The Leesville Mayor’s Women’s Commission recently presented their June 2024 Civic Awards for Beautification to two Leesville citizens.
The commercial winner was Montigo Inn located at 1808 South 5th St. which is owned by Neeta and Paresh Patel, both originally from India.
The first thing to attract our attention were the gorgeous red roses that create a splash of color near the sign in front, but their beautification efforts don’t stop there. Beautiful potted plants are featured throughout the property. Among them were several Tulsi plants, also known as Indian Holy Basil. And despite its small size, an Indian curry leaf plant enticed us with its very pleasant scent. Both can be used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Pictured on the left above are (L to R): Neeta Patel, Glenda Jarrell (MWC) and Paresh Patel.
The residential award was presented to Rachel and Jerimie Betts who live at 103 East North St. The front of the home is lined with a variety of ornamental shrubbery and a well-manicured lawn. These continue along the side yard where they are backed by large red rose bushes that are currently covered in blooms, providing both beauty and privacy for the family. Pictured on the right above are (L to R): Rachel Betts, Glenda Jarrell (MWC) and Jerimie Betts.
New Llano – Fireworks in the Park will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, at the New Llano Community Park on Stanton Street. Bring your own fireworks to shoot from 6-9 p.m. Main fireworks show is at 9 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets, enjoy food trucks, snow cones, free watermelon, music and fun. Free and open to the public.
DeRidder – Thursday, July 4: Big gathering at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds from 7-9 p.m. Free and open to all. Food trucks will start serving meals at 5 p.m. Enjoy music and a kids’ game area. Big fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs.
Ft.Johnson/MWR – Saturday, July 6, at Alligator Lake: Independence Day Spectacular. Gates open at 5 p.m. Enjoy live music, a magic show, food/drink, and recreational activities. There will even be a movie night. Big fireworks show will end the evening.
The First Baptist Church of Anacoco will hold the largest freedom music fest in West Central Louisiana Sunday, June 30, beginning at 5 p.m. on the church grounds.
This will mark the third year for the Faith & Family Freedom Music Fest. Last year it attracted almost three thousand attendees. Organizers are hoping for five thousand this year.
The festival will feature some outstanding family and Christian artists. Chosen Road was recently named Newcomer of the Year at the Dove Awards. Point of Grace is a well-known female trio. The Jason Lovins Band will get the crowd moving with their high energy show. The evening headliner is Mac Powell, lead singer for long-time group, Third Day. Music will begin at 5 p.m., and this event is free to attend and family friendly.
The grounds for the festival are behind the First Baptist Church but parking will be at the elementary and high schools, with golf carts shuttling festivalgoers to the event site. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Ice chests are allowed, but alcohol is strictly prohibited.
The event will feature food trucks, snow cones, and more. Food and beverage vendors include: Chris Jennings/Italian ice and lemonade, Gringo Biscuit, Kai’s Island Grill, Smackers, The Lunch Box, Big Meaux’s BBQ, D’alish, Kona Ice, Get 2 Crackin, The Hot Dog Man, Savage Spork, and Tasty Treats on the Bend.
Following the music, organizers are planning a massive fireworks display. They expect it will be the biggest in the area.
Make it a different kind of Sunday with your family at the Faith & Family Freedom Music Fest, June 30, 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Anacoco.
The Village of Simpson will host its first ever Red, White, and Blue Festival Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free parking is available at the Simpson High School parking lot.
The festival is free and open to the public. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, music, slides, bounce houses, a dunking booth, games, and arts and crafts for kids. Don’t miss the foam party! Adults are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
The festival committee is inviting all owners of classic cars and hot rods to enter the parade at noon. Line-up is 11 a.m. for the parade at Simpson Baptist Church. There is no cost to enter and ride.
Music in the pavilion area at Simpson High School will begin in the afternoon with James Bonner, and The Old Man Band. Big Daddy’s Entertainment will provide a DJ and music.
For more information on the festival, go to the Facebook page for the Simpson Community Events Center.
A group of local teenagers is attending a week-long day camp with Haven Ministries. In conjunction with True Vision Ministries annual Harvest Now program, they will hold an areawide car wash for a local family in need on Thursday June 20, from Noon-4pm. What makes it unique is that it will take place at five locations in West Central Louisiana.
