None available for this edition.

Yodel Armada Rodriguez, age 42, of Channelview, Texas, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft over $100,000 relating to the theft of a Skid Steer from a business in Hornbeck in December 2023.  Bond has not been set.  Rodriguez remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Nicholas Oswaldo Garcia, age 37, of Gross Tete, Louisiana, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Garcia remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Kathy Ann Hoff, age 41, of Anacoco was arrested and charged with one count Criminal Trespass and one count Theft of a Motor Vehicle.  Bond was set at $11,295.  Hoff remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Robert Lacaze, age 43, of Pitkin was arrested on a bench warrant for non-payment of child support.  Bond has not been set, and Lacaze remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Cody Allen Weed, age 35, of Leesville was arrested on one count possession Schedule I Narcotic, 3^rd offense, one count Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine), one court possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count of Possession of a Firearm or Carrying of a Concealed Weapon by a felon.  Bond has not been set.  Weed remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

The #1 ranked Pitkin Tigers could not unlock the mystery of Quitman pitcher Ian Tilley, as the #5 Wolverines upset the defending state champs 1-0 Tuesday at the LHSAA State Baseball Tournament at McMurry Park in Sulphur.

The defending state champion Tigers lost the game at the plate with only four hits in the Division V semifinal game.  Quitman scored in the first on a lead-off double that came around to score the game’s only run.

The game was over in 1 hour and 20 minutes.  The closest the Tigers came to touching home plate was a lead-off single by Lincoln Stephens in the bottom of the third inning.  A bundt and a ground out advanced the runner to third base with two outs, but the Tigers failed to bring the run home.

Pitkin flashed great defensive leather with double plays in the 4^th and 5^th innings that took Quitman out of scoring insurance runs. 

The young Tigers of Coach J.C. Holt should be back for several more years as their roster is littered with underclassmen across the field.

Quitman will play Hicks in the state Division V non-select finals Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m.

The #3 ranked Hicks Pirates dispatched the #2 Weston Wolves on the other half of the Tuesday bracket, 5-1.  Hicks will be chasing the 14^th state title in their storied history on Friday.

Hicks lefty, Hayden Doyle, pitched 7-1/3 innings before being taken out on the pitch count.  He would be available to pitch in the finals if needed.

The Wolves had Doyle in trouble with runners at 1^st and 3^rd in the first inning.  He ended up striking out the last batter in the inning.

The Pirates punched first when Dakota Edwards doubled and eventually came around for a 1-0 lead.  Weston had two on with one out in the bottom of the third, but Hicks’ third baseman, Lance Williams, caught a hardliner and stepped on the bag for an inning-ending double play.

Hicks scored a run on a pop fly lost in the sun by a Weston fielder to make it 3-0.  They could have scored more but Luke Williams was thrown out at third on a nifty play to end the inning.

The Pirates stuck again in the top of the 5^th as Addison Coffman singled through a drawn-up infield for an RBI and a 4-0 lead.

Weston lost a good chance to score by stranding a runner at second in the 5^th inning.  The Wolves did get on the board in the 6^th as Drew Browning led off with a ground rule double.  A single got the Wolves on the scoreboard and left runners at first and third, but a double play by the Pirates ended the threat.

Hicks stranded two runners in scoring position in the top of the 7^th.  When Hayden Doyle took the mound in the bottom of the 7^th, he slipped on the turf before he began to pitch.  Coach Gary Williams took him out with two outs in the inning.  Coffman came on in relief for the final out of the 5-1 win.  Doyle, a senior, threw only 84 pitches and would be available to pitch in the Division V finals on Friday.

The championship game can be heard live on 105.7/KVVP-FM and 93.5/KJAE-FM.

The Simpson Lady Broncos ran, threw, and jumped their way to their first ever State Track championship, winning the 2024 Class C track title Thursday at Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge.  Simpson scored 78 points to easily outpace the field in winning the title.  Evans finished fifth with 46 points, and Hornbeck made the top ten with 24 points.  The Simpson boys finished in third place at the state meet with 51 points.

