The LHSAA girls’ softball playoffs have reached the second round. The state tournament is May 2-3 at North Frasch Softball complex in Sulphur.
Division III-Select
After a 14-0, 5-run rule win over #19 Peabody, #15 Leesville advanced into the regional round and traveled last night to face #3 Archbishop Hannan at 4 p.m.
Division III-Select
#12 Rosepine won their home game 6-5 last week and must travel in the regional round. They faced #5 Jewel Sumner last night.
Class B
#3 Anacoco hosted #19 Lacassine in the regional round last night. The rain fell but Anacoco was ahead 12-0 in the bottom of the third. They will most likely advance to the quarterfinals to face Zwolle. The Lady Hawks were ahead of Bell City 4-1 at press time.
#5 Hicks hosted #12 Castor last night. Score unavailable at press time.
Class C
#13 Evans defeated #20 South Cameron in the first round, 16-10, and visited #4 Summerfield in the regional round last night. Score unavailable.
#18 Hornbeck beat #15 Hackberry, 14-10 last week and faced #2 Northlake Christian on the road last night. Score unavailable.
BASEBALL
The LHSAA state boys’ tournament is May 13-17 at McMurray Park in Sulphur. Several area boys’ teams were in action last week.
Division II-Select
The #15 Leesville boys unloaded on #18 McDonough 35 taking the first two games of a three-game series, 13-0 & 20-0. Their reward is a three-game series with #2 ranked St. Charles High in Laplace. Game one is Friday, April 25, at 4:30 p.m. Game two is Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m. Game three, if needed, will be Saturday at 6 p.m.
Division III-Select
#11 Rosepine and #6 Episcopal of B.R. both got Byes in the first round and they meet at Episcopal for a three-game regional round series. Game one was last night at 6 p.m. Game two is set for today at 2:30 p.m. Game three, if needed, will be Friday at 6 p.m.
Class B
#1 Ranked Pitkin got a first round Bye and will face the winner of #16 Zwolle or #17 Simsboro at Pitkin in the regional round. Time TBD.
#4 Hicks will play the winner of #20 Fairview or #13 Stanley at home in the regional round. Time TBD
#11 Anacoco will play at #6 Holden in the regional round. Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
Class C
#6 Hornbeck will host #11 Claiborne Christian in the regional round, Thursday, May 1, 5:30 p.m.
#12 Simpson visits #5 Hackberry in the regionals, Thursday, May 1, 6 p.m.
#19 Evans visits #14 Plainview in the first round, Thursday, April 24, 4:30 p.m.
The Leesville Rotary Club and Ft. Johnson MWR present the 22nd Annual Bill Bailey Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 26 at the Warrior Hills Golf Course on Ft. Johnson. Bill Bailey was a retired enlisted soldier, a long-time Rotarian and former Executive Director of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Bill was a “pardner” to everyone he met.
The two-person scramble format tournament is18 holes. Entry fee is $70 per person, $50 for active duty and retirees, and includes golf, cart, lunch and door prize tickets. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each flight. The number of flights are determined by the total number of entries. Goodie bags for all golfers and mulligans are available. Prizes for Closest to the hole and longest drive will also be awarded.
For entries at this date, call Connie Ball/337-718-6156 or Jenny Rogers/337-239-3128.
This year’s tournament is a Ft. Johnson MWR tournament, sponsored by the Leesville Rotary Club.
The School of Allied Health at Northwestern State University is accepting applications for its new Master’s of Science in Allied Health program which starts this fall.
According to School of Allied Health Graduate Director Ben D. Wood, Ed.D., entry into the program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and prospective students must hold a licensure credential in their respective allied health field. Allied health professions are health professions distinct from nursing, medicine and pharmacy. They provide a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and support services in connection with healthcare. The professions include but are not limited to dental hygienists, dietitians, occupational assistants, physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, medical lab technologists, emergency medical personnel (EMTs and paramedics), exercise science professionals (athletic trainers), health information technologists and allied health educators.
These healthcare professions are rapidly growing and are presenting career opportunities for individuals in these professions.
“Allied Health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence‐based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health and apply skills to support healthcare systems in a variety of settings,” said Wood. “In order to progress to other positions, such as clinical education and clinical operations, these individuals require additional education to build the requisite skills.”
According to Wood, there is a disparity of allied health managers who do not hold a master’s degree. This is also demand from those in the allied health education where faculty at community colleges may only hold a bachelor’s degree and may have some graduate school coursework completed.
