By VPJ staff

The Astrodome opened in Houston, Texas, in 1965 —  the first domed air conditioned indoor stadium in the world!!  It was dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and truly was way ahead of its time. That architect also built a house in DeRidder that still stands.

The Barnickel family came to Barksdale AFB in Bossier City in 1967.  In 1968, one July weekend, Chief Master Sargeant Barnickel loaded up the Chevy station wagon and off we went to watch the Astros and Pirates.  Barney did not spend much time outside, and the concept of air conditioned baseball appealed to him…in July…in Texas.  Oh, yeah! They sold cold beer, too!  That was a plus in his column.

So, Mom climbed in and we hit the road.  I was 16 and had a learner’s permit, itching to drive in the big city.  Nine-year-old brother Mike was probably petrified to be on such a trip, while four-year-old Bob was still slightly clueless about what we were doing.  Sgt. Barney and #1 son were the baseball fans!!

We got there early enough for batting practice and fielding practice (remember that??).  OMG!! Talk about thrilled! The place was huge and cold!  So was the beer, so dad settled in.  Pirates got nine hits to the Astros six, but Houston prevailed 3-2.  Denny Lemaster was the winning pitcher, and he got out of a couple of tough jams.  The Bucs had Jim Bunning on the bump — yeah, that guy!  Didn’t know about him then but he was a veteran pitcher who went 4-14 in 68 with the Pirates. 

I got to see Pirate legends like Clemente, Mazeroski, Matty Alou, Don Clendenon, Freddie Patek, Elroy Face, and Maury Wills, the greatest base stealer of his day!  He was our third baseman and stole 52 bases while hitting .278 that year.  I was also introduced to future Astros legends like Jimmy Wynn, Dennis Menke, Rusty Staub, and Bob Aspromonte.

So, there we were this past Tuesday night in Minute Maid Park ready for the Astros and Bucs; Section 111, Row 5, right off the Bucs’ dugout.  I was loud and proud to be a Pirate fan.  There were some other Bucco buddies nearby for support.  We grabbed an early lead and beat Houston for the second night in a row 6-2.  We took two out of three in the series and a wild-card playoff possibility looms, if our hitting can get right.  Now that is a big IF, since we struck out 25 times in two games. 

I have seen concerts and baseball games at Minute Maid Park and it’s great, but I have watched MLB, the NFL and great concerts (the Who’s Farewell Tour) at that old Astrodome.  There is a special place in this Pittsburgher’s heart for H-Town, or Cowtown, or Urban Cowboy land, or whatever you choose to call it.  I have seen baseball in MLB parks in San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and Pittsburgh, but I have only seen Hall of Famers from the NFL and MLB at two of them: Three Rivers Stadium and the Houston Astrodome.  Some are prettier than others, but there is no park better than your first.  Great memories abound from the 8^th Wonder of the World.  Thanks for letting me share the tame stuff.  There are some Astrodome tales I cannot talk about in polite society, and there is no one living to tell ALL those tales but me.    Okay, Okay, 

1. DO NOT ask my ex-wife about the trip with my family in 1979!
2. My first baseball bud in Leesville was Maurice Welch (RIP).  Nuff Said!!

---

In conjunction with the huge Splash, Dash & Roll event going on in downtown Leesville August 10, the City of Leesville held the first-ever Derby Queen Pageant at the Leesville Event Center. The action began Friday, July 27, under the direction of Ms. Jennifer Paddy and a host of volunteers.  We thank Ms. Paddy for providing a list of winners and their pictures for the Vernon Parish Journal.

Wee Baby Miss (0-6 months) – Fallon Anise Fowler of Leesville

Baby Miss (7-11 months) – Avery Kate Andrus of Leesville

Toddler Miss (12-23 months) – Hannah Elizabeth Sloggett of Leesville

Tiny Miss (2-3 years) – Josey James Fletcher of Bunkie

Mini Miss (4-5 years) – Marianna Watson of Leesville

Petite Miss (6-7 years) – Rikeigh Wisby of Leesville

Little Miss (8-9 years) – Anniston Nash of Leesville

Deb Miss (10-12 years) – Jayden Abigail Vargas of New Llano

Junior Miss (13-15 years) – Loryn Elise Bailey of Leesville

Queen Miss (16-18 years) – Cheyanne Lea Lopez of Anacoco

Congratulations to all the lovely young ladies. They will be called upon by the City of Leesville to make appearances at various city events while they wear the crown.

---

Come out for the Louisiana State Derby Car Championships and Splash, Dash & Roll on August 10^th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Leesville. In recognition of the long history of Leesville’s soapbox derby, Governor Jeff Landry has proclaimed August 10, 2024, to be Leesville Derby Daze Day in the State of Louisiana. 

