May 16, 1957 – February 15, 2026

Funeral services for Brenda Gail Dunn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Hineston with Reverends Dustin “Flipper” Wilson, Eugene Williams, DeWayne Davis, and Tim Lee officiating. The burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be David Sumler, Jeremy Goodwin, Lucas Stewart, Sam Boles, Randy Hughes, and Joseph Hughes. The honorary pallbearers will be Korbyn Powell, Easton Irvin, Connor Martin, and Carter Martin.

A visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Thursday, February 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 6:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Brenda was born May 16, 1957, in Leesville, Louisiana and passed away February 15, 2026, in her home in Hineston, Louisiana at the age of 68. Brenda proudly served in the U.S. Army and lived for a while in West Virginia and New Mexico before moving back to Louisiana. For many years she worked as an EMT and then as a pharmacy technician. Brenda enjoyed running the roads shopping, thrifting, or hunting for antiques. She had a green thumb and liked to be outdoors tending to her plants or creating a burn pile. She had a special place in her heart for animals and birds.

Brenda was preceded in death by her son, Jim Boles; daughter, Amanda Rachelle Dunn; parents, Leon Alexander and Gloria Alexander; brothers, Robert Alexander and Scott Simmons; and sister, Melissa Ocasio.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 30 years, Gary Dunn of Hineston, LA; children, Jamie Stewart (Lucas) of Dallas, TX, Bradley Irvin of Woodville, TX, Chris Irvin (Faith) of Woodville, TX, Sarah McDougal (Scott) of Elmer, LA; and Joshua Dunn (Jacquelyn) of Hineston, LA; sixteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet Merchant (Jeff) of Leesville, LA, Tammy Sumler (Curtis) of Leesville, LA, Kathy (Jackson) of Alexandria, LA, Wanda (Alexander) of Eunice, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

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In April 1964, Walter and Betty Roberts opened the Actors and Writers Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, “to provide younger talent in all fields with an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents, and to encourage an interest and participation in theater arts among young people, especially high school students.” Walter and Betty met nine years earlier during the casting of a play. Walter and Better were cast as husband and wife who bitterly hated each other, but in real life, it was love at first sight. Three days after they met, Walter proposed and Betty instantly accepted. As soon as the tour ended, they eloped. They worked in theater together until they decided to form their own production company.

The A&W Workshop guided the young actors and writers by hosting various performances based on their talents. In celebration of William Shakespeare’s 400th birthday, they selected for their first touring production, “Othello.” Walter directed and played the part of the jealous Moor who killed the tragic Desdemona, who was played by Betty. Since it was a new venture with little capital, “Othello” was presented in modern dress. Walter had an orchestra, which included three musicians from the local Briarcliff High School, prerecord the music for the production. The announcement invited “Artists wishing to associate with the group [to] apply by letter. No fees are involved.”

In 1965, Coretta King called the A&W Workshop and asked if her nine-year-old daughter Yolanda could join the troupe. At just eight years old, Yolanda had written her first play, but she had been turned away from other theater groups because they did not accept black students. Betty, who thought talent was colorblind, told Coretta, “Sure. Come on over.” Yolanda was welcomed into the A&W Workshop and was regularly cast as the lead female in productions. By April 1966, Yolanda was one of two assistant directors of the company. She was just 10 years old at the time. Walter and Betty became close friends with Coretta and her husband, Martin.

In the following year, 1967, Betty was pregnant with her second child. Although the A&W Workshop had a full tour schedule, it was struggling financially. In June, the young performers opened the summer season with “Joan of Arc,” followed by “Little Plays for Little People,” “Green Pastures,” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” In September 1967, the A&W Workshop began its fall season and advertised that although it had already begun, they were still accepting applications for membership. Walter and Betty were in a financial slump and needed more students. On October 28, 1967, Walter and Betty welcomed their second child, a daughter, into the world. It was a happy occasion, mostly. Walter, Betty, and their son, Eric, were overjoyed with the new addition to their family, but Walter and Betty worried about the looming hospital bill which they were unable to afford. When Yolanda’s parents learned about their financial difficulty, they remembered when Walter and Betty had accepted their daughter when everyone else turned her away. Yolanda’s parents, Coretta Scott King and her husband, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paid the full hospital bill for Walter and Betty. You know Walter and Betty’s daughter. Her name is Julia Roberts.