The Lady Broncos 4 x100 meter relay team of Dakota Miller, Olivia Edwards, McKenzie Grover, and Ashley Williams took first place.  Regan Clutter won the state title in the high jump.  Olivia Edwards took second place in the triple jump and the javelin.  Dakota Miller finished second in the1600 meter run and third in the 300-meter hurdles.  Alyssa Rowe took home a second in the 3200-meter run, while Ashley Miller took fourth in the 100-meter dash.

The Simpson boys’ third place finish was led by distance runner Ean Allain, who won titles in the 800- and 1600-meter runs.   Aiden Martin won the 300-meter hurdles, took third in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump. 

Distance star Reese Jeane of Evans won three state championships at 800 meters/1600 meters/3200 meters.  Her teammate, Addison Outlaw Knight, finished second place in the 800-meter run.

Hornbeck’s relay team of Parker Alexander, Trace Fox, Cooper Martin, and Landyn Remedies took home a state title in the boys 4×400 meter relay.  The Lady Hornets were led in scoring with a state title in the shot put by Hannah Mitchell and one in the discus by Cali Wedgeworth.

The Class B state meet was also held last Thursday in Baton Rouge.  Anacoco’s girls took fourth place overall by scoring 50 points.  Joanna Mawae won a state title in the high jump, and the 4×400 meter relay team of Sohpia Swinney, Riley Draughn, Brylee Goins, and Madi Stanley won the state title.  The team of Stanley, Hayley Smith, Izabella Henry, and Abilee Dowden finished in second place in the 4×200 race. Swinney also took second in the 300-meter hurdles and third in the 800-meter run, while Stanley added a third-place finish in the 800-meter run.

Pitkin’s Natalee Nolen scored points for the Lady Tigers with a second-place finish in the javelin throw.

The Anacoco boys were led in scoring with a second-place finish by Layton Kay in the 800-meter run and a third from Lance Grafton in the discus.  Anacoco finished seventh in the team standings and scored quite a few points with 4^th and 5^th place finishes.

The Pitkin Lady Tigers got on the scoreboard with a second-place finish from Natalee Nolen in the javelin.

The Rosepine Lady Eagles took fourth place with 43 points in the state 2-A track meet Friday in Baton Rouge.  Speedster Amaya Shine won the 200-meter dash and took second in the 100-meter dash.  The 4×400 meter relay team of Shine, Aaleyiah Pollard, Hayley Calcote. and Geson Dickson brought home a state title.  Rosepine relay teams also took fourth in the 4×800 meter and fifth in the 4×200 meter races.

Leesville had great finishes by some Lady Cats and another state title for a Wampus Cat runner. Distance star Lina Mills-Zacapa finished second in the 1600-meter run, third in the 800-meter run, and fifth in the 3200-meter run to cap off her stellar career at Leesville High. The Lady Cats relay team finished third in both the 4×400 and 4×800 meter races.  The Leesville boys posted a state title from defending state champion, junior, Keeton Johnson in the 1600-meter run.  The 4×800 meter relay team of Johnson, Jakori Celestine, Keon Johnson, and Azjay Rhodes finished in second place.

Congratulations to all the outdoor track and field athletes from Vernon Parish high schools who competed at the state level.

The Vernon Parish School Board recognized Rosepine teacher Nichole Williams at their meeting on Tuesday, May 7.  Williams was one of sixteen teachers statewide to be recognized recently as an Exemplary Educator by the Louisiana Department of Education.  This award was created to acknowledge exceptional early to mid-year career teachers who exemplify Louisiana’s education profession.

The criteria for this award included possessing an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates students; offering strong, long-range potential for professional leadership; demonstrating exceptional educational talent; and achieving exemplary educational accomplishments.

Mrs. Williams is the first Vernon Parish educator selected for this award.  She will be honored later this year by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The Vernon Parish School Board met on Tuesday, May 7, at 10 a.m. in the Central Office meeting room on Belview Road in Leesville.

The first order of business was adopting new millage rates for tax year 2024.  Finance Director Tim Ward told Board members this was a re-assessment year for the School Board, but no increases are planned.  Ward noted rates had decreased.  Most of these funds are for maintenance and debt servicing.