Splash, Dash and Roll

To celebrate, the city will host a new festival in downtown Leesville on the big day. The first annual Splash, Dash & Roll will include the Louisiana Soap Box Derby Championship as its central activity but will have lots of new events added. As always, there’ll be some live music, vendors and a classic car show; but Friends of Leesville Main Street will also be giving away free school supplies.

Stay Cool

To help keep your family cool, they’ll have a tent set up so you can escape the sun — bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on. The young will enjoy playing in the sea of foam, bubble stations and water slides/inflatables — plus a few derby-related challenges.

History of the Soap Box Derby

The idea of the Soap Box Derby® grew out of a photographic assignment of Dayton, Ohio, newsman Myron Scott, who came across a group of boys racing their homemade cars in the summer of 1933. Myron was so impressed with the event that he acquired a copyright to Soap Box Derby and went in search of a corporate sponsor to establish a national program.

Join us August 10^th at 8 a.m. and tag us in your best derby photos with #LALegendCountry! 

https://vernonparish.org/event/splash-dash-roll/

---

Dr. Shane Thomas has been named director of Choral Activities and an assistant professor of music at Northwestern State University. Thomas will conduct the Chamber Choir, Cane River Singers and will facilitate the Northwestern Choral Artists. He will teach courses in vocal music education, choral methods and literature, mentor graduate students in choral conducting and administer the choral activities within the School for Creative and Performing Arts. 

Thomas spent two years as the director of Choral Activities and coordinator for Vocal Music Education at McNeese State University where he was responsible for significant program growth and acclaimed for innovative storytelling through choral performance. He created the McNeese Choral Festival and Summer Vocal Camp which brought over 450 middle and high-school students to campus. While in southwest Louisiana, Thomas founded the Louisiana Vocal Arts Ensemble, a new professional chorus committed to sophisticated, relevant choral performance connecting and serving all peoples.  

“I plan on building on the storied legacy of choral excellence that Northwestern State is known for through continuing performance excellence across all choirs, building recruitment events for secondary choral students across the state of Louisiana to attend and sing, and providing NSU students with professional opportunities to prepare them for a 21st century performance career,” said Thomas. “Starting this year, the NSU Choirs will be doing many more at-home performances on campus and throughout our community to engage our audiences and continue to grow our singers.” 

 

 Thomas said the choral program will offer a vocal component to the NSU All-State Day in August and will be starting a Choral Festival in addition to the annual Voice Day in the spring. In the summertime, a week-long Summer Vocal Camp will be offered to Louisiana students to get them onto the NSU campus, grow their musicianship and build their voices.  

 

NSU All-State Day will be held Saturday, Aug. 31. Northwestern State music faculty will hold clinics in band and orchestra, choir and piano to help students prepare for All-State competition. More information is available at nsuallstate.com.  

 

Thomas plans to create a new choir called the Northwestern Choral Artists. This ensemble will perform in salon-style performances throughout the year and join the voices of Prísma and the Louisiana Vocal Arts Ensemble during their regularly scheduled concerts.  

 

 “I wanted to offer a unique opportunity for our students to learn how to perform with a professional choral ensemble and gain the skills necessary for them to audition and participate in these types of ensembles after graduation from NSU,” said Thomas. “This opportunity is what will set Northwestern State apart from other colleges in our state and region – and we’re so excited for it.” 

 

Before moving into higher education, Thomas served as director of Choral Activities at Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida, for five years. Choirs under his direction were repeatedly named “Choir of Distinction” by the Florida Vocal Association and were accepted to perform at state and regional ACDA conferences. He served as the FLACDA Secretary for five years and in Florida Vocal Association District Leadership for three years. Thomas taught private voice to students who have gone on to win professional awards and entry into undergraduate and graduate music programs across the United States.  

 

Thomas maintains an active career as a clinician, tenor chorister and professional soloist. He can be found on the rosters of professional choral ensembles such as the Spoleto Festival USA Vocal Fellows, Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, The Union of Cincinnati, Coro Volante, BWV: Cleveland’s Bach Choir and the Bach Ensemble of St. Thomas. He was most recently seen as Parpignol in Puccini’s La Boheme at the 2022 Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina.  

Thomas received a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Master of Music in Choral Conducting with distinction from Westminster Choir College, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University. He holds professional memberships in ACDA, NCCO, NAfME, Chorus America, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Thomas serves as the founder and artistic director of the Louisiana Vocal Arts Ensemble. He also serves as the Louisiana American Choral Directors Association College and Universities R&R Chair. 

To learn more about Northwestern State’s choral program, go to nsula.edu/music/choirs. 

---

In recognition of the long history of Leesville’s soapbox derby, Governor Jeff Landry
has proclaimed August 10, 2024, to be Leesville Derby Daze Day in the State of
Louisiana. 