Sources:

1. The Atlanta Journal, April 12, 1964, p.10-D.

2. The Atlanta Journal, April 23, 1964, p.71.

3. The Atlanta Journal, May 10, 1964, p.104.

4. The Atlanta Journal, July 31, 1964, p.26.

5. The Atlanta Journal, April 22, 1966, p.29.

6. The Atlanta Journal, June 29, 1967, p.79.

7. The Atlanta Constitution, September 9, 1967, p.37.

8. Caitlin O’Kane, “Julia Roberts reveals Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid for her parents’ hospital bill when she was born,” CBS News.com, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/julia-roberts-martin-luther-king-jr-and-coretta-scott-king-paid-birth-hospital-bill/, accessed February 8, 2026.

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Keith Sweat
February 14, 1955 — February 11, 2026
Services held on Feb. 16

Mary Joan “JoJo” Lewis
Services held on Feb. 15

Matthew Scott Summers
Service: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:30 am at Anacoco First Baptist Church

Randall Wayne “Randy” Gunter
Services held on Feb. 17

Billy Gray Jones
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Leesville at 2:00 pm

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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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the Feb. 12 arrest of William Robert Sims, 43 of Leesville, following an extensive cyber investigation conducted by the VPSO Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

According to VPSO, detectives received a cyber tip from the Louisiana ICAC Task Force through the Louisiana Department of Justice regarding an individual believed to be downloading child sexual abuse material within Vernon Parish.

Investigators immediately began obtaining search warrants related to the tip. Those warrants were served to social media platforms and internet service providers as part of the investigation.

Over several weeks, investigators received information from the warrants that identified Sims as the individual allegedly using a popular internet messaging site to obtain and download child sexual abuse material.

Sims was taken into custody at his residence without incident. Detectives also executed a search warrant at the home at the time of the arrest and collected items of evidence, which will be transferred to the Louisiana State Police for forensic examination.

Sims was booked into the Vernon Parish jail on three counts of possession of child pornography. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional criminal charges are expected.

Sheriff Craft noted that the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office entered into an investigative partnership agreement with the Louisiana Department of Justice and ICAC in 2025 to combat cyber crimes against children. He stated that the safety and well-being of children remains a top priority and that the agency will continue to aggressively investigate cases involving the exploitation of minors.

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Leadership from the Vernon Parish Community Health Center traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to participate in the Policies and Issues Forum hosted by the National Association of Community Health Centers.

According to the health center, members of its Board of Directors, along with the organization’s CEO and select staff, attended the national gathering focused on federal health policy and funding priorities for community clinics across the country.

During the visit, representatives met with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to discuss local health care needs and funding support for community clinics. The delegation included John Kennedy, Bill Cassidy, Mike Johnson, Cleo Fields and Clay Higgins.

Congressman Fields hosted the group at the United States Capitol during their visit.

Health center officials said that with the assistance of community partners and federal lawmakers, they were able to secure increased funding for their clinics. They noted that the additional support will help ensure continued access to comprehensive health care services for residents of Vernon Parish and surrounding communities.

Community health centers provide primary care, preventive services and other medical resources to patients regardless of their ability to pay, often serving as a critical safety net in rural areas.

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The Vernon Parish Library will host a special historical program, “No Man’s Land Outlaw John Murrell,” on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the library’s meeting room.

Guest speaker Rickey Robertson will explore the rugged past of Louisiana’s No Man’s Land and the life and legend of John Murrell, often referred to as the “Outlaw Reverend Devil.” The program will examine Murrell’s travels through the region and the impact of his story on local folklore.

Attendees will learn about the daily experiences of early settlers and the unique challenges of living in an area once claimed by no government authority. Robertson will share his research on Murrell’s legacy and discuss stories tied to the lure of lost gold associated with the outlaw.

Light refreshments will be served, and guests will have the opportunity to view archival displays prepared by library staff.

The event is free and open to the public. Organizers encourage history enthusiasts, students and community members interested in the cultural roots of Vernon Parish and the surrounding region to attend.

For more information, contact the Vernon Parish Library at 337-239-2027 or 800-737-2231, or visit the Main Branch at 1401 Nolan Trace in Leesville.

