Norma Jean Waddell Langlois passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 96. She was born on November 23, 1928, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, to Robert Lacey Waddell Sr. and Carmallee Guillot Waddell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, L.J. Langlois; and her brothers, Robert Lacey Waddell Jr. and his wife Dorothy, and Charles Jerry Waddell.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughter and best friend, Sandra Craft (Rick); her son, David Langlois; her grandchildren, Lauren Johnson (David), Jordan Craft, Timothy Langlois (Katy), and James Langlois; and her great-grandchildren, Blakely Johnson, Reid Johnson, Sutton Craft, and Violette Langlois. And last, but certainly not least, her very special sister-in-law, Joy Mayers.

Norma devoted her life to her family, being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. There was nothing too big or too small that she wouldn’t take on for the ones she loved. If you had a secret, you could trust Norma to keep it – she was a vault who carried your story to the grave.

Norma and L.J. shared a lifelong passion for travel, exploring the world together, often with siblings and in-laws in tow.

Norma and L.J. were married for 71 years and while they argued frequently and loudly, they loved each other until the end and have surely experienced a joyous reunion.

A visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Michael’s the Archangel Catholic Church followed by at rosary at 11:30 a.m. and a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Father Adam Travis will be officiating the service and Shawn Carter will be singing.

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A memorial service for Michael Paul Jeter will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Lacamp, Louisiana with Brother Dewayne Davis officiating. The interment will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Lacamp.

Michael Paul loved to play baseball, fish, and was an avid hunter. He was known to many as Paul, but to his brothers and sisters, he was known as baby boy. He attended Hicks High School and worked as a millwright’s helper. He was born to the union of L.T. Jeter and Norma Smith Jeter on April 21, 1976, and passed from this life on April 28, 2025, at the age of 49 years and 7 days. He was the 6th of 7 children and lived a simple life, never wanting for much.

Those gone on before him are his father and mother, L.T. and Norma Jeter; two brothers, Gary Jeter (Rita) and Ricky Jeter (Trinia).

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Randy Jeter (Sherry) of Pitkin, LA; sisters, Sheila Gleason (Yankee) of Simpson, LA, Lisa Burns, and Joni Johnson (Eric) all of Cravens, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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MICHAEL PAUL JETER
April 21, 1976 – April 28, 12025
Service: May 10, 2025, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Lacamp, Louisiana, at 10 a.m.

GAIL LENMORE WILLIAMS
May 4, 1947 – May 6, 2025
Service: May 12, 2025, at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville at 1:30 p.m.

LANE HUNTER KUNSKY
December 26, 2011 – May 7, 2025
Service: May 10, 2025, at The Church House in Leesville at 11 a.m.

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Pamela Corley Hardy, age 56, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace-Intoxication in Public, and one count of Simple Battery.  Bond was set at $2162.  A detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole has been placed on Hardy.  Hardy remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Kayla Romero, age 42, of New Llano, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction warrant.  Romero was transferred to Natchitoches Parish.

Hannah Dawn McMickell, age 36, of Kirbyville, Texas, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction warrant from Jasper County.  McMickell is in the Vernon Parish jail awaiting extradition to Jasper County.

Daniel Robles, age 22, of Ft. Johnson, was arrested and charged with one count of insurance fraud.  Bond has not been set.  Robles remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Caleb Paul Ledet, age 25, of Rosepine, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft Over $750.  Bond was set at $7500.  Ledet posted bond and was released.

Devan Bardwell, age 17, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with two counts of Criminal Damage to Property and one count of Domestic Abuse Battery.  Bond was set at $15,000.  Bardwell remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

Jared Logan Smart, age 36, of Anacoco, was arrested on an out of jurisdiction warrant from Calcasieu Parish.  Smart was transported to Calcasieu authorities.

Emma Michelle Campbell, age 19, of Lufkin,Texas, was arrested on a Commitment to Await Extradition Warrant.  Campbell remains in the Vernon Parish jail awaiting extradition to Texas.

Christopher Conde, age 52, of Aiken, S.Carolina, was arrested and charged with one count of Violation of a Court Order.  Bond was set at $7500.  Conde remains in the Vernon Parish jail.

David Kent Craft, age 68, of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault.  Bond was set at $25,000.  Craft posted bond and was released.

 

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

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Monday, May 5, was busy for local fire departments and first responders.

The Sundown Fire Department sent units at approximately 5:45 p.m. to assist in battling a structure fire on Highway 465, near the Alco community.  They provided a water tanker and assisted units already on hand.

