As summer approaches, the Louisiana Department of Health is reminding families about the importance of water safety measures. Strong water safety practices can prevent drownings and serious water-related injuries, especially among children.

Recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that drowning remains the third leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-14 in Louisiana, right after motor vehicle crashes and homicides. 

“Most drownings are preventable, and they happen quickly,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph L. Abraham. “It’s important to have a designated adult on duty to actively supervise, to keep young children within arm’s reach, and never leave children unattended when in or around water.”

Sixty-two children drowned in Louisiana between 2021 and 2023, according to the LDH Office of Public Health. More than half (57%) were unsupervised; half (50%) did not know how to swim, and 40% drowned in water unprotected by proper barriers. Most of these instances (40%) occurred in swimming pools. Another 52 children were hospitalized due to nonfatal drownings, which can lead to lifelong disabilities. 

Best practice recommendations for water safety include: 

Teach Them Early: Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age to ensure they learn essential water skills and safety awareness.

Protect Pool Areas: Surround private pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates, to prevent children and uninvited guests from swimming unattended and toddlers from falling into water, unable to swim. Install safety devices, such as barriers, pool covers, and alarms.  

Know Your Drains: Teach children to stay away from pool drains. 

Ensure Compliance: Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers.

Consider the Dangers: Everyone needs to know the rules and dangers in different environments, from backyard pools and jacuzzis to area lakes and beaches. Open water brings special challenges including visibility in murky water, changes in depth, and uneven surfaces and hazards.

Watch Actively: Always supervise children in or near the water. Never leave them unattended. Be sure an adult is always within arm’s reach. Designate an adult as a “water watcher” to supervise, with no distractions. 

Mind the Red Flags: At the beach, be aware of and respect conditions. Swim with a buddy under the watch of lifeguards. Know what to do if you get caught in open currents or a riptide. Never swim alone.

Wear a Life Jacket: When boating or participating in open-water activities, ensure children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets appropriate for their weight and activity.

Avoid Alcohol: Swim sober. Avoid alcohol use near open water and before or during swimming, boating and other water activities, as it could impede awareness and emergency response. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination.

Be Prepared: Know what to do in a water safety event. Learn life-saving practices, like CPR and basic water rescue skills. Have a phone nearby, in case of emergency.

Additional tips for water safety can be found online at poolsafely.gov, redcross.org, ndpa.org, cdc.gov, and safekids.org. 

The Vernon Council on Aging will be having their Annual Membership Drive now until Monday, June 2^nd, 2025. Anyone residing in Vernon Parish who is 18 years  of age or older is available to become a member. Membership forms are available at the Council on Aging located at 200 North 3^rd Street, Leesville, LA 71446.

The Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, June 17^th, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the dining area of the Council on Aging.  All VCOA members and the public are most cordially invited to attend.  During the meeting the Temporary  Board position that is currently being filled  will be elected as a full-time position. If any vacant Board positions are open they will also be elected at this time. These positions will officially begin July 1, 2025.

The Annual Financial Report will be presented along with a scenario of events from the past calendar year.

The finalized Board of Directors will then meet for a brief session to finalize Board officers and various committees for the upcoming year. Refreshments will be provided during the Annual  Meeting. If there are any questions, please call 337-239-4361 for any additional information.

The Village of Simpson invites the public to attend their Second Annual Red, White and Blue Festival on Saturday June 28.  The festival is free to attend and super kid friendly.  You will enjoy live music, vendors, a classic parade, food trucks and an entire area dedicated to the Kids Zone.

Vendors will set up at 9am on the grounds of Simpson High School.  Potential vendors can contact Tracy Parker for information at 337-208-7752.  Live DJ, “Big Daddy”, will hit the music from 1030-130 before live bands will take the stage to entertain.

Parade entries will gather at Simpson Baptist Church at 11am.  The parade rolls through town at noon.  Grab your lawn chairs and dress for comfort.

The Kids Zone features a 46’ obstacle course(WET) and a (WET) bounce house/slide combo.  $10 armbands are good all day for these events. You may pay by cash, cash ap or Venmo. The Kids Zone will also feature a big arts/crafts station and games galore.

Live music begins at 2pm with the Old Man Band.  Southern Country takes the stage at 4pm.

