The Vernon Parish Police Jury held a special-called meeting, Monday, May 12, before the scheduled committee meeting at 5 p.m.

During that early meeting a motion was made to adopt a resolution approving and accepting an Equipment Lease-Purchase Agreement between Cadence Bank and the VPPJ to finance a new John Deere 5060E/cab utility tractor for District 2 ($55,294.72). The motion was accepted.  The agreement authorizes the President and or Administrator to execute the agreement.

Jurors adopted a resolution approving and accepting a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement(CEA) between the Louisiana Department of the Treasury, State of Louisiana and the VPPJ for Act 776 of the 2024 State Appropriation for Vernon Parish Tourism and parish road repairs in the amount of $105,000. The president and or administrator will execute the CEA on behalf of the jury.  A similar CEA for Act 776 of the 2024 State Appropriations for parish road maintenance, in the amount of $100,000, was also approved.  Jurors will consider authorizing the parish to submit an application for Community Development Block Grant/ Make a Difference (MAD) funding on behalf of LA Camp Hope.  The organization, located in Sandy Hill, would use the funding to construct a gym for youth activities.  MAD grants do not require a local match.  Jurors will look into and discuss the application.

During the scheduled committee reports meeting, Jurors heard from Anya and John West of Slagle.  Ms. West is a firefighter; her husband, an environmentalist with 15 years of experience in government permits.  They spoke out against Carbon Capture and offered their support to the VPPJ in combating the spread of CCS in Vernon Parish.  Michael Nichols also spoke and read to the Jurors a letter he wanted them to support that was being sent to the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.  The letter is in opposition to CCS and tax incentives from the federal government.  Nichols has the support of several other public governing bodies.  The VPPJ is opposed to the continued development of CCS in Vernon Parish.

The Capital Properties Committee has two pieces of parish-adjudicated property for sale.  Both are in the vicinity of Highway 28.  They are surplus and not needed for a public purpose.   The Jury will begin the process of selling them. The committee also requested an authorization for the jury to advertise for Request for Qualifications for the parish wide generator project.

The Equipment Committee reported the Parish Road Manager has listed nine pieces of surplus equipment and wishes to sell them at the Bonnette Auction in Alexandria.  The list includes both vehicles and equipment.

The Personnel Committee offered a report from the Parish Road Manager to promote James McDonald in District 5 to a full-time equipment operator, with a six-month probation period effective 4-28-25.

The Road Maintenance and Construction Committee received two requests from the Vernon Parish Health Unit, to bury a dead horse in District 9/Ward 2 and to fill in an abandoned well in District 3/Ward 3.  The Vernon School Board asked the VPPJ to maintain a bus turnaround at Kennel and Faircloth Road in District 3/Ward 3.  The committee presented resolutions from the Town of Rosepine and Village of Simpson to perform routine maintenance.  Jurors will consider a resolution to abandon Pat Roberts Road in District 12/Ward 1, beginning at Lake Vernon Road, in its entirety.

In other business, Jurors discussed adopting a resolution for 2025 millage rates.  A public hearing was set for Monday, May 19, at 10 a.m. to hear input on an ordinance to amend the Vernon Parish Code of Ordinances to reduce the speed limit on a portion of Oak Forest Loop in District 12/Ward 1.   The panel discussed adopting a resolution canvassing the returns and results of the special election held May 3.  Jurors discussed adopting a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Jury and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs for 2025, in the amount of $46,389.  The News Leader will be the Official Journal for Vernon Parish from July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026. Merchants and Farmers Bank and Sabine State Bank will be fiscal agents for the VPPJ from July 1, 2025-June 30,2026.

The next meeting of the VPPJ is at 10am, Monday, May 19, at the parish administration building.

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The City of Leesville will host a Memorial Day concert, Friday, May 23, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on the Polk stage at 109 East Texas Street.  Food Truck Alley will make its first appearance in Leesville.  Five to six regional and local chefs will have their trucks at the event with a wide array of foods and beverages available.

