Funeral services for Bobby Dwayne Hickman, of Leesville, were held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville with Bro. Dave Stewart officiating. Burial followed in the Stephens Cemetery in Leesville.

Bobby Dwayne Hickman, 62, went home to be with the Lord at 8:24 p.m. on January 9th, 2024. Born on August 22, 1961, in Fort Benning, Georgia, Bobby was a darling blue-eyed little boy born to Dorothy (Gribble) and Bobbie K. Hickman.

The military brought his family to Leesville where Bobby lived most of his life. He attended Leesville High School and was a graduate of the class of 1979. While in high school, Bobby began his life-long career in law enforcement. He was employed by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher at 16 years old. After graduation, he worked for New Llano Police Department, then moved over to Leesville City Police Department as a patrolman and paramedic. He spent the majority of his 35 years in law enforcement with the Leesville Police Department. While there, he did everything from patrol to D.A.R.E. officer to detective and finally, in 1997, earned the title of Chief of Police and held that title until the end of his career in 2010. He attended many schools and earned an extensive list of certifications and awards. He was always looking for ways to make improvements to the city by applying for grants and participating in special programs. His main goal was always to make sure his officers had the tools, knowledge, and equipment to protect his hometown to the best of their ability.

Even though he devoted his life to his career, Bobby always had time for a good time! He loved riding jet skis, going on long drives on the wide-open highway on his Harley, and dreamed of Key West sunsets. Bobby was an avid photographer and took many photos of his pride and joy, his 4 grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking and learning more about technology.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Bobbie K. Hickman; his sister, Yvonne Gordon; his brother, Steve Ihlenfeldt; and grandparents, Elmer and Beaulah Gribble and Neil and Ever Hickman.

Those left to cherish his memories include his first born and his baby girl, Kayla Hickman Betts of Lafayette; his son, Bobby D. Hickman II of New Llano; his heart and soul and his reason for breathing, his four grandchildren, Chevy Hickman, Kendahl Betts, Cason Betts all of Lafayette, and Malachi Hickman of Mississippi; his mother, Dorothy Gribble Hickman of New Llano; his brother, Darrell Ihlenfeldt and wife Jacki of Leesville; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will all miss him dearly.

The Louisiana State School Board Association sponsors an art contest for students from around the state. This year, 50 Vernon Parish students entered the competition. During the January 9 meeting of the Board, Supervisor Jerome Hinson announced the local winners. The artwork from this competition was on display at Gallery Onellleven in downtown Leesville over the holidays.

Local winners were Brystol Mitcham, a 3rd grade student from Hornbeck; Evelyn Richards, an 8th grader from Leesville Junior High; and Alexis Mikeska, a 10th grade student from Pickering High.

The artwork from local students will be judged by a panel of critics, and the top pieces will be on display in the Convention Center lobby during the annual Louisiana School Board Association meeting in Baton Rouge later this year.

Publisher’s note: Please continue to support the arts in our schools. Help our students discover their many talents.

BOBBY D. HICKMAN
August 22, 1961 – January 10, 2024
Service: January 14, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 3:00 p.m.

JOHNNIE CARROLL ROBINSON
September 22, 1955 – December 27, 2023
Service: January 19, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 12:00 p.m.

Area meteorologists are tracking a huge mass of arctic air sweeping west across the country from California. Locally our weather goes frigid Sunday night with a low of 27 expected. On Monday, which is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the temperature may not make it above 40 degrees. The low Monday night may dip to 15-18 degrees. It will be sunny Tuesday with a high near 35 degrees. Sunshine continues Wednesday with predicted highs in the upper 40’s. Warmer temperatures and some rain are expected next weekend.

Please protect your livestock and house pets. Keep an eye out for any elderly neighbors and wrap those exposed pipes. Expect icing on bridges and possibly hazardous road conditions next week.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Vernon Parish E-911 Communications Division to provide NIXLE alerts. These regard weather, traffic conditions and more. Just text your zip code to 888777 and you will receive NIXLE alerts automatically.

A ceremony was held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, January 11 at the Warrior Memorial Park to unveil a monument to Fort Johnson’s namesake, Sgt. William Henry Johnson. Remarks were made by Brigadier General David W. Gardner as the Commanding General of the Post.