You can support this group by visiting Big John’s Country Kitchen in Hornbeck, Curtis Grocery on Toledo Bend, the Florien Civic Center, Advanced Auto Parts in Leesville, or O’Reilly Auto Parts in Many from noon-4 p.m. tomorrow and get your vehicle washed. Cost is simply your donation. Pay what you can and support their hard work and community spirit. Show them a little crazy love.
The search is on for Northwestern State University’s next president.
In a message to the university community Monday, Mark Romero, chair of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, said the board “is committed to an aggressive timeline to ensure the new NSU President is in place for the beginning of the fall 2024 semester.”
“We seek a visionary leader who will continue advancing NSU’s mission and positively influencing the community. The search process will be thorough and inclusive to ensure we find a forward-thinking individual who will lead NSU into the future,” Romero said. “We encourage your participation in this process and invite your public comments and suggestions. Your input is invaluable as we move forward.”
The search timeline is as follows.
June 14, 2024: Search committee formed and job advertisement posted.
June 24, 2024: Inaugural search committee meeting and public forum at NSU.
June 28, 2024: Preferred date for nominations and applications.
July 3, 2024: Candidates list provided to the search committee.
July 8, 2024: Review of applications and selection of semi-finalists.
July 15 & 16, 2024: On-campus interviews with semi-finalists.
July 18, 2024: Special Board meeting in Baton Rouge to select the new President.
“Throughout this transition, NSU’s senior leadership team will ensure smooth operations and ongoing initiatives at NSU. Rest assured, our focus remains steadfast on the success and well-being of our students, faculty and staff,” Romero said. “The UL System leadership and board committee are committed to collaborating with university leaders and the NSU community throughout this process. We are excited about NSU’s future and are confident in finding a strong leader who will elevate NSU’s impact on education and the community.”
NSU’s 20th president Dr. Marcus Jones announced May 31 that he has taken a position as executive vice president and chief operating officer and senior advisor to UL System President Dr. Rick Gallot.
Hundreds of kids who dream of playing in the pros – or, kids who just love to play – are registered for the already filled-to-capacity free New Orleans Saints & Pelicans/Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Junior Training Camp on Saturday morning on the Northwestern State campus in Natchitoches.
The JTC annually provides two hours of full throttle fun alongside Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame members and NSU coaches, and staff from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans community relations department. It is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
Everyone who registered should have received an email Monday with a link to an easy-to-complete JTC waiver form that needs to be submitted online by Friday at 5. Those who don’t return that form online will have to complete it Saturday morning before being able to join the fun. JTC organizers are using the online form to hopefully avoid a bottleneck of kids whose participation could be delayed by having to fill out the form on Saturday.
If there are questions about the waiver form, or if it wasn’t received, call the LSHOF Foundation office at 318-238-4255. The camp filled to capacity last month.
The LaSportsHall.com website has the full schedule for the Induction Celebration this weekend. The JTC is one of three free events, beginning with the Thursday evening Welcome Reception from 5-7 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. The biggest free ticket is Friday night’s Rockin’ Riverfest concert from 6-10:30 on the downtown riverbank, featuring a fireworks show after the Class of 2024 is introduced at 9:15.
The Junior Training Camp runs from 9-11 a.m., starting with registration between 8-9 a.m. at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center (WRAC) gymnasium. Due to the full capacity of 350 campers signed up, it’s important for parents to get their campers checked in well before the fun starts at 9 a.m. Then, campers get introduced to the sports stars who will be coaching them for the next two hours, inside focusing on basketball skills, and outside at Turpin Stadium, with football and general sports skills instruction.
Every camper will bring home two free T-shirts, other items, and a coupon for a meal at Raisin’ Canes. Photos from the camp will be posted on the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Facebook page, and so will a highlight video.
The goals of the JTC are simple – a fun, and thrilling, experience for the kids, free of charge; skills instruction from some of the best to ever play, or coach, the games; and promotion of health lifestyles and positive life choices.
The campers are separated into two groups. One stays inside for the first hour for basketball instruction, while the other is next door at Turpin Stadium, having football fun. The groups switch locations in the second half of the camp.
Parents can follow their favorite campers and watch all the fun from the stands in the gym and on the east side of Turpin Stadium – where it will be sunny, and hot, watching some really cool memories being made.
Gett Thomas, a Vernon Parish native and graduate of Pickering High School, has been named the new boys’ basketball coach at Anacoco High School.