The event is free and open to the public. The Misfits of Shreveport will be on stage with a set of classic rock and blues tunes.  There will also be a professional magician from Shreveport performing street magic and tricks.  Bayou Bullseyes will bring their mobile ax-throwing  trailer for kids and adults  This is a kid- and 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!

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Two girls’ state championships and a boy’s runner-up title are testimony to the vast talent in Vernon Parish track and field competition.  The Simpson Lady Broncos won their second straight Class C title, while Anacoco’s Lady Indians earned the Class B title at LSU’s Bernie Moore stadium last week.  Leesville’s boys’ team took second in the state Class 4-A competition, while Anacoco’s team finished in 4^th in the Class B team standings.

Class C-Simpson- The Lady Broncos won their second straight state title with a total of 83 points.   Reeves finished in second with 77 points.  For Simpson Regan Clutter finished first in the high jump and second in the long jump.  Alyssa Rowe took second place in the 1600 meter run and second in the 400-meter dash.  Olivia Edwards got a third-place finish in the javelin. McKenzie Grover earned a third-place medal in the 110-meter hurdles and Dakota Miller picked up a pair of third place finishes, in the 300-meter hurdles and long jump.  The Lady Broncos also won two of the three relays, the 4×200 meter and 4×400 meter.

Class B-Anacoco-   The Anacoco Lady Indians won the Class B state track title, running up 73 points to outdistance second place Bell City, who tallied 65 points.  Madi Stanley took first place in the 400-meter run and second place in the 200-meter run.  Sophia Swinney won the 300-meter hurdles race, took second in the 100-meter hurdles and earned a fourth place finish in the 400-meter run.  Jayce Brumley won the discus competition and Joanna Mawae took second in the long jump.

Anacoco distance runners, Kinsley Patin and Haylee Gilbert scored 11 points for the cause with Patin finishing fourth in the 3200-meter run and the 1600-meter run.  Gilbert earned points with a 5^th place finish in the 3200-meters and a 6^th in the 1600-meters.

Evans- The Lady Eagles boasted the Outstanding Athlete of the Class C meet, in Reese Jeane.  Jeane won the 3200-meter run for the fourth straight year.  She also took first in the 800-meter and 1600-meter runs, sweeping the field in the distance events.   Stormy Jeane won the javelin event for Evans while Taylor Blackmon finished 3^rd in the 3200-meters and 4^th in the 1600-meter run. Addison Outlaw Knight garnered a 2nd place finish in the 300-meter hurdles and a 4^th in the 800-meter run.

Rosepine   The Lady Eagles had a strong field entered in the Class AA state meet, led by the fastest woman in Class AA, Amaya Shine.  Shine took first place in the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash.  Hayley Calcote earned a second-place finish in the 400-meter run and was part of the third place winning 4×400-meter relay team.

Notables-Congratulations also going out to Hornbeck’s Hannah Mitchell for her second place finish in the Class C shotput and Natalee Nolen for her second place finish in the Class B discus competition.

Leesville Boys-   The Leesville Wampus Cats won four events at the AAAA track meet and finished as state runner-up.  Brusly won the state title with 44 points, Leesville had 40 points.  Keeton Johnson continued his excellent run in the record books with a pair of first place finishes in the 800 and 1600-meter runs.  The team of Taj Jackson, Keeton Johnson, Azjay Rhodes and Gregory Wright took first in the 4×400-meter relay.  Emanuel Hill, JaKori Celestine, Johnson and Rhodes set a new school record in winning the 4×400-meter relay.

Anacoco boys    The Indians made every entry count as they finished the Class B track meet with a fourth-place finish in the team standings.  Layton Kay led the squad with a pair of second place finishes in the 800-meter run and the 1600-meter run. Connor Gilbert grabbed second in the 3200-meter run, and fourth in the 1600-meters, while Cade Airhart scored points with a 5^th place finish in the 3200-meter run.  Noah Austin took 4^th in the high jump and Greyden Reese finished 4^th in the 110-meter hurdles to round out the scoring.

