected, and we’re focused on making sure every dollar delivers real results for our communities. In the first 100 days of Governor Landry’s administration, he stressed to our office how critical it is that we solve the digital divide, and we are grateful for his leadership and continued support in making this happen. We are also grateful to Secretary Lutnick and his leadership team at Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for quickly approving our plans.”

Louisiana’s approved proposal outlines a strategy to:

• Connect approximately 130,000 unserved and underserved locations across the state
• Partner with 14 internet service providers, with nearly 70% of awards going to Louisiana-based companies
• Support the creation of 8,000 to 10,000 new jobs and generate $2 billion to $3 billion in revenue for Louisiana businesses

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is renewing its call for information in the disappearance of 82-year-old Joel Grace of Leesville, who has been missing for more than a decade.

A family member reported Grace missing on December 20, 2009. According to the report, he was last seen in the Sandy Hill area on November 18, 2009, and has not been heard from since.

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the case and asks anyone with information about Grace’s whereabouts to contact VPSO at 337-238-1311 or Crime Stoppers at 337-239-2233. Callers may remain anonymous and will be issued a code number.

Fort Polk-Vernon and Fort Polk North Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) will reopen to user activities on Nov. 19, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announces.

Fort Polk WMAs are military training facilities; therefore, users must check the daily maps for area closures before accessing the WMAs. Daily maps are posted at self-clearing permit kiosks and online at home.army.mil/polk/my-Fort-Polk/fort-Polk-hunting.

Fort Polk-Vernon WMA is located in central Vernon parish near Leesville. Fort Polk North WMA is located in northern Vernon Parish, southeastern Sabine Parish and southwestern Natchitoches Parish near Simpson. For more information, go to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmas-refuges-and-conservation-areas, or contact Kori Legleu-Buxton at 337-491-2575 or klegleu@wlf.la.gov.

About Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation’s 2025 Conservation Raffle:

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), is hosting its inaugural raffle. Supporting ongoing LDWF conservation efforts, the raffle offers outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters of Louisiana the chance to win a brand-new Chevy Silverado from your Super Chevy Dealers, valued at $60,000.

Proceeds directly benefit programs led by LDWF, including habitat restoration, wildlife and fisheries research, public access enhancements, and education initiatives. To purchase your ticket, visit: lawff.org/la-conservation-raffle. Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Contest ends 1/8/26.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a scam involving fraudulent claims of missed jury duty. Two reports have been filed from individuals who received phone calls from someone posing as a VPSO deputy.

According to those reports, the caller claimed the individual had an active warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The caller provided a badge number and then requested money to prevent an arrest.

Authorities stressed that the sheriff’s office does not call residents to demand payment to resolve a warrant. Anyone who receives such a call is urged to hang up immediately. Residents are also advised not to send money or share personal or banking information.

VPSO notes that if a jury duty issue ever requires law enforcement contact, a deputy will appear in person, in uniform, and in a marked unit. The office also cautioned that any money sent to scammers is typically not recoverable.

In today’s saturated real estate market, your property listing can easily disappear into the digital noise. Between Zillow, Realtor.com, Facebook Marketplace, and countless other platforms, potential buyers are drowning in options—and your listing risks becoming just another scroll-by on someone’s smartphone.

That’s exactly why savvy landowners, homeowners, and real estate agents across Louisiana are turning to The Parish Journals of Louisiana to cut through the clutter and connect with serious, local buyers.

Local Reach That Actually Matters

Here’s what the big national platforms won’t tell you: the most qualified buyers for your Louisiana property are not browsing listings in New York or California. They are your neighbors. They are families already living in your parish who want to stay close to work, schools, and community. They are out-of-parish Louisianans looking to relocate within the state. They are local investors who understand the market and can close quickly.

The Parish Journals of Louisiana reaches these buyers where they already are—engaged with their local news, community updates, and regional happenings. When readers open their Parish Journal, they are not mindlessly scrolling; they are actively seeking information about their community. Your property listing becomes part of that trusted local conversation.

Precision Targeting That Saves You Money

Why pay to market a Natchitoches property to someone in Seattle who has no interest in Louisiana? With The Parish Journals of Louisiana, you control exactly where your marketing dollars go.

But here’s something most people don’t realize when someone in Seattle is seriously considering a move to Natchitoches Parish, they don’t start by booking a flight. They start by reading the local news outlets. Long before they ever make a market visit, they are online learning about the community—reading about local government, schools, business developments, and yes, scanning property listings. They are trying to understand what life would be like in their potential new home.