Thomas spent the last five years as the head basketball coach and assistant football coach at Oakdale High. Thomas was an assistant coach for one year on the Northwestern State University basketball staff. He began his coaching path as an assistant football coach at Pickering for five years.
Thomas compiled a 90-44 record at Oakdale, including four straight district titles and back- to-back quarterfinal appearances in the playoffs. He was named District Coach of the Year four years in a row. The Pickering graduate earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration from LSU and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Christian University (LC/Pineville).
Thomas and his wife, Leslie, are expecting their first child next month. Congratulations on both counts from the staff of the Vernon Parish Journal.
The Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association recently announced their Division V all state team and Vernon Parish was well represented.
Joe Lockhart of Quitman and Stu Regard of Avoyelles PC were named Coaches of the Year. Senior Tanner Dupuy of Avoyelles PC was named Hitter of the Year. Sophomore Lincon Stephens of Pitkin was named Pitcher of the Year.
Vernon Parish players named to the team included senior pitcher Hayden Doyle of Hicks, junior catcher Kyle Scott of Anacoco, and sophomore catcher Kane Hagan of Hicks. Senior infielders, Jaxon Perkins and Brock Nolen of Pitkin, were named as well as teammates, juniors Dwayne Martin and Cy Johnson as utility players.
Pitkin was knocked out of the playoffs in the semifinals this past season, while Hicks lost to Quitman in the finals of the Division V state tournament.
Area rock band Gypsy Lablue will join four other Louisiana bands in Baton Rouge tonight, June 21 for the Eagle 98.1-FM, Rock Star Search: Battle of Louisiana Bands. The contest takes place at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge with the winning band set to open the concert with Kenny Wayne Shepherd on July 13 at the Baton Rouge Riverfront Center.
Gypsy Lablue played the Leesville Mayfest this year on Friday, May 3. The band has been together since 2006. They reformed in 2022 with a new look and sound. Original members of the band are Kenny Jones on lead and rhythm guitars, Jessica Jones on vocals, and Mike Holt on drums. In the past year the band has added John Keith on bass and Jason Martinez on lead and rhythm guitars. The band has one full length CD, Hearts on Fire, and is currently working on a new release. Through the years, Gypsy Lablue has supported acts like Dr. Hook, Irma Thomas, Tab Benoit, Sammy Kershaw, the late Jo El Sonnier, and Confederate Railroad.
The band will be up against formidable competition as they battle The Leif Meche Band from Lafayette, Zizzi of New Iberia, Petty Betty from Baton Rouge, and Tommy G and the Stormy Weather Band of Morgan City. Gypsy Lablue invites all their fans and friends to join them in Baton Rouge tonight, June 21 for the contest.
The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University sponsored the “Fiddlin’ with the Finest! A Celebration of Louisiana Folk Fiddling” program on June 15 at the Beauregard Museum in DeRidder. Photo by Elona Weston
Attendees at the Louisiana Folklife Center program “Fiddlin’ with the Finest! A Celebration of Louisiana Folk Fiddling” on June 15 at the Beauregard Museum in DeRidder were treated to a performance of fiddle musical artistry. Several musicians participated, including four Louisiana State Fiddle Champions — Lauren Hodges (2004), Clancey Stewart (2018), Joe Suchanek (2017) and Ron Yule (2000 and 2019) — as well as numerous accompanists on guitar, fiddle, banjo and standup bass. Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and professor of English at Northwestern State University, moderated the event, which included a discussion of various aspects of the tradition and a Q&A with the audience. Live music throughout the program included regional fiddle styles accompanied by demonstrations of fiddle stick playing and twin fiddling, with the event, which was followed by the Museum’s regularly scheduled third Saturday open jam session.
The well-attended program was a prelude to the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship which will be part of the 44th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival to be held on the Northwestern State University campus on July 20. The Fiddle Championship will be held at 1 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall. Fiddlers may compete in the championship or non-championship, as well as in the twin fiddle category. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the main stage in Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m.
“The music performed at events like this one remind us how vital and vibrant Louisiana’s folk music can be,” said Rasmussen. “The Louisiana State Fiddle Championship provides important opportunities for fiddlers young and old to have fun while at the same time meet with peers, make new friends, and showcase their talent. When folklife is alive and well people are happier, because our traditions give meaning to our lives as individuals and as a community.”