The Board also received bids for janitorial and cafeteria cleaning supplies.  They will review and accept the lowest bids.  Ward did point out that janitorial supplies had decreased somewhat in costs.  The low bid on bread and rolls was awarded to Flowers Baking of Lafayette.  It was a lower bid than last year’s.  The milk/juice bid from Mid-State Marketing/Borden in Alexandria was the only bid received.

During the last two VPSB meetings, Board members and school principals have been recognizing students from middle schools and high schools who have participated in state level competitions academically or athletically and finished in the top 6 in the process. Some 180 students were recognized from across Vernon Parish at the meeting.

The School Board recognized the May Employee of the Month.  Rodney Taylor with Taylor and Sons Insurance presented the award to Sheri Sinclair, cafeteria manager at Leesville High School.  Lisa Haymon, Principal at Leesville High spoke about Ms. Sinclair’s kindness to all and thoughtfulness in making sure no one goes hungry at LHS.

Finance Director Tim Ward came back and gave the Board the latest on system finances.  There was a decrease in Federal Title III funding of $5,000, but overall federal and state revenue to the Board has increased slightly.  The lunch fund costs are up nearly $500,000, but there was an excess in the General Operating budget to help out with that cost increase.  Ward said Vernon Parish will see an additional MFP funding of $59,000.

The Vernon Parish School Board will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m.

Diane Henry White, 74, of Pitkin, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Her funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Pitkin, with Bro. Ferran Bertrand, Bro. Jason Nolde and Bro. Brian Thompson officiating.

Diane was born on February 18, 1950, in San Antonio, TX, to her parents, Henry Henry & Alva Lee Pollard.

Diane found joy in tending her garden, cherishing every bloom. She loved her family selflessly and was renowned for her generosity. Diane was famous for pecan and pumpkin pies all over Vernon Parish and valued honesty. Meme had excellent taste and found comfort in her linen clothes and flip-flops. Her decorating reflects her artistic talent, which brought her immense joy.

Diane’s unwavering faith in God was a source of comfort and reassurance for her. She had many stories of how God had provided for her and her family through the years, a testament to her belief in His faithfulness.

Diane is preceded in death by three children, Marty Dale White, Tabatha Marie White, and Latonya Diane White.

Left to cherish her memory are the love of her life of 55 years, her husband, Roger Dale White; and two daughters, Lindsey Michelle Bryant (Wyatt) and Trista Ann Strickland (Charlie); special daughter, Sadie Bell Heflin (The apple of her eye who gave her the name Meme); two Brothers, Donald Ray Henry and John Henry; four sisters, Elaine Fee, Linda Doxey, Janice Carroll and Brenda Gill; five special grandchildren, a testament to the love and joy she brought to everyone’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Medical Center.

The White family deeply appreciates your support and kind words during this difficult time.

A funeral service for Norma Lea Buchanan was held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana, with pastor Wesley Manning officiating.  Burial followed at Good Hope Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Mikey D. Johnson, Chris Buchanan, Pete Borders, Damien Maddox, Travis Duhon, and Timothy Bandeaux.

Norma Lea Buchanan was born on February 27, 1941, to T.W. Underwood and Dovie L. Farris Underwood. Norma passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of 83. Norma was raised in Florien, Louisiana by her aunt Stella. She was a joyous child who had a contagious and beautiful laugh. Norma met her husband James W. Buchanan when she was sixteen years old. They got married on May 14, 1957, and were married for 56 years until her husband passed away. Norma was a military wife and lived in many different places, including Germany, Texas, Georgia, and then in 1969 they made their way to Fort Polk. Norma was a homemaker, wife, and loving mother to her five children. She loved being able to take care of her family and did so until the Lord took her home. She enjoyed sewing and working puzzle books. She made friends easily and never met a stranger.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband James W. Buchanan, her son James “Jimmie” Buchanan Jr, and her parents.

Left to cherish her memory are her four daughters: Wilma (Pete) Borders of Hornbeck, Louisiana, Wanda Buchanan of Leesville, Eva (Dale) Borders of Anacoco, Louisiana, and Ruthy Montalbano of Anacoco; brother, Welton Underwood of Many, Louisiana; sisters: Marcelle Ferguson of Port Neches, Texas, Barabara Marshall of Bonhon,Texas, Melva Parker of Many, Louisiana; grandchildren: Amanda Borders, Pete Borders Jr., Katherine Chapman, Rhiamon Chapman, Chris Buchanan, Angie Maddox, Christina Bandeaux, Samantha Hall, Nickie Johnson, and Jessica Buchanan; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lord and the staff at the Woodlands for taking such great care of Ms. Norma.