That’s when your listing needs to be visible. The Parish Journals of Louisiana captures these serious prospective buyers during their research phase, when they are most engaged and receptive. By the time they schedule that market visit, they have already seen your property and marked it as a must-see.

Need hyper-local focus? Target a single Parish Journal to reach buyers specifically interested in that community. Perfect for residential properties, agricultural land, or commercial spaces with strong local appeal.

Want regional coverage? Create a zone campaign across multiple Parish Journals to capture buyers considering several adjacent markets. Ideal for larger acreage, hunting land, or properties that might appeal to buyers from neighboring parishes.

Ready for statewide exposure? Leverage our entire footprint across 17 parishes in Northwest and Central Louisiana. This approach works beautifully for unique properties, investment opportunities, or high-value listings that deserve maximum visibility across our coverage area.

No other Louisiana media platform gives you this level of geographic precision combined with proven local readership—and the ability to reach both current residents and serious relocators who are actively researching your community.

The Trust Factor You Can’t Buy

The Parish Journals of Louisiana have spent years building credibility as the authoritative source for local news, government affairs, and business developments across our coverage area. When your property appears in our pages, whether in print or digitality carries that same credibility.

Readers trust The Parish Journals of Louisiana to deliver accurate, relevant local information. That trust transfers to your listing, giving you an immediate advantage over anonymous internet postings.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Real estate is about connecting the right property with the right buyer at the right time. The Parish Journals of Louisiana accelerates that connection by putting your listing in front of engaged local audiences who have the means, motivation, and genuine interest in acting.

While others are chasing viral social media posts and hoping the algorithm works in their favor, The Parish Journals of Louisiana provides consistent, reliable exposure to the audiences that matter most for Louisiana properties.

Make Your Property Stand Out

In a market where everyone is shouting for attention, the winners are those who know exactly who they are talking to and how to reach them effectively. The Parish Journals of Louisiana give you that strategic advantage.

Whether you are selling a family home, marketing recreational land, or listing commercial property, The Parish Journals of Louisiana offers the local reach, custom targeting, and trusted platform that turns “For Sale” into “Sold.”

BY THE NUMBERS: 2024

In 2024, The Parish Journals of Louisiana saw over fourteen million articles read by over three million unique readers!

That’s the kind of engaged audience your property listing deserves.

The Parish Journals of Louisiana serves 17 parishes across Northwest and Central Louisiana with comprehensive coverage of local news, government, business, and community affairs. Our readers are your neighbors—and your next buyers.

Contact The Parish Journals of Louisiana today to learn how we can customize a marketing strategy for your property. Because in today’s crowded market, you do not need to shout louder, you need to speak directly to the people who are ready to listen.

Call/Text: 318-500-3366
eMail: Property Marketing

Our Contact Form (Fast Response): Journal Contact Form

PRIOR REAL ESTATE ADS

LAND FOR SALE: Haughton, Louisiana

Vernon Parish 4-H members and volunteers set a new program record this week by packing 422 bags for the parish’s Christmas and Easter Backpack Projects. More than 30 students and nearly a dozen adult volunteers gathered at the old courthouse, where they handled setup, organized supplies, and worked through an assembly line to prepare the bags.

Participants arrived to an empty hallway at 4 p.m. and quickly set up tables, stocked materials, and organized the workspace. After packing was complete, the group shared pizza on the courthouse steps before sweeping floors, removing trash, and finishing cleanup. The entire effort wrapped up by 6:30 p.m.

The backpack project supports food security for youth in Vernon Parish. While the event served as the official collection point for club competition, families, churches, community groups, and organizations may continue contributing items for the ongoing effort.

Vernon Parish 4-H leaders noted that the students demonstrated the organization’s core values through their service, leadership, and teamwork during the event.

Leesville took to the air early and often as the No. 14 Wampus Cats dispatched No. 19 Kenner Discovery Health Science by a score of 52-7 in the first round of the Division II Select playoffs.

Quarterback Trel Broom tossed three of his four touchdowns early to build a 20-point lead by the early second quarter.

Leesville receivers got behind the Kenner defense for touchdowns of 69 yards (Julius Brown), 65 yards (Michael Davis Jr.) and Jacob Pajinag (16 yards).

The Wampus Cats (6-5) romped to their second straight playoffs of at least one win after pushing all the way to the semifinals this past season.

Leesville lost to No. 3 E.D. White in those semifinals, and now the Wampus Cats will face another No. 3 seed in Lake Charles College Prep in the second round.

Broom finished his night with 202 passing on just 6-of-7 passing with four touchdowns. The bombs averaged nearly 34 yards per completion as the Wampus Cats found holes all through the KDHSA secondary.

Running back Grant Braxton made the most of his five carries with 45 yards and two touchdowns.