Wood said the Master’s of Science in Allied Health at NSU will be the first of its kind in Louisiana. The goals of the program are to: prepare healthcare professionals who can function as leaders in allied health professions; develop allied health professionals who are prepared to contribute to healthcare delivery; prepare allied health professionals to become departmental leaders who are supportive of and contribute to the overall organizational mission and prepare allied health professionals who are adaptable to changing legal and legislative trends regarding healthcare delivery.
“The MSAH program offers two concentrations in the areas of clinical education and clinical operations,” said Wood. “The program allows a pathway for allied health professionals to earn a graduate degree in their discipline and to develop skills that will assist with career advancement within allied health clinical education or clinical operations.”
According to Wood, the program will be offered online, allowing working professionals to continue in their current positions while pursuing the degree requirements.
For more information on the Master’s of Science in Allied Health at Northwestern, go to nsula.edu/alliedhealth.
The organizers of the Faith, Family and freedom Music Festival sponsored by the Anacoco First Baptist Church will host a family-oriented bass fishing fundraiser on Saturday, April 26, at Bivens Landing on Vernon Lake. Proceeds from this event will support this year’s concert/festival on June 29.
Cost to enter is $120 per boat/two anglers to a boat. You may launch from anywhere on the lake. You can register at Bivens Landing as late as 6am the morning the tournament.
Fishing will be from thirty minutes prior to sunrise till 2 p.m. Five fish limit. Fish must be live at weigh-in. For more information contact the church at 337-238-1877.
Ali Mohammed Mustapha of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mohammad; his mother, Sheikha Omar; and his brother, Mustapha.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Darlene Mustapha; his daughter, Angela Mustapha; his son, Ryan Mustapha and his fiancée, Esereal Gebrehiwot; his daughter, Sara Thines and her husband, Benjamin Thines; his stepdaughter, Brandi Knotts and her husband, Steven Knotts; his stepson, Jeremy Gordano and wife, Kristi Gordano; grandsons Hayden and Holden Knotts; granddaughter Ainsley Gordano; and granddaughters Cora and Amira Thines. He is also survived by his brothers Ahmad, Adel, Issam, Ibrahim, and Samih Mustapha, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Ali was born in Lebanon on February 1, 1958. He immigrated to the United States of America in 1981 and attended Louisiana Tech University, from which he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1985.
As a well-respected and admired member of the civil engineering community, Ali Mustapha, P.E. (Professional Engineer), served the City of Shreveport for 25 years and the Levee Board of Caddo Parish for 10 years. He achieved a variety of occupational milestones and contributed valuable insights to the civil engineering profession. Ali was a Fellow Member of the National Society for Professional Engineers (NSPE) and belonged to the Louisiana Engineering Society (LES), at one point serving as its President. Ali was also a Fellow Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), for which he once served as the president of the Louisiana Section and, from 2014 until 2020, acted as the Louisiana Section’s Governor on the Region 5 Board. Additionally, Governor Kathleen Blanco appointed him to the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS), for which he was a former Chairman. As part of the Curricular Advisory Board for the Louisiana Tech Civil Engineering program, he helped sharpen the knowledge base of future civil engineers. On the Louisiana Capital Outlay Architectural and Engineering Selection Committee, he provided incisive input. He belonged to the Engineers Selection Board for the Office of Facility and Planning, with which he reviewed plans submitted by engineering companies for work on projects for the State of Louisiana.
Even though it is a cliché, it is also true—words cannot express all the nuances of the amazing man Ali was or capture how much his family and friends loved him. They appreciated his warmth and generosity. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who cherished spending time with his family members. Ali and his beloved Rita were TV buddies, and they traveled extensively, visiting countless places, including San Francisco, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Lebanon, Israel, and many more. Watching his children grow into the people they are today brought him immense joy and pride. His family all over the world treasured their frequent conversations with him, and he always eagerly looked forward to speaking with them. Ali possessed a special bond with his grandchildren, the youngest of whom affectionately called him CeeDee. He will always be with those who loved him and so will not be thought of in the past tense.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, there will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11:00 a.m., both at Antioch Baptist Church in Leesville, Louisiana. A graveside service will follow in Antioch Cemetery. Ryan Mustapha, Jeremy Gordano, Steven Knotts, Hayden Knotts, Richard Savoie, and Patrick Furlong will serve as pallbearers.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces that, weather permitting, beginning Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 7:00 AM, the northbound and southbound inside lanes will be closed during this phase of the project. This phase of the project will include the construction of the median of US 171 between Stanton Rd. and Boone St., the removal and reconstruction of the turnout for Walmart, the construction of the concrete island at the roundabout, and the construction of concrete truck aprons at Walgreens.
All northbound traffic on US 171 will be directed to the northbound outside travel lane and will continue circulating around the outer lane of the roundabout.
All southbound traffic on US 171 will be directed to the southbound outside travel lane and will continue circulating around the outer lane of the roundabout.