The event was sponsored by the Beauregard Museum and the Louisiana Folklife Center. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, and the State of Louisiana. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the program did not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
For information on pre-registering to compete in the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu or go to nsula.edu/folklife.
Cundle Lee Reed Jr., 76, of New Llano, Louisiana, passed from this life to his eternal home on June 14, 2024. Cundle was born on February 27, 1948, in Oakhurst, Texas, to Cundle Lee Reed, Sr., and Earline Reese Reed of Texas.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 5 – 9 p.m. at Labby Memorial Chapel in Leesville, Louisiana.
The funeral will be at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church at 604 South Fifth St., Leesville, Louisiana, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville, Louisiana, at 11:30 a.m.
In loving memory of Miss Bernadene West, who returned to her Lord on the 13th of June, 2024, at the age of 94. Born into this world on November 25, 1929, she was born and remained a member of the Silver Creek Community north of Leesville, Louisiana. She was a feisty redhead with a sense of humor that everyone loved, and the warmth of her laughter will remain as a beacon of cherished memories in the hearts of all who knew her.
Educated at Leesville High School, Miss West worked at Camp Polk and later as a compassionate Certified Nurses Aid at Kurthwood Manor and Rosepine Health and Rehabilitation, while caring for her parents until their passing. In retirement, she enjoyed tending her flower garden, cups of coffee with her neighbors and family, and taking walks through the woods.
A devout and faithful servant, Miss West was a lifelong member of Silver Creek Baptist Church. She loved her Lord, and her life was a testament to her unwavering faith, embodying the Christian principles of love, charity, and hope. Her gentle presence will be profoundly missed by her sister, Janice West Burns, her brother-in-law, Berman Burns, and the extended family of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, as well as Heather and Elijah West, whom she loved deeply.
She now joins in glory her late parents, William (Willie) West and Fleta Laurence West, her brothers Cecil and Rayford West, and her sister Merleen Dan.
Funeral services in honor of Miss West were held at 4:00 p.m. at Silver Creek Baptist Church through Jeane’s Funeral Service. Pallbearers were Miss West’s beloved nephews: Dale Burns, Thomas Burns, Brian West, Bill West, Mike Dan, and Jackie Dan.
On June 12, 2024, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 6 west of Many. The crash claimed the life of 57-year-old Michael D. Remedies of Fisher.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2016 Toyota, driven by 52-year-old Ronald P. Jett of Many, was attempting to enter Louisiana Highway 6 from a private drive-way. For reasons still under investigation, Jett failed to yield to an eastbound 2021 Harley Davidson, driven by Remedies. This action placed the Toyota in the direct travel path of the motorcycle, which resulted in a collision.
As a result of the crash, Remedies sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Jett, who was unrestrained, sustained no injuries. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.
In 2024, Troop E has investigated 28 fatal crashes, resulting in 30 deaths.
William Joseph Curcio, age 51, of Simpson, Louisiana, was arrested on four outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond was denied. Curcio remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Joshua James Guyant, age 29, of Florien, Louisiana, was arrested on Commitment to Await Extradition Warrant from the state of Wisconsin. Guyant remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Kevin Carrier, age 23, of New Llano was arrested and charged with one count Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile. Bond has not been set. Carrier remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
Brittany Adriana Ashworth, age 34, of Leesville was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set. Ashworth remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
The Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery is holding a service for a veteran with no family to attend. Specialist 4 Haines was a U.S. Army veteran and Vietnam survivor. He passed away in a nursing home and will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m.
The Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery is located at 3348 University Parkway in Leesville. The public is invited to pay their respects to this soldier.
Assumption Parish Sheriff, Leland Falcon reported the arrest June 10 of William David Defoor III, age 43, of 199 Flat Town Road in Leesville, on felony charges related to his failure to notify and register as a Sex Offender/Child Predator.
The Assumption Sheriff’s office received information on an alleged sex offender being out of compliance with his sex offender registration in Vernon Parish. An investigation determined that Defoor was residing in Pierre Part and working in construction.
Defoor was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges of Failure to Register and Notify as a Sex Offender/Child Predator. He remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents arrested six subjects for their roles in allegedly committing fraud in hog hunting contests in Caldwell and Bienville parishes.
