The road to the state tournament for softball teams will begin in a week as teams will shoot for the semi-finals and finals, which begin April 26 at Frasch Park in Sulphur. Here is the most current look at Vernon Parish softball teams:

ANACOCO Lady Indians have won five in a row on the road. Their game with Oak Hill on Tuesday was postponed. They played Oak Hill last night (score unavailable at press time). Anacoco is set to play a doubleheader at Iowa Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. They are 15-9 overall and 6-0 in District 4-B.

EVANS 10-5 overall, 4-0 in District 3-C. Lady Eagles lost to Zwolle on Tuesday 16-1. The game today with Hathaway was cancelled. They will finish the regular season Tuesday at Merryville.

HICKS Lady Pirates are 9-7 overall, 6-2 in District 4-B. Their game Tuesday with Negreet was cancelled. They play at South Beauregard on Monday.

HORNBECK The Lady Hornets finished the regular season last night, hosting Fairview (score unavailable). They went into the game with a 6-11 record/1-3 in District 3-C.

LEESVILLE The Lady Cats are 7-13 overall/3-5 in District 3-4A. They defeated Washington-Marion Tuesday 20-4. They hosted Rayne last night (score unavailable).

PICKERING 8-11 overall/0-6 in District 4-2A. Lady Red Devils lost Wednesday to Oakdale 16-0. They played at Glenmora last night (score unavailable). They play at Rosepine on Saturday at 5 p.m.

PITKIN Lady Tigers currently 10-10/0-6 in District 4-B. They played a doubleheader last night at Elizabeth (scores unavailable). They host Florien tonight at 5 p.m.

ROSEPINE 14-8 overall/3-3 District 4-2A. Lady Eagles lost at Menard Tuesday,13-1. Played at Avoyelles last night (score unavailable). They host Pickering Saturday at 5 p.m.

SIMPSON Lady Broncos are 9-5 overall/3-1 District 3-C. They finish with home games Monday against Glenmora and Tuesday against Oak Hill.

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A few weeks back, Tell Your Neighbor visited the Leesville Farmers Market.  We talked about looking forward to all the fresh spring vegetables and all the great things you could do with them. 

The Vernon Parish Journal staff, both Baby Boomers, have some fond memories of things we ate as kids and how our parents tried to tell us it was all good for us.  Now is the time to dust off your mom’s or grandma’s cookbooks and make some of those tried and true recipes using the latest spring veggies.

My mother was not a fancy or adventurous cook, so growing up, things tended to be simple and basic at our house.  There weren’t many recipes; there was a lot of eyeballing of ingredients, and certainly not a lot of fuss to our dinner table.  Dad had very little to do with dinner, except to fire up the grill occasionally and eat what Mom cooked.  The lovely editor of the Vernon Parish Journal had parents who were a bit more daring.  Her father would cook and suggest exotic things to eat.  Her mom was available to try most anything and  would read cookbooks as if they were novels!  Tomato aspic was one of her favorites, but there were also basics like carrot and raisin salad, or even cucumbers with salt and pepper in vinegar.

If you took a canned pear and added a dollop of mayo and a few shreds of cheddar, Voila! You had a salad!  Or you could skip the cheddar and put the pear on a bed of cottage cheese.  For holiday dining, there was always a congealed salad with Jello and/or fruit and veggies.  Lime Jello with shredded carrot or a little shredded cabbage comes to mind, or strawberry Jello with canned peaches — pretty basic stuff but much loved from my childhood.

My former mother-in-law, Alice McShane, made a congealed salad that came out like clockwork every Christmas.  It was a red, white and green salad: plain straight Jello with a cream cheese filling in the middle.  I never could figure out why it didn’t all run together!  It would be an understatement to say I looked forward to it every year.  Alice was big on tradition and a great cook. 

Here are some real recipes to use this spring.  Since zucchini is one of the first spring crops, check out these easy tasty muffins.  There is also a great congealed salad throwback that is just too good!  Enjoy …  and tell your neighbor!