To celebrate, the City will be hosting a new festival in downtown Leesville. The first
annual Splash, Dash & Roll will, of course, include the Louisiana Soap Box Derby
Championship rolling down Main Street, but other events will feature some
splashing water activities and dashing along Third Street to check out our great
vendors!

As always, there will be some live music -– this year by the Whiskey Chitto Ramblers and
a KJAE Remote — and a classic car show. The Friends of Leesville Main Street will have
a super lineup of vendors, and Jump for Joy Inflatables will be holding their annual
Back to School Bash with free school supplies. Anyone interested in being a vendor
should contact Tammy Anderson at 337-423-5110.

We know it will be hot, so to help keep your family cool, we’ll have a tent set up
where you can escape the sun; just bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
There will also be water activities, including water slides, inflatables, sprinklers, and a
foam party PLUS some derby-related activities, like a watermelon seed spitting
contest, Hot Wheels Derby, and a Derby Crawl.

---

Funeral services honoring the life of Dorothy Jean Wages were held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Castor Baptist Church with Bro. Terry Ward officiating. Burial followed in Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Dustin Nash, Chandler Cummings, Colin Cummings, Marcus Smith, Jeff Jones, and Buck Borland.

Dorothy Jean Cummings Wages, 85 of Leesville, Louisiana peacefully passed away from this life on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Dorothy, known as “Dot” by family and friends, was born on March 28, 1939, to Audis and Edna Mae Cruse in LaSalle Parish. She loved to share stories about her childhood and how times had changed throughout her lifetime. She was a graduate of Lasalle High School. After graduating high school, Dorothy attended Business College and later went on to work at Fort Polk as a bookkeeper, where she retired after 25 years.

Dorothy loved many things but valued her faith in Jesus Christ, family, and her country. She was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her title as “Mam-Maw” and took every opportunity to tell her grandchildren about Jesus and remind them to say their prayers.

Dorothy married Lawrence (Nick) David Cummings of Thomas, West Virginia, on June 17, 1960. They traveled and enjoyed military life for 30 years before settling in Leesville. It was this life that fostered a family full of military service members, all of whom Dorothy was abundantly proud of. Dot and Nick were lovingly married for 39 years.

Dorothy married James (Jim) Wages of Libuse, Louisiana, on May 26, 2001. Dorothy and Jim loved to attend church and watch their evening TV shows together. Spending time with their family was always a priority, and they hosted holidays and gatherings in their home year after year. Dorothy and Jim were happily married for 17 years.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Audis and Edna Mae Cruse; sister, Elaine Sullivan; brother, Bobby Cruse; husband, Lawrence Cummings; and husband, Jim Wages.

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters: Vonnie Douglas and Debbie Johnson of Olla, Louisiana; her children: Dorinda Cummings Smith and husband Mark Smith of Katy, Texas; Laura Cummings Nash and husband Dale Nash of Leesville; and David Wayne Cummings and wife Kasey Cummings of New Orleans, Louisiana; grandchildren: LaDaina Jones (Jeff), Marcus Smith (Angela), Danelle Nash, Dustin Nash (Kaitlyn), Colin Cummings and Chandler Cummings; along with great-grandchildren: Ryatt, Anniston, Micah, Clara, and Drake.

---

Funeral services for Brenda Jean Hardamon were held at noon on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville with Bro. Rev. Joseph L. Garner officiating. Burial follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville, Louisiana, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville.

Brenda was born on August 22, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan, to her parents, Elliot Hardamon and Barbara Durr. She passed away on July 21, 2024, in Leesville.

She is survived by her husband, Michael L. Smith Sr., of Leesville; sons: Michael L. Smith Jr., of Leesville, Brandon J. Smith (Sentoria) of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Aaron L. Smith of Leesville; brothers: Kelvin Hardamon, Harold Hardamon, and Elquonto Hardamon, all of Dothan, Alabama; sisters: Dora Hardamon and Gwendolyn Hardamon of Dothan, Alabama, Latoya Curry Jones of Colombia, South Carolina, Valencial Landry of Simpsonville, South Carolina, Dior Jeter of Greenville, South Carolina, and Tracy McDuffie of Brooklyn, New York; mother, Barbara Durr of Dothan, Alabama; and three grandchildren.

---

Tammy Sharp, a native of Vernon Parish and resident of Sabine Parish, has released her debut novel, A Fortunate Murder, book 1 of her Shattered series, which is set in the fictional town of Bethel, Louisiana. 

The novel was prepared for publication by Wise Publications in Sulphur, La. for print on demand distribution through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. 

“A Fortunate Murder was a blast to write,”  said Sharp, who is an award winning poet, journalist and teacher. “I’m dedicated to clean fiction, but I also like a lot of different genres. I’d call this a clean, contemporary southern gothic. With sprinkles.”