Notables-Hornbeck had a third-place finish in the Class C/ 4×400-meter relay.  Simpson’s John Bickel took second in the Class C/3200-meter run.  John Rollins of Simpson finished second in the Class C javelin and 4th in the shot put.  James Richmond of Evans took home a third-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles.  A.J. Berry of Pickering had a 5^th place finish in the Class AA long jump.

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The #1 ranked Pitkin Tigers advanced to the state title game today by beating their long-time rivals, #4 Hicks, 4-1 in the Class B semifinals Tuesday at McMurray Park in Sulphur.

Pitkin will play #3 Family Community Christian out of the Ruston area for the Class B state title today.  The game, on Field #41, can be heard locally on KVVP-FM/105.7 and KJAE–FM/93.5.  First pitch at 11 a.m.

Family Community defeated #2 Weston in the semifinals, 6-2.  The Warriors finished the regular season 20-11.  The District 2-B champs beat #14 Doyline, 6-5 (eight inning), #6 Holden, 5-3 and #2 Weston 6-2 (Tuesday)

The Pitkin win over Hicks started slowly as the Tigers left a runner on base in the first inning, as opposed to the six they scored in the first on Grace Christian in the quarterfinals.  The Pirates jumped out 1-0 when Connor Wilt laid down a sacrifice squeeze bunt that drove in Kane Hagan.

Pitkin took advantage of an infield error and an RBI single by Gavin Holt to tie the game before J. ”Dub” Davis poked in two more with a single.  Gage James drove in the final RBI with a single for a 4-1 lead the Tigers would never relinquish.

Senior pitcher Dayne Martin pitched a complete game for the Tigers, allowing one run, and six hits, while striking out six.

Pitkin is chasing their 14^th baseball title in school history today.

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The Vernon Parish Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to announce twelve recipients of our 2025/2026 academic scholarships.   These scholarships are administered by the Cattlemen’s Association along with several individual sponsors to students from Vernon and Beauregard Parishes Schools based on their scholastic and academic achievements. 

The following students received their second and third award based on their continued excellent academic achievements: Kelsie McFarland-Lynn Bass Memorial Scholarship, Jada James-Vernon Parish Farm Bureau Award, and Emily Ritter- Craft Farms Award. 

The following students were awarded Individual Sponsored scholarships: Karra McFarland-T. B. Porter Scholarship, Saige Hagan-Douglas Poe Memorial Scholarship, and Austin James-Benoit Motors Scholarship. 

The Vernon Parish Cattlemen’s Association Scholarships were awarded to Raylee Mitchell, Jayce Brumley, K’Lee Cole, Daisy Jean, Kalleigh Sanders, and Kaleb Godwin.

The Vernon Parish Cattleman’s Association and sponsors remain committed to our community and to the education of those that will one day take our place.  We wish our scholarship recipients every success in their educational endeavors.  Funding for our scholarship program are received from individual donors, raised through our annual Vernon Parish Cattlemen’s “Youth Ag-Day”, conducted each October on the Porter Ranch in Leesville, and our annual “Cattlemen Christmas Auction”.  We continue to be grateful to our many sponsors, donors and benefactors that have helped us support this program.

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The Northwestern State University Department of Military Science held their Spring Awards program earlier this month to honor ROTC cadets for academic, military and leadership achievements.  Cadets from Vernon Parish included the following.

Cadet Rebecca Deaton/Leesville-Dean’s List, Cadent Recruiting Ribbon, Daughter of American Revolution Award.

Cadet Joao Dos Santos/Ft. Johnson- President’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Cadet Recruiting Ribbon, Silver Medal Athlete, Superior Cadet Award, Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Award, Ranger Challenge Team.