Agents arrested Trace Davis, 30, of Longville, Hunter Webb, 27, of Pitkin, Colby Bushnell, 26, of Dry Creek, Davy Haymon, 35, of Pitkin, Nathan Granger, 34, of Vinton, and Don Pollard Jr., 40, of Pitkin, for hunting contest fraud and criminal conspiracy. Davis, Webb, Bushnell, Haymon, and Pollard Jr. were also arrested for violating interstate commerce. Davis was also arrested for obstruction of justice. Webb was also cited for hunting under a hunting license suspension.
Agents received information about the six subjects catching wild hogs in Texas before two different hog hunting contests in Louisiana and entering them into the contests, which they won.
During the investigation, agents obtained evidence that revealed the six subjects catching hogs in Texas to be used for the Dingler Wild Hog Roundup in Bienville Parish on Feb. 9-10 and the Swamp Time Hog Hunt in Caldwell Parish from March 14-16.
Nathan Granger turned himself in on June 4 to the Bienville Parish Jail since he did not participate in the Caldwell Parish hog hunting contest. The five other subjects turned themselves in on June 7 into the Bienville Parish Jail and the Caldwell Parish Jail.
The rules of both hog hunting contests stipulated that the hogs must be caught during the contest dates and be caught in Louisiana.
Hunting contest fraud brings up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail. Criminal conspiracy carries a fine in the same manner as the offense contemplated by the conspirators. Violating interstate commerce brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Obstruction of justice carries up to a $10,000 fine and five years in jail. Hunting under a hunting license suspension brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Raymond Davis, Senior Agent Micheal Thacker, Corporal Jeremiah Fletcher, Lt. Chad Watts, Sgt. Stuart Guillory, Corporal John Blalock, Sgt. Chuck Dison, Corporal David Nelson, Lt. Beau Robertson, Senior Agent Chelsea Moudry, Corporal James Smith and Senior Agent Dustin Barton.
ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
There’s gonna be the best kind of Earthquake during next weekend’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration.
Specifically, it’s going to happen next Friday evening into night, June 21, in Natchitoches, on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district.
The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame show band, Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, will provide the prevailing vibe for the coolest concert for miles around, the free Rockin’ Riverfest party presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center.
Cranking things up will be the energetic and enthusiastic south Louisiana group Coteau Grove, performers who also are in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Go online to TheMoondogs.com and CoteauGrove.com websites for a great scouting report on the Rockin’ Riverfest’s soundtrack.
Good times will abound during the riverfront concert, which runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30. One of the highlights: a little after 9 o’clock, the Hall’s impressive Class of 2024 will be introduced on stage, and celebrated with a 10-minute fireworks show set to sports-themed music over Cane River Lake. And yes, you read correctly. It’s free. There will be food and beverage vendors on the riverfront, and of course, Front Street’s always fun watering holes/restaurants are just a few steps away.
It’s family friendly. A free interactive kids zone presented by Louisiana Propane Dealers will include basketball, football, golf and science games for all ages to enjoy.
If you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy a tasty collection of Louisiana foods and specialty refreshments, you better hurry and visit LaSportsHall.com to snap up a few of the fast-disappearing $100 tickets to the VIP Taste of Tailgating presented by Hancock Whitney.
That party runs from 7-10 p.m. in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room that will provide exclusive access to the 12-member 2024 Induction Class.
That star-studded group includes women’s basketball superstar Seimone Augustus, Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, Tulane basketball coaching hero Perry Clark, Olympic wrestler and MMA legend Daniel Cormier, Grambling baseball icon Coach Wilbert Ellis, south Louisiana high school football coaching great Frank Monica, Olympic gold medalist and LSU All-American wrestler Kevin Jackson, New Iberia/McNeese product and 19-year pro footballer Kerry Joseph, and one of America’s winningest jockeys, Sunset’s Ray Sibille.
Acclaimed Louisiana sports journalists Bobby Ardoin and Ron Higgins, and longtime Southland Conference commissioner Tom Burnett, round out the Class of 2024.
Maybe we’ll see the musical debut of Seimone and Sibille, or perhaps we’ll hear Kerry, Perry and Kevin crooning on stage. Could DC and Drew show dance moves? Frank Monica on the harmonica? Anything is possible as the Rockin’ Riverfest rolls on.
Join the fun and celebrate some of Louisiana’s sports greats, for free, on Friday evening, June 21, in downtown Natchitoches. For information on all of the events during the June 20-22 Class of 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.