Fort Johnson is the only Army installation named after an enlisted soldier, not a general officer.

Johnson was born in North Carolina and moved to New York as a teenager. He joined the Army in the summer of 1917 and was assigned to the 369th Infantry, an all-back unit that became known as the “Harlem Hell Fighters.” From 1918-1919, that unit was detached to a French unit on the front lines of the Argonne Forest.

Johnson stood only 5’4” and weighed 130 pounds. He was not a physically imposing figure but showed his mettle and bravery one night while on guard duty with another soldier. They were ambushed by over 20 German soldiers. His fellow soldier was wounded in the attack. Johnson used his rifle, grenades, his pistol, helmet and knife to defend his position, killing or wounding at least 12 of the enemy. For his gallantry, the French awarded him the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) with palm leaves. He was one of the first American soldiers to win that award.

Upon his return to the States, he was denied proper Veterans benefits and health care and died in 1929 without ever getting recognition from our country. He did, however, pave the way for a whole new generation of African American soldiers. Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996, the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002, and the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2015.

At the end of the week, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will conduct a large-scale training exercise that will involve increased helicopter traffic in the Alexandria, LA area.

This exercise is designed to evaluate and certify the division’s ability to conduct large-scale, long-range air assault operations in conjunction with training scenarios to test the unit’s communication, logistical resupply, and tactical abilities.

The division will establish a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) at Alexandria International Airport throughout the week to conduct refueling and resupply from the 12th through the 15th of January. Residents living in and around this area may expect increased air traffic as helicopters conduct operations on their way to Fort Johnson, LA.

“We’re alerting the public to prepare communities of an increase in noise as a result of rotary wing aircraft conducting training flights over the course of the next week,” said Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “We hope this notification will allow our neighboring communities to plan ahead in anticipation of this increase in military air traffic.” The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the lead in the United States Army’s effort to pioneer the next evolution of vertical envelopment and to prepare the army to win in any future military combat environments.

During the meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board on January 4, 2024, members of the Board met candidates for Student of the Year from several schools.  At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, January 9, other students nominated were introduced, and district winners vying for the title were announced.

Student of the Year honors in 5^th grade went to Harper Lewis of Vernon Middle School; Aubree Anable of Leesville Junior High in 8^th grade; and Dylan Gallion of Pickering High in 12^th grade.  Gallion also represented Pickering in the 5^th and 8^th grade during his school years.

Students from other schools recognized Tuesday included Alonna Littleton from Anacoco Elementary; 8^th grader Makynna Averitt from Anacoco; and senior Anniston Manley of Anacoco High.

Leesville was represented by Harper Lewis of Vernon Middle School; Aubree Anable from Leesville Junior High; and Charlie Travis of Leesville High School. 

Pickering Students included 5^th grader Mar Cobarrubia; 8^th grader London Cobarrubia; and senior Dylan Gallion.

Pitkin students recognized were 5^th grader Lydia Wisby; 8^th grader Wyett Sasser; and senior Abby Robinson.

Candidates from Simpson included 5^th grader Abagail Hughes; 8^th grader Natalie Goforth; and senior Marshall Yates.

Curriculum coordinator Karen Robertson relayed to Board members the difficult process that each student undertook to obtain this honor.

Funeral services for Mindy Camille Erwin will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hornbeck, LA with Reverends Mark Christian and Daniel Lowe officiating. The burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Hornbeck under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

A visitation will be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, January 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Mindy was born January 19, 1983, in Pineville, Louisiana and passed away with her family by her side January 8, 2024, in Alexandria, Louisiana at the age of 40. She lived in the Hornbeck area all of her life and was a devoted homemaker to her family. Her home was a small farm where she enjoyed caring for many kinds of animals and gardening. She will be remembered for her love of life.

Mindy was preceded in death by her son, Remington Carroll and brother, Shawne Carroll.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Ryder Carroll and Ryaden Carroll; daughter, Rylea Erwin; father, John Walter “Johnny” Carroll and wife Joann; mother, Melissa Horton and husband James; brothers, Sawyer Carroll & wife Shanna and James Anderson III; nephews and nieces, Joslyn Smith, Samuel Carroll, and Kaden Carroll; and extended family members and friends.