 Food and drink needs will be handled by food trucks, including the 626 Lunchbox, Two Seven Five Smokehouse and Shellshocked.

Find information on Facebook on the Simpson Community Events Committee site.

GALLERY ONE ElllEVEN will offer space this summer to Magnolia Music Therapy and Adaptive Lessons(MMT&AL) to show you how music can heal, connect, and inspire.  Classes will be offered in a variety of programs led by board certified Music Therapist, TaraKay Greenlee.  Classes are designed to nurture creativity, enhance well being and foster meaningful connections through music.

Music Therapy is a powerful tool for a variety of disabilities, learning challenges, and mental health issues.  Programs for children are designed to develop the musical child.  The following are some of the programs that will be offered. 

MUSIC TOGETHER   For children, infants to five years, and their caregivers.  Interactive music can develop the musical child.

FRIENDSHIP HAND BELL CHOIR   A new offering, for children 6-9 years of age.  Promotes social and musical skills through hand bell performance, folk dancing and solfege singing.

INSTRUMENTAL BEGINNER GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL LESSONS   See your child’s musical passion grow in learning instruments with peers in musical games.  Various instruments are offered. 

THERAPUTIC MUSIC GROUPS   Future offerings will include drum circles, community choirs, multi-generational sessions and mental health therapy.

Join MMT&AL this summer, classes start June 10, 2025.  Sessions take place at GALLERY ONE ElllEVEN on Third Street in downtown Leesville.  Prices vary with classes.  Get details by calling TaraKay Greenlee at 208-201-9783 or by e-mail at  magnoliamusictherapyal@g-mail.com

I heard a song the other day that said, “Sometimes you’re the bug and sometimes you’re the windshield.” So far this fishing season I’ve been the bug.

My tournament success looks like I have no idea what I’m doing! I’ve been about as competitive as a high school kid fishing against a full-time professional angler. But for me, my confidence remains “hopeful” that I’ll turn this season around.

In 2024 in the ABA Texas Pro League, I was runner-up for the Angler of the Year. Oh, what a difference a year makes, as I’m not even close to being competitive, much less winning an event in 2025. My highest finish is a 12th place at Sam Rayburn. So why has this year been such a grind? Why am I not catching the quality bass I caught last season? I go to church, say my prayers, and do things the right way!

I’ve never cheated in a bass tournament and always want to represent myself and sponsors I’m affiliated with in the proper manner. I don’t ask other anglers for their waypoints or for any other help! One thing I came to the realization of a long time ago as a tournament angler is that it’s hard to go and catch another angler’s fish. Even if you have his waypoints, it’s still hard to catch them.

Is this a God thing? Is He trying to prove a point to me? Or is this just a phase all anglers go through? Whichever way, something must change quickly with only a few tournaments left on the schedule.

Tournament fishing is one of those sports that can bring even a great angler to his knees. It might be the most humbling sport there is. But one thing I like about the sport is the fact that there is no one else to blame for my failures or success than myself.

It’s truly you against the fish and Mother Nature! Excuses are a dime a dozen when things aren’t going an angler’s way. They range from maybe it’s a weather change to the lake is low or too high. It could be that maybe the water temperature is too hot or cold or maybe the spawn is taking place and fish just aren’t biting. Oh, wait a minute, it could be the phase of the moon we’re in, or the fact that there are too many anglers on the water! Ha!

One thing I will never do — quit! I still find bass fishing to be such a mental challenge and look forward to every day I get to spend on the water. But there are days that I wonder why I’m out there trying to catch bass that don’t want to cooperate.

So, I guess the best thing I can do for now is to put my favorite rod in my hand, shut up and keep fishing hard! If you see me on the lake or at a local boat ramp, make sure to stop me and say hello.

‘Til next time, good luck in all your fishing adventures.

The Vernon Parish library will present a special event, Back in Time: Local Yearbook Collection. Tuesday, June 17, from 10am-4pm, the library, at 1401 Nolan Trace in Leesville will showcase their yearbook collection, celebrating decades of public-school history from Vernon Parish.

The public is invited to browse, reminisce, and reconnect with familiar faces and help the library staff fill in the gaps.