ALERT!!!! VIP tickets are nearly sold out! Get yours today! If you wait, it may be too late.
Spectacular weather forecast! The official forecast for Friday and Saturday is absolutely
perfect!
FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF  * REQUIRES A SEPARATE TICKET
​7:00 – 8:30    Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band) The crowd is sure to
sing along, dance, and sway to a celebration of the original Skynyrd rock ‘n’ roll
legacy. Winners of the prestigious 2022 Josie Award for Best Tribute Band in
America: Lone Star Skynyrd. More than a tribute! More than a good time party!
​9:00 – 10:30   Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute  Fans from across the nation
claim that Rumours is the band to see if you are looking for an authentic recreation of
live Fleetwood Mac shows. In just under 10 years, Rumours has landed itself the
reputation of being the best Fleetwood Mac Tribute band and additionally has made
fans internationally.
SATURDAY 
​1:00 – 1:50     Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm (High-energy Zydeco) Out of Lake
Charles, they'll have the crowd dancing early with an eclectic repertoire of modern
zydeco along with traditional authentic zydeco music with an R&B flavor.  
 2:20 – 3:25     On Point Band (Rhythm & Blues) The On Point Band out of
Natchitoches will be performing an exciting high-energy, brand of soul and R&B,
classics, as well as modern hits, with a little jazz thrown in. Don’t miss this young and
entertaining upcoming group!
​3:40 – 5:00    The Young Ones (Jazz & R&B with a Latin flavor)  NSU music
students who all hail from South and Central American countries. These super-
talented musicians will be performing a unique mixture of rock and roll, jazz, and
rhythm and blues, all with a Latin flavor in their tribute to the music of Michael
Jackson, The Beatles, and Bruno Mars. 
​5:20 – 6:45     Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs (High-energy variety show
band)  The popular Natchitoches-based nine-piece, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll
band which critics have called: “quite simply, Louisiana‘s best Showband”, will be
making this stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” a special one as
after their performance they’ll be inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 
Don’t forget about our headliners; America’s got talent Finalists “Chapel Hart” at
7:15pm and Country hitmaker, Craig Morgan at 9:00pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://www.natchjazzfest.com

The Junior League of Leesville invites you to mark your calendar for its Second Annual Touch A Truck event, Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in downtown Leesville.

Bring the kids and let them get up close and personal with trucks of all sizes and uses.  Military vehicles, emergency first responder units, construction equipment, fire trucks, big rigs, tow trucks, and more.  Kids are welcome to explore them, ask questions, and pretend they are old enough to drive them!

The day will include a “Quiet Hour” from 11 a.m. – noon where adults can visit craft vendors and artisans, choose food and beverage options, and let kids participate in organized activities.  Your kids will talk about it for days!

Touch A Truck is organized by the Junior League of Leesville.  The event is free and open to the public.

Luther “Stoney” Stepp, 61, of Pickering passed away in Christus Homecare of Shreveport, Louisiana, on May 2, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Homes.

Immediately following the memorial service, there will be a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post # 387 at 426 Vernon Street, New Llano, Louisiana.

The Stepp family deeply appreciates your support and kind words during this difficult time.

Delores Southern Monk died on May 3, 2024, at her home in Hicks, Louisiana. Delores will be remembered as a remarkable soul. She always had a contagious smile and was a fan of the Alabama country band. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed working up to retirement. 

Funeral services were held at 12 p.m. on May 7, 2024, at LaCamp Pentecostal Church in LaCamp, Louisiana, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Homes.

Delores is survived by her husband, Willie Monk; son, Vincent Joseph Caruso Jr., his wife, Cheri Caruso; bonus daughter, Angel Caruso, and her grandchildren, Gionni and Isabella Caruso; step-children, Yolanda and Milton Addison, Desiree and Marc Chapman, and their children Morgan Joshua, Reno, Alexander, and Brennan Chapman; Delores’ brother Thomas and Bonnie Southern.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. 