Zucchini Muffins

3 eggs

2 c. sugar

3 T. vanilla

1 cup oil

2 c. grated zucchini

3 c. flour

½ tsp. baking powder

1 tsp soda

1 tsp salt

3 tsp cinnamon

1 c. chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Heat oven to 350°F. Beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, oil, sugar, and zucchini. Mix well.  Sift dry ingredients together. Add to wet mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts. Pour into well-greased muffin pans or small bundt pans. Bake for about 20 minutes. Makes 28 muffins.

Spring Congealed Salad

1 cup crushed pineapple (drained with juice reserved)

1 cup water (more or less, depending on what’s needed; see instructions below)

2 packages lime jello (3 oz each)

1 cup mayo

1 cup evaporated milk (canned)

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large multi-cup measuring cup (I use my 4 cup Pyrex), add all of the reserved pineapple juice and then add enough water to the juice to make a total of 2 cups. Pour into pot and bring just to a boil.

2. Add the lime Jello mixes to the boiling pineapple juice/water and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat, allow to cool just slightly.

3. In a mixing bowl, stir together the mayo and evaporated milk. Combine until very smooth. Slowly stir in the Jello mixture until all is incorporated with the mayo/milk mixture. Stir in the crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and walnuts.

4. Pour mixture into an 8×8″ glass casserole pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (preferred).

Recipe can be made 1-3 days in advance of serving.

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Funeral services honoring the life of Henry Earl Smith will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Beech Grove Methodist Church in Anacoco at 1:00 p.m. with Douglas Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Visitation will be on Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at Beech Grove Methodist Church.
Henry Earl Smith was born on May 3, 1933, to Henry and Blanche Smith in Vernon Parish. He passed away on April 1, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 90. Henry was a United States Army veteran. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his garden. He worked for Sears & Roebuck for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Smith, and brothers, James, Wayne, Cecil, and Charles Smith.

He is survived by his sons, James Edwin Smith and Kennley Wade Smith, and wife Kandiss; daughters: Tresa Smith Harris; Mannah Schmidt and husband Tommy; and Kaycila Gerbig and husband Chris; sister, Annie Jane Parr; grandchildren, Shane, Alexa, Kennedi, Kinzley, Keith, Kevin, Kyle, Jason, Elizabeth, Josiah, and Toby; and two great grandchildren.

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Last year, at the beginning of the high school basketball season, the Vernon Parish Journal had a story on the caliber of basketball played in West Central Louisiana from the smallest schools in the state.  We detailed the number of state titles won by boys’ and girls’ teams from this corner of the state for years, and 2024 was no different!  The Rosepine Lady Eagles made it back-to-back state titles in Division III.  The Hicks Lady Pirates were state runner-up to local rival Fairview in Division V.  The Anacoco boys lost in the Division V finals for the second year in a row to Sabine Parish rival Zwolle.

The individual awards also came rolling into Vernon Parish. Kelly Norris and Addison Fruge of Rosepine were named by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association to the Class AA All-State First Team.  Norris, an LSU-A signee, was also named Outstanding Player in the State for Class AA.  Rosepine Head Coach C.T. Kiely was named State Coach of the Year in Class AA.  Six of the ten girls on the first and second teams were from West Central Louisiana and North Louisiana.  On the boys’ side in class AA, junior A.J. Berry of Pickering was named to the First Team All-State team.  Hayden Brister of Rosepine was named to the Honorable Mention squad in AA.

The LSWA girls Class B All-State team included Reese Stephens of Hicks and her teammate, Shyanne Phillips.  Stephens was named Outstanding Player in Class B in Louisiana.  Bailey Davis of Anacoco was named All-State second team, and Abbilee Dowden of Anacoco was selected to the Honorable Mention team.  Dustin Welch of Anacoco made the LSWA Class B All-State First Team while Hayden Doyle of Hicks was named All-State second team.