Terry Lambright, Vernon Parish District Attorney, reports the recent conviction of Shedrick Doshawn Metoyer, 29, of Alexandria, Louisiana. Metoyer along with Courtland King, also of Alexandria, were stopped in Vernon Parish in March 2021 by Louisiana State Trooper Isaac Davis for a traffic violation. The stop resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of cocaine and methamphetamines.

King was convicted at trial by a jury in September 2023, and is awaiting sentencing. The District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion with the courts to have King sentenced under the “Habitual Offender” statute due to his numerous prior felony convictions. If King is determined by the court to be a habitual offender, in accordance with the statute he faces a minimum sentence of 20 years to life and would not be entitled to early release based on good time.

Metoyer was also found guilty this week by a jury of possession in excess of 28 grams of cocaine and methamphetamine. Similarly, the District Attorney intends to file a motion to have Metoyer sentenced under the same “habitual offender” guidelines due to his numerous prior felony convictions. He would be subject to the same minimum and maximum sentence if determined to be a habitual offender by the court.

“Drugs have impacted many, if not all, communities in our state. I will continue to do everything in my power to fight this problem. My commitment to make Vernon Parish safe will not cease. I would also like to thank Trooper Davis for his work and professionalism as well as Assistant District Attorney Heath Dillon who prosecuted this case.” The trial was held before the Honorable Judge C. Anthony Eaves.

Reshonta Piper, age 29, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was denied and Piper remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Franklin Delano Garman Jr., age 61, of Leesville was arrested on Commitment to Await Extradition. Garman was also arrested on Probation Violation and must pay $2,065.50 or serve six months in the parish jail. Garman remains in jail awaiting extradition to Denton County, Texas.

Joseph Edward Bradford Jr., age 26, of Hornbeck was arrested on two counts Outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Bradford remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Nathan Harris Young, age 55, was arrested and charged with one count Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic, one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (methamphetamine) and one Bench Warrant for Probation Violation. Bond has not been set and Young remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Nelson Green, age 47, was arrested on a warrant from Harris County, Texas. Green remains in the Vernon Parish Jail awaiting extradition to Texas.

Tate Allen Wilson, age 28, of Leesville was arrested and charged with one count Criminal Damage to Property and one count of Theft. Bond has not been set and Wilson remains in the Vernon parish Jail.

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

The Vernon Parish School Board held its second meeting of 2024 on Tuesday, January 9, at 10 a.m. During last week’s meeting, Board members heard from several department heads. Others gave their summaries this week.

The Board conducted routine business, including authorizing a resolution to issue debt in Ward 7. Board members approved retirements and granted leave without pay requests. There were several newly-state-mandated guidelines to Head Start policies and procedures that were adopted by the Board.

Tim Ward introduced Scott Walker with Taylor & Sons Insurance, who presented the Employee of the Month award to Tara Beebe, a para-professional at Leesville High School. Her principal, Lisa Haymon, said, “Beebe is great at everything and always willing to help; coaching, bus driving, even concessions at ball games.”

Curriculum Directors Anne Smith and Lisa Lohman updated the Board on student progress in the system. A focus this fall has been on 4th, 5th and 6th grade math and literacy in K-4th grade. Last year, Vernon Elementary students showed levels of mastery and above at a 37% mark. The state average is 32%. In English language and science, Vernon Parish showed mastery and above in 52% of students as opposed to the date average of 43%. Several new programs have been implemented in the system, including Math Boot Camp and the new Exact Math, which offers a plan for all students. Smith reminded the Board of new state-mandated guidelines that require every K-3 school to have a literacy plan. Lohman shared with the Board that Vernon Parish received an Academic A-rated district award from the state in 2022-2023. That is good enough for a Top 10 ranking statewide for another year. The Top 10 districts did not change from last year.

Special Education Supervisor Leslie Ortiz reported there are currently 1,094 students in special ed. Title One funding is based on economic and disadvantaged students and currently pays for nine teachers and five para-professionals. Since the 2021 year, the program is down 165 students, which translates to less available funding.