The Monk family deeply appreciates your support and kind words during this difficult time.

BETTY JEAN WEEKS
October 11, 1929 – May 5, 2024
Service: May 11, 2024, at Simpson Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

AUBREY JERALD LOCKHART
June 20, 1939 – May 4, 2024
Service: May 10, 2024, at Providence Baptist Church in Rosepine, Louisiana, at 4:00 p.m.

LUTHER “STONEY” STEPP
January 29, 1963 – May 2, 2024
Service: May 10, 2024, at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

DELORES SOUTHERN MONK
December 28, 1948 – May 3, 2024
Service: May 7, 2024, at LaCamp Pentecostal Church in LaCamp, Louisiana, at 12:00 p.m.

NORMA LEA BUCHANAN
February 27, 1941 – May 3, 2024
Service: May 7, 2024, at Good Hope Baptist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana, at 10:00 a.m.

DIANE HENRY WHITE
February 18, 1950 – May 1, 2024
Service: May 4, 2024, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Pitkin, Louisiana, at 10:00 a.m.

Justin Ray Anding, age 42, of Pitkin was arrested and charged with one count of Theft, one count of Criminal Trespass, and one count of Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Bond has not been set.  Anding remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Paul Casey Smith, age 26, of Leesville was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Smith remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Chas D. Addison, age 35, of Anacoco was arrested and charged with one count Tail Lights Required, one count Possession of a Schedule II narcotic (methamphetamine), one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, one count Possession of Marijuana, and one count Illegal Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.  Bond was set at $28,757.  Addison posted bond and was released.

Joshua Cornelius Bass, age 40, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count Domestic Abuse Battery.  Bond was set at $5000.  Bass remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Irvin Robinson age 32, of Leesville was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Robinson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Destiney Nichoal Whatley, age 37, of Rosepine was arrested and charged with one count Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility.  Whatley was also arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant from Allen Parish.  Bond has not been set.  Whatley remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

The Vernon Parish School Board met Thursday, May 2, at 10 a.m. in the School Board Central Office.  Board members accepted the minutes of the last Board meeting and moved to accept the 2024-2025 Food Service Quotation Calendar as the first orders of business.

The Board recognized the achievements of students in the system who had placed 1^st– 6^th at the state level in any competition.  Pitkin, Vernon Middle School, Leesville Junior High, Pickering, and Leesville High were recognized at the meeting.  The remaining students will be introduced to the Board at the meeting on May 7.   The Vernon Parish Journal will run a complete list of students and their achievements following the announcements at the next Board meeting.

Hub Jordan, Personnel Director, saluted the 15 school nurses that serve the students of Vernon Parish.  This week is National School Nurses Week.

Kelly Goodwin with the Personnel Committee reported to the Board there will be 47 openings for teachers in the system for the 2024-2025 school year.  She said that 25 certified teachers and 12 non-certified teachers have already applied for those positions.  There will also be a need for a new principal for Parkway Elementary, and Hub Jordan is stepping down as Athletic Director for Vernon Parish.  The Board may fill that position laterally or seek to hire a new replacement.

Four items concerning the Head Start Program have been placed on the agenda for the next Board meeting.  Ms. Cheree Atkins with Head Start told Board members that 641 students are currently enrolled in the Birth through 5 Programs in the parish.  Head Start is working on getting 100% participation in health and dental programs by the end of the school year.  That was the one negative federal monitors noticed on a recent inspection. Atkins pointed out the shortage of pediatric dentists in the area as a problem in addressing the situation.

Colonel C.J. Lopez, Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander and Board Liaison, reported the current deployment of the 3^rd Brigade of the 10^th Mountain Division to Europe will continue until February of 2025.  He also congratulated Leesville High School Junior Emily Polk for being named Louisiana’s Military Youth of the Year.  She will now represent this area at the national competition in Atlanta in just a few weeks.  Col. Lopez also introduced his “running buddy”, new Command Sergeant Major Braden Sickles, to School Board members.

The Board’s next meeting is set for Tuesday, May 7, at 10 a.m.