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The Kiwanis Club of Leesville will host its spring 2026 “Reality Check” program on Monday, March 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Leesville High School, offering local teens a hands-on learning experience designed to prepare them for real-world challenges as they transition into adulthood.

The one-day event will give students practical knowledge and resources to help them navigate everyday situations such as handling finances, changing a flat tire, or responding appropriately if stopped by police or involved in a vehicle accident. Each session will be led by professionals and community experts in their respective fields.

Organizers say the goal of “Reality Check” is to equip youth with the confidence and life skills necessary to make informed decisions and adapt to unexpected situations. The program emphasizes problem-solving, financial literacy, and personal responsibility—skills many young adults find essential once they enter the workforce or attend college.

The event is free to attend, and participants are encouraged to register in advance. For more information or to sign up, contact the Kiwanis Club of Leesville at 337-424-9613.

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The 2026 Louisiana High School Athletic Association powerlifting regular season concluded this past weekend as teams across the state now prepare for regional competition with hopes of advancing to the state meet.

The LHSAA State Powerlifting Meet will be held March 25-28 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Six regional meets are scheduled statewide during the weeks of Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. Pickering High School will serve as host for the Boys Central Regional.

The Boys Central Regional Powerlifting Meet will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Pickering High School gym. Doors will open at 8 a.m., and admission is $10 for spectators.

Strong season for Vernon Parish programs

The Pickering High School boys and girls programs have continued to build on last year’s success after earning Equipped Champion titles at the USPA High School Nationals in April. The Leesville boys and girls programs also claimed Raw team national championships at the same event.

Powerlifting programs from Evans, Anacoco and Rosepine have also shown growth throughout the season, collecting medals and trophies in various meets.

At the recent Vernon Parish Championships held at Leesville High School, Leesville captured both the boys and girls team titles. Pickering finished second in the boys division, while Evans earned second place in the girls division. Pickering lifters claimed three of the four Best Lifter awards at the meet.

Pickering teams also placed second at the St. Louis Catholic Invitational and the Vernon Parish Championships. The school hosted two meets this season, including the 3rd Annual Red Devils Classic. Leesville hosted the Wampus Cat Invitational in addition to the parish championships.

Coaching leadership highlighted

Officials credit much of the success of Vernon Parish powerlifting programs to the dedication of area head coaches. Leesville is led by Derek Toro and Benny Vault. Pickering’s program is coached by John Daugherty and Katy Neighbors. Evans is led by Jared Barmore, Anacoco by Damian Ward and Rosepine by Seth Ducote.

With regional competition set to begin, local lifters now turn their focus toward qualifying for the state meet later this spring.

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The Vernon Parish Library’s Main Branch will welcome author Curt Iles on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for a special program titled Behind the Scenes with Author Curt Iles. The event will take place in the library’s meeting room from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

During the program, Iles will share the stories and inspirations behind three of his books: The Three Trees: Notes from My Journals, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale, and his newest release, One Night in Winterset: A Story of Redemption. Each book is rooted in Louisiana’s Pineywoods and showcases the region’s rich storytelling tradition.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, gain insight into Iles’ writing process, and purchase books, which he will autograph while supplies last. Patrons may also bring their own copies to be signed.

Light refreshments, including coffee and hot chocolate, will be served.

For more information, contact the Vernon Parish Library at 337-239-2027 or 800-737-2231, visit the Main Branch at 1401 Nolan Trace in Leesville, or see additional details online at www.vernonparishlibrary.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/vernonparishlib.

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An artist reception for the “Sycamore and Satellite Dishes” exhibit will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. at Gallery One Ellleven, coinciding with the Leesville Mardi Gras Parade.

The reception will highlight the work of West Louisiana artists Mike LaPorte, Joey Governale and Alison Coco, whose pieces are currently on display at the downtown Leesville gallery.

LaPorte, a wood carver and wood turner from the Anacoco Lake area, is known for his handcrafted bowls, carved cypress knees, figures and religious imagery. His workshop features handmade tools and equipment, reflecting his hands-on, traditional approach to woodworking.

Governale, a DeRidder artist, previously gained recognition on the Louisiana festival circuit for his colorful and humorous signs. In recent years, he has shifted his focus to more formal works featuring Louisiana birds and wildlife, often painted on repurposed satellite dishes. His work has been exhibited across the state and internationally, and several of his satellite dish paintings are displayed in downtown DeRidder.