You may loan your yearbooks so a copy can be scanned into the collection. Your original will be returned.  You may also donate to the library archives. Archived materials are stored in a temperature and humidity-controlled room.

For more information call the library at 337-239-2627 or visit, http://www.vernonparishlibrary.org.

From staff reports

Beginning June 1, 2025, changes will be made to the Access Control Point System(ACP) at Ft. Johnson.  The U.S. Army realizes these changes may impact daily routines and they appreciate your flexibility and continued support.

Visitors Control Center (Entrance Road) Open 6am-6pm, Monday-Friday; closed on weekends and federal holidays

ACP 1(Main Gate) Open 24/7 and all federal holidays.

ACP 2 University Parkway and Hwy. 467 N. Open 6am-6pm, Monday-Friday; closed on weekends and federal holidays.

ACP 5 Hwy. 467 S. and Hwy.10 Open 6am-6pm, Monday-Friday; closed on weekends and federal holidays

ACP 6 Chafee Road at North Fort housing PERMANENTLY CLOSED

ACP 7 K Avenue and Alligator Lake Open 24/7 and all federal holidays.

ACP 8-Closed

Memorial Day is certainly the most solemn of America’s holidays, meant to honor those that died in wars.  The enduring symbol of that sacrifice is the humble red poppy.

The American Legion was the first organization to adopt the poppy as it’s Memorial Flower, in 1920, just years after World War I.  The American Legion Auxiliary did the same in 1921.

Since then, poppy sales through the Auxiliary have generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for needy and disabled service members for making the poppies.  Today, funds raised support rehabilitation for honorably discharged service members and assist in the welfare of veterans’ families.

Ms. Karen Perkins is the President of the American Legion Auxiliary/Unit 145 in Leesville.  She urges you to wear a red poppy and show your support.  You can give poppies to friends and co-workers.  Contact her for poppies at American Legion Post 145 at 337-238-2606.  Pay tribute to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Wear that red poppy!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS is a poem by LTC John McRae, who tended those injured in battle in WW I, following the Battle of Ypres in Belgium.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place; and in the sky, the larks still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead, short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie, in Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.  If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Field.

Northwestern State University’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program has been awarded Initial Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The accreditation was granted following a recommendation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

The newly accredited program includes three specialized concentrations, Abdominal-Extended Sonography, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Sonography and Vascular Sonography. 

“Receiving this accreditation validates the quality of our program and our commitment to meet the growing demand for qualified sonographers,” said Jennifer Evans, assistant professor and coordinator of NSU’s sonography program.  “As educators in the sonography program, we are extremely proud to receive national recognition for delivering excellence in sonography education. 

The accreditation, effective May 16, is valid through the next scheduled evaluation in 2030. The program was reviewed under the 2020 Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. No areas of non-compliance were identified, signaling full alignment with national standards for quality and educational rigor.

“This accreditation validates the exceptional work of our faculty, clinical partners and staff in developing a high-quality, comprehensive sonography program,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, patient-centered training and workforce readiness.”

The announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone for the program, the graduation of its inaugural cohort in May 2025. These graduates are now preparing for national certification exams in their respective specialties and are poised to enter the healthcare workforce.

CAAHEP is recognized as one of the largest programmatic accreditors in the health sciences field. Its rigorous accreditation process ensures that educational programs meet nationally established standards and prepare competent entry-level professionals.

NSU’s sonography program plays a critical role in addressing workforce needs in diagnostic imaging and improving access to quality healthcare services throughout the region, Badeaux said. 

“Providing our students with high-quality instruction and hands-on training is at the heart of our mission,” Evans said. “We recognize that our local healthcare communities are depending on us to educate sonographers who will enter the field with compassion, confidence, and clinical competence—an expectation now affirmed through our national accreditation.”

To learn more about the program or to explore enrollment options, visit www.nsula.edu or contact the School of Allied Health at www.nsula.edu/alliedhealth

The Central Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery will host a Memorial Day program, Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m.  The public is invited to attend and pay their respects.

The cemetery is located at 3348 University Parkway in Leesville.  For more information contact the cemetery at 337-238-6405.  Parking is limited at the location.