Cadet Camryn Huff/Leesville-PMS PT Attendance Award, Sargeant York Award, Society of the War of 1812 Award, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence, Cadet Scholar, PMA Commendation Medal, Leadership Excellence Award, Cadet Recruiting Ribbon, Color Guard Certificate, Ranger Challenge Team, Outstanding Service Award, Hero of the Battlefield(2025)

Cadet DeMarkus Lawson/Ft. Johnson-President’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Silver Medal Athlete.

Cadet William Moore/Leesville-ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Cadet Scholar, Cadet Recruiting Ribbon.

Cadet Marivel Rogriguez/Leesville-Cadet Recruiting Ribbon

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The Junior League of Leesville will present their annual “Touch a Truck” event on Saturday, May 17, from 9am-2pm around the historic old courthouse in downtown Leesville.

Bring your kids and those of your neighbors.  They can interact with vehicles of all sizes and shapes, including: cars, trucks, emergency first responder units, law enforcement cars, and even heavy equipment.  There are also games and activities for children.

Adults will enjoy vendors for shopping, food trucks, and more, including a noon-1pm “quiet time”.

This event has grown more popular every year, and children can explore and be curious about vehicles of all sizes.  For more information contact the Junior League of Leesville at jlvernonparish@gmail.com.

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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. 

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The West Cenla Shrine Club will host a benefit Four Person Golf Scramble at the Leesville Municipal golf course, Saturday, May 31.  Entry fee is $200 per team and includes lunch, drinks, door prizes and all fees.  You can still register the morning of the tournament beginning at 8am.  Tee off time is 9am. To enter a team, or for more information on sponsorship contact Carl, at 337-424-8957 or James, at 337-353-5506.

This golf outing will benefit the Hood family and the fight against Wilms Infant Cancer.

Tee box hole sponsorships are $100 for individuals, businesses and organizations that wish to support.  The West Cenla Shrine Club thanks you.

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RONALD “MAC” LEE STURM
October 26, 1955 – May 11, 2025
Service: May 14, 2025, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 12 p.m.

DELPHINE ELOISE WHIPPLE
August 1, 1961 – May 3, 2025
Service: May 17, 2025, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Leesville at 11 a.m.

DARIAN DASHONNE HUTCHINSON
April 20, 1996 – May 9, 2025
Service: May 22, 2025, at East Leesville Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

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From the Toledo Bend Project Joint Operation Advisory #2, dated Thursday, May 8

Reservoir elevation at 3 a.m. Thursday was 172.36 feet.  Both generators are operating 24 hours a day.  If the reservoir continues to rise, spillway gates will have to be opened.  The spillway will release when the elevation reaches 172.5 feet.

The Sabine River basin, below the reservoir, is in danger of reaching flood stage with any spillway opening. 

Residents below the lake should continue to monitor sheriffs’ websites or srala-toledo.com.

Toledo Bend is not a flood control reservoir and can experience significant rises in elevation in short periods of time.

Residents are urged to take caution and plan accordingly.

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Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright reports the recent conviction of former Leesville Deputy City Marshal Gary Scott for felony theft. Scott was arrested by the Louisiana State Police in March 2022 after a complaint was filed regarding missing monies. The investigation by the State Police revealed approximately $25,000.00 was taken by Scott during his time with the City Marshal’s Office. Scott appeared before the Honorable Judge Tony C. Bennett on May 6, 2025, and pled guilty to one count felony theft. Scott, a first offender, was sentenced to serve 10 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. This sentence was suspended and Scott was placed on 5 years supervised probation and ordered to pay a fine of $1,000.00 and cost of court. Scott, as a part of this agreement, has previously paid full restitution back to the Leesville City Marshal’s office in the amount stolen. “I am pleased to have been able to recouped the stolen money utilized in the operation of the Marshal’s Office. A crime like this erodes public trust in its public institutions which is harmful to all of society. Citizens must be assured that public institutions are watchful and good stewards of money and authority given them by the public. Abuse of public trust and theft of government money will not be tolerated,” said Lambright. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Wayne Bush.