Coco also joins the exhibit, contributing to the diverse range of styles featured in the show.

“Sycamore and Satellite Dishes” opened earlier this month and will remain on display through March 28 at Gallery One Ellleven, located at 111 Third Street in the Leesville Main Street District. The Feb. 14 reception offers visitors an opportunity to meet the artists while enjoying Mardi Gras festivities in downtown Leesville.

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The Elleanor Claire Memorial Foundation is inviting the community to a ceremony honoring the legacy of Vernon Parish organ donor Olivia Kuhn.

The event will include the unveiling of a personalized memorial plaque accompanied by an organ donation flag, serving as a lasting tribute to Kuhn’s selflessness and the life-saving impact of organ donation.

Organizers say the memorial site is intended to stand as a beacon of hope, celebrating Kuhn’s enduring legacy while encouraging others to consider registering as organ donors.

The ceremony will take place Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. on the lawn of the Courthouse. Community members are encouraged to attend and join in honoring Kuhn and others who have given the gift of life through organ donation.

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January 12, 1947 – February 11, 2026

Gracie B. Shaw, age 79, of Leesville, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on February 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, laughter, and beautiful memories that will never fade. She was deeply cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Gracie had a joyful spirit and loved to laugh and joke, bringing smiles and light wherever she went. She had a very strong mind, always loved staying busy and doing something meaningful, and carried a sassy attitude that everyone loved and admired. She lived with an open heart, sharing kindness, warmth, and genuine love with those around her. Her presence filled rooms with laughter, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all she touched.

She is survived by her loving children, Demetreyona Selma and Demetra Hickman, along with other devoted family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Though she may no longer be seen, her love remains near, surrounding those she loved with comfort and peace. While we grieve her absence, we hold close the memories, laughter, and love she gave so freely, trusting that her spirit will always be felt within our hearts.

Gracie’s cremation was entrusted to Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville.

 

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November 6, 1930 – February 11, 2026

On the morning of February 11, 2026, Dorothy Hickman of New Llano, Louisiana, passed away at the age of 95 years, 3 months, and 5 days. She was born in Waco, Texas, on November 6, 1930, to Elmer and Beulah Gribble.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. As a military wife, she traveled the world alongside her husband and children. The Army brought the family to Fort Polk in 1968, and in 1973 they made Vernon Parish their permanent home. Over the years, Dorothy worked at several local shops, including Mary Lou’s Dress Shop, the PX, Nichols, Kmart, and later retired from Walmart, where she served as a department manager.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She treasured time spent with them, especially during frequent trips to Texas. For those who lived nearby, she was a daily presence and a guiding force, teaching them strength, independence, and how to love fiercely. She often reminded her family to “pay your bills first and everything else will come,” and she never hesitated to offer firm guidance when needed. For loved ones farther away, she kept in touch, sharing stories and pictures to keep everyone connected.

Dorothy loved cooking for her family, making Thanksgiving a cherished tradition filled with laughter, food, and memories that lasted long after the weekend ended. She was an exceptional seamstress who lovingly made and altered clothing, created baby blankets and dolls that will be treasured for generations, and passed her sewing skills on to others in the family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bobbie K. Hickman; two sons, Steve Ihlenfeldt and Bobby Hickman; one daughter, Yvonne Gordon; four sisters, Billie Morris, Linda Bates, Darlene Gribble, and Kay Gribble; one brother, Clarence Gribble; and two grandsons, Danny Ihlenfeldt and Chris Bainer.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Darrell (Jacki) Ihlenfeldt of Leesville, Louisiana; two sisters, Carolyn Beene and Pam Lambert; one brother-in-law, Batsell Bates; 13 grandchildren, Stephen (Tammy) Ihlenfeldt, Melissa (Chad) Koonce, Wendy Young, Mindy Ihlenfeldt, Tom Music, Tracey Ihlenfeldt, Beverly (Aaron) Woods, Lindsey Ihlenfeldt, Gaylen Ihlenfeldt, Becky Alldredge, Kayla Betts, Chrissy (Dusty) Hickman, and Bobby Hickman II; 39 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

A visitation with family and friends will be held at Jeane’s Funeral Home, 100 East Union Street, Leesville, Louisiana, on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The family will then travel to Texas, where a celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at Bellmead Funeral Home, 809 La Clede Street, Waco, Texas, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with visitation from 12:00 p.m until the time of service. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at White Rock Cemetery in Ross, Texas, with Jeff Stinson officiating. Batsell Bates II, Eric Bates, Bradley Ihlenfeldt Hudson, Stephen Ihlenfeldt, Taylor Ihlenfeldt, and Logan Winn will serve as pallbearers. Christian Cable, Ghrayson Ihlenfeldt, Nathan Lambert and Ryan Lambert will serve as honorary pallbearers.