The Walmart driveway will function as an entrance only during this phase of construction. Traffic exiting Walmart will not be permitted to exit via this driveway. Motorists will be required to use an alternate route to leave the premises.
The northbound left turn lane at the Walmart drive will be closed. Northbound traffic intending to access the Walmart driveway will be required to travel through the roundabout, proceed southbound on US 171, and then turn into the Walmart entrance from the southbound direction.
Northbound traffic intending to access Boone Street will do so by entering the roundabout and exiting onto Boone Street.
Southbound traffic needing to access Red Town Road must continue past the intersection and utilize the J-turn located approximately 1,500 feet south of Vernon Street, then travel northbound on US 171 to reach the dedicated turn lane at Red Town Road.
All traffic exiting Red Town Road will be restricted to a right turn onto northbound US 171.
The LHSAA girls’ state softball tourney began last night on diamonds all over the state. Vernon Parish had six teams make the playoffs in three Select divisions.
Division II-Select
#14 Leesville hosted #19 Peabody last night in the bi-district round. The Lady Cats were ahead 5-0 late in the game.The final score was unavailable at press time. Winner plays at #3 Archbishop Hannan next week.
Division III-Select
#12 Rosepine hosted #21 St Thomas Aquinas last night in a bi-district round game. The Lady Eagles prevailed, 6-5 in a wild one. Rosepine got a HR from Emily Roberts in a three run third inning and carried a 5-2 lead into the top of the seventh before St.Thomas scored three runs on one hit in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game. Ashlyn Hall rode the wind out of the park for a solo shot in the 4th. Rosepine will travel to face #5 Jewel Sumner in the regional round next week. Time TBD.
Class B
#3 Anacoco got a bi-district BYE. They will face the winner of the matchup between #14 Weston and #19 Lacassine in the regional round at Anacoco next week.
#5 Hicks got a bi-district BYE. They will host #12 Castor in the regional round, Tuesday, April 22, at 5 p.m.
Class C
#13 Evans hosted #20 South Cameron last night. Score was unavailable at press time.
#18 Hornbeck visited #15 Hackberry last night. The Lady Hornets were ahead in a slugfest,13-10 late in the game. The final score was unavailable at press time.
The state softball tournament is May 2-3 at North Frasch/softball complex in Sulphur. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY AT Gofan.com. General admission tickets are $18 plus fees. Concessions are cash only at Frasch Park.
BASEBALL
Division II-Select
#15 Leesville hosts #18 McDonough 35 in a best of three series that begins today with Game One at 3pm and Game Two at 6pm. Game three, if necessary, will be Saturday at noon.
Division III-Select
#11 Rosepine got a BYE in the bi-district round and will travel to face #6 Episcopal of Baton Rouge in the best-of-three series in the regionals. Game one is Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. Game two is Friday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. Game three, if necessary, will follow game two on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Class B
#1 Pitkin got a bi-district BYE. They will host the winner of #16 Zwolle and #17 Simsboro in the regionals next week.
#4 Hicks got a bi-district BYE. They will host the winner of #13 Stanley or #20 Fairview in the regionals next week.
Class C
#6 Hornbeck got a bi-district BYE. They will host #11 Claiborne Christian in the regional round Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m.
#12 Simpson got a bi-district BYE. They visit #5 Hackberry in the regional round on Thursday, May1, at 6 p.m.
#19 Evans will play at #14 Plainview in the bi-district round, Thursday April 24 at 4:30 p.m.
The boys’ state baseball tournament is May 13-17 at McMurray Park in Sulphur. Tickets must be bought online. No tickets will be sold at the gates.
The music will be right, and so will the weather for Saturday, April 19, at the City of Leesville’s Spring Music Festival at the Polk Outdoor Theatre stage on East Texas Street. Music begins at 5 p.m.
The Casey Peveto Band from Sulphur, Louisiana hits the stage from 5 ’til 7 p.m. with loads of rockin/country hits and some original music. This four-piece, crowd-favorite band is fresh off the main stage of the Iowa Rabbit Festival.
Check out their music, including their single release, “She Ain’t You”, available on all digital platforms, and keep your ears tuned for a new release this summer. The band will perform at Paradise in Lake Arthur next week.
The City of Leesville welcomes a new food truck to the event and promises tables full of merchandise vendors. The event is FREE AND OPEN TO ALL! Bring your lawn chairs! The Polk Outdoor Stage is located on East Texas Street a half block off Highway 171 N.
Big things are happening at the Leesville Recreation Complex, bringing even more ways to play, relax, and connect! Over the past few years, the city has been revamping the fields, ensuring they’re in top condition for athletes and families alike. But that’s just the beginning!