This weekend’s Mayfest in downtown Leesville has Mayfest Mac drooling, literally!  The food selection at this year’s event may be the most diverse and finger-licking-good selection ever!

Lots of food and craft vendors will be on site when the music begins at 4 p.m. on Friday. Saturday they will be there early and late!  Saturday begins early with the Leesville Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast.  Cooked, served, and available for dining on site or to go! The Lions cook good pancakes for a great cause!  Pancakes are served from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.  Tickets are $10.

For convenience, festival food should be portable as you stroll around and visit; however,  there is space to sit and dine downtown.  Just come hungry!

Mayfest Mac knows turkey legs are big at festivals, and they got ‘em at Mayfest!  If you like food on a stick, how about alligator or chicken on a stick?  Mac likes those giant corn dogs!  You can go international with Jamaican jerk pork or curry chicken.  Jamaican jerk chicken quesadillas sound very interesting.  Try some slow-braised beef birria tacos or a Louisiana meat pie.  Stroll the food alley for grilled burgers, fresh egg rolls, hot dogs, smoked brisket, rib plates, chicken wings, and boudin!    Mac says YES to a dressed fried chicken sandwich with loaded French fries or nachos.  Keep your sweet tooth happy with churros, funnel cakes, fried festival dough, ice cream, and shaved ice treats. 

Mayfest Mac likes a cup of plain shaved ice from Pat, the ice cream guy, with a soda pop poured over it…. lasts for an hour!

There may be a few more vendors with food surprises that make it at the last minute. There will absolutely positively be something for everyone at Mayfest 2024.

P.S. Local law enforcement cautions you not to feed Mayfest Mac.  He might follow you home!

The defending state champion and #1 ranked Pitkin Tigers and the #3 ranked Hicks Pirates both earned slots in the state semifinals for baseball with wins in the last few days.  They both meet semifinal opponents on Tuesday, May 10, for the right to play each other for the Division V non-select school title next Friday in Sulphur.

Crowds should be stacked next Tuesday at McMurry Park on Field #37 for both Division V games.  The 11 a.m. semifinal has Pitkin meeting the winner of today’s game between #4 Stanley and #5 Quitman being played at 5 p.m. tonight in Stanley.

The Tigers are searching for back-to-back state titles.  Pitkin has won 13 baseball titles in school history, making them third in Louisiana behind Jesuit (New Orleans) and Hicks.

Pitkin knocked out Anacoco in the regional round by an 11-2 score last week.  Pitkin won the state title last year with an 8-4 win over Anacoco.  Tuesday, the Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead to back pitcher Lincoln Stephens.  The senior left-hander, who was going on three days’ rest, pitched six innings.  Dane Martin had two hits and four RBI’s.  Martin also pitched in relief in the seventh.  First baseman Brock Nolan chipped in with two RBI’s.  Cy Johnson’s bases-loaded single in the first got the Tigers rolling.  They added four in the fifth inning and four more in the sixth to close out the game.

Across the Division V bracket, the #3 Hicks Pirates will meet #2 Weston in the other semifinal Tuesday, May 7, at 2 p.m. on Field #37.  Hicks defeated Elizabeth in the regional round 5-2, while Weston knocked out Lacassine 9-1.

Hicks dispatched district foe Elizabeth 5-2 as senior Hayden Doyle pitched a complete game with 11 strikeouts.  He had seven K’s through the first four innings.  Elizabeth had Doyle in a bases-loaded jam with no outs in the first and scored only one run.

Sophomore Addison Coffman went three for three and drove in the Pirates’ first runs in the bottom of the first.  Elizabeth cut it to 3-2 with a rare double steal of home in the top of the third.  The Pirates added two in the fourth to seal the game behind RBI’s from Coffman and Dakota Edwards.  The Pirates have regularly played six sophomores this year.  Hicks has 15 state baseball trophies in the case and won state titles in 2021 and 2022, their first in ten years.

The much-anticipated all-Vernon Parish matchup could take place Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. on Field #40 at McMurry Park in Sulphur.  Weston, Quitman, and Stanley will have a little something to say about that.

Games at the semis and finals will be carried in Vernon Parish on radio stations KJAE/93.5 and KVVP/105.7.