Sundown FD, at 9:30 p.m., assisted the Leesville Fire Department with a structure fire that had broken out at the old Baggs Monument location, just north of Sonic Drive In. The blaze was quickly contained.

A fire truck was involved in a roll-over accident at approximately 9:45 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 171 and Fertitta Blvd.  The two firefighters in the truck were transported by ambulance to a local hospital and were treated for minor injuries before being released.

Then on the evening of Tuesday, May 6, a structure fire broke out at approximately 7 p.m. on Hwy. 111 in Burr Ferry, between the Fox Stop and Tidbits & Tackle.  Evans Fire Department was first on the scene with other departments assisting.  No other information was available at press time.

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The Vernon Parish School Board met Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the central office on Belview Road.

Board members accepted employee retirements and approved budget amendments related to personnel changes.  The board adopted millage rates for 2025. Board Finance Director, James Ward, reported maintenance millages are the same but other millages will be lower due to the Board paying off some building notes.

Ward opened bids on cafeteria and janitorial supplies, noting there were eight bidders and bids were lower overall than last year’s.  The lowest bids were accepted in a variety of categories.  There was only one bidder for the bread/roll contract, Flowers Baking Company of Baton Rouge.  Ward noted there are very few commercial bakeries left in Louisiana, but he did reach out to some in Texas, but to no avail.  Oak Farms of Houston, Texas declined to bid on the milk/juice contract.  Mid-South Marketing was the winning bidder.  Prices were up in some categories but stayed the same in others overall.

The Board voted to advertise for Assistant Principal positions at Leesville High, Pitkin High, and Simpson High. 

Board President, Vernon Travis, reported for the Finance Committee there was a reduction in Head Start funding for the year.  Travis said that was a little misleading because the Board had the money allocated already.  The LA-Four program had an increase of $270,000 in funding.   General Fund revenue was up, due to increases in sales tax collections.  State Funding was less because of a decline in students.  The final 2024-2025 budget was amended and approved.

Student Recognition Day continued from last week, as Anacoco, Leesville, Pitkin, Simpson, and Rosepine students were recognized.  They competed in academic and athletic disciplines and finished from sixth to first statewide in their respective fields.  The board recognized their achievements with certificates.  They were given to the Leesville football team, the State Champion Simpson Lady Broncos basketball team, and the Rosepine boys basketball squad. The top finishers included contestants from the State Literary Rally, Academic All-State, power lifting, wrestling, band, BETA, FFA and 4-H.  Karen Robertson with the curriculum department reminded board members she would have another group of students next month.  State competitions are ongoing late in the school year.

Scott Walker with Pelican Benefits presented the Employee of the Month award to Ms. Valena Haymon.  Haymon is a bus driver and then some.  She substitutes, volunteers for everything, and is a board member for the Head Start program in the parish.

Personnel Director Joey Bartz, on behalf of the Board, recognized Mandy Johnson and Shelby Ford, directors of the Vernon Parish school nurses. The board thanked the entire staff of school nurses for their work in the system daily.

Anne Smith gave a Curriculum Committee update and discussed grant funding.  There are funds forthcoming for additional teacher training.  Superintendent James Williams will execute those grants on behalf of the system.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and many school board community partners are showing extra love and support to teachers and staff.  The Vernon Parish School Board next meets Thursday, June 5, at 10 a.m.

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Two new basketball coaches will be patrolling the sidelines in Vernon Parish next season.

The Anacoco Lady Indians new head coach is Aaron West.  West is a native of Pine Prairie and a graduate of Louisiana Christian University in Pineville.  West offers 15 years of coaching experience at Pine Prairie and Oakdale.

Evans has a new head boys’ coach. Kellen Haymon, coached at Converse High in Sabine Parish last year.  He spent two years as an assistant coach at NSU and at Austin Peay University.

Congratulations and welcome to Vernon Parish basketball.

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By Rickey Robertson

All country folks around Peason had something in common, and that was we all had a pine pile. Now a pine pile was made up of rich lighter pine logs, limbs, stumps, and pine knots. Back in those days there was no such thing as central air, and especially heat. The only warmth came from the old wood stove and the fireplace, and to get the fire started, you used rich lighter splinters.  When the fire got going, you would add a pine knot on the fire to get the wood to catch up and burn. Every time we went to the woods, we always looked for pine knots and continuously added to the pine pile. And some folks had a big pile of pine, too! But have you ever thought about living in a pine pile?