“Sprinkles of romance, humor and psychological twists,” she clarified. The book features main character Moriah Jordan who, after coming home to help her sick mother, finds herself also committed to helping her best friend beat a fake murder charge, all without losing her job, her life or her mind! 

But the longer she’s home, the worse her memory gets, interfering with everything she’s trying to do (and not do). Mysterious objects appearing in her house, a murderous, familiar stalker, and her complete blackouts cause Linc, her high school flame and the sheriff’s chief investigator on the case, to question her involvement in the very murder she’s trying to solve. 

“I’ve had this story on my mind since my senior year in high school. Actually, my high school term paper was my first bit of research,” Sharp said. “I’ve been working on it bit by bit through the years. My honors thesis in college was my very first draft, and technically, most of my working life in the newspaper industry has been field research. Now it’s time to get it out there.” 

Sharp, a native of Vernon Parish, graduated from Hornbeck High School and went on to earn first a BA in English from Queens University in Charlotte, NC, and then an MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was the 1994 recipient of the Amon Liner Award for Poetry from The Greensboro Review and in 1993 was a finalist in the Ruth Lilly National Poetry Convocation in Indianapolis, IN. She has poems published in the Greensboro Review and Louisiana Literature. 

During her career in the newspaper industry, she covered major world events, such as Hurricane Katrina recovery and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill at several Louisiana newspapers as a reporter and editor, including the Louisiana Baptist Message, the Leesville Daily Leader, and The Independent. She has received awards and recognition for both print and digital coverage of single news events, feature stories, special sections and feature photo from the Louisiana Press Association. 

She has taught English and writing for Northwestern State University, where she created a joint presentation on teaching writing for the Conference on College Composition and Communication; Axia College of Western International University; and Central Texas College. 

She and her husband, Kenny, own and operate Hobo Holler Farm in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, where they live with and care for two sons, two dogs, two cats, three cows, two pigs, three ducks, 13 chickens and a dizzying procession of bunny rabbits. 

A Fortunate Murder, book 1 of the Shattered series, is available at Amazon and through distributors now. To order your copy, visit 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/168593188X?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

If you represent a bookstore or library, please request A Fortunate Murder through your distributor.

If you’d like to schedule an interview, a reading, a signing or an appearance please email the author at mojonovel@gmail.com. 

---

Dr. Tom and Katy Hall, formerly of Natchitoches, established an endowed scholarship at Northwestern State University that will benefit students pursuing degrees in the Department of Engineering Technology.  The two hope the gift will enable women and minorities who are underrepresented in the engineering profession to be success in pursuing careers in engineering and technology. 

Dr. Tom Hall served as head of the Department for 10 years while Katy Hall served in multiple departments around campus. 

“We hope the recipients are motivated to do well in their studies in engineering technology and seek productive employment or continuing education upon graduation,” Dr. Hall said.

The Halls arrived at NSU in 1995 after 26 years in the U.S. Army and continued service to NSU until retirement in 2010. 

Katy Hall worked in the Registrar’s Office, the Department of Mathematics and Electronics and Continuing Education.  During that time, the CALL program was established in ECE, and Mrs. Hall was one of the first advocates for advising and encouraging students who were returning to college after several years.

“She set up processes to stay in contact with those needing the most help,” Dr. Hall said.

Dr. Hall served on faculty in the Department of Engineering Technology, the last 10 years as head of the department. As a new faculty member, he was instrumental in helping the department to attain accreditation. He earned an Excellence in Teaching Award and was named Professor Emeritus in 2012. 

“When I was head of the department, we created the industrial engineering technology program, which also received ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accreditation.  Later, we started a concentration within the EET program for biomedical engineering technology,” Dr.  Hall said.

Since retiring, the Halls have traveled extensively.  They enjoy river cruises and, since COVID, Dr. Hall has taken up photography.  They recently returned from a photo safari in Zimbabwe.

Dr. Hall continues to serve with ABET, the accrediting body for engineering and technology.  He has been involved with ABET since 2001 and has progressed from program evaluator to commissioner to member of the executive committee.  He was the chair of the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission from 2019-2020 and regularly goes out as a program evaluator, team chair or trainer.

Information on the Department of Engineering Technology is available at https://www.nsula.edu/engrtech/. 

---

Ollie Mae Hussey, 98, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on July 28, 2024, in Houma, Louisiana. She was born on May 8, 1926, in Leesville, Louisiana, to loving parents who instilled in her the values of kindness and hard work.

Mrs. Hussey’s life was marked by her unwavering love for her family. She dedicated herself to caring for her two children with fierce protectiveness and boundless affection. Her son, Billy R. Brister of Galliano, Louisiana, and daughter, Melvina Stevens of Houma, were the center of her world; she poured all her energy into ensuring their happiness and wellbeing.

In addition to being a devoted mother, Ollie Mae was a cherished grandmother to six adoring grandchildren and an incredible great-grandmother to twenty-one little ones who brought immeasurable joy into her life.