The Northwestern State University School of Military Science recently hosted the Spring 2024 Awards Program to honor ROTC Cadets for academic, military, and leadership achievements.  The following cadets are from the Vernon Parish/Ft. Johnson area:

Cadet Jatwon Burkes will graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies degree with double minors in Military Leadership and Social Science.  He serves with 5^th Battalion, 25^th Field Artillery Regiment, Ft. Johnson, Louisiana.

Cadet Camryn Huff of Leesville, Deans List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Award, PMS Commendation Award, PMS Recruiting Award, PMS PT/Attendance Award, Lions Club Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Outstanding Service Award/RSO Vice President, Leadership Excellence Award, Helping Hand Award.  Huff will serve next school year as a SFC and will be Platoon Sergeant of Second Platoon.

Cadet Demarkus Lawson of Ft. Johnson, Louisiana, President’s List (4.0 GPA), ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Military Order of the World Wars, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award Heroes of the Battlefield Honor.

Cadet Devonte Turner of Leesville, Deans List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, USAA Spirit Award, Joker Award.

The upcoming Mayfest, May 3&4, in the downtown Leesville historic district has brought visitors from around the country to the downtown area since its inception 49 years ago.  Imagine a two-day celebration of music, arts/crafts, and food with no admission and a great environment.  The Vernon Parish Journal staff has heard reports for years of a longtime Mayfest fan who is only seen in town at Fest time.  Rumor has it he sleeps under the stage during the festival evenings, he knows all the musicians and most of the vendors.  We recently came into possession of Mayfest Mac’s notes on music, arts, and food for this year’s event.  He didn’t say not to use them when we contacted him on the matter.  So, here’s Mayfest Mac’s take on the 2024 musical line-up:

FRIDAY, MAY 3

4-5 p.m.    The Old Man Band:  Feel good old rock & roll, inspirational favorites, and even a touch of classic country.  One thing…they will have loyal fans in attendance.  They play early at Mayfest because they have an evening curfew!

5:15-6:15 p.m.   Gypsy La Blue:  Long time local guitar master Ken “Zen” Jones, with his muse Jessica blasting vocals, are backed by a tight band.  They will stir the pot up with classic rock favorites, always with a bit of an edge!

6:30-7:30 p.m.    Hurricane Junction: The band is only about two years old, but these guys are long time veterans of the Louisiana music scene…Beaucoup years of playing all over by these cats.

7:45-8:45 p.m.     Bad Moon Rising:  Dallas based Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band.  Come take a trip through rock music history.  As real as real can be!  p.s. You know all the songs!

9-10:30 p.m.     Rockin Doopsie/Zydeco Twisters:  Grammy Award winning Louisiana artist with legendary bloodlines.  NO WAY you do not pass a good time with this band on stage! NO WAY!!

Saturday, May 4

9-9:50 a.m.     Opening Ceremonies and Posting of Colors by FT. Johnson Honor Guard; welcoming remarks by local officials.

10-10:50a.m.,Johnson Temple COGIC Choir; 11-11:20a.m. JMJ & Judah Praise, 11:30-11:50a.m. Jeffery Johnson, Noon-12:50p.m. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Choir

These local groups feature talented instrumentalists, voices lifted in praise, a three-hour block of multi-cultural southern gospel music.

1-2 p.m.    Amazing Rhythm Disciples:   New seven-piece band with an EXTREMELY unique blend of gospel, secular, and inspirational music.  You may recognize some of these players from other bands.  High Energy and a one-of-a-kind band for Louisiana.

2:15-3:15 p.m.   LA Scramble Band:  Fronted by noted zydeco accordionist Shawn Saucier.  Staples of the live music scene in SWLA.  Dancing in the streets is quite possible during their set…and is encouraged!

3:30-4:30 p.m.   Josh Hyde and the Lost Parish:  Long time headliner among Louisiana blues guitarists and a Mayfest veteran.  Recently released fourth CD.  Relax on the courthouse lawn and immerse yourself in his tasteful guitar licks.

4:45-5:45 p.m.   Dash Paz (paws):   Last time we saw him was between sets at the 2023 Mayfest.  Been playing a lot around Nashville the last year as a traveling troubadour.  IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!  Back with a full set on the Mayfest stage.