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The City of Leesville will host a Memorial Day concert, Friday, May 23, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on the Polk stage at 109 East Texas Street.  Food Truck Alley will make its first appearance in Leesville.  Five to six regional and local chefs will have their trucks at the event with a wide array of foods and beverages available.

The event is free and open to the public. The Misfits of Shreveport will be on stage with a set of classic rock and blues tunes.  There will also be a professional magician from Shreveport performing street magic and tricks.  Bayou Bullseyes will bring their mobile ax-throwing  trailer for kids and adults  This is a kid- and 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!

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Three Vernon Parish baseball teams advanced to the quarterfinals of the LHSAA baseball playoffs.  They are in action today and all games can be heard on local radio.

Class B

The #1 ranked Pitkin Tigers will host #8 Grace Christian tonight at 6 p.m. The game can be heard live on KJAE-FM/93.5

#4 Hicks will entertain #8 ranked and defending state champion Quitman tonight at 5 p.m.  The game will be live on KVVP-FM/105.7

If both Pitkin and Hicks win their quarterfinal games, they meet each other in the semifinals, Tuesday, May 13, @ 11 a.m. on Field 41 at McMurray Park in Sulphur.  The other semifinal is already set between #2 Weston and #3 Family Christian.

Class C

#12 Simpson will visit #4 Ebarb tonight at 6 p.m. The game can be heard live on KTEZ-FM/99.9.       If the Broncos can pull off the win, they would be in the semifinals Tuesday May 13, versus the winner between #1 Family Community or #8 Calvin.

#6 Hornbeck fell at #3 Maurepas Tuesday night.  The Hornets trailed 10-2, going into their last at bats.  They managed to score five runs and had the tying run on base before losing 10-7.

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The Vernon Parish Economic Development District (EDD) is proud to announce the official seating of its Board of Directors, marking a significant advancement in our commitment to bolstering the local economy.

Established in 2020 through legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Reese, the EDD was created to drive economic and industrial growth throughout the parish. The Board, comprising nine dedicated volunteers from Vernon Parish was selected by the Vernon Parish Police Jury, the Mayor of Leesville, and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, brings a wealth of local expertise and a shared commitment to progress.

The Board of Commissioners will focus on improving the economic growth of our community by working to create LED certified development ready sites. This strategic initiative provides a robust framework that positions Vernon Parish to effectively solicit manufacturing and industrial business, inviting vital investment and creating new job opportunities for our citizens. Seating the Board is just the first step in an involved process, and the Board is excited at the possibilities this will open for our community.

“We are committed to fostering a thriving business climate that stimulates economic growth, encourages investment, and creates more employment opportunities for our residents,” said one Board member. “Our new Board and focused initiatives are key steps toward a more prosperous future for Vernon Parish.”

Local business owners, community leaders and citizens are encouraged to stay engaged with the EDD’s efforts.  More information will be released soon.

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One of the great pleasures in life is watching our kids grow to achieve their dreams or reach their goals. It’s one of the many things that gives us so much fulfillment in being a parent. From the day our kids are born, we as parents want nothing more than for our kids to be happy. Today, I’ll talk about some of the sacrifices my parents (especially my mother) made for me to have the life I’ve enjoyed so much. 
 
Most of you already know my story from past articles. But in case you haven’t, my aunt and uncle rescued and adopted me at the age of 10 and turned my life completely around and literally saved me from the streets of Houston, Texas. They put me on the path to success with sacrifices and dedication of their own free will. 
 
Again, the good Lord above blessed me with some athletic ability that only He can give. But it was my parents who made sure that my talent did not go to waste. So many days my mother made sure I was at every practice and every game on time. 
 
She sat in a hot car for hours waiting on practice to be over knowing she still had supper to cook, clothes to wash, another child to tend to and a husband to take care of. Getting home after 7 o’clock each evening, she cooked dinner and made sure our homework was complete before ushering me and my brother off to take a bath.
 