As the sawmill town and mill of the Peavy Wilson Lumber Company was completed, workers came in from all over to live and work at this, the largest pine mill west of the Mississippi River. The sawmill town of Peason had many advantages over most mill towns, with running water, electricity, a school, a hotel, church, and most importantly, company housing. One family that came to live and work in Peason brought their three children with them so they could attend school and get an education, while the father worked in the log woods, loading logs onto the log train. Even though there was a company doctor, Dr. Alford, there still were injuries, sicknesses and illnesses of many various types. One thing that was feared was pneumonia. There were no antibiotics to prevent and cure this dreaded disease and many died. But in the midst of the mill run, the three children of this family died of pneumonia and its complications.  One day in the log woods, the father of the children was killed while helping hook up and skid logs to the McGiffort log loader. He was one of many who were killed working in the log woods.

With her husband gone and her children also, the lady had what we would call today a nervous breakdown. She could not tend to herself, and the doctor had nothing available to treat her. A family that lived between Peason and Kisatchie, possibly some kin, took this poor destitute woman in to live with them. But the woman would not sleep in the house and would eat very little. She got so bad that she was almost out of control with grief. At this home was a very large pine pile with pine posts and rails that had been picked up in the area by the family to use in the wood stove for cooking or in the fireplace for warmth. But one day the woman was seen outside rearranging the whole pine pile. She had made a “den” in the pine pile to live in. The woman lived for many years — rain, shine, sleet, or snow — in her den in the pine pile. She had dug a small fire pit away from the pine pile where she would cook turtles, terrapins, squirrels, and birds for a meal. She would not eat or go into the house of the kind family who tried to tend to her. She would catch turtles out of Sandy Creek, and as she rambled throughout the area, she would find a terrapin to cook, along with squirrels and birds she could kill. It was said she survived on what she cooked near her den in the pine pile. But she became sick after several years of living this hard life and passed away. The family who tried to care for her buried her in an unmarked grave. For many, many years afterward, I was told that all around where the pine pile was once located were large numbers of turtle and terrapin shells. What a terrible way of life after her loved ones had died and no treatment for this terrible grief that destroyed her mind and her health.  I have been by the location where the woman lived in the pine pile. I pray no one ever has to go through the ordeal she endured.

All I can say is, we surely are blessed to have our families and our health, and we need to be thankful for them each and every day.

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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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The LHSAA Boys State Baseball playoffs have moved in to the quarterfinals and Vernon Parish teams are alive and kicking.

Class B

Pitkin   The #1 Tigers topped #16 Zwolle in the second round, 9-1. They advance to the quarterfinals where they will host #8 Grace Christian, Friday, May 9, 6 p.m. On the Air/93.5-KJAE-FM

 Hicks   #4 Hicks shutout #13 Stanley, 7-0 to advance to the quarterfinals where they will host #5 and defending state champion Quitman. The game is Friday, May 9, 5 p.m. On the Air/105.7-KVVP-FM.

Anacoco   The #11 ranked Indians fell on the road to #6 Holden, losing in eight innings, 6-5.

Class C   

Hornbeck     The #6 Hornets defeated #11 Claiborne Christian, 8-5 and earned the right to visit #3 Maurepas in the quarterfinals.  The teams played Tuesday at 4 p.m. No score available at presstime.

Simpson    The #12 ranked Broncos went on the road and beat #5 Hackberry, 6-5.  They will visit #4 Ebarb, Friday, May 9, 6 p.m.

The semi-finals and finals will take place May 13-17 at McMurray Park in Sulphur.            

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The season is over for Vernon Parish high school softball teams.  None qualified for the state semifinals.  Post season honors have been announced.

District 4-B All-District   First Team

Coach of the Year   Angie Davis/Anacoco      MVP/Ava Davis

Anacoco   Ava Davis, Brooklyn Bryant, Tori Haymon, Oni Duran, Sarie Procell, RayLee Mitchell.

Hicks    Maliah Gordy, Courtlyn Dousay, Katie Quinn, Abby Addison

Pitkin   Mya Odom, Charley Lentz.

 

District 3-C All-District   First Team 

Coach of the year   David Remedies/Ebarb    MVP   Victoria Neugent/Ebarb

Evans   Daisy Jeane, Brylie Jeter, Alexis Jeter, Ainsley Loftin.

Hornbeck   Hannah Mitchell, Shelby Sullivan, Makayla Cole, Trinity Welch.

Simpson   Olivia Edwards, Jaden Losavio

 

District 5-AA All-District    First Team

Coach of the Year    Chloe Bennett/Rosepine      MVP   Marlie Jones/Rosepine

Rosepine   Marlie Jones, Cailyn Evans, Braylie Smart, Analeigh Roberts, Parker Williams, Ashlyn Hall, Sophie Loftin

Pickering   Raleigh Graham

 

District 3-AAAA All-District   First Team

Coach of the Year   Kenzie Singletary/Iowa      MVP   Ayla Stollsteimer

Leesville   Kaitlyn Gamble

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The Vernon 4-H Program recently awarded scholarships totaling over $7000 to Vernon Parish High School Seniors.  Congratulations and best of luck to them all!