Call for Attendance

Vernon Parish has an unaccompanied veteran, Mr. John Whitaker, who served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era.  He has no family to attend his funeral service.  The service is scheduled for today, May 16, at 130pm at the CLVC.

None for this edition.

Melvin Javon Stoudemire III, age 30, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant from Avoyelles Parish.  Bond was set at $15,000.  Stoudemire posted bond and was released.

Willas Smith, age 38, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Smith remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Tony Jacob Naquin, age 30, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant for Probation Violations.  Naquin must pay $2987.50 or serve six months in the Vernon Parish jail.  Naquin remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Karlee Ann Russell Johnson, age 20, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery.  Bond was set at $20,000.  Johnson remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

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

The Vernon Parish Police Jury met on Monday, May 19, in regular session and conducted business of the parish.  They also welcomed local high school athletes to attend and awarded them for their achievements this spring.  The 2025 Pitkin Class B state champs in baseball and Simpson’s Lady Broncos track team that won the Class C state track title were recognized by Jurors.  The Anacoco Lady Indians Class B state championship track team will be recognized in June.

Committee reports were heard, including business that came in after the May 16 committee meetings.  The Capital Properties Committee declared two parish-owned properties as surplus earlier in the month and the Jury will commence the sale of the adjudicated properties.  The Jury will advertise for bids for Request for Qualification on the Parish-Wide Generator Project.  Several quotes came in after committee reports were heard on May 16.  GMT Services submitted a quote of $7,685 to replace the front steps at the Vernon Parish Health Unit.  Pat Williams Construction offered a quote of $5,693 to repair the exterior wall of the new courthouse.   Star Services submitted quotes for the chiller at the new courthouse.  The replacement of a circuit on a compressor is $20,854, while work on the SPM Board is $2,894.  Custom Metal & Siding quoted $49,283 for a 30’x100’x12′ equipment shed at the parish-wide maintenance yard.  Pat Williams Construction submitted a quote for additional work on the catwalk removal at the Courthouse Annex.  Included is metal stud framing, installation of dense glass, waterproofing, and brick finishing extension.  The cost is $30,101.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury owns a tract of property on Lake Vernon, where residents have reported unusual behavior.  District Attorney Terry Lambright told the Jurors they are within their rights to put up a gate with a lock, allowing access to key personnel only.

The Equipment Committee will dispose of nine pieces of surplus equipment and vehicles at the next auction by Bonnette Auction in Alexandria.  Bids were opened May 13 for a new International Dump Truck for parish-wide maintenance.  The low bid of $185,322.94 was from iTA Truck Sales and Service.

The Road Maintenance and Construction Committee will begin putting specifications on paper for the removal of dead trees in the parish that pose a hazard to citizens.  They will look into contracting with a firm for that service.

Following the updated reports from committee, Jurors adopted 2025 millage rates for the parish. Copies of the millage rates are available to the public at the Police Jury Administrative Building during regular business hours.

Jurors entered into a public hearing on an ordinance to reduce the speed limit on a portion of Oak Forest Loop in District 12/Ward 1, beginning at Highway 117 at the south end of the loop, heading west for 1400 feet.  The speed limit on that stretch will be 15 mph.  It will remain at 25 mph elsewhere. 

Jurors agreed to participate in the Local Healthcare Provider Participation Program for the parish.  They had several months to study the impact.  This program is designed to improve the ability of local health providers to offer enhanced medical benefits at no expense to the local taxpayer.

A public hearing will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 16, to hear input on a proposed ordinance to abandon Pat Roberts Road in District 12/Ward 1 in its entirety (1,056 feet).  Another ordinance will reduce the speed limit on Elijah Haymon Road to 25 mph in its entirety.

Jurors approved a resolution to purchase four acres of property on Highway 1146 for the District 7, maintenance yard, for $20,000.  The Jury had been leasing the property.

The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury will be Monday, June 9, at 5 p.m.