A new flag display stands as a symbol of pride, featuring the American flag at its center, flanked by the Louisiana state flag and the Leesville city flag—creating a striking tribute to heritage and community. A decorative brick wall around the flagpoles adds a polished, welcoming touch. The flag display lines up with the main entry, where new gates with coordinating brick columns are now being installed. Once completed, the new entrance will make a striking first impression on every visitor.
Looking for more fun improvements? New playgrounds and batting cages are in place, providing plenty of options for both kids and adults. Spectators will stay cooler with a combination of electric fans and shade tarps, making game days even more comfortable. And for smoother access, new concrete sidewalks are being added to connect gravel parking areas, improving navigation across the complex. Hungry? The concession stand has been freshly painted and now serves up delicious hamburgers and fries alongside its regular favorites, and—best of all—now accepts debit and credit cards, making grabbing a snack during the game easier than ever!
Mayor Rick Allen shared his excitement about the upgrades, stating, “We are creating a place families can enjoy not just during ball season, but year-round. This is only the beginning of what you will see at the complex. From car shows to competitions, we hope the complex will become a busy, safe place for our young people.”
But the vision doesn’t end here! At the City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, plans were approved for construction of a retention pond on the site, which will be stocked with a variety of fish after completion — providing an exciting youth fishing opportunity. The city is also considering further additions such as a splash pad, pickleball courts, basketball courts, a mountain bike/walking trail, and an 18-hole frisbee golf course—expanding recreational options for all of our citizens to enjoy.
With each new improvement, Leesville continues investing in its community, creating a dynamic, welcoming space for sports, play, and relaxation!
Easter season is special to many for its sense of hope, faith and renewal. Kids love the colorful pageantry of Easter clothing, family get-togethers and CANDY, brought by the Easter Bunny. Right!! [Sarcastically says your 7-8 year old.]
How old were you when the veil was lifted and you put aside such notions? Hey, it’s okay that you are 50 and believe in the Easter bunny!
Following Halloween, Easter is candy heaven-Part 2. Sure, you can dye and decorate those eggs, if you can afford them, but most kids would prefer plastic eggs with 2-3 pieces of candy stuffed inside. I’ve heard since eggs are in short supply for some, large decorated marshmallows are being hidden instead. I’m game, but the ants will probably beat me to them.
Candy has certainly changed over the years. Who’s been filling that candy jar at my house with those colorful jellybeans? My hand goes right to it! We do have a little bunny in the front flower bed. Kids today can load up those baskets with marshmallow peeps in a myriad of colors and flavors. Growing up, all we had were the yellow ones. You must have a chocolate bunny, with big ears, in your basket. A catalog came in the mail from a fancy French chocolatier in St. Louis the other day. You could buy a box of six bunny ears. Yup! Kind of like the filet mignon of the bunny!
Some kids like the fancy crème eggs filled with goodness and wrapped up in pretty colored foil. Just not my cup of tea! I love good jellybeans and gumdrops. Former President, Ronald Reagan did more for the Jelly Belly brand of jellybeans than a dozen Easter bunny clones.
If you have never stood in the middle of a baseball field full of plastic eggs before a community-wide hunt began, well, you haven’t lived! Those hundred or more jacked up kids will trample you like a Rawhide cattle stampede! Now, that’s living on the edge.
Happy Easter Egg hunting and most importantly, Happy Easter and peace and prosperity to yours families.
Saturday, April 12, 2025, was a beautiful sunny day for the annual Peason Ridge Heritage Tour. The US Army has allowed these tours for many years for both the Peason Ridge Heritage Families and the Camp Polk Heritage Families, with each group touring their old homeplaces, cemeteries, and historical sites. The Peason Ridge Tour started at Pine Grove Baptist Church located on La. Hwy 118 in the Peason Community, where everyone boarded the bus provided by the US Army. After a briefing by the Live Fire Personnel and Peason Ridge Heritage Family Member and Historian Rickey Robertson the tour group headed out.
When the group got to the massive Drop Zone and Forward Landing Zone Live Fire personnel advised the group of the type of airborne operations conducted at this location during rotations. Historian Robertson was able to tell the group how the cattle, horses, and livestock of the Heritage Families once grazed this very location and just down the road they drove through what was once the cotton fields of Andrew Bridges and the corn fields of Bill Haynes.
The group was shown where the headwaters of Anacoco Creek are located, then on to the Merritt Cemetery where there are four graves of two Peason Ridge landowners and settlers, Robert Conner and wife and Edmond Merritt and wife. The bus loaded, we went and were blessed to show one Heritage Family where their Great Grandfather Ezra Stewart once lived and farmed. They had never been to this old home place!