6-7:15 p.m.   David Sylvester Band:   From South Louisiana to Mobile Bay across the Gulf coast these guys bring a noise and R&B/soul vibe with great originals and thoughtful covers.  Get your groove thing on!

7:30-8:45 p.m.   Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs:   Central Louisianas top party band, one of the hardest working groups in music today…Loud…Fun…Electric! Known across the Gulf coast as Great Ambassadors of Louisiana Music.  No current warrants out on any of them!

9-10:30 p.m.   Alex Smith:   Louisiana musical envoy to the 2023 Tournament of Rose’s parade and the Grand Marshall of the Alexandria Mardi Gras Parade; rising country crooner.  YOU MUST LEARN THE BOOTSHAKE DANCE MOVE BEFORE SATURDAY NIGHT!

Mayfest Mac says come early and stay late…enjoy the music and the food and take some arts/crafts home with you!

By VPJ Staff

Literature reminds us that in spring a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of love.  Balderdash!  Another fancy takes hold this time of year: Grill Fever!  It makes you feel antsy and excited to fire up the grill for the first time in nice weather.

We have certainly come a long way since Turok, Son of Stone, put dinosaur on a stick over an open flame.  Did Fred and Barney really order Bronto Burgers at the drive-in?  Do you remember your first childhood grilling memory?  Was it a hot dog on a camping trip?  Did you pursue that dream and become a certified pitmaster?  No, probably not.  Most of us fall somewhere in the middle of that world.  You can be a great quiet backyard griller with a nice cooking area, or are you a raving grill lunatic with a fully-stocked outdoor kitchen area, teeming with all kinds of gadgets and a fistful of new recipes?

Have you been grill shopping lately?  Choices go from basic units to Rolls Royce/Cadillac hybrids on steroids.  Charcoal, gas, pellets, wood chips, smoking guns, yard trash.  You can have it your way in this world!  Now, are you a griller or a smoker?  I smoked with wood (messy but great) and electricity (with a wood box).  Smoking really needs a dedicated space all its own.  Smokers look like green eggs, giant boxes, black towers, cylinders — no fire-retardant Legos yet.  WARNING…You might go through several of them before you find your smoking groove!  We haven’t even mentioned the latest rage: outdoor griddles or combo griddles/grills.  You most certainly have choices!

A few summers ago in Livingston Parish, the Vernon Parish Journal staff visited the editor’s family.  We cooked several racks of ribs on an old grill that had been fashioned from a 55-gallon drum.  The editor (my wife), saw it and said, “That was my daddy’s old grill.”  It worked like a 60-year-old charm!  Her daddy was an adventurous eater, and she remembered many a baby goat for the 4^th of July cooked on that grill!  My father had limited grill skills — no grill-meister he — but that did not stop him from trying his hand at steaks, burgers, and sausage.  His claim to fame was taking a five-pound tin of spiced luncheon meat (read Spam) from the commissary and putting grill marks on it before slathering it in BBQ sauce.  Yes, it’s an acquired taste!

The bottom line on grilling is you really want it to taste great for company and family, and that can be stressful.  You just go do it however you know best and let those wood chips fall where they may!  Remember: practice makes perfect.  Market Basket, Running N Cattle, and Duhon & Sons in New Llano have some great proteins waiting on you.  Don’t be afraid to take a chance when grilling.  It may end up your new go-to!

Grilling brings out all kinds of side dishes.  Everybody’s potato salad, baked beans, mac salad, and casseroles have different spins on them.  Here is a quickie recipe that goes with everything!  There are just a few ingredients.  Check it out with any grilled meat.

POTATO-ONION BAKE

6 medium potatoes, scrubbed and peeled

6 medium onions

Salt, pepper and seasoning salt

1 stick of butter, melted

Cut potatoes and onions into 1/4-inch slices.  Alternate layers of potatoes and onions, slightly overlapping, in a 13” x 9” baking dish.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and seasoning salt to taste.  Repeat with a second layer of potatoes and onions, and sprinkle with same seasonings.  Drizzle melted butter over all.  Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.  Uncover; bake an additional 20 minutes.  Serves 8.

                                                 Grilling rule #1: DON’T BURN THE MEAT!