The City of Leesville will host a Memorial Day concert, Friday, May 23, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30pm on the Polk stage at 109 East Texas Street.  Food Truck Alley will make its first appearance in Leesville.  Kaycee Martin at Jack’s All Ya Need helped set up the trucks for the city.  Martin is planning on similar events at the events center behind Jack’s on Highway 171 at the north Y, later this year.  Food Trucks committed to the event include; Bully’s Smokehouse(pork/brisket/BBQ items), GG’s Eats(burgers, sammies and more), Shellshocked(tacos/Tex-Mex specials), Bobby’s Smokehouse(Texas BBQ), Gringo Biscuit(tacos, burritos, bowls and more),The Cheese-Wheel(melted cheese creations deluxe).  There will be a wide variety of foods and beverages to purchase.

The event is free and open to the public. The Misfits, a longtime favorite of the Shreveport area will entertain with a set of classic rock and blues tunes.  Dr. Marvel with Mystery or Magic from Shreveport will  perform street magic and tricks to the delight of all.  Bayou Bullseyes will bring their mobile ax-throwing  trailer for kids and adults    VFW Post 3106 will host a cornhole challenge tournament with door prizes beginning at 530pm.  This is a kid/pet-friendly event so bring the lawn chairs and come sit a spell. 

The City of Leesville invites you to this free event, bring some friends and your appetites!

The Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association has announced the All-Region team from Region 4.  The All-Region team included schools from all classes, Class C to 5A.  The following Vernon athletes made the team.

Pitkin   Lincon Stephens, Dayne Martin, Tagen Farmer, J-Dub Davis, Kash Wisby, Gavin Holt, Cy Johnson.

Hicks    Luke Williams, Micah Merchant

Rosepine   Gabriel McKee

Anacoco    Kyle Scott

Congratulations from the staff of the Vernon Parish Journal.

On May 23, 2025, the Vernon Parish Library proudly presents “Sharing Stories: Kansas City Railroad Life”, a free one-hour program starting at 10 AM in the Meeting Room.  Carl Wade “CW” Brooks, Gene Dougherty, and Ed Laughlin, three local retired KCS employees whose combined 100+ years on the railroad offer a rare and powerful perspective. Along with the event we will have KCS displays and provide light refreshments and drinks.

Kansas City Southern (KCS), now known as Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), began in 1887 as a small belt railroad in Kansas City, Missouri. Over time, it transformed into a vital north-south rail line linking the U.S. and Mexico.

This is more than a presentation. It’s a chance to hear living history, ask questions, and gain insight into the daily life of those who built and kept the railroad moving.

Bring your curiosity, bring a friend, and don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the heritage that shaped our region.

You can call us at 337-239-2027 or 800-737-2231. Also, you can reach us by fax at 337-238-0666, come by the main Branch at 1401 Nolan Trace, Leesville, LA, or go online to our websites at www.vernonparishlibrary.org and www.facebook.com/vernonparishlib. 

Funeral services for Ralph Kennedy Welch were held at Good Hope Baptist Church on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at 10:00 AM with Reverend Chris Welch officiating.  Burial followed in Good Hope Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Gaylon Toney, Chris Welch, Frankie Swain, Ronald Welch, Alvin Welch, and Gary Welch. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Chester Duncan and Tinker Hillman.

Ralph Kennedy Welch was born to Jesse and Goldie Welch on November 16th, 1938. He passed from this life on May 15th, 2025. Ralph was a man who had not just a hardworking spirit, but a loving one as well. He was a 1957 graduate of Anacoco High School, and on June 4th, 1962, he married the love of his life Sarah Lillie Welch. From there, they began a family together. He served our country from 1962-1964 in the Army. Being a man who frequented the outdoors, whether it was coon hunting in the tall trees or running trotlines on the lake or river, he loved to be outdoors. Ralph also enjoyed farming, as he loved to work with his hands. His career was made in the woods, as he was a logger for many years. He told people when you get sawdust in your blood, you can’t get it out. He had a passion for music and playing guitar. He used this passion to worship the Lord, either at home or at church. From a young age, he was a caregiver for his whole family, and that same giving and loving attitude carried off into his adult years as he raised a family. Ralph will be remembered for the deep love he had for not just his friends and family, but the love he had for Jesus. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Preceding Ralph in death was his father, Jesse Willard Welch; mother, Goldie Avice Jeane Welch; sister, Avis Joyce Welch; brothers, Linnell, Johnny, Raymond, Rickey, and Jeane Welch.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Sarah Lillie Swain; children, Rene’ Davis (Jerry), Lisa Gaskin (Thomas), Patrick Welch, and Quana Mayo (Martin); grandchildren, Jeramy Richards (Deniz), Christopher Davis (Hannah) Lindsay Davis, Lauren Davis, Dylan Welch (Jessica), Evan Beard, Breanna Weeks, (Cade), Kelli Gaskin, Jennifer Vogt (Nathan), and Amy Bucholtz (Kris); and 11 great-grandchildren.