One of the exciting parts of the tour was the SACON Live Fire Village. Peason Ridge is the live fire area for all the units coming in for a training rotation. The Live Fire personnel explained the various tactics and techniques used to assault this large village. This village is large enough that a complete battalion of infantry can attack it. One thing was very evident and that was soldiers who train on Peason Ridge get the very best in combat training as they assault the many training sites located here.
After several stops, we ended up at what is known as “Church Gathering Hill”. This beautiful hill is right in the midst of 16 sections of land that the settlers and homesteaders set aside just for cattle and livestock grazing. No one was allowed to settle and live this area. Since there were no churches when the settlers first came and built farms on Peason Ridge they had to rely on “Circuit Riding Preachers” to bring God’s Word to them and they would meet at Church Gathering Hill near Odum Creek. “The Reverend Devil”, John Murrell, was known to actually preach at this location while he was in the Kisatchie Hills area. One story of the church site was the families had come riding horses and in wagons to hear the visiting preacher. All the cur dogs and yard dogs followed them to the site and just as the preacher began to preach all the dogs bayed on Odum Creek. The preacher told the men to ‘get their guns and let’s go see what they bayin’ at!’ The story goes they went to Odum Creek and killed a bear that the dogs had cornered! At one time Odum Creek had a set of “falls” that the water ran over but through the years of training with armored and tracked vehicles they have sanded in. As we traveled back through the old grazing lands the tour group was fascinated by the beauty of the area. No wonder our ancestors settled here!
Even though our families lost all the old places the Heritage Families still hold the land near and dear. It is still a part of each of us. Now the US Army is the steward of our old places, and we know that thousands of soldiers have trained here to fight to keep our most precious commodity. That precious commodity is FREEDOM! Hope to see y’all next year in April for another tour of God’s Country known as Peason Ridge!
Louisiana is a diverse state, split up into definitive regions separated by culture and history. Vernon Parish sits in No Man’s Land, the Neutral Strip, which is very different from Acadiana, New Orleans, French Settled Marksville, the Zydeco Plains of Ville Platte, etc. These areas are distinctly different in their music, language, customs, food and Art.
Two years ago, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the Leesville Main Street District invoked ART OF THE EAT to highlight the diverse cultures represented in Vernon Parish due to the proximity of the military base here. They featured food from 18 different countries and cultures, all represented by residents of the area. This year ART OF THE EAT will highlight Food and Music from our area with Louisiana eats
Saturday, April 26, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN will host the event that will have a unique food offering, a whole roasted pig. This Cochon de Lait will be presented by a master of the skill, Randall Peart of Marksville, Louisiana. Beginning early that morning Randall will fire up the spit and begin turning the pig until the crackling and pork are ready for the evening. In addition to this Louisiana Regional dish, they will have fried catfish plates: Louisiana Catfish provided by the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board.
Roots, blues and regional live music will be provided that evening by the local band Whisky Dent. The musical entertainment is provided by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Let’s not forget the Art!
In the gallery that evening will be work by three internationally renowned artists. Anat Ronen, Tetiana Talanova and Alex Maksiov have produced large scale public murals across America, Europe and Asia. The gallery is excited to promote and present examples of their work and begin promoting the idea of murals in our town. We continue our international theme with these three artists, as Tetiana and Alex are Ukrainian and Anat is from Israel.
Tickets are now on sale at the gallery and from gallery members. There will be an open bar thanks in part to Mockler Distributors. Sponsors for ART OF THE EAT 3 are Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Vernon Parish Journal, Vicki Green/ Snowden-Word Insurance Agency, Mockler Distributors, Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board, Vernon Parish Tourism and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Access to the gallery for the Art Reception is Free and tickets to the ART OF THE EAT 3 are 25.00 in advance and 30.00 at the door. All ticket purchases are a donation to GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN and serve to support the Leesville Art Park and other Arts events in the area. Doors open at 5:00 on Saturday, April 26 at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville.
The Friends of Leesville Main Street will hold a community Easter Egg hunt in conjunction with the Third Saturday at the Farmers Market, Saturday, April 19, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The egg hunt will be broken down by age groups. The 1-3-year-old crowd will hunt at the Farmers Market on Harriet Street at 9 a.m. The 4-5-year-old group will hunt at 9:30 a.m. on the corner of E. Lee Street and N. Third Street. The 7-10-year-old egg hunt will be at 10 a.m. on the lawn of the Historic Courthouse in downtown Leesville.
Kids will find lots of eggs and door prizes in all age groups.
The Leesville City Police and Fire Departments invite area children to hunt Easter eggs with them on Friday, April 18, at Dogwood Park, off Belview Road.