Ollie Mae’s compassionate nature extended beyond her family. She touched the lives of many others, forming deep bonds. Melissa, who served as Mrs. Hussey’s caregiver during some challenging times, and Sue (Terry) Lasseigne, who became like a daughter to Ollie Mae, are just two examples of the relationships she formed.

The loss of Ollie Mae is deeply felt by those she leaves behind. Her son Billy R. Brister, her daughter Melvina Stevens, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren all mourn the absence of this remarkable woman, cherishing the memories they made with her.

Ollie Mae was preceded in death by William Hussey (husband) Gayle Brister (daughter-in-law) and Barry Stevens (son-in-law), leaving behind cherished memories that will be treasured always.

Visitation for Ollie Mae Hussey will take place at Oak Forest Baptist Church in Leesville on Saturday, August 3rd, at 10:30 a.m., followed by funeral services at 12:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Herman Callias before interment at Oak Forest Cemetery, where she’ll rest eternally among loved ones near home once more.

Although our hearts ache from the absence of such an extraordinary woman from our lives here on earth, we find comfort in knowing that heaven has gained another angel whose legacy will live on through generations yet unborn.

---

Maxine D. Gunn, aged 91, passed away on July 27, 2024, in her hometown of Leesville, Louisiana. Born on August 4, 1932, in Leesville, she dedicated her life to education, shaping young minds as a school teacher. Her legacy in education is remembered fondly by former students and colleagues alike.

Maxine is survived by her sisters, Comeola Smith (Jay T.) of Leesville, Louisiana, and Maudry Williams of Chicago, Illinois; her brother, Barney Wilson (Zenobia) of Leesville, Louisiana; her daughter-in-law, Sharon Gunn of Donaldsonville, Louisiana; and her grandson, Steven Gunn II. Her family remembers her as a pillar of strength and wisdom, whose guidance was sought by many.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the same location, with Rev. Joseph L. Garner officiating. Interment will follow at Leesville Memorial Cemetery. Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville is assisting the family during this time.

Maxine’s passing leaves behind a legacy of love, education, and community involvement that will not be forgotten. Her life’s work as an educator and the memories shared with her family and friends will continue to inspire those who knew her.

---

MAXINE D. GUNN
August 4, 1932 – July 27, 2024
Service: August 3, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

OLLIE MAE HUSSEY
May 8, 1926 – July 28, 2024
Service: August 3, 2024, at Oak Forest Baptist Church in Leesville at 10:30 a.m.

DOROTHY JEAN WAGES
March 28, 1939 – July 29, 2024
Service: August 1, 2024, at Castor Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

BRENDA JEAN HARDAMON
August 22, 1955 – July 21, 2024
Service: August 1, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Leesville at 12:00 p.m.

---

By Jeannie Petrus

Overall, the look was effortless chic with a twist of color.

A white Twin Sister dress that fit Gabby Godfrey like a glove.  It was the first photo shoot created by the then 17-year-old aspiring model from Natchitoches that would be the foundation of a portfolio for a hopeful future career in modeling and fashion design.

Halfway into the photo shoot, the photographer, Jess Roberts, suggested wearing a colorful headband that Gabby had packed in her bag that day.  It was the headband her grandmother, Ginny Carbo of Alexandria, had purchased for her as a Christmas gift in a local boutique.

Oh, that headband.

It was that headband that catapulted Gabby onto an exciting and…totally unexpected…path to fulfilling her dream of becoming a model.

“After receiving the photo gallery from Jess, I immediately chose my favorites and posted them on Instagram; tagging all of the designers of each piece I wore,” said Gabby.  “I received hundreds of likes and comments, many of which asked about the headband.  They loved the photos, but LOVED the headband and wanted to know where I got it.”  

Gabby could have just told everyone it was purchased at a small boutique in Alexandria, but she wanted to know more.  She began researching the company that made it and was blown away by what she discovered.

Alivia, a company started by Jovana Mullins in 2018, turns artwork, created by individuals with disabilities, into inspiring fashion apparel. 

It was this headband piece that began with artwork created by an individual with a disability participating in art therapy.  Alivia pays each artist for the use of his/her artwork, and then 10 percent of every purchase is donated to their associated nonprofit art therapy program.  Also, each garment includes a scannable tag which credits the artist responsible for the design.  Jovana then uses her own expertise and inspiration to create the fashion apparel.

Gabby was touched to learn the origin of the headband she wore, and it was not long before she was honored to receive a response from Jovana.

“We would love to work with you,” read the response.

At the time, Gabby was a senior at St. Mary’s Catholic School, leading a busy life with classes, extracurricular activities and leadership roles at school and in the community.  It was hard for her to break away from her studies and school activities.