Backs Javon Edwards (45 yards on seven touches with one score) and Ayden Graham (30 yards on eight touches) helped pace the offense in the second half.

Davis Jr. recorded a team-high 91 yards on two catches (both touchdowns) while Brown added 90 yards on two receptions (one score).

Leesville needed just 30 plays from scrimmage to roll up its 349 yards and 52 points.

Kenner scored its lone touchdown on a 75-yard run in the third quarter after Leesville scored 42 of its points in the first half.

The 45-point win is the largest of the season and biggest since a 51-point decision over Washington Marion late in the 2024 campaign.

Have you ever been asked, “Can you keep a secret?” Sure, you have but there’s probably not another group of people on earth who have more secrets than tournament bass anglers. Secrets that they will take to their grave! Let’s dive into the secret world of tournament bass fishing and look at the mental side — how anglers think.

It’s absolutely amazing how anglers won’t ever give up any of their secret baits or locations where they catch bass. I don’t care how long you’ve been fishing, there are just certain bits of information a tournament bass angler will never reveal, not even to his best buddies.

This is why it’s hard for one angler to trust another! It’s like opening a closet door and revealing everything you never wanted anyone to find out. Every angler thinks they know something no one else does, but if the truth be told, there are no secret baits or secret locations any more on any body of water. 

Anglers, as I have said so many times in the past, are a funny bunch. Every single tournament angler on the water is always looking for that ONE bait that no one else is throwing. That one bait that they have the utmost confidence which no matter the conditions, will catch fish. Anglers are always searching for anything that will give them a leg up on their competition. 

This is where the mental side of tournament bass fishing comes into play. Bass fishing, as so many pro anglers will tell you, is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. This is actually what separates the average anglers from the great ones. 

The greatest angler of all time, Kevin Van Dam, once told me that if you believe in the bait you’re throwing, you’ll fish that bait totally different than one you don’t believe in. Confidence in bass fishing goes a long way in catching bass!

That’s another key word in tournament bass fishing — confidence. It’s funny how this one word is crucial for anything we do in life. It’s a word that can make you average, or great. 

Again, I reference a conversation I had with Kevin Van Dam when I asked if he believed in adding scent to the bait he’s fishing?  His answer was not what I was expecting when he reversed the question and asked me if I believed in adding scent to my baits? 

My answer was “yes.” I do think it makes a difference in the number of bites I get in a day. He then said, “That’s all that matters; if you believe in it, use it! Because the more you believe in what you’re doing, the better you ‘ll fish that bait! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, it only matters what you think.”

So, I guess you could say that the best-kept secret of any angler is not a certain bait or location on any body of water, but it’s the confidence they have in what they’re doing! 

There’s no place quite like Ruston, LA for the holidays. With beautifully decorated downtown shops, streets lined with twinkling lights, and holiday cheer in the air, Ruston produces all those cozy feelings of being home for the holidays.

Ruston and Lincoln Parish offer a holiday season full of festive fun, making it the perfect time to make the drive and celebrate the holidays with your friends and family. From parades and performances to light displays and shopping events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

Thursday, November 20, kick start the holiday season in the heart of Ruston. Holiday Open House & Kickoff to Christmas invites you to shop and stroll downtown’s special promotions, get your pictures with Santa, and see the downtown tree lighting. 

While you’re around for Kickoff to Christmas, stroll Ruston’s quarterly Art Ramble happening 5:30pm-8:30pm. Local artists will be displaying and selling artwork and curated creations, perfect for finding your loved ones that one-of-a kind gift. 

Thursday, December 4, Ruston’s Annual Christmas Parade will hit the streets. This parade fills Ruston with festive floats and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bring your blanket, grab a warm drink from a local coffee shop, and enjoy one of the merriest events of the season.

December 4-7, experience the timeless story of A Christmas Carol brought to life at the Dixie Center for the Arts. Ruston Community Theatre brings you Ebnezer Scrooge, the three Spirits of Christmas, and musical adaptations by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynee Ahres. 

Lincoln Lights Up the Pines is a Ruston holiday staple and a can’t miss event. Pack up the whole family and come experience Ruston’s only drive-thru Christmas light display at the beautiful Lincoln Parish Park happening December 4-6 and 11-13. Enjoy twinkling lights, holiday scenes, and festive decor all from the warmth of your vehicle as you take in the glow of the season.