The park will open at 5:30 p.m. You are encouraged to bring Easter baskets and bags for eggs with you. The entire event is free and for kids 12 and under. There will be free hot dogs for all in attendance and lots of door prizes to take home.
One- to three-year-olds will hunt at 6:15 p.m. The four- to six-year-olds will hunt at 6:45 p.m. Ages seven to nine will hunt for eggs at 7:15 p.m. Ten- to twelve-year-olds will hunt at 7:45 p.m.
The Leesville City Police and Fire Departments wish your family a happy Easter.
Vernon Parish has one Fire District, which includes 21 volunteer departments and two paid departments in Leesville and New Llano, to cover 1,341 square miles in one of the most rural parishes in the state.
On the ballot for May 3, voters in Vernon Parish are being asked to renew a ½ percent millage for ten years. The millage renewal would begin April 1, 2026. This millage will generate $4.3 million annually in revenue. Half of that, or 1/4 percent, goes to the Vernon Parish Police Jury for roads, highways and bridges. The other half, (1/4 percent), will be used by the Fire District for constructing, improving, maintaining, and operating parishwide fire protection facilities.
Voters and residents need to understand that if this measure fails at the ballot box, the consequences would be dire for many. THERE IS NO STATE FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FIRE PROTECTION! Home and fire insurance would be more expensive for all residents and unaffordable for many. Money from this millage renewal will fund only fire protection in Vernon Parish. It will cover the cost of trucks, equipment and gear for every station in the parish. It is the only source of revenue available.
The Vernon Parish Fire District is housed in the new E-911 building on Ned Woodham Road. The building and contents are paid for. Nothing is owed by the First District. Vernon Parish Fire District spokesperson, Donald Haymon, has spent 18 years on the fire board and reassured taxpayers that the district is a good steward of taxpayer money.
The Vernon Fire District began in 1986, and this millage is used to update facilities, equipment and fire-fighting gear. The district has 250+ volunteer firefighters who need functional, current equipment and gear. The State Fire Marshall’s office does offer training. Volunteers also participate in station and regional training.
The ½ percent millage is one of two measures on the May 3 ballot. Early voting begins this week in that election.
OPINION
In order for insurance rates to improve and to maintain the status quo without losing current levels of service, the Vernon Parish Journal urges voters to vote YES on this measure May 3.
For the first time in over a decade, Northwestern State University has reinstated a full-time dean to lead its Graduate School, naming a familiar and trusted face to guide the next era of advanced academic excellence.
Dr. Mary Edith Stacy will serve as dean of the Graduate School, where she will oversee admissions and enrollment for 25 graduate degree programs in nursing, allied health, education, art, languages, cultural studies, psychology, music, health and human performance, criminal justice, history, social sciences and computer information systems. Along with the Graduate Council she will also have oversight over graduate assistantships and guidance for thesis review, graduate research projects and approved field studies.
“With close to 33 years in higher education, it is a privilege to lead the Graduate School at Northwestern, where collaboration and innovation drive our community forward,” Stacy said.
“Throughout my journey across campus, I have engaged with various departments, collaborated on interdisciplinary projects and built strong relationships with students, faculty and staff. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of our institution’s strengths and areas for growth, enabling me to contribute effectively to the advancement of our graduate programs.”
Completion of a graduate degree, which includes master’s and doctoral degrees, is achieved after earning a four-year bachelor’s degree and requires advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific field. Master’s degrees require coursework, research and a thesis or capstone project. At NSU, the degree requires 30 semester hours of study/research with students maintaining a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Doctoral degrees have additional coursework and research requirements.
Northwestern State has not had a full-time Graduate School dean in many years since the position was absorbed by the Office of the Provost, the university’s chief academic officer, with an associate provost overseeing the Graduate School. The associate provost position was eliminated a decade ago, leaving NSU the only school in the University of Louisiana System without a full time Graduate School dean, according to Dr. Greg Handel, NSU’s executive vice president and provost.
Stacy has served as dean of the College of Business and Technology since 2022. She has been a member of the staff and faculty at Northwestern State since 1992, working in the Office of Financial Aid as coordinator of university scholarships from 1992 to 1998 and as director of auxiliary services from 1998 until 2003. From 2003 to 2011, she was director of enrollment management where she was responsible for NSU’s student recruitment and retention plan and future enrollment forecasting. She also served on faculty in the Department of Psychology and School of Business, teaching classes in business statistics and operations management. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree at Northwestern State and a doctorate at Louisiana State University.
“I am pleased that Dr. Stacy has agreed to serve in this role and look forward to working with her in the transition along with the Graduate Council in order to train her in learning about the intricacies and unique elements of our outstanding Graduate programs,” Handel said. “I can’t think of anyone better than Dr. Stacy to serve in the role as we re-establish this deanship at Northwestern.”