But as soon as Gabby graduated from high school in May of 2024, she was invited by Jovanna to come to New York for a photo shoot to model the Alivia brand and to meet some of the talented creators behind the designs.  

During planning, it was discovered that Gabby and Jovana had a mutual family friend, Peyton Tillman, founder of and designer for the New York clothing company, Taylor Tillman.  Jovana and Peyton worked together to coordinate a combined photo shoot for Alivia and Taylor Tillman in Greenwich Village in New York City.  

“Having the opportunity to work with Jovana and Peyton was an experience I will never forget. Their overall mission and passion to give back through fashion was very inspirational, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity and guidance that they have given me.  

“I also had the privilege to meet Charlotte and Victoria,” said Gabby; “two absolutely beautiful girls who inspired the prints for the dresses I modeled that day.  Victoria was fun, very kind, and focused; Charlotte was outgoing and full of personality.  I instantly fell in love with both of them.”

Since the recent photo shoot in New York, Gabby continues to work with Jovana, helping to bring awareness to the mission of Alivia.  Jovana, who was impressed that Gabby researched the Alivia brand, shares a passion for not just doing what she loves, but doing it with a purpose.

“I love the story behind Alivia and how it showcases the talents of artists with disabilities,” she said.  “If I am going to have modeling opportunities, I would love to continue in the direction of doing so for a cause, or for brands that give back to the community.  

For now, Gabby is holding on to the lucky Alivia headband she wore in that first photo shoot.  She has brought it along on every photo shoot in the last two years.  

Some of her modeling and work experience includes attending the Coco Rocha Model Camp in New York, and the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Style Show in Lafayette, which benefitted Acadiana Symphony Orchestra music education programs.  She also modeled for Ames Layne and Zepp Air at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Natchitoches Regional Airport, which along with Lynn Sanders Art and Alivia, were featured in the Fall 2023 edition of LOLA Magazine.  

In December of 2023, she modeled for the Church Street Inn in Natchitoches, and Jovana sent Gabby several items from Alivia to incorporate in a holiday photo shoot that took place at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans.  

In the fall, Gabby plans to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and pursue a degree in Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising.  Gabby also continues to work with Simone Foreman of Images Model & Talent Agency in Lafayette.  She is hoping that her schedule will allow her to intern for Alivia in New York next summer, and to attend the European Model Showcase in Paris.  In the future, she aspires to create and design her own fashion apparel and accessories, similar to Alivia.

“It is surreal to think about how all of this came together from wearing a unique headband in my first portfolio photo shoot,” she said.

That Alivia headband.

---

Deaunte Jermaine Powers, age 22 of Humble, Texas, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants.  Bond was set at $3500.  Powers remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Christopher Allen Rutherford, age 40 of Houston, Texas, was arrested and charged with one count of Identity Theft.   Bond was set at $5,000. Rutherford remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Kathryn Chloe Spillers, age 43 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness.  Bond was set at $881.  Spillers remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Sarah Taylor Davis, age 36 of Anacoco, was arrested and charged with one count Second Degree Aggravated Assault, one count of Simple Battery and one count of Simple Assault.  Bond was set at $22,562.  Davis remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Dock Jack Osteen III, age 50 of Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft.  Bond was set at $15,000.  Osteen posted bond and was released.

Stacey Marie Carroll, age 39 of Pitkin, was arrested by agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Carroll was charged with one count Turning Movements and Required Signals and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine).  Bond was set at $4135.  Carroll posted bond and was released.

Billy Ray Welch, age 30 of Leesville, was arrested by agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Welch was charged with one count of Turning Movements and Required Signals and one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine).  Bond was set at $4135.  Welch remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Quinton Wade Haley, age 23 of Burr Ferry, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass, one count of General Speed Law, one count of Proper Equipment Required on Vehicle, one count of Eye Protective Devices to be Worn by a Motorcyclist, windshield on Motorcycle, and one count No Passing Zone.  Bond was set at $3300.  A detainer for the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole was placed on Haley.  Haley remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Randall Lynn Haymon II, age 34 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count Domestic Battery with Child Endangerment and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bond has not been set.  Haymon remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Henry Leon Bailey, age 30 of Rosepine, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery.  Bond has not been set.  Bailey remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Michael Ty Leon Bently, age 18 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery.  Bond has not been set.  Bently 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 in a special called meeting of the Solid Waste Committee, Monday, July 29, at 10 a.m.

All Jurors were in attendance and welcomed Tim Devonshire and Brian Davis of Waste Connections, the parish solid waste collector. Jurors wanted a face-to-face get together with the Regional Manager, but due to miscommunication about the time of the meeting, the representative did not make it.  Devonshire is the facility manager and moved here from Lafayette just a few months ago.  Davis has been the point of contact for jurors locally.

