The Leesville City Council met Monday, March 25, in regular session, dealing with bills, invoices, the introduction of Ordinance 3 of 2024, and multiple resolutions.

Monthly bills totaled $97,323.12.  Pay requests were received from Eyecatcher Signs and Norred Fire Systems for the newly opened Leesville Event Center.  The two requests totaled $24,076.75 and were to be taken from the state general fund for building repairs under Act 397.  There were three pay requests on the north ramp taxiway and drainage project at the Leesville Municipal Airport.  Requests from Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering were for $17,596 and $1207.15.  The requests from Williams Equipment Services totaled $62,647.06. 

City Engineer Mark McCarty told the Council members he would announce bids during the first meeting in April on Phase 2 of city street repairs.

Ordinance 3 of 2024 was introduced.  It approves a certain parcel of A7 multi-family district zoned property to C3 neighborhood commercial district to align the property at 303 N. First Street to establish a current residential structure for use as a law office.  A public hearing will be held on the matter April 8.

Resolutions were introduced to advertise for bids on a one-ton truck for the public Works Department, submit a change for the taxi lane construction project at the Leesville Municipal Airport, declared some city equipment surplus, and resolved to end the city moratorium on development, permitting, and announcing to follow an adoption of a new ordinance for development of manufactured homes, mobile homes, house trailers, modular homes, or code-approved tiny homes and portable buildings on properties zoned A7 through A8.

The City Council also heard a resolution to approve a wholesale Class B alcohol permit application for Mockler Beverage Company-West LLC.  Mockler is the new company that bought out Southwest Beverage, the longtime Budweiser and related products dealer.

The next City Council meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, April 8, at Leesville City Hall.

---

On March 23, 2024, at approximately 12:40 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 496 near Cooper Road.  This crash claimed the life of 61-year-old Maxwell Smith of DeRidder. 

The initial investigation revealed that a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by Smith, was westbound on Louisiana Highway 496. For reasons still under investigation, Smith failed to negotiate a left-hand curve. As a result, the vehicle left the roadway, struck a curve warning sign, and sequentially ejected Smith from the vehicle.

Smith, who was wearing a non-DOT approved helmet, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers encourage all riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course. These courses teach safe riding practices and help you apply safe riding strategies that can help reduce your chance of injury should a crash occur.

Making good choices while riding a motorcycle, such as never driving while impaired and obeying all traffic laws, can often mean the difference between life and death. If motorists witness hazardous situations they may dial *LSP (*577) to be connected to the nearest Troop to report that activity.

In 2024, Troop E Troopers have investigated 15 fatal crashes resulting in 17 fatalities.

---

Pickering High School held their annual Red Devil Relays on Friday, March 22, at the PHS track complex. Thanks to Coach Dave Boudreaux at Pickering for his help with some of the information.

BOYS RESULTS (First place only listed)

100 Meter Dash         Anthony Berry/Pickering     200 Meter Dash     Anthony Berry/Pickering

400 Meter Dash         Josiah Griffin/Pickering       800 Meter Run       Ean Allain/Simpson

1600 Meter Run        Ean Allain/Simpson               3200 Meter Run    Connor Gilbert/Anacoco

300 Meter Hurdles   Tucker Boyett/Anacoco      4×100 Relay          Northwood High, Lena

4×200 Meter Relay   Pickering High                         4×400 Relay          Pickering High

4×800 Meter Relay    Rosepine High                        High Jump             Dustin Welch/Anacoco

Long Jump                   Anthony Berry/Pickering     Triple Jump           Christin Morgan/Pickering

Pole Vault                    TIE/Ethan McDonald/Anacoco AND Matthew Hicks/Menard

Discus                          Lance Grafton/Anacoco       Javelin              Tucker McCoy/Grace Christian

Shotput                       Tyler Ginter/Rosepine

OUTSTANDING TRACK PERFORMER      Jacob Skaggs/Northwood,Lena

OUTSTANDING FIELD PERFORMER       Josiah Griffin/Pickering

GIRLS RESULTS (First place only listed)

100 Meter Dash   Amaya Shine/Rosepine             200 Meter Dash     Amaya Shine/Rosepine

400 Meter Dash    Hayley Calcote/Rosepine        800 Meter Run       Reese Jeane/Evans

1600 Meter Run    Reese Jeane/Evans                     3200 Meter Run    Reese Jeane/Evans

100 Mtr. Hurdles   Abigail Rogers/Rosepine          300 Mtr. Hurdles   Sophia Swinney/Anacoco

4×100 Mtr. Relay    Rosepine High                              4×200 Mtr.Relay    Rosepine High