The hiring is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system.
Dr. Curtis Penrod will continue to serve as director of the School of Business and Handel will maintain supervisory oversight for the College of Business and Technology for any Dean-related matters. A national search for a new dean will begin soon with the intent of making a selection this fall to be approved by the ULS Board of Supervisors.
NSU’s College of Business and Technology includes bachelor of science programs in accounting and business administration with concentrations in business analytics, e-sports management, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management and marketing. The College also includes bachelor of science programs in computer information systems with concentrations in application development, core programming, cyber security, networking, system management and web development and a degree in hospitality management and tourism with concentrations in culinary arts, hospitality services, travel and tourism. The College offers a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems.
Stacy’s appointment reaffirms Northwestern State University’s commitment to academic innovation, research excellence and preparing graduate students to meet the evolving demands of today’s workforce. To explore NSU’s extensive graduate programs, visit www.nsula.edu/graduateschool. For more on the College of Business and Technology, visit www.nsula.edu/business.
The organizers of the Faith, Family and freedom Music Festival sponsored by the Anacoco First Baptist Church will host a family-oriented bass fishing fundraiser on Saturday April 26 at Bivens Landing on Vernon Lake. Proceeds from this event will support this year’s concert/festival on June 29.
Cost to enter is $120 per boat/two anglers to a boat. You may launch from anywhere on the lake. You can register at Bivens Landing as late as 6am the morning the tournament.
Fishing will be from thirty minutes prior to sunrise till 2pm. Five fish limit. Fish must be live at weigh-in. For more information contact the church at 337-238-1877.
The Leesville Rotary Club and Ft. Johnson MWR present the 22nd Annual Bill Bailey Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 26 at the Warrior Hills Golf Course on Ft. Johnson. Bill Bailey was a retired enlisted soldier, a long-time Rotarian and former Executive Director of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Bill was a “pardner” to everyone he met.
The two-person scramble format tournament is18 holes. Entry fee is $70 per person, $50 for active duty and retirees, and includes golf, cart, lunch and door prize tickets. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places in each flight. The number of flights are determined by the total number of entries. Goodie bags for all golfers and mulligans are available. Prizes for Closest to the hole and longest drive will also be awarded.
For entries at this date, call Connie Ball/337-718-6156 or Jenny Rogers/337-239-3128.
This year’s tournament is a Ft. Johnson MWR tournament, sponsored by the Leesville Rotary Club.
Cadet Caiden Mathews, right, a graduating senior from Shreveport, was named recipient of the MG (R) Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award during NSU’s 75th Demon Battalion Military Ball. The Touchstone Award is presented annually to a cadet who is the model of good citizenship. LTC Joshua Drake presented the award.
Demon Battalion Commander Cadet Caiden Mathews was named recipient of the MG (R) Erbon W. Wise Touchstone Award and Lieutenant Col. Reginal Horton, U.S. Army Retired, was inducted into the Northwestern State University Demon Regiment Hall of Fame during the 75th annual Demon Battalion Military Ball April 12. The event drew together ROTC cadets, alumni, faculty, staff and honored guests to celebrate the milestone anniversary for NSU’s ROTC program and cadet accomplishments.
Matthews is a graduating senior from Shreveport majoring in business. He will graduate and commission as a second lieutenant in May. The Touchstone award is presented annually to a cadet who is the model of good citizenship. The honoree not only embodies Army values and warrior ethos but is recognized for contributing beyond the expected and encourages others to do the same.
Horton graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. He commissioned into the U.S. Army as an infantry officer in 1985. He had prior service as an enlisted soldier stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Okinawa, Japan, 1979-82, ad with the Louisiana Army National Guard I 1983-85.
Horton earned a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services at NSU in 1990 and later a Master of Social Work from Grambling State University. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College. Senior Transportation Officer Course and the Reserve Component Theater Sustainment Course.
At NSU, Horton was president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., secretary of Blue Key Honor Society and president of the Interfraternity Council. He served on the Student Government Association and was elected Mr. NSU in 1986.
After commissioning, Horton served as a Platoon Leader with the 1st Battalion, 156th Armor Regiment, Shreveport, then commanded Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 4th Brigade, Bossier City. He later served as a company commander for the 3rdBattalion, 379th Infantry Regiment, Bossier City, then as Assistant Battalion S-4, Company Commander and Chief Plans and Operations Officer for the 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment. Horton was next assigned to the 1190th Deployment Support Brigade, where he served as Chief, Unit Movement Team, and as Chief, Operations Division.