In Class C, Parker Alexander of Hornbeck was named to the LSWA All-State second team.  Beau Austin of Evans was selected Honorable Mention.  On the ladies’ side, freshman Olivia Edwards of Simpson and junior Jaida Davis of Hornbeck were named to the Class C All-State second team.

It was another banner basketball year for Vernon Parish and West Central Louisiana.  Don’t expect the 2024-2025 season to be any different.  Vernon Parish will represent in basketball at the state level!

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The annual Armadillo Stampede, presented by the Association of the United States Army, will be held Saturday, May 4. The 5K Run/Walk will start at 7:30 a.m. on lower Third Street in Leesville, near Oak Pointe Wellness. On-line registration is ongoing through May 2. Register at http://www.runsignup.com. You must register by April 9 to guarantee a race t-shirt.

Competitors may pick up race packets on Friday, May 3, from 1-6 p.m. at 11275 Lake Charles Highway.

This event has been held for over 40 years. Runners/walkers are encouraged to meet their families downtown at the Mayfest following the race.

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Funeral services for Joe Lynn Bolton will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church with Brother Terry Ward officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Joe Lynn Bolton was born on October 6, 1930, in Slagle, Louisiana, to Joe and Olga Bolton. He passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 93 years, 5 months, and 24 days. He graduated from Simpson High School in 1947. After graduation he attended Vincent Business College in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to study accounting. That is where our parents’ romance started and certainly stood the test of time. Joe Lynn Bolton and Cathleen James Bolton were married on December 16, 1949, at Boulevard Baptist Church in Lake Charles. Little did we know that this would be a lasting legacy of nearly 70 years together as one.

In his early years he worked for Calcasieu Marine National Bank, Pan American Import Company, and then moved on to work for Swift & Company for 11 years. In 1960, he went to work for Continental Oil Company, eventually known as Conoco Oil Refinery. After 31 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1991 from Conoco Oil Refinery. He continued working after retirement by serving on the board of directors and as secretary of the Credit Union at Swift & Company and Conoco. In 1994, he was elected to the Board of Directors of East Central Vernon Water Department in Slagle and served as Secretary-Treasurer until his death. In 1970, our family moved to Slagle where our dad established himself as an active servant and dedicated member of Antioch Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Twelfth Street Baptist Church in Lake Charles and Antioch Baptist Church in Slagle.

His biggest love and greatest joy was found in his unwavering, gentle, and devoted love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was a supportive, dedicated, loving husband, father, paw paw, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved spending time with us as a family and has passed on that heritage and legacy to all of us. He loved to sit on his porch, drink coffee, and visit with friends and family, always eager and proud to share pictures of his life and his family with others. He has always been more of a giver than a taker when it comes to helping and serving others. He loved to grow a garden and raise cows. He enjoyed hunting squirrels, deer, hogs, and occasionally an armadillo. His favorite pastime was reading the newspaper from cover to cover. He enjoyed riding in his side by side with his loyal companion Bailey. They would ride around the neighborhood checking on friends and family together. He just loved life and would always say, “Go with what the Good Lord gives you and I am thankful for everyday the Lord gives me.” Our dad was truly a man of God, and he loved the Lord with all his heart. It is a privilege to call you dad, paw paw, and friend. Even though our hearts are broken at his departure, we do rejoice in knowing all is well with his soul. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ and we have peace in knowing we as believers will be reunited with him in heaven one day. As we celebrate his departure from this earth let us reflect on the beautiful person he was. We will forever cling to the precious memories we have of him, never letting them fade from our memories.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Cathleen James Bolton; son, Walter Lynn Bolton; daughter, Stepheny Bolton Waugaman; son-in-law, Joe Waugaman; parents, Joe and Olga Crumpler Bolton; brothers: W.T. Bolton, Melvin Bolton, and Archie Bolton.