4×400 Mtr.Relay     Rosepine High                               4×800 Mtr.Relay    Rosepine High

High Jump          Reagan Clutter/Simpson                Long Jump            Reagan Clutter/Simpson

Triple Jump        Madi Stanley/Anacoco                     Pole Vault         Kaylee Siebeneicher/Menard

Discus             Raygun Welch/Northwood,Lena      Javelin              Natalee Nolen/Pitkin

Shot Put           Raygun Welch/Northwood,Lena

OUTSTANDING TRACK PERFORMER      Reese Jeane/Evans

OUTSTANDING FIELD PERFORMER        Raygun Welch/Northwood,Lena

The Leesville Relays will be held Thursday, April 4, at Leesville High School.

---

Mother Nature cancelled many games in the area over the weekend and Monday.  Here are recent results:

ANACOCO(SB)  Ranked #8 in Division V.  5-0 in District 4-B.  Lost to Pineville, 11-1 and Menard, 6-5 at Menard tournament. Game at Bunkie Monday postponed.  Plays at Evangel Christian Thursday.

ANACOCO(BB)  Ranked #14 in Division V.  Won last two games. Game against Hicks postponed.  Game with Grant Monday postponed. Plays at Grant Thursday.

EVANS(SB)  Ranked #16 in Division V.  Won last 7 games. At Converse Monday postponed. Played at Pleasant Hill last night.

EVANS(BB)  Lost last game to Hathaway 16-13. Played at Pleasant Hill last night.

HICKS(SB)   Beat Downsville 16-1 at Quitman tournament in last game. Game Monday at Florien postponed. Hosted Pitkin last night.

HICKS(BB)   Ranked #4 in Division V.  Beat Sacred Heart in last game 6-5.  2-1 in District 4-B. Hosted Pitkin last night postponed.  Plays at Pitkin Thursday night.

HORNBECK(SB)   Lost last 4 games. Played at Simpson last night.

HORNBECK(BB)  Ranked #12 in Division V.  Won 9 of last 11 games. Beat Ebarb 15-1 in last game. Hosted Dequincy Monday postponed.  Played at Simpson last night.

LEESVILLE(SB)  Scored just two runs in last two games.  Game with Washington-Marion postponed.  Hosted DeRidder last night.

LEESVILLE(BB)  Won 3 of last 4 games.  Beat DeRidder 3-2 last week.  Hosted East Beauregard Monday postponed.  Hosted DeRidder last night.

PICKERING(SB)   Lost to DeRidder and Starks at Lacassine tournament.  Game with Leesville Monday postponed. Played at Menard last night.

PICKERING(BB)   Lost last 4 games. Beaten by Vinton 6-2 at Singer tournament in last game. Hosted Oakdale Monday postponed.  Played at Oakdale last night.

PITKIN(SB)  Ranked #5 in Division V.  Won 5 in a row. Beat St.Louis,15-2 and LCCP,12-0 at Lacassine tournament.  Played at Hicks last night.

PITKIN(BB)  Ranked #1 in Division V.  13-3 is best record in Vernon Parish.  4-0 in District 4-B. Beat Oak Hill last game 17-0. Hosted St.Mary’s Monday postponed.  Played at Hicks last night.

Rosepine(SB)  Ranked #13 in Division III. Won 3 in a row. Beat Florien,16-15 and Many,14-2 at Many tournament.  Played at Glenmora last night.

ROSEPINE(BB)  Ranked #9 in Division III. Won 4 of last 5 games. 3-0 in District 4-AA. Lost Monday to 5-A Sulphur 12-1. Played at Menard last night.  Hosts Menard Thursday.

SIMPSON(SB)  Last two games cancelled. Hosted Rapides Monday postponed. Hosted Hornbeck last night.

SIMPSON(BB)  Game with Hicks last Friday postponed. Hosted Hornbeck last night.

---

The Leesville Pilot Club presents Free Movie Night Friday, April 19, at Dogwood Park off Belview Road, in Leesville.

This event is free to all comers.  The gates open at 6:30pm, and the movie starts at 7:45 p.m.

The feature movie is A Bugs Life and is suitable for all ages!

FREE POPCORN will be served.  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks.