Horton’s final assignment includes serving a Battle Captain with the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command; Liaison Officers, 595th Transportation Brigade in Afghanistan; Senior Transportation Officer, 1190th Deployment Support Brigade, and Maintenance Officer, 412th Theater Engineer Command. He retired from military service in 2013.
Horton’s military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M and 30-year Devices, National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Assault Badge.
Horton began his civil service career in 1997 as a readjustment counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Shreveport prior to his current position as the OIR/OEF Transition Patient Advocate in Alexandria. He also serves as the Minority Veterans Program coordinator and as the Congressional Medal of Honor coordinator for the Alexandria VA Healthcare System.
Horton is a licensed and ordained Minister of the Gospel, former pastor of St. John the Baptist Church, Chestnut, and Iron Spring Baptist Church, Ashland. He is currently associate minister at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield.
Col. Richard P. Taylor, commander, Operations Group, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, was guest speaker. Taylor commissioned as an infantry officer in 2000 and was designated a distinguished military graduate from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He completed U.S. Army Ranger School following the Infantry Officer Basic Course. Taylor has deployed to Afghanistan nine times, Iraq twice, Poland, Tunisia, Jordan and numerous other worldwide deployments.
NSU’s Army ROTC program was founded in 1950 as part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen military leadership during a time of growing global conflict. In the post-World War II era, there was an increasing need for trained officers to serve during the Cold War and NSU answered that call be creating a program dedicated to preparing students for military service.
The Spring 2025 ROTC Awards program will be 4 p.m. Thursday, May 1 in the NSU Student Union Ballroom.
Matthews’ commissioning ceremony will be 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 in the Student Union Ballroom.
Many residents of West Central Louisiana have heard the news that MayFest 2025 has been moved from its one-and-only-home in downtown Leesville to the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fairgrounds. MayFest has been a staple of downtown since its inception and was named the 2012 Louis winner as State Festival of the Year.
This move will give organizers added flexibility to schedule events that can be sheltered from bad weather. Parking is certainly plentiful, and many of your favorite activities will go on as planned.
MayFest officially begins Friday, May 2, with opening ceremonies on the main stage at 3 p.m. Music will begin at 4 p.m. The last act is set for 8 p.m. The welcome ceremonies will include a military color guard and a flyover by Blackhawk attack helicopters.
The Vernon 4-H program and 4-H Club will be involved with kids’ activities, sponsoring mutton busting in the Lions rodeo arena at 4 p.m. Friday and team roping competition Saturday at 10 a.m. Contact the 4-H office to enter either event.
Saturday at 7 a.m., the Leesville Lions Club will host their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on the midway. They’ll be serving hot pancakes and all the trimmings for breakfast or brunch. Join the fun and food with the Leesville Lions Club at the fairgrounds.
MayFest will feature a giant car show this year on the midway. The cars will be lined up for your approval on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The cost to enter the show is $20. Pre-register your ride at the Vernon Parish Police Jury office at 300 S. 3rd Street, or call 337-238-0324. Winners will be announced from the main stage at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a new event Saturday in the fairgrounds auditorium. Area seniors are invited to come out and be welcomed at 10:30 a.m. You’ll enjoy a day of great gospel music and a free meal.
GOSPEL LINEUP-In the Auditorium/Saturday, May 3
11 am/Chuck Mars 11:30/Lunch 11:45 am-12:15 pm/Good Old Boys 1:30 pm-2:15 pm/Pollock Family 2:30 pm-3:15 pm/Johnson Temple Church of God 3:30 pm-4:15 pm/Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Friday, May 2-Music Lineup on Main Stage
4 pm-5:15 pm/Rosedown Ramblers 5:30 pm-6:45/Beaushyne 7 pm-8:15 pm/Born to Boogie 8:30 pm-10 pm/Kenne’ Wayne
Saturday, May 3-Music Lineup on Main Stage
11:30 am-12:30 pm/Louisiana Scramble Band 11:45 pm-1:45 pm/Old Man Band 2 pm-3:15 pm/KCM
3:30 pm-4:45 pm/Southern Country 5 pm-6:15 pm/Whiskey Dent 6:30 pm-8 pm/Sundown Band 8:30-10 pm/Glen Templeton
There is NO ADMISSION to MayFest 2025, so pack up the family. You’ll find loads of food and beverage options Friday and Saturday, plus rows of arts and craft items. The U.S. Army at Ft. Johnson will have a static display for viewing Saturday on the midway from 1-5 p.m.
MayFest is moving! If you like music, good food and sunshine, MayFest weekend is for you! Thanks to the Vernon Parish Police Jury and all the volunteers who have been working behind the scenes to make this first year memorable.