He is survived by his sons: William Bolton of Slagle, Teddy Bolton and wife Karen of Lake Charles, and Jesse Bolton and wife Melanie of Alexandria, Louisiana; daughter, Lesa Bolton Miller and husband Dale of Anacoco, Louisiana; daughter-in-law, Regina Bolton of Slagle; 20 grandchildren, 33 Great-grandchildren, 2 Great-Great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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ART of the EAT II will be held at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the Leesville Main Street District on April 20 at 6:00 pm. This event is an annual fundraiser and purchasing a $25.00 ticket will provide samples of food from 13 countries, access to the open bar, and an evening of great food, music, and Art that exposes the diversity of cultures that abound in Vernon Parish.

Countries represented this year are Peru, Panama, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Germany, Lebanon, France, Belgium, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma) and South Korea.  Cooks from those countries will provide not only a taste of their culture but are being encouraged to dress their tables with traditional objects and items for everyone to discuss and enjoy. Foods represented will be hearty, savory, and sweet, and this year many of the dishes will include Louisiana Seafood provided by the Louisiana Seafood Promotions Board and beef ingredients will be provided by RUNNING N CATTLE of Leesville.  Food ingredients will be posted on the tables to assist those with food allergies.

Tickets are limited and should be purchased ahead of the event. Unsold tickets will be available at the door the night of the event. Tickets are on sale and can be obtained from any gallery member, at the gallery on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, or by contacting them through Facebook Messenger or email at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

This fundraiser is to support the Arts in Vernon Parish and all proceeds will go to improvements in the Leesville Art Park and GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN.

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A memorial service honoring the life of Elizabeth Ann Liner will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at East Leesville Baptist Church with Tommy Kiker officiating the service under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Elizabeth Liner was born on June 15, 1934, to John and Annie Thomas in Shreveport Louisiana. She passed away on March 29, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Elizabeth was a faithful member of East Leesville Baptist Church for over forty years. She was involved with a bowling league, and she loved to garden. Elizabeth had an adventurous side and loved racing go carts and jumping out of airplanes.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband John David Liner, sister Ethel Tate, and brother Robert Thomas.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Stacie Elizabeth Warden; sisters: Doris Winn, Sarah Thomas and Hazel Holloway; brother, Billy Thomas; grandchildren: Gregory Stanly, Taylor Warden and Ashly Warden; great-grandchildren: Tessa Stanly, Emma Suarez, Liam Suarez, Lily Mundy, Evelyn Mundy, Willow Creech and Rowan Creech.

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CENLA Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry distribution dates for Vernon Parish are set for the remainder of the month, as follows:

Friday, April 19 from 8-10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Hornbeck;

Friday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m.-Noon at Burr Ferry Pentecostal Church;

Friday, April 26 from 9-11 a.m. at Rosepine Church International located at 1436 Church Street;

Friday, April 26 from Noon-1 p.m. at Slagle Mall.

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Marianne Stotter Hood, 89, of Leesville, funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Michael’s Church of Leesville.

The visitation will be on Friday, April 26, from 10:30 A.M. until time of service.

Marianne was born on November 18, 1934, in Augsburg, Germany, to her parents, Josef Stotter and Barbara Eibel. She passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Marianne is preceded in death by her husband, William H. Hood, son, William Hood and her sister, Helga Hofbauer (Karl).

Left to cherish her memory is Two Sons, Frank L. Hood (Martha) of Leesville and Glen D. Hood (Shandra) of Leesville; One Daughter, Barbara A. Hood of Phoenix; Three Grand Children, Frankie Hood (Denisse), Brittany Santos (Dustin), Megan Keller; Three Great Grandchildren, Lila Hood, Max Hood, Jameson Santos. Special Nephew, Harry Hofbauer (Marion) and children Markus, Daniel.

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We regret to announce the passing of Laurence Vernon Beall, 80, who passed away peacefully on March 31, 2024, in Leesville, Louisiana.

Laurence was a distinguished pilot with over 20 years in the Mississippi Air National Guard. He was a respected member of his profession. He also had a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree and a Master of Business Administration degree which he earned while attending Mississippi College.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Laurence was a loving family man, who loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren above all else. He was affectionately called “PawPaw” by not only his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but also by those who cared for him. His kindness and easy-going personality made him a cherished and loyal friend to many.