---

The reception Saturday night, March 23, at Gallery One EIIIEVEN in downtown Leesville featured the work of artists from Beauregard Parish, who normally display their work at Real Art DeRidder (RAD) Gallery in DeRidder.

Local gallery organizer, Tony McDonald, paired with longtime Beauregard Parish artist, Joey Governale, to curate the works of six to seven Beauregard Parish artists.  The works displayed were in a variety of mediums, including pen & ink, oils, and watercolors. One of the more eye-catching works was an old satellite receiver dish that was brightly redone in a Southwest motif.

The Leesville event was well attended by Beauregard Parish natives and the local patrons.  It was sponsored by District 30 State Representative Charles Owen and catered by Southern Charm from Beauregard Parish.

---

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.

---

Funeral services honoring the life of Darrell Trent Brinkley were held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Silver Creek Baptist Church with Reverends Terry McDonald and David Woodham officiating, Burial followed at Silver Creek Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Billy Gordy, Kyle Seamans, Blake Gordy, Brinnen Gordy, Waylon Gordy, and Audie Seamans. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill West, Dean Stanley, Tim Merriman, Choceaux Holton, Austin Trosper, Lane Russell, Landon Basco, and Casey Benton.

 

Darrell Trent Brinkley was born on January 15, 1965, in Leesville to Lee and Louise Chandler Brinkley. He passed away on March 21, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 59. He is a 1983 graduate of Hicks High School. Darrell was part of the first kindergarten class at Hicks High School with Ms. Henry. Darrell was a hard worker and held many jobs in the community. He worked as a delivery driver for Pepsi, a plumber for Pete’s Plumbing, hauled pulp wood, and was the owner/operator of Darrell’s Backhoe Service. Darrell loved to hunt, fish, and play cards. He was a collector of many things, odds and ends.

 

Darrell was preceded in death by grandparents, Amos and Thelma Chandler; Doc “Bannon” and Retha Brinkley; cousin, Austin Chandler; aunt, Jane Chandler; and best sidekick, Randall Chandler.

 

He is survived by his parents, Lee and Louise Brinkley of Pitkin; children, Kristin Brinkley and Steven Jett, both of Leesville; sister, Belinda Sterne and husband Larry, of Leesville; grandkids, Braydon, Kellie, Jase, Trebor, and Koltin; his most favorite nieces, Vanessa Gordy and husband Billy, Vicki Seamans and husband Kyle, and Charity McDaniel and husband Jody; great nieces, Payton (Austin) Chasity (Lane), Carly (Landon), Tavia (Casy), London, Bella, Anna, and Harper; great nephews, Blake (Emalee), Brinnen (Cameron), Waylon (Katie), Blayd, Audie, and Kai; great great nieces, Hayden, Brinley, and Rylie; great great nephews, Tucker, Karsyn, Cody, Tripp, Jensen, Cooper, and Tatum.

---

The Vernon Parish School Board found it necessary due to weather concerns to move the Vernon Parish Special Olympics to tomorrow, Thursday, March 28, at the Rosepine High School track and football facility.

The morning begins at approximately 9:15 with the Law Enforcement Torch Run making its way to the stadium. The Parade of Athletes will follow around 9:30. All 18 schools in Vernon Parish will be represented by the nearly 500 Special Olympians who will compete in various events. Over 70 student workers and 120 parents and volunteers will lend their support in managing the day.

This event has been held for nearly 40 years in Vernon Parish and is a highlight for many of the competitors. The public is invited to sit on the home-side bleachers and cheer the Olympians on. There will be food, refreshments, and other activities to support the Special Olympics Program.

---

The JRTC/Ft. Johnson and MWR present Forge Fest tomorrow, Thursday, March 28, beginning at 4 p.m. on Headquarters Field.

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Bring the entire family for live music by Sean Kingston, Brandon Davis, and Kaylee Rose.  DJ Black Rhino will provide the music between acts.  There will be vendors galore, including home-based businesses, food, beverages, kids games, carnival rides, activities, static military displays, and more.  The evening will end with a giant fireworks show!

This event is new and replaces the old Freedom Fest.  There will still be a series of MWR functions in July of this year.

Shuttle buses will run from parking areas to the event and back again.

The following items WILL NOT BE ALLOWED: backpacks, tents, canopies, outside food and drink, weapons, drugs, and pets (except service animals).  MP’s will enforce these rules!