RALPH KENNEDY WELCH
November 16, 1938 – May 15, 2025
Service: May 18, 2025, at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco at 10 a.m.

LELAN LEE “BUDDY” SELF
April 5, 1931 – May 16, 2025
Service: May 20, 2025, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 10 a.m.

The #1 ranked Pitkin Tigers had a lucky number on their side Wednesday morning when they took the field to face #3 Family Community for the state Class B baseball title.  The lucky number was three, as the Tigers scored three runs in the first inning, the fourth inning and the sixth inning.   They needed every one of them to hold off the Warriors, 9-6, to win the 14^th state baseball title in school history.

The game was played in blustery, windy conditions at Sulphur’s McMurray Park.  The wind came into play several times during the game.

Family Community’s first hitter, Eli Cottingham, smacked the first pitch he saw from Tiger starter Lincoln Stephens off the wall for a stand-up double.  He scored when Rylan Thomas poked a single up the middle for a 1-0 Warriors lead.

Pitkin sent seven batters to the plate in the bottom of the first.  Kash Wisby singled before Gavin Holt smacked a triple that hugged the first base line, going all the way to the right corner of the outfield to tie the game, 1-1.  J.”Dub” Davis drew a four-pitch walk, and Tagen Farmer hit into a fielder’s choice that drove in Holt for a 2-1 lead.  Gage James made it 3-1 with a single that scored Davis from second base.

Ivan Lockhart led off the Tigers bottom of the second with a single.  That led to a pitching change for the Warriors.  Rylan Thomas relieved starter Tanner Lord and got Cy Johnson to hit into a double play to end the inning.

Thomas singled for Family Community in the top of the third, stole second, and came home on a hit by Kyler Roberts to cut the Tigers’ lead to 3-2.  Pitkin left the bases loaded in the bottom of the third.

Family Community tied the game in the fourth with a lead-off double from Dylan Dunn, a throwing error on Farmer, the Tiger catcher, and a two-out single from Eli Rials.

The Pitkin half of the fourth inning began with a lead-off single from Lockhart and a bunt from Cullen Martin.  Thomas, the Warrior pitcher, had control problems with three wild pitches that led to Tiger runs.  He loaded the bases on walks to Wisby and Johnson before Holt delivered a two-run single to make it 6-3, Tigers.  Pitkin scored three runs on only two hits and three wild pitches.

Family Community sent Braxton Poindexter to the mound in the fifth inning.  He was greeted with a pair of singles before getting out of the jam.

The Warriors turned it up a notch in the top of the sixth with three straight singles that chased Pitkin starting pitcher Lincoln Stephens.  Gage James took the Tiger mound.  A long, wind-aided single plated one run, but James picked off a runner at first and got a called third strike and a pop-up to limit the damage to one run, 9-4.

Pitkin hit that magic number of three again in the bottom of the sixth. Johnson led off with a single before Wisby plated him with a hit-and-run double for a 7-4 lead.  Farmer hit into another fielder’s choice but got the RBI for an 8-4 edge.  James drove in the final run with a single.  James had four hits on the day with two RBI’s.

Family Community did not go away quietly in the top of the seventh. A single and two walks forced Coach JC Holt into a pitching change. Cullen Martin took the bump and his sidearm delivery did not fool Tanner Lord, who hit a long single to the wall to cut the lead to 9-5.  Dunn hit a sacrifice fly to make it 9-6 before Martin induced a pair of pop ups to end the game.

Pitkin won the 14^th state title in school history.  They have won two of the last three titles under Coach JC Holt.  Freshman Gavin Holt was named MVP of the Class B tournament.  Pitkin totaled nine runs on fourteen hits.  Family Community also had fourteen hits, as they suffered their third straight loss in the finals.