Laurence is survived by his children, Laurence William Beall (Brenda), Karen Price (William), and Cece Sinclair (John), grandchildren, Taylor Ballard, Alysia Bruce (Ethan), Briana Skorup (Trevor), Ashley Ballard, Brook Beall, Meagan Dauzat, and Wyatt Beall; great-grandchildren, Aiden Ballard, Jace Copen, Caroline Landry, Kolton Ballard, and Austin Skorup as well as his siblings, Frances Rhoads (Glen) of The Villages, Fl, Joe Beall (Marian) of West Point, Ms, Howard Beall (Sarah) of Russellville, Alabama, and Harold Beall (Rene) of Edwards, Mississippi, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Laurence was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Dr. Shirley Beall, and a beautiful granddaughter, Holly Beall. Also preceded in death by his parents, Walter J. Beall and Loriece Beall from Vicksburg, Ms.
Visitation will be held at Jeane’s Funeral Home on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Leesville Cemetery.

Laurence Beall will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family and friends.

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By Amy Hays/Contributor to the Journal

An exhibit of Kim Mulkey’s 2023 National Championship season at LSU hangs in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Rightfully so, considering Natchitoches is the small town where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed.

Kim Mulkey is a steel magnolia personified.

If you have never seen the movie or play, then you may not know what that means. In Natchitoches, the term is understood as part of the local vernacular. A metaphor for the contrasting imagery associated with a tough metal and a delicate flower.

A steel magnolia is thought of as an independent woman who faces adversity with strength and dignity. Just like the sturdy steel frame of a fragile magnolia tree.

When you watch Mulkey on the sidelines of a game or listen to her speak in a post-game presser or radio interview, you know that she embodies a combination of toughness yet kindness.

She loves basketball, she loves winning, but most of all she loves her players and her family. Her players are her family, and she states that often. She is a doting mother and grandmother, but also a devoted coach to young, impressionable athletes.

Society wants us to believe that women can’t be both strong and gentle at the same time. But in the South that is the way women are raised. We are taught to fight like hell for what we believe in. We are taught to be compassionate and tender-hearted. And we can be both of those things at the same time.
In a world where women should be equal to men in all areas. That is most certainly not true when it comes to sports. Women have been marginalized spectators watching as men have made millions of dollars and achieved celebrity status as professional athletes.

Mulkey is still the same person she’s always been but since taking the head coaching job at LSU, opportunities have started to change. She gives her players the freedom to be themselves and they have excelled at becoming entrepreneurs in the new world of NIL. Together they have helped to elevate the game of women’s basketball to a level that could never have been dreamed of even a few years ago.
According to ESPN, 12.3 million people watched the Elite 8 game on Monday night between LSU and Iowa. It was the most watched college basketball game ever on ESPN platforms.

Ironically, this broke the previous ratings record for women’s basketball of 11.84 million in 1983 when USC beat Mulkey’s Louisiana Tech team in the NCAA Championship.

Despite such success and progress, the media have critiqued her every move. Talked about her clothing choices, dug up her family history, nitpicked her coaching, made assumptions about her political and personal beliefs, criticized her personality, and now, even questioned her allegiance to the American flag.

Mulkey can withstand the millions of daggers that are thrown at her because her armor is made of steel. She had to overcome obstacles at a young age in the male-dominated world of sports and continues to have to defend herself and her female players nearly 60 years later.

Our only hope should be that she can pass the strength and resolve that she embodies onto her young players.

The relentless media seems to have taken a Clairee (Olympia Dukakis) line out of the movie to heart, “If you can’t say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me.”

But as any true Steel Magnolia would say, “Bless their hearts.”

Contact Amy at AmyHaysJSLLC@gmail.com.

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ELIZABETH ANN LINER
June 15, 1934 – March 29, 2024
Service: April 6, 2024, at East Leesville Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m.