---

Belle LaJune Carr Wilson, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, at the age of 84.  She was a devoted wife to her husband of 63 years and has now joined him in glory.

Her life was measured by her love for her family. She is survived by her three children: Marlin Wilson and Cheryl Mango, both of Leesville, and Bryan (Sherry) Wilson of Greenville, South Carolina; and her sister, Georgia McRae, of Leesville. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Michael Wilson, Karen (Bobby) Ralston, Tiffany Mango, Jessica (John) Pilgrim, Roy (Danielle) Wilson, Cole Wilson, and Brandy Piddock; and seven much-loved great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, John F. Wilson; her parents, Dave Carr and MaeDell Carr Pappas; six sisters, two brothers, and her son-in-law, Michael A. Mango.

Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at Old Anacoco Baptist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana, officiated by Rev. John Northway.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Elara Caring Home Health
for the care and love they showed their mom, especially Chantelle, Pansy, and Tadez.

---

DARRELL TRENT BRINKLEY
January 15, 1965 – March 21, 2024
Service: March 23, 2024, at Silver Creek Baptist Church in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

BELLE LAJUNE CARR WILSON
October 23, 1939 – March 22, 2024
Service: March 26, 2024, at Old Anacoco Baptist Church in Anacoco at 2:00 p.m.

KEVIN BRUCE BELL
July 1, 1955 – March 26, 2024
Service: none announced

---

---

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of reports on car burglaries in the area of Jeane Chapel Road, Genesis Trailer Park, Sycamore Point Housing Area, and Cooper Church Road.

There are several videos of the criminals being reviewed by detectives of the VPSO.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds you to lock your vehicles and never leave your keys in a parked vehicle.  Personal belongings such as wallets, purses and firearms should never be left in an unlocked vehicle.

---

By VPJ Staff

When I grew up, Easter candy meant chocolate with an occasional marshmallow Peep; maybe a new basket every other year.  It’s a much different landscape today! 

Some folks that decry the commercialization of Christmas just go ballistic knowing that the second holiest day in Christianity is positively blowing up with eggs, candy, peep, baskets, etc.  It is what it is, and most families with kids will give in to a point!  You can easily blow your Easter shopping budget!  2024 is poised to set a shopping record of $24 billion!!!  The previous record of $21.7 billion was set in the COVID year of 2020. 

Easter candy is bright and inviting, like the spring season.  Halloween candy is dark and scary, like the coming winter!

My mom helped me and my brothers dye eggs when we were young. That seemed pretty tame at the time.  Years later, while at radio station KVVP, we boiled and dyed hundreds of dozens of donated real eggs for one of the first egg hunts ever sponsored by the station. Year two, we took a chance on chocolate and hard candy.  Chocolate melts! It evolved to plastic eggs and gift certificates.  Less mess; more ease! Those egg stuffing parties with the Leesville Civitan Club got rowdy, but they were fun!

When you shop this year, choices are more plentiful than ever.  Marshmallow Peeps come in all colors and flavors.  I have never seen a palette of colors like this year’s crop of jelly beans, now including sour jelly beans, like the ones in the candy dish at our house!  Reese’s has more kinds of eggs than there are real kinds of eggs — even Twizzlers is in on the Easter act.  Leaves me longing for a venerable Cadbury Crème Egg, and I don’t really like them that much!  Tell me how Bunny Farts/cotton candy bites are ‘cause I’m never buying them!  Refined palates might be more interested in Dove White Chocolate and Lemon Meringue chocolate.  Personally, I think Hershey’s Cookies and Cream Polka Dot Eggs look lovely.  Oh yeah! Let me know if you find any Jelly Belly tangerine flavored Baby Carrots.  Well, you get the point. Choices are endless and you must know the taste buds of the ones you are buying for.  Trust me, guys; don’t get too out there!

When you were younger and got a chocolate bunny for Easter, did you eat the ears first?   

Don’t look now, but the Easter Bunny is on the trail, surveying your yard and front porch for likely hiding spots.  Parents go and get the “good stuff” while it’s still available.  Dentists are already licking their chops!!

---

By Billy Crawford
Source: The Vernon Parish Library Digital Library (Leesville Leader, October 6, 1980)

The Leesville Fire Department honored Fire Chief Allen Williams, celebrating his 30th year with the City Fire Department.

At the celebration gathering the Chief reflected on a few of his experiences over these many years, including one of his closest calls he ever experienced, the Lee Theatre fire in 1952.