Quentin Thompson, Chairman of the Solid Waste Committee, addressed the meeting by recognizing that the Vernon-Beauregard area is truly a challenge for the company due to the sheer size of the area.  Every Juror in Vernon Parish has a horror story on trash pickup and related problems.  Thompson and the Jurors were hoping for a face-to-face meeting with corporate personnel to discuss the grievances and complaints of their constituents.  Jurors tossed out ideas for collection, including compactors in rural locations, smaller trucks for tight roads, and turn-arounds and overall better communication with the parish administrative office.

Davis and the Police Jurors did agree that call volume has been down 50-60% over the last three weeks.  Davis pointed to a pair of new trucks being moved into rotation and the hiring of more experienced employees.  Davis said his crews had worked all their streets and roads without a Saturday pickup for the past month. He admitted the downpour last Wednesday hampered them some.  Davis agreed to ride with Jurors to identify their district problems.

During the last year, Jurors had heard Waste Connections was looking for a more rural location for their facility in District 1, Ward 4.  Many of the complaints over the last few years have come from residents living near the facility.  Devonshire told Jurors the company was not averse to a new location but was not currently seeking one.

---

The Leesville City Police received a phone call at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26, about a domestic disturbance at a residence off Highway 1211 near Savage Forks Road.  The call was transferred to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The caller indicated that they had shot a family member.  They also made threats against themselves and law enforcement personnel.

VPSO deputies and detectives responded to the address given by the caller.  When they arrived, residents told them there had been no disturbance and no one had called the authorities.  Law enforcement personnel went through the neighborhood and found no report of a disturbance.  No name or address to match the one given by the caller could be found by authorities.  The caller had apparently hung up before the call could be traced.

The Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana State Analytical & Fusion Exchange in Alexandria are working to determine the origin of the phone call.  The investigation is ongoing by local and state officials.

---

GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN and the students and staff of WEST LEESVILLE ELEMENTARY in Leesville invite the public to the dedication of the new mural “Louisiana Wildflowers” on Building B of the WLE campus on August 13 at 9:00 a.m. The mural was painted by artist Liz Cornett of Smoking Monk Studios and was made possible from a grant secured by GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN from the State Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The funding comes from the “Percent for Art” program administered by CRT. A Call to Artists was issued in August of 2023, and artist Liz Cornett of Forest Hill, Louisiana, was chosen to execute the project. Ms. Cornett is an experienced muralist, and she worked with art students at West Leesville Elementary to assist in the final design, with the theme “Vernon Parish Wildflowers.” The students not only took part in the design work but were exposed to subject matter on the importance of public art. The mural is on a prominent building at the school facing the Leesville Art Park, making a visual tie from the school to the Art Park.

---

Following is the 2024-25 Vernon Parish School Calendar:

August 14, 2024           New Teacher Induction

August 15, 2024           Professional Development at School Site (Para Workday)

August 16, 2024           Teacher Workday at School (Para Workday)

August 19, 2024           First Day of School for Students

September 2, 2024    Labor Day (Student and Staff Holiday)

October 3, 2024           Virtual Day/Parent/Teacher Conf. (Paras Off)

October 4, 2024           Fair Day (Student and Staff Holiday)

October 14, 2024        Columbus Day (Student & Staff Holiday)

November 5, 2024      Election Day (Student and Staff Holiday)

November 11, 2024   Veteran’s Day (Student and Staff Holiday)

November 22, 2024   1⁄2 Day Early Dismissal

November 25 – 29, 2024 Thanksgiving Break (Student and Staff Holiday)

December 19, 2024   1⁄2 Day Early Dismissal

December 20 – January 3, 2025 Christmas/Winter Break (Student and Staff Holiday)

January 6, 2025            Teacher Workday

January 7, 2025            Students Return

January 20, 2025         Martin Luther King Holiday (Student and Staff Holiday)

February 17, 2025       President’s Day (Student and Staff Holiday)

February 28, 2025       Virtual Day/Parent Teacher Conference (Paras Off)

March 3-4, 2025           Mardi Gras (Student and Staff Holiday)

April 11, 2025                1⁄2 Day Early Dismissal

April 14 – 21, 2025       Easter/Spring Break (Student and Staff Holiday)

May 16, 2025                 Last Day for Students/Teachers (1/2 Day for Students)

Testing Windows

April 2 – May 14, 2025              Grades 4 -12 LEAP 2025 – Computer Based Testing

April 2- 4, 2025                             Grade 3- Paper Based Testing, ELA and Math

April 7- 8, 2025                             Grade 3- Paper Based Testing, Science and Social Studies

1st Semester August 19, 2024 – January 10, 2025 (82 Student Days)

1st – 9 weeks August 19, 2024 – October 18, 2024

2nd – 9 weeks October 21, 2024 –January 10, 2025

2nd Semester January 13, 2025 – May 16, 2025 (79 Student Days)