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Eric Gene Villers
No Service Information Listed

Mike Ellis Brister
Service: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 1 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder

Karen Sue Simmonsen
Service: Saturday, February 14 at 1pm at Chaddick Funeral Home

Gracie B Shaw
Gracie’s cremation was entrusted to Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville.

Dorothy G Hickman
Visitation: Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Jeane’s Funeral Home, 100 East Union Street, Leesville

Athena Faith Quintana-Pearman
Service: February 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Jeane Funeral Service

Kenneth Wray Horn Jr.
Service: February 15, 2026 at 3:30 PM at Jeane’s Funeral Service of Leesville 

Linda Estelle Westeen
Service: Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesville

Stieve Eugene Holley
Service: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 1 PM at Hornbeck Bible Baptist Church

Larry D. Lewis, Sr.
Service: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11 AM at Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Lena

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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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

February 5, 2026

Zachary Wayne Stephens, age 26, of Anacoco, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Stephens remains in the VPSO jail.

February 6, 2026

Lyndon Ray Jeter, age 70, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace / Drunkenness. Bond was set at $881. Jeter posted bond and was released.

February 7, 2026

Idena Lambert, age 44, of Rosepine, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Bond was set at $ 3000.00., Lambert posted bond and was released.

February 8, 2026

Aaron Michael Watson, age 34, of Leesville, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Watson remains in the VPSO jail.

February 9, 2026

Jamarion Carter, age 17, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Bond was set at $10,000. Carter remains in the VPSO jail.

Brandon Allison, age 40, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with three counts of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic with the Intent to Distribute, one count of Possession of a Schedule I Narcotic, and one count of Resisting an Officer. Bond has not been set and Allison remains in the VPSO jail.

James Henry Jones, age 55, of New Llano, was arrested and charged with one count of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling. Bond has not been set and Jones remains in the VPSO jail.

Bradley Shane Johnson, age 54, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Battery. Bond was set at $1,281. Johnson posted bond and was released.

February 10, 2026

Derek Plaia, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Plaia remains in the VPSO jail.

Mason Spikes, age 18, of Deridder, was arrested and charged with one count of Identity Theft. Bond has not been set and Spikes remains in the VPSO jail.

Cody Andrew Buell, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Obstruction to Driver’s View or Driving Mechanism and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic. Bond has not been set and Buell remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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The Leesville City Council recognized the life and lasting impact of Joshua “Josh” Petrillo during its Feb. 9 meeting, with Mayor Rick Allen issuing a proclamation designating January 27 as a day to honor his memory.

The proclamation was presented to Josh’s parents, Lora and Jeff Fulton, in recognition of their son’s remarkable influence on the Leesville and Vernon Parish community.

Josh Petrillo was remembered for his kindness, compassion, and ability to make everyone he met feel valued. Known for remembering people’s names and greeting each person with warmth and encouragement, his presence brought joy and a sense of belonging wherever he went.

Though his passing is deeply felt, the city said Josh’s legacy continues to inspire residents to treat others with acceptance and compassion. The dedicated day encourages the community to reflect on his example and carry forward the values he embodied.

The City of Leesville extended its condolences to the Petrillo and Fulton families and expressed gratitude for the lasting impact of Josh’s extraordinary spirit.

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The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has received a $50,000 Litter Abatement Grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) to support ongoing clean-up and litter removal efforts in the parish. The award was announced by Sheriff John S. Craft, with the funding provided by the State of Louisiana and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

“This grant represents a valuable partnership with Keep Louisiana Beautiful that will allow us to expand our litter abatement program and better serve our community,” Sheriff Craft said. “We take great pride in keeping the roads and neighborhoods of Vernon Parish clean, and this funding helps us continue that important work.”