The then 20-year-old fireman had stopped at the Leesville Cafe on his way to work for the 6 p.m. shift at the old Lee Street Station.

He was walking out of the cafe when the fire engines were rolling down Third Street on the way to the theatre. He jumped on the fire truck and arrived at the scene, which was already engulfed in flames.
Williams recalled that there was a man standing in the lobby staring at the flames, spellbound and oblivious to the danger. While pulling the man out, the storage closet blew up causing injuries to both men.

The adrenalin was flowing, and Williams noticed a hose line connected from the adjacent building left unattended. He went up the ladder left leaning against the adjacent building. After wrestling with the busted hose connection, he realized someone had moved the ladder and his only way down from the building.

He remained on the building until help came, while trying to contain control of the fire hose, which because of the intense water pressure, was whipping like it had a life on its own. The heat from the fire was so intense that he burned both arms.

His wife Billie remembered this particular event. “Allen was unable to hold our youngest child; a newborn at that time.”
****************************************************************************************************************
Mr. Billy Crawford shared his thoughts on the theatre fire with the Vernon Parish Journal:

The Lee Theatre, along with the Dreamland, Vernon, and Polk were regularly attended by the residents of Vernon Parish. It was especially popular for us teenagers for ‘date night’ and the military troops stationed at Fort Polk.

The Lee Theater was filled to its 600-seat-capacity Sunday afternoon watching the feature movie, Flaming Feather, when smoke was seen coming from the north wall of the building.

Theatre employee Miss Mary McElveen bravely helped patrons to safely evacuate the theatre.

The Lee Theatre, with Buddy’s Men’s Shop and the Pelican Bar were destroyed by fire.

It took forty-five minutes before the firemen could bring the flames under control. For a while the entire block was threatened.

---

The City of Leesville is presenting a Spring Fling Concert Day, Saturday, April 18, 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.

---

The Vernon Parish School Board found it necessary due to weather concerns to move the Vernon Parish Special Olympics to Thursday, March 28, at the Rosepine High School track and football facility.

The morning begins at approximately 9:15 with the Law Enforcement Torch Run making its way to the stadium. The Parade of Athletes will follow around 9:30. All 18 schools in Vernon Parish will be represented by the nearly 500 Special Olympians who will compete in various events. Over 70 student workers and 120 parents and volunteers will lend their support in managing the day.

This event has been held for nearly 40 years in Vernon Parish and is a highlight for many of the competitors. The public is invited to sit on the home-side bleachers and cheer the Olympians on. There will be food, refreshments, and other activities to support the Special Olympics Program.

---

Rainy weather may impact local high school softball, baseball and track events planned for today.  The Red Devil Relays Track and Field Meet is scheduled for the Pickering High track today, weather permitting.   Among area teams scheduled to compete are Pickering, Anacoco, Evans, Hornbeck, Pitkin, Rosepine and Simpson, and several out-of-parish schools.

Here are recent results from softball and baseball teams:

ANACOCO(SB)   Has won 9 of last 11 games.  Beat Hicks Tuesday 7-2.  At Hicks last night.  At Menard Saturday (11am)  At Bunkie Monday (5 pm)

ANACOCO(BB)   Two wins in a row.  Beat Hicks Tuesday 9-8.  At Hicks last night.

EVANS(SB)   Won last 7 games.  Hosted Hornbeck last night.  At Converse Monday (5 pm)

EVANS(BB)   Lost Tuesday to Simpson 25-22.  Hosted Hornbeck last night.

HICKS(SB)   Lost last two games.  Hosted Anacoco last night.  Host Pitkin Tuesday (5 pm)

HICKS(BB)   Won 3 of last 4 games.  Lost to Anacoco Tuesday 9-8.  Hosted Anacoco last night.

HORNBECK(SB)   Lost last 4 games.  Fell to Ebarb Tuesday 17-15. At Evans last night. At Simpson Tuesday (4 pm)

HORNBECK(BB)   Won 6 of last 7 games. Beat Ebarb Tuesday 15-1.  At Evans last night. Host Dequincy Monday at 6 pm.

LEESVILLE(SB)  Lost Tuesday at Rayne 15-1. At Washington-Marion last night. At Pickering Monday (5 pm)

LEESVILLE(BB)   Lost Tuesday at Westlake 16-1. Hosting DeRidder tonight at 6 pm.