She made sure uniforms were always washed and ready for the next game. She had very little time to herself as she worked full time as a nurse at a local clinic. But not one time did she fail to make sure I was where I needed to be whether it was a baseball or football practice or a Boy Scouts meeting. Mom sacrificed!

You never fully appreciate these sacrifices until the day comes when you have kids of your own and realize the effort it takes to make sure your kids are where they are supposed to be. She did this not just for me but my younger brother Chad, who was about six years younger than me.

All of my years growing up, we never took a vacation as a family. Mom never took one of those much-needed “getaways.” Sure, we made the occasional trip to Six Flags in Dallas or maybe to see the Texas Rangers play, but never a trip to the Caribbean or the mountains of Colorado to enjoy the scenery. 
 
Pretty much every trip we took revolved around me or my brother playing baseball with All-Star playoffs. Even as I got into high school, she followed me to every game (home or away). She made the trip to Austin as we reached the state baseball tournament and won our first state championship in 1978. 
 
Not one time did she ever complain or say “no” to any sport I wanted to play. Her devotion was unlimited, and her sacrifices were intentional. All to make sure I had every opportunity to achieve success! 
 
I think it goes without saying that I was one of the lucky ones who had parents wanting their kids to have the best — the best opportunity to achieve and be successful in life. Sometimes I think we forget just how important those sacrifices are. 
 
But at the time, we just think that’s how it’s supposed to be, but in reality, that’s not true. It takes parents willing to make those sacrifices unselfishly and make their kids a priority and their main focus.

For parents, the reward comes much later in life when they sit back and brag about all the accomplishments their kids have achieved all because of the sacrifices made. In the end, it’s worth every second and hour we set aside to make sure our kids are the priority! 

Without sacrificial parents, kids don’t stand a chance! So, to all you young adults out there looking to have children of your own, make sure they are your top priority. Thank you Mom, for your dedication and commitment to ME! Remember, sacrifice is unspoken love. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who make sacrifices for the benefit of others. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By VPJ Staff

Mother’s Day this weekend is a joyous time to celebrate the one female who was so important to you growing up.  These days, both sexes qualify for “mom” status somehow, and that’s ok, too!

My mom had a great ride in life, although it was too short.  She married a big, strapping Army/Air Corps enlisted soldier and helped him rise to Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in the U.S. Air Force.  Barney took Marge to places she would never have seen without him. She lived in Japan, visited Hawaii, the pine forests of the upper peninsula of Michigan, the rock that was Newfoundland, and state of Louisiana, where she would come to rest.

Along the way, she had three sons and helped them grow into men.  Marge’s advice was always practical and seemingly “built in”.  She came from a large family of Slovak descent.  Her dad was a tough old railyard worker and her mom a quiet tender soul.  The family lived in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.  That was “the Bottoms” of Pittsburgh, full of hard-scrabble working families.  She might have never left, if not for my pops!  We were always closer to Dad’s side of the family growing up.  I look at that now and know it had to hurt her feelings, being so far away from her siblings.

Marge was a joy!  She made friends easily wherever dad was stationed.  She stayed mostly to herself and her neighborhood.  She didn’t get too involved with the things military wives do today.  There were no support groups for her back then when dad got sent away for work.

When Mom passed in 1990 at the age of 68, her sons were stunned.  I had spoken to my mother on a Saturday afternoon, and she did not sound like herself. I told my brother Mike that if she did not go to church and sing with the choir on Sunday, he needed to take her to the hospital. Mike called me on Sunday from the hospital, but before I could pack a bag and head to Bossier City, he called back to tell me she died while taking a chest x-ray.  This was a woman who was never sick, gave birth to three boys, and disliked going to hospitals for anything other than childbirth.

The Barnickel boys were shocked, stunned and saddened like never before.  When our father died, we kind of understood, because of his job (stress) and lifestyle (hard).  Following a quadruple bypass in 1968, he was with us for eleven more years. Momma’s passing was totally unexpected.