December 5-7 is a big weekend in Ruston, LA and full of holiday adventures. You can shop Big Creek Trade Days on December 5-7, where you’ll find handmade jewelry, accessories, furniture, antiques, outdoor items, and more to help you knock out your holiday shopping list. December 6, visit the OWL Center for their Christmas on the Farm. This holiday event brings you pony rides, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, crafts, pictures with Santa, rock wall, zip line, games, and so much more. Also on December 6, you can visit downtown Choudrant for Christmas in the Village featuring a parade, bounce houses, cookies with Santa, a movie in the park, and more.

On December 12, the Dixie Center for the Arts presents A Christmas Blues. This benefit concert is full of holiday spirit and down-home blues bringing together some of the area’s most gifted musicians for an unforgettable night of music.

Downtown Ruston hosts the Christmas Cookie Crawl on December 14. Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season and sign up to get a delicious holiday cookie at each participating local business all while you shop the local, holiday deals and specials. While you’re in town, step into the holiday spirit with Holiday Tour of Homes, sponsored by Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center happening December 14. Tour beautifully decorated homes and gather festive inspiration for your own holiday decor.

Ruston has it all – late night shopping, downtown deals, cookie crawls, parades, live music, light displays, and of course, the annual holiday5K race. On December 18 the Ruston Rudolph 5k Race will take place at the Ruston Sports Complex. Grab your holiday running gear, strap on your Santa Claus hat, and get ready for the most festive race of the year.  

End the holiday season on a high note. The Ruston Sports Complex brings you Christmas at the Complex on  December 20. Spend a festive day with friends and family and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, take your picture with Santa, watch a Christmas movie, and go ice skating.

This is just a quick look at the holiday adventures you can go on this year in Ruston, LA. Recurring events throughout December include artificial ice skating at the Ruston Sports Complex and the Ruston Farmers Market happening every Saturday – perfect for finding your holiday gifts and festive flavors all while enjoying some live music.

Come experience the holidays in Ruston, LA, where small town charm and big holiday spirit bring you back to those nostalgic feelings of Christmas when you were a kid. 

To learn more about the holidays in Ruston, visit rustonlincoln.com/events/holidays/.

Preachers read. I read because I’m not very smart—and because I’m terrified of being boring. Let’s be honest: some sermons are so dull they could be used as sleep aids. I’ve heard paint dry with more enthusiasm. Sorry, colleagues, but we might be the reason folks choose brunch over the Body of Christ.

Jesus told stories that made people lean in, not nod off. So, I read, hunt, and scavenge for stories that make the Gospel feel like a live wire, not a library whisper.

The other day, I went trolling for a story in one of my Bible commentaries. I glanced at my shelf and noticed something odd. One of the volumes looked… moist. Not “anointed” moist. Just suspiciously soggy. The one next to it looked like it had been baptized by a leaky roof. I thought, “Well, that’s interesting. Maybe the Holy Spirit is hydrating my theology.”

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I pulled the books down and—surprise!—termites. Not just a few. A full-blown theological buffet. These bugs had eaten the entire guts out of two volumes. I mean, they didn’t just nibble—they feasted. Paper to termites is what McDonald’s fries are to me: irresistible, regrettable, and always followed by a need for repentance.

My preacher friends had a field day. One said, “Well, at least they were feasting on the Word.” Another asked, “Were they Old Testament termites? Maybe they skipped the New Testament because they couldn’t handle grace.” Someone else suggested I start a new ministry: Exegesis for Insects.

The exterminator came out, gave me a price, and looked at me like I was the weirdest theologian he’d ever met. I’ve got carpentry repairs to make, commentaries to replace, and a new sermon illustration that’s practically begging for a pulpit.

But here’s the real question: Do you have termites? Not cellulose kind. I mean the soul-chewers. Anger, bitterness, jealousy, revenge, those little varmints that sneak in through the cracks of your spirit and start munching on your joy. They don’t knock. They just move in, set up a recliner in the lobby of your heart, and start gnawing away like it’s a buffet.

So, what’s the treatment? Grace. Not the kind you say before meals. The kind that fumigates your soul.

The kind that kicks out the termites and replaces them with peace, purpose, and maybe a little laughter.

Go to church on Sunday. Your preacher’s been reading all week, dodging termites, and praying for a story that’ll wake you up, shake you up, and maybe even make you laugh while Jesus does His deep work.

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email: DougDeGraffenried

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the Loan and Security Agreements and Disclosure Statement as outlined be, we need to hear from you:

DATE: On or About 07/20/2021
EXECUTED BY: Ryan J. Yeagley
AMOUNT: $24,764.00
In Favor of: La Capitol Federal Credit Union

If you have any knowledge or know the whereabouts, please contact Attorney Sharon Whitlow at 225-217-0060

We present a rare opportunity to own a stunning, high-quality 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath Satterwhite Log Home on 3.2 manicured acres near Vernon Lake. Satterwhite is famous for quality, but this house is for sale for one simple reason: Clint.