PICKERING(SB)   Lost to Glenmora Tuesday 9-3.  Hosted Avoyelles last night. Hosting Leesville Monday (5 pm)

PICKERING(BB)  Lost Tuesday at Rosepine 7-4.  Hosted Rosepine last night.

PITKIN(SB)   Won last 3 games. Beat Oak Hill Tuesday 12-2.  Hosted Oak Hill last night. At Hicks Tuesday (5pm)

PITKIN(BB)   Won 9 of last 11 games. Beat Oak Hill Tuesday 4-2. E.Beau. game tonight postponed. Hosting St. Mary’s Monday (6 pm)

ROSEPINE(SB)   Beat Avoyelles Tuesday 5-4. At Oakdale last night. At Glenmora Tuesday

ROSEPINE(BB)   Won 3 of last 4 games. Beat Pickering Tuesday 7-4. At Pickering last night. At Many Monday (6 pm)

SIMPSON(SB)   Tuesday game with Evans cancelled.  Play at Rapides tonight (5pm) Hosting Rapides Monday (5 pm)

SIMPSON(BB)  Beat Evans Tuesday 25-11. Plays at Hicks tonight (6 pm)

---

The JRTC/Ft. Johnson and MWR present Forge Fest on Thursday, March 28, beginning at 4 p.m. on Headquarters Field.

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Bring the entire family for live music by Sean Kingston, Brandon Davis, and Kaylee Rose.  DJ Black Rhino will provide the music between acts.  There will be vendors galore, including home-based businesses, food, beverages, kids games, carnival rides, activities, static military displays, and more.  The evening will end with a giant fireworks show!

This event is new and replaces the old Freedom Fest.  There will still be a series of MWR functions in July of this year.

Shuttle buses will run from parking areas to the event and back again.

The following items WILL NOT BE ALLOWED: backpacks, tents, canopies, outside food and drink, weapons, drugs, and pets (except service animals).  MP’s will enforce these rules!

---

Last week I journeyed to Illinois. It was one of those nine hour and fifty-eight-minute drives. You would think the navigation system in a car would round the number up and say ten hours. The route of travel was not bad. I was on the interstate for 550 of the 600-mile drive. I knew that the last fifty miles would be on a two laned highway. As I write, I am growing nostalgic about those folding maps families kept in their car. Funny thing about those maps, you never could quite fold them back the way they unfolded. Now the map is digital in our dash. When we make a wrong turn, they tell us, “Recalculating.”

The drive took me across the Mississippi River three times. I traveled through Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. I did not leave Ruston until about 1 p.m. on Monday. I knew I would arrive late in the evening. I channeled my inner graduate school staying up late at night memory, grabbed a water bottle, chocolate, and set off.

The navigation system recalculated the route and downloaded from the cloud multiple times during the drive. I should have guessed that something was up. About 10:00 p.m. the nice navigation lady told me to exit I-57 at an exit called Benton. My tired brain thought, “this is the beginning of the two-lane road.” My graduate school brain warned me that “this is an unauthorized short cut.” Being tired I decided to trust my car. The navigation system had led me this far, no doubting it now.

I dutifully got off the Benton exit and headed east through the farmland of Illinois. The route of travel took me to a circle around the local courthouse. If you have ever been to Homer, you have done this. I thought, no sweat. I entered the circle and started around. The lady navigator told me to take the first right. I took it. Then I was instructed to take the first left. I took it. Another left at the next block. She instructed me to take two more left turns. You know where I ended up, don’t you? Draw it in the air!

Ok, if you do not air draw, I ended up in front of the same courthouse. I decided to do it again and maybe I had missed a left turn. Same instructions, same destination! I thought, the third time must be the charm. I enlarged the map on the screen in my car. I drove slowly so I could make sure I was taking the right streets when the left turns approached.

This third time she changed her instructions. She gave me the right turn and two left turns. She told me at the end of the road, turn right onto the ramp for I-57. Was she laughing behind my dashboard? Had she fallen asleep and was not paying attention to her map? Had she lost her mind? The nice navigation lady got me off the Interstate so she could drive me around a courthouse in Benton, Illinois. Had she made a date with an Acura and the car stood her up?

I will never know. But I did three laps around that courthouse and then like it never happened the nice navigating lady put me right back on the Interstate.

The lesson is simple, watch who you follow. Jesus said, “I am the WAY and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me.” You can trust Jesus to lead you to the path of life. All others, I suggest you trust after verifying.

---