The grant is part of a statewide program that awarded five Litter Abatement Grants totaling $250,000 to sheriffs’ offices across Louisiana. The funding is intended to support regular clean-ups and litter removal along roadways and in public areas.

“Through these grants, we’re giving our parish sheriffs the tools and resources to tackle litter at the local level, restore pride in our neighborhoods, and inspire every Louisianan to do their part to keep our state looking its best,” Lieutenant Governor Nungesser said. “These efforts aren’t just about clean-ups — they’re about building lasting pride and accountability in our communities so Louisiana can shine.”

KLB Executive Director Susan Russell noted that the Litter Abatement Grant is designed to help sheriffs’ offices establish or strengthen local litter programs and provide essential funding to address this widespread issue.

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The Vernon Parish School Board met Feb. 10 for a brief session where members discussed recent accomplishments and received a significant grant from Fort Polk Progress.

Superintendent James Williams announced that Vernon Parish Schools received a check for more than $30,400 from Fort Polk Progress, presented by members Avon Nolten and Logan Morris. The funding will support the school system’s website and parent portal, as well as curriculum designed to assist military-connected students. Fort Polk Progress also provides similar grants to the Beauregard Parish School Board.

In other business, programs were highlighted from across the district celebrating Black History Month, and an update on school transportation was provided to the board.

Superintendent James Williams shared that eight schools in the district earned “A” ratings, including Anacoco High, Anacoco Elementary, Evans, Hicks, Leesville High, Rosepine High, Simpson, and Pitkin. To honor the students’ achievements, they will receive a day off from school.

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Vernon Parish is in for a generally warm and mostly quiet stretch through the end of the workweek, followed by a significant increase in rain and storm chances over the weekend before drier weather returns.

Wednesday will start with patchy fog during the morning hours, giving way to mostly sunny skies by late morning. There is a slight, 20 percent chance of showers, with afternoon highs reaching the upper 70s. Light northwest winds are expected. Overnight temperatures will dip into the lower 50s under increasing cloud cover.

Thursday begins with another round of patchy morning fog, then turns mostly sunny and mild. Highs will reach the mid-70s, with light and variable winds. Cloud cover increases Thursday night, and lows will fall into the upper 50s.

Friday starts mostly cloudy before becoming partly sunny later in the day. High temperatures will climb into the upper 70s. Clouds thicken again Friday night, and a chance of showers develops after midnight, with rain chances around 30 percent and lows in the lower 60s.

Rain chances rise sharply Saturday as cloudy skies dominate the day. Showers are possible in the morning, followed by showers and a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Rain chances reach about 90 percent, with highs in the mid-70s. Showers and possible storms will continue into Saturday night, with lows in the mid-50s.

By Sunday, conditions begin to improve. Clouds will linger during the morning before giving way to mostly sunny skies in the afternoon. Highs will reach the upper 60s, and clear conditions are expected Sunday night.

Dry and pleasant weather continues through Monday, with mostly clear skies, morning lows in the upper 40s, and daytime highs in the lower 70s. Sunshine and mild temperatures persist into Tuesday, when highs are expected to reach the mid-70s, closing out a week marked by early warmth, weekend storms, and a return to comfortable conditions.

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Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital recently recognized staff whose performance exemplifies the standards of Army Medicine and the Defense Health Agency, including trusted care, teamwork, and mission readiness.

The awards highlight team members who demonstrate accountability, professionalism, commitment to service, and strong collaboration — key behaviors that sustain high performance across the organization.

“Recognition is more than a ceremony,” hospital officials said. “It reinforces the standards and behaviors that allow us to deliver the high-quality healthcare our beneficiaries deserve, while supporting readiness across the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.”

BJACH celebrated all recipients who go above and beyond to maintain excellence in patient care and support the mission of Army Medicine.

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Shanda Busby, cafeteria manager at North Polk School, has been named Vernon Parish Schools Employee of the Month for February 2026.

Busby was honored during the Vernon Parish School Board meeting on Feb. 10, and received a plaque from Scott Walker of Pelican Benefit Advisors in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to the school community.

“Shanda’s commitment to providing quality meals and support to our students and staff is exemplary,” said Superintendent James Williams. “We are proud to recognize her contributions to North Polk School and the district as a whole.”

The Employee of the Month program highlights staff members across the district who demonstrate exceptional work and dedication, honoring their positive impact on students, colleagues, and the community.

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