3rd – 9 weeks January 13, 2025 – March 14, 2025

4th – 9 weeks March 17, 2025 – May 16, 2025

Vernon Parish School Board

201 Belview Road. Leesville, La, 71446

337-239-3401

James Williams, Superintendent

---

Two upcoming charitable golf tournaments are scheduled now the weekend of August 16-17, 2024:

Friday, August 16 – LEESVILLE H.S. GRIDIRON CLUB: This event was rescheduled from July 26.  Two-person scramble with a 9a.m. shotgun start at Links on the Bayou in Alexandria.  $200 entry fee per team.  Cash prizes awarded to the top three scoring teams.  Call Matt Koury at 337-397-0504 or Amanda Bealer at 337-238-8385.

Saturday, August 17 – ANACOCO H.S. GOLF TEAM:  Fundraiser for the Anacoco golf team.  Four-person scramble format is $50 per person.  That includes greens fees, shared cart, snacks, drinks, and lunch.  Tee off at 9 a.m. at the Leesville Municipal Golf Course.  For more information or to sponsor a hole in support of the golfers, call Randi Taylor at 337-353-3531.

---

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church of Leesville recently said goodbye to Father Kenneth Michiels after 20 years of pastoring here.  The Diocese of Alexandria moved Father Michiels to pastor St. Alphonsus Church in Hessmer, Louisiana.

The Vernon Parish Journal sat down with his replacement, Father Adam Travis, on Friday, July 26, at his makeshift office at St. Michael’s Center. 

Father Travis was born in Michigan, the youngest of three sons born to Deacon Bill Travis and Joan Travis of Tioga, Louisiana.  The family arrived in Louisiana in 1984, where Father Travis attended Cabrini Elementary and graduated from Holy Savior Menard High School in Alexandria.  Father Travis holds a degree in business administration from LSU and quipped that the priesthood saved him from being an accountant. 

Father Travis has been a priest for 17 years.  He admitted to thinking about being a priest as a child but did not fully begin to understand the calling until his early 20’s.  He is a graduate of the Pontifical College of Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, a Diocesan seminary under more direct authority of the Vatican.  It is the only pontifical seminary outside of Italy and is under the direction of the Congregation for Catholic Education.  The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States is the Chancellor for the university.

Father Travis previously served the Diocese of Alexandria at St. Martin Church in Lecompte and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Forest Hill.  For the past two years, he was a civilian priest and government employee at Davis-Monthan AFB outside of Tucson, Arizona, before returning to the local Diocese and his present posting.

He confessed he grew up with a dog and a cat but now has neither due to a simple lack of time it takes to care for a pet.  He enjoys all foods, is not a vegetarian, and likes trying new flavors.  Father Travis enjoys reading and attempting to keep up with technology.

We asked the new Leesville resident for his initial thoughts on the St. Michael’s congregation.  He responded by saying that he was impressed by the church family’s commitment to the parish and senses a vibrant faith for serving the Lord. 

Welcome to Vernon Parish, Father Adam Travis.

---

By Doug de Graffenried

George Carlin once made this comment on why he had such a congenital distrust of religious neophytes who claim to be “born again.” “They talk too much, pure and simple! When I was born, I was so stunned that I couldn’t speak for two years! If someone has a religious experience and shuts up for a couple of years, I will take them seriously.” Carlin had nothing nice to say about organized religion, but in this regard, he points out a spiritual truth.

Wonder and awe stun and mute our spontaneous energies. They paralyze us so that we become reflective by conscription. 

Amazement does the opposite. Amazement opens up the conduit to our emotions and usually to our mouths. When your friend starts, “we had the most amazing vacation.” Don’t you catch your breath because you are about to be assaulted with a verbal travel journal? Of course, to go with the narration, pictures will be thrust upon you. Wonder and awe are spiritual and deep, amazement is visceral and shallow.

I take you to the Christmas stories in Luke. There are angels busy giving birth announcements. Zechariah the old man gets one and he is amazed. Zechariah, knowing about biological impossibilities voices proper questions, and Gabriel, seemingly unhappy with his questions, mutes him for nine months. So, Zechariah was amazed, and he spoke. Albeit, he spoke “out of school.”

A short time later, the same angel goes to the virgin Mary, with her birth announcement. She certainly knows about biological impossibilities, but she says nothing. She ponders the angel’s words in her heart. She is filled with wonder and awe by this news. Her wonder and awe kept her silent.

Wonder and awe are the biblical antithesis to amazement.

It is the difference between taking your breath away and taking your words away.

Are wonder and awe a part of your daily experience? When you listen to the voice of creation as the sun is setting? When do you hear divine music? When are you touched by the love of another? Are there moments that are so divine for you, that you can’t speak? 

Where do you find wonder and awe? What takes your words away?

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston. You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

---