I am so glad she got to meet her only granddaughter, Corinne, and come to her kindergarten graduation at Pickering.

I am so glad she taught me some of those cooking skills and shared her love of food with me.

I am so sad you were not around longer, Margaret Lillian Kendra Barnickel.  You are never far from my thoughts.  Let’s make a date to bake a nut roll with fresh pecans the next time we see each other.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms!

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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.

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The West Cenla Shrine Club will host a benefit Four Person Golf Scramble at the Leesville Municipal golf course, Saturday, May 31.  Entry fee is $200 per team and includes lunch, drinks, door prizes and all fees.  You can still register the morning of the tournament beginning at 8am.  Tee off time is 9am. To enter a team, or for more information on sponsorship contact Carl, at 337-424-8957 or James, at 337-353-5506.

This golf outing will benefit the Hood family and the fight against Wilms Infant Cancer.

Tee box hole sponsorships are $100 for individuals, businesses and organizations that wish to support.  The West Cenla Shrine Club thanks you.

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For its spring concert the Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra has prepared a program of “All American” music by American composers. These include the familiar Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini, a medley of Cole Porter classics, jazz standard Take Five made popular by Dave Brubeck, The Entertainer by Scott Joplin, and more. Conductor Guy Bordelon will lead this concert at 6:30 on Tuesday evening, May 20, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located on 127 Sapphire Lane just north of the Leesville Golf Course and  next to the Shady Lake RV Park. So mark your calendars and come on out. Admission is free! 

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If the Bible tells us that “God laughs,” could it be that humor is divine? If so, it would explain why some of us are blessed with the spiritual gift of dad jokes.

The Library of Life, Love, and Laughter has compiled some eye-opening statistics—literally, if you’re laughing hard enough. Did you know…

• Studies have pinpointed 18 different kinds of smiles. The most recognizable is the smile of enjoyment. (Who has this job? Can I apply? I imagine their college transcript starts with Upturned Mouth 101 and ends with Advanced Guffawing. Do they have pop quizzes where you must correctly identify a smirk from across the room? I need answers.)
• Thirteen muscles are used for smiling, but frowning demands a whopping 50? (Want to preserve your face value? Smile! You need to frown nearly a quarter of a million times to make a single wrinkle. So, in the battle against premature aging, laughter is basically skincare.)
• Laughter lowers cortisol levels, which in turn boosts your immune system? (So technically, giggling at cat videos is self-care.)
• Laughing stimulates your heart and lungs, elevates blood pressure, and temporarily improves breathing capacity. (In terms of exercise, laughing 100 times a day is like rowing for 10 minutes. Who needs a gym membership when you have a sense of humor?)
• Charles Darwin believed that facial expressions influence moods. (Bio-feedback studies back him up. So, if you’re having a bad day, slap on a grin—even if it’s forced. Of course, people might start wondering what you’re up to.)
• Laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your lifespan? (So if you binge-watch stand-up comedy, do you achieve immortality?)

Impressive statistics, right? Laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—unless, of course, you belong to the Chicken Little League, whose members believe humor is suspicious behavior.

Psychologist Patricia Keith-Spiegel, in The Psychology of Humor, references a researcher who analyzed laughter like a malfunctioning engine. According to him, it involves spasms of the diaphragm, upper-body movements, nostril dilation, bulging eyes, and jaw vibrations. Keith-Spiegel observed, “One gets the feeling that a person engaging in this act must be critically ill rather than enjoying himself.” Ever met this serious person? The one who treats jokes like an unnecessary disruption to the universe? They’re probably a frequent flyer in the Chicken Little League.

Yet, sinners, prostitutes, and children loved hanging out with Jesus. Do you think it had anything to do with His laughter? Maybe He cracked a few legendary jokes, maybe His smile could light up a room. Either way, His presence was joyful. And if joy is holy, maybe humor is, too.

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