MARIANNE STOTTER HOOD
November 18, 1934 – April 1, 2024
Service: April 26, 2024, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

HENRY EARL SMITH
May 9, 1933 – April 1, 2024
Service: April 6, 2024, at Beech Grove Methodist Church in Anacoco, at 1:00 p.m.

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Vernon Parish E-911 Communications and Permit Division and the Vernon Parish Office of Homeland Security are transitioning beginning today to the new operations center for Vernon Parish located on Ned Woodham Road.

There are several technical components involved in the move.  The offices are hoping for a smooth transition, but if you have an emergency and dial 911 and are unable to get a response, please call the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337.238.1311 or the Leesville City Police Department at 337.238.0331 directly.

The move will take several days with the result being better service to all in Vernon Parish.

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Timothy Martin Starks, age 52, of Many was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set, and Starks remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Steven Larmore, age 42, of St. Halen, Michigan was arrested and charged with one count Resisting an Officer and one count of Criminal Trespass.  Bond was set at $4000.  Larmore remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Dionte Rechard Johnson, age 26, of Leesville was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant and three out-of-jurisdiction Bench Warrants from Beauregard Parish.  Bond has not been set.  Johnson remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Wayne Allen Page, age 53, of Leesville was arrested and charged with Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine) and one count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $11,561.  Page remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Renee Elizabeth Mendoza, age 31, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count of Disturbing the Peace, one count Simple Escape, and one count Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence. Bond has not been set.  Mendoza remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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

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The Merchants & Farmers Bank in Leesville, in conjunction with GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN, has established a “Lobby Gallery” in their newly remodeled main bank. Area artists are featured quarterly, and the second-quarter artist of 2024 is James Turner.

The works on display are original illustrations for James’s novel Wolf Rock and other watercolor landscapes by the artist.

James R. Turner is a Rome Prize fellow and a fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He is a Legacy Professor of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University and was Senior Fulbright Professor of   Architecture at the University of Jordan.  Also an accomplished and versatile author, his books have addressed design, drawing, horticulture, historic preservation, environmental awareness, and now a fictional account of life in prehistoric Western Louisiana: Wolf Rock.  James and his wife Meriget live in Leesville.  James is an active member of GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN as a painter, sculptor, and designer.

Ken Hughes, President of Merchants & Farmers Bank, commented, “Our customers and staff have enjoyed discovering the amazing talent of artists who are our neighbors here in Vernon Parish. Every artist we have featured in the Lobby Gallery has his or her own style and subject matter.  This program has expanded our appreciation for our talented neighbors and their artwork.”

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SOFTBALL

Area softball teams are angling for the state semifinals and finals April 26-27 at Frasch Park in Sulphur.  Hicks, Anacoco, and Rosepine all made the state quarterfinals last year.

Anacoco is ranked #8 in Division V and has won five straight games on the road.  Last week they beat Evangel in Shreveport 10-6.  They won Friday at Hicks 6-3.  The Lady Indians won two games at the Logansport tournament 13-8 over Marksville and 23-12 over Florien.  Anacoco beat 5A Airline Monday in Bossier City 10-9.  They played at Oak Hill last night.  The score was unavailable at press time.  They host Oak Hill Thursday at 5 p.m.

Evans has won their last nine games.  They beat Hornbeck on Thursday 5-3.  However, their game Friday with Converse was postponed.  Evans lost to East Beauregard 16-1 Monday.  They play at Zwolle Thursday evening.

Hicks lost Friday to Anacoco 6-3.  Their game at Negreet last night was postponed.  Hicks will end the regular season Monday at South Beauregard.

Hornbeck lost at Evans last week 5-3.  They played at Florien last night (score unavailable).  Hornbeck will host Fairview Thursday.

Leesville beat Lagrange last week 14-7, but their game with Hicks on Friday was cancelled.  Leesville defeated Simpson Monday night 10-5.  They played at Eunice last night.  The score was unavailable at press time.