Gloris B Perkins Memorial Scholarship     $2500/RayLee Mitchell/Anacoco

Daniel Fontenot Jr. Scholarship                $300/Austin James/Rosepine

Thad Bailes 4-H Scholarship                     $1000/R.Austin Wilson/Anacoco

                                                                  $1000/ Daisy Jeane/Evans

Thad Bailes Vocational Scholarship           $500/Austin James/Rosepine

                                                                  $500/Saige Hagan/Hicks

                                                                  $500/Austin Guynn/VP Home Schooled

Country 105 Big Dog Bull Roping Scholarship    $1000/James “Cy” Johnson/Pitkin

The Vernon 4-H program thanks all the staff, supporters, parents, and participants in all the fundraisers for their support of the program.

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Explore ALL that Vernon Parish has to offer! 

From in-town events to the great outdoors, explore Vernon Parish for fresh finds and true adventure!

https://vernonparish.org/event/third-street-market-3/

Third Street Market, on May 10th, in Leesville is the perfect Saturday stop, open from 8am-1pm and packed with farm-fresh produce, homemade treats, and one-of-a-kind crafts.

https://vernonparish.org/?stay=allen-acres-native-ventures

https://vernonparish.org/?stay=kisatchie-national-forest

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from bird watching in Kisatchie National Forest to exploring the unique flora of Allen Acres, where you can take part in plant identification classes, guided tours, or even book a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by nature.

https://vernonparish.org/outdoors_cat/golf/

https://vernonparish.org/outdoors/

If you’re craving a little more adventure, Vernon Parish offers a range of outdoor activities like horseback riding and golf—the perfect way to round out your spring escape.

https://vernonparish.org/dining/

And of course, don’t leave without tasting the local flavor. Grab a hearty meal at Brenda’s Kitchen Puerto Rican Cuisine, enjoy Italian favorites at Joe’s Italian Restaurant, or stop at a hidden gem along our Gas Station Eats trail. Cap it all off with a visit to Louisiana Moonshine, the state’s first legal distillery, where tours and tastings make for a spirited addition to your trip.

Make plans now to make the most of your time in Vernon Parish. Book your perfect spring getaway today!

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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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Brett Allan Richard was born on August 27, 1955, in Sacramento, California, and peacefully passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 69, in his home in Anacoco, Louisiana.

Brett was a man of quiet strength, steady in his convictions and unwavering in his love for those closest to him. After serving 23 years in the military, Brett worked alongside his son, Sean, as an IT specialist, bringing the same dedication and attention to detail to his second career as he had in his first. Though he didn’t seek the spotlight, his calm presence and quiet wisdom had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

While Brett’s humor was often understated, those who were closest to him appreciated the moments of laughter he shared, a reminder of the lightness he carried in his heart. His love for his children and grandchildren ran deep, though he expressed it in his own quiet way—through his support, his steady presence, and his willingness to always be there when needed.

Brett was preceded in death by his wife, Vickie Richard, and his parents, Oran Richard and Gloria Ledoux. He leaves behind his children, Sean and Crystal Richard; his grandchildren, Kaylin and Brayden Richard of Louisiana, Justice and Ollie of Canada, and a few others he held dear; as well as three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Scott, Ricky, and Kevin, and sisters, Julie and Mica.

Brett’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will remember him not only for his quiet strength and dry humor but for the unwavering love and commitment he showed in his own, gentle way.

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Funeral services for James Cannon Carson were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church. The burial followed in Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Chris Taylor, Wallace Gritta, Mark Ladner, and Matthew Ladner. Dean Hebert served as the honorary pallbearer.

Cannon was born May 31, 1971, in Pineville, Louisiana, and passed away April 26, 2025, at his home in Leesville, Louisiana, at the age of 53. He was a lifelong resident of the Leesville area and worked in construction as an accomplished painter and finisher. Between him and his brother, John, they could just about build a house on their own. Cannon enjoyed a simple life filled with music, family, and friends. Classic rock was usually playing on the radio, and he used his musical talents to play the guitar.

Cannon was preceded in death by his stepfather, William Anthony Mango, and grandparents, Frances Hall, William Hall, and L.V. Ladner.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna Carson of Leesville; daughters, Dixie Carson of Leesville, and Brittany Stomps (Jason) of Anacoco; grandson, Jason Anthony Stomps; father, Joseph Alexander Carson; mother, Joyce Marie Ladner Carson; brother, Michael John Carson (Jenell McKenney); nieces, Haleigh Underwood and Lauren Smith; and extended family members and friends.