Clint and his family moved here from Las Vegas, believing that since they survived the dry desert, they could handle the humid Bayou State. They were wrong. Clint discovered that while the home is an absolute masterpiece of rustic charm, Louisiana is hotter than his wuss self can handle. He has packed his bags. He is done. He is going back to Vegas, where at least he can blame the heat on the sun, not the air itself.

This home is magnificent! The interior is a perfect combination of natural wood: tongue-and-groove walls, vaulted ceilings, and rich wood flooring. The spacious living room has a beautiful stone fireplace, perfect for those two days a year it’s actually cold. The house is impeccably maintained, probably because Clint was too busy whining to cause any wear and tear. The kitchen and dining areas are charming and ready for you to enjoy. Clint didn’t make it to Gumbo season.

The exterior is gorgeous, offering inlet access to Vernon Lake for swimming, boating, and for Clint, probably just submerging his entire body in desperation. You’ve got your standard 2-car carport, plus an enormous covered structure—a gargantuan area that can shelter 5+ extra vehicles, a fleet of boats, or serve as a massive, shaded “Time Out” corner for anyone who dares utter the word “sauna.”

Don’t miss your chance to snag this genuinely spectacular home. It’s a testament to quality craftsmanship and proof that a beautiful log cabin is perfect to call home in Louisiana! Come buy this house and prove you can handle the climate that defeated Clint, the brave soul who survived Las Vegas. Book your showing today!

Keller Williams Realty CENLA Partners

Rick Beck, REALTOR®
2965-B Hwy 165
Pineville, LA 71360
Cell: 318.792.6852
Office: 318.619.7796
rick.beck1607@gmail.com

Each office is independently owned & operated.
Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission

At dawn on November 19, 1942, the frozen plains of southern Russia erupted in artillery fire. Soviet forces launched Operation Uranus, a massive counteroffensive that surrounded German troops at Stalingrad and shifted the course of World War II.

For months, Nazi forces had besieged the city bearing Joseph Stalin’s name, determined to seize control of the Volga River and cripple Soviet industry. But by late fall, the German Sixth Army was exhausted, its supply lines stretched thin.

Commanded by General Georgy Zhukov, Soviet troops struck from the north and south, encircling more than 300,000 Axis soldiers. Within days, the hunters had become the hunted. By February 1943, the trapped German army surrendered, delivering Adolf Hitler one of his greatest defeats.

The Battle of Stalingrad cost an estimated two million lives, military and civilian. Yet its outcome marked the beginning of Germany’s retreat across Eastern Europe and solidified Soviet resolve.

For the Allies, the victory on November 19 signaled a turning tide. It demonstrated that the German war machine could be beaten and gave new momentum to resistance across occupied Europe.

Today, historians regard the Soviet counterattack at Stalingrad as the pivotal moment of the Second World War — a triumph of endurance and sacrifice that turned a river city into a symbol of resilience.

July 12, 1979 – November 17, 2025

Funeral services for Ashley Dene’ “Nene” Hildebrand will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at First United Pentecostal Church with Reverend Mark Christian officiating. The burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Hornbeck under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, November 19th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will resume on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Dene’ was born July 12, 1979, and passed away November 17, 2025, in Hornbeck, LA surrounded by her family at the age of 46 after a six month battle with cancer. After graduating from Hornbeck High School, she held a variety of jobs including waitressing, office work, selling cars, and many different positions at Fort Polk. She was born Ashley but went by her middle name Dene. However, her sister, Dia, couldn’t pronounce Dene’ so she became “Nene” which eventually turned into “Nener” with close friends and family. In 2001, she became “Mama” which was her ultimate title that she wore with honor and pride. Nene was known to be the life of the party, and she loved watching movies and TV, spending time with friends, cleaning house, and tending to her fur babies. But most of all, she enjoyed being with her children.

Dene’ was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ernest Gene Sharbeno, Nora Lee Sharbeno, Lannice Raymond Sanders, and Ava Novella Sanders.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Alex Jarrett “A.J” Hildebrand of Hornbeck, LA; daughter, Callee Sierra Eschete (James) of New Llano, LA; parents, Ronnie Gene Sharbeno and Pamela Mischelle Sharbeno of Hornbeck, LA; sisters, Dia Novella Finn (Chad) of Bossier City, LA and Amber “BooBoo” Danette Hurd of New Llano, LA; former husband and father of A.J., Doug Hildebrand; special furbabies, one grandpup and two grandkitties; and a host of extended family members and friends.