Pickering‘s game with Zwolle Monday night was cancelled.  They hosted Oakdale in a district game last night.  The score was unavailable at press time.

The Lady Tigers of Pitkin are currently ranked #1 in Division V.  Pitkin lost to Hicks last week 7-1 but rebounded Saturday, beating Oak Hill 15-0.  They lost at South Beauregard Monday 6-2, and Pitkin hosted Elizabeth last night (score unavailable).

Rosepine is currently ranked #13 in Division III.  They lost at Oakdale Saturday 4-0; beat Glenmora Monday 16-1; played at Menard last night (score unavailable.)

Simpson lost at Leesville Monday 10-5.  They finish the regular season at home against Glenmora Monday and Oak Hill Tuesday.

BASEBALL

Area high school baseball teams are gearing up for post-season play.  The state tournament will be held May 7-11 in Sulphur, Louisiana, at McMurray Park.  In 2023, Pitkin defeated Anacoco 8-4 to win the state title in Division V.  Rosepine advanced to the quarterfinals in 2023 after winning a state title in 2022.

Anacoco, currently ranked #13 in Division V, lost a doubleheader to 4A Grant, 4-2 and 11-2.  Their game Monday with DeQuincy was cancelled.  Anacoco played at Oak Hill last night.  The score was unavailable at press time.  The Indians will host Oak Hill on Thursday.

Evans lost to Hornbeck 13-1 and to 4A Lagrange 22-6.  Evans will close out the season hosting Pickering on Friday.

Hicks is currently ranked #4 in Division V.  They beat Simpson 20-1 and beat 3A Mamou 11-1.  Hicks will host Many Thursday at 6 p.m. and play at Florien Saturday at noon.

Hornbeck Hornets are currently #12 in Division V and have won three games in a row, defeating Evans 13-1.  Their Friday game with DeQuincy was cancelled, and they defeated Negreet on Monday 16-6.  They play at Lakeview Thursday.

Leesville won two games from Lagrange, 20-5 and 19-3.  They lost at North DeSoto Monday 20-2.  Leesville hosts Eunice Thursday at 5 p.m.

Pickering lost at Montgomery Saturday 10-3.  They hosted Glenmora last night (score unavailable), and they will visit Glenmora Thursday. 

Defending state champion Pitkin is currently ranked #1 in Division V with a 14-3 record.  The Tigers have won their last six games.  They beat Choudrant Friday 9-1.  They beat Converse Saturday 10-0 and won at Elizabeth 10-1.  They hosted Elizabeth last night.  The score was unavailable at press time.

Rosepine is currently ranked #11 in Division III.  Last week they lost two games to Menard, 2-1 and 4-1, but on Monday took two from Avoyelles, 2-1 and 11-10.

Simpson lost at Leesville Monday 10-5.  They finish the season with two games at home against Glenmora Monday and Oak Hill Tuesday.

 

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ART of the EAT II will be held at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in the Leesville Main Street District on April 20 at 6:00 pm. This event is an annual fundraiser and purchasing a $25.00 ticket will provide samples of food from 13 countries, access to the open bar, and an evening of great food, music, and Art that exposes the diversity of cultures that abound in Vernon Parish.

Countries represented this year are Peru, Panama, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Germany, Lebanon, France, Belgium, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma) and South Korea.  Cooks from those countries will provide not only a taste of their culture but are being encouraged to dress their tables with traditional objects and items for everyone to discuss and enjoy. Foods represented will be hearty, savory, and sweet, and this year many of the dishes will include Louisiana Seafood provided by the Louisiana Seafood Promotions Board and beef ingredients will be provided by RUNNING N CATTLE of Leesville.  Food ingredients will be posted on the tables to assist those with food allergies.

Tickets are limited and should be purchased ahead of the event. Unsold tickets will be available at the door the night of the event. Tickets are on sale and can be obtained from any gallery member, at the gallery on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, or by contacting them through Facebook Messenger or email at galleryoneellleven@gmail.com.