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NORMA JEAN LANGLOIS
November 23, 1928 – April 30, 12025
Service: May 9, 2025, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville at 1 p.m.

SIDNEY EARL CHILDRESS, SR.
April 21, 1941 – April 30, 2025
Service: May 8, 2025, at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville at 12 p.m.

JAMES CANNON CARSON
May 31, 1971 – April 26, 2025
Service: May 1, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church in Leesville at 1 p.m.

BRETT ALLAN RICHARD
August 27, 1955 – April 29, 2025
Service: None announced

CHARLES EDWARD SAUNDERS
June 22, 1939 – May 4, 2025
Service: May 6, 2025, at Labby Memorial Home in Leesville at 12 p.m.

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The annual Mayfest, a 2012 Louisiana Tourism Board, Louis Award winner, for best festival  in the state is moving from downtown Leesville to the Forestry Festival fairgrounds.  This Friday and Saturday the fairgrounds will be alive with music food arts, crafts and new activities.

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 at the rodeo arena.  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 n downtown Leesville.  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 Marze   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 Rockers   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. 

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The Vernon Parish School Board met Thursday, May 1, at 10 a.m. in the Board office on Belview Road.

A motion to approve the Food Service Quotation Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year was passed.  Superintendent James Williams cautioned that food costs would be higher.

Karen Robertson, with the Curriculum Department introduced students from Evans, Hicks, Leesville Junior High, and Pickering High and presented certificates for their achievements in statewide competitions in both academics and athletics.

Student achievements were across a wide spectrum of categories.  There were first through sixth place finishes in state competitions, such as, literary rallies, FBLA competition, state powerlifting and others.

The Pickering High School band took 4^th place in the State 2C Marching Band Competition, while their Color Guard was named top in the state in their category.  Ximena Jiminez of Pickering won the Louisiana School Board Association art competition.

The rest of the schools in the parish will be recognized at the May 6 board meeting.

Curtis Clay and Cheree Atkins gave a year ending report on the Head Start Program.  Clay had nothing for the next board meeting’s agenda, citing the policy council did not meet last month.  Atkins reported that 757 students are enrolled in the Birth through 5 Program in Vernon Parish.

Kelly Goodwin, with the Salary/Personnel committee, told the board that 45% of new teacher applications being received are from certified teachers.  The board will advertise for assistant principals for Leesville, Simpson and Pitkin in the coming weeks.

The next Vernon School Board meeting is Tuesday, May 6 at 10 a.m.

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The Leesville High School powerlifting team stepped up to the national level for the very first time last weekend, under the United State Powerlifting Association, and showed they were ready.  They won their first ever High School Classic RAW National Powerlifting Championships at the University of New Orleans.

Coach Derek Toro’s squad included 11 girls and 3 boys and they totaled 12 first place finishes, 2 seconds, 46 USPA State records and 10 USPA National records. Four individuals received Outstanding Lifter Awards.

The Leesville team included; Samuel Hewitt, Josh Hewitt (Outstanding Male Senior Lifter), Cameron Reeks (Outstanding Male Sophomore Lifter), Emma Carver, Aubree Anable, Elena Johnson, Isabell Williams (Outstanding Female Senior Lifter), Hope Sims, McKenzie McNeal, Quaniya Perry, Jaelyn Hood, Hali Reagan, and Sydney Fitzgerald (Outstanding Female Sophomore Lifter).

Congratulations to the LHS powerlifting team on their achievements.  Their efforts and those of Pickering, (Vernon Parish Journal, April 30 ed.), are helping to spread the word locally about powerlifting.

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Five Vernon Parish baseball teams from Classes B & C are into the Regional round of the LHSAA playoffs.

Class B(regional round)

#1 Pitkin hosted #16 Zwolle last night.  Pitkin scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and led 6-0 in the bottom of the third inning.  Final score was unavailable at press-time.

#4 Hicks hosted #13 Stanley last night.  Score unavailable at press-time.

#11 Anacoco traveled to face #6 Holden last night.  Score unavailable at press-time.

Class C(Regional round)

#6 Hornbeck had a 4-0 lead evaporate in the bottom of the fourth inning as #11 Claiborne Christian rallied to tie the game.  Final score unavailable at press-time.

#12 Simpson visited #5 Hackberry last night.  Score unavailable at press-time

The boys state baseball tournament is scheduled for May 13-17 at McMurray Park in Sulphur, Louisiana.

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