This fundraiser is to support the Arts in Vernon Parish and all proceeds will go to improvements in the Leesville Art Park and GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN.

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David Wayne Bennett was born May 26, 1952, to A. B. and Elwanda Curry Bennett in Gatesville, Texas. He passed away on Sunday, Easter morning at sunrise, March 31, 2024, at the age of 71 at his home with family. What a glorious home going!

The Bennett Family relocated to Leesville in 1963 from Gatesville, where his dad transferred from Civil Service at Fort Hood to Fort Polk and raised his family in Vernon Parish.

David was a master electrician and contractor. He loved operating his heavy equipment and clearing land. In the 80’s and 90’s, he was superintendent over government housing maintenance contracts at Fort Polk for Emerald Maintenance and Crimson Enterprise. Also, David owned and managed Iron Mountain Recycling before retirement in 2012.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander Bethel Bennett, Jr. and Elwanda Curry Bennett; his brother, John Phillip Bennett; and grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Porter Bennett; son, Troy Wayne Bennett of Buna, Texas, and grandsons Greyson Wayne Bennett and Garrett Anthony Bennett; sister, Robbie Bennett Hanna of Los Angeles, California; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family has very special thanks and blessings to the staff and nurses at Hospice of Leesville. Also, they are especially grateful to Brian and Lindy Todd, Terri and Nick Bowles, Carol Weaver, and Norma Gass for all the love, care and compassion shown during these long difficult months.

Funeral services for David Wayne Bennett will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service, at Branded for Christ Cowboy Church in Leesville at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Tinker Hillman and Bro. Jason Nolde officiating.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations to Louisiana Lions Camp for Crippled Children, St. Jude’s, American Cancer Society, Branded for Christ Cowboy Church, or an organization of your choice.

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By James Turner

Where does the name for Vernon Parish come from? So, here is what I’ve heard so far: the name Mt. Vernon, referring to the bluff above the Potomac River overlooking a view of central Maryland, appears on a map of the northern edge of Virginia in 1746. And as early as 1649, King Charles II was granting away portions of Virginia including Mt. Vernon, to favored members of his court. The name stuck. The house and farm became the property of President George Washington, who died there on December 14, 1799. It fell into terrible disrepair until Pamela Cunningham of South Carolina, on her mother’s encouragement, established the Mt. Vernon Women’s Association and helped start chapters of concerned women all over the country (1858 – 1859).

What does that have to do with us? Well, it seems that families of Neals and Smarts (Leesville) had gone west from South Carolina (early to middle 19th century) and had very likely known Ms. Cunningham and had been contacted regarding saving Washington’s old house. Harriet Neal Smart and Dr. Edmond Ellison Smart moved into what is now 301 S. First Street, Leesville, Louisiana, in August of 1858 (now the oldest house in Vernon Parish from that era). Dr. Smart and his father, Representative John R. Smart, saw to the establishment of Vernon Parish. It was carved from adjacent parishes such as Sabine and Rapides. They also shepherded the City of Leesville (1871), and a favorite son was Reese Washington Smart, but that’s another story. Anyway, Mt. Vernon became an American treasure and icon for historic preservation, thanks to these well-meaning, early pioneers.

There are, by the way, many dozens of towns, regions, highways, rivers, and so on, named after President Washington’s grand old mansion. A favorite of mine is the almost non-existent burg of Vernon, Texas, wherein the local bacon producer states that after 100 years of making their Hickory Smoked Bacon, they have an announcement: “WE’RE NOT CHANGING A THING.”

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The City of Leesville is presenting a Spring Fling Concert Day, Saturday, April 13, from 3 -7 p.m. on the Leesville Polk Stage on East Texas Street.

The day is free and open to the general public.  Music is a mix of styles, featuring the bands Gypsy La Blue, Landon Blood, and The Parish Line Band.   Activities include inflatables, face painting, cornhole boards, and more.  Vendors will offer food and beverages for sale.

Seating is limited.  Bring lawn chairs and dress comfortably.

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