Mr. Roland Jones with Food Service told of increasing state and federal funding for reimbursement have led to increased participation in the Free Meals Program. Jones pointed to a 3.26% increase in the Vernon Parish lunch program. “Functioning dishwashers,” according to Jones, “have led to diminished reliance on paper products and disposable items.”

Remarks from Superintendent James Williams concerned dwindling student population and the loss of funding for public schools at both the state and national levels. He stressed the school system must do more with less.

The Leesville City Council met Monday, January 8, at 3 p.m. in Leesville City Hall. Council members discussed monthly bills totaling $171,222.00. They also heard from Ms. Naral in City Finance that five months into the new fiscal year, the City had used only 38% of its yearly budget. The statewide average is 42%. The City received pay requests for the airport extension project from Terracon Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $12,600.00. The City paid $685.75 for DEQ compliance to Providence Engineering and Environmental. The City will also pay nearly $30,000.00 from state general funds for building repairs at the new Leesville Event Center.

City Engineer Mark McCarty provided a list of Leesville streets set for repairs in 2024. Included in Phase 1 are asphalt patching, overlay and/or concrete curb replacements. The streets include Belview Road at the culvert crossing; intersection of Herring and Carl Streets; Spruce Street; Loblolly Lane, Port Arthur Terrace; Jean Street from Port Arthur Terrace to 10th Street; Merritt Street; and Merchants Boulevard.

Changes in the City Water Department have led to continued savings, which will be passed on to customers. The City waived the annual water rate increase for 2024 systemwide. The Council passed a resolution to advertise for bids on flooring at the Leesville Event Center.

Leesville City Hall will be closed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 15, 2024.

Several months back, a new “wing joint” opened in New Llano: Wingalicious. I love wings and soon fell in love with their preparation — whole wings, fried extra crispy in a mild or spicy coating, sauce on the side. A friend who dined with me one day called them “naked, bare-back wings”. They are the best wings in West Central Louisiana, bar none!

Wingalicious has undergone a transformation. Starting Saturday, January 6, you can call them J & J Seafood and Wing Shack. THE WINGS WILL NOT CHANGE!! They will still be fried, whole, crispy and delicious. The menu has been expanded, BIG TIME!!

J & J Seafood and Wing Shack will serve fried and boiled seafood and a big selection of tasty side dishes. We’re talking fried fish and shrimp, boiled shrimp and snow crab legs; even crawfish in season. Those fabulous sides include Mexican street corn, boudin eggrolls, fried pickles, fried okra, crispy French fries, and more. Get a combo or a dinner. Eat in or take out.

J & J Seafood and Wing Shack held their Grand Opening Saturday, January 6.  They are now open Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Come by and try the new menu. J & J has recently remodeled the kitchen and refurnished the dining area with new tables and chairs. Catering is also available for your next event. Call 337-404-1349 and get those wings cooking!

J & J Seafood and Wing Shack is located in the Oak Plaza Shopping Center in New Llano at 2700 Cplony Blvd. Suite 4. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Funeral services for Mildred Loraine Martin Nelms, 85, of Hornbeck, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in the Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville with Bro. Wayne Chance officiating. Burial will follow in the Florien Cemetery in Florien.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Loraine was born on March 9, 1938, to her parents, Loyd Martin and Evie Glaspie Martin. She passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in Leesville.

Loraine is preceded in death by her parents, husband Glyn Nelms, daughter Karen Lynne Nelms, and sisters, Mary Kathleen “Tospy” Tilley and Cheat Martin.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Sherrie Nelms Hodge (James “Hootie”) of Leesville and Elwin Nelms Ellis (Lance) of Hornbeck; grandchildren: James Brandon Hodge (Ellen), Kellen Glyn Hodge (Haley), Audrey Nicole Ellis, Leslie Renee Ebey (Johnathan), Megan Rose Bowers (Kolton); and great-grandchildren:  Kandon Hodge, Sydney Hodge, Easton Hodge, Hudson Hodge, and Blayke Hodge.

Loraine grew up on the borders of Sabine and Vernon Parishes, living where her father worked logging at the different mills. She graduated from Hornbeck and married Glyn upon his return from Korea in 1957. When he proposed, she gave him the ring back but then went and got it from him again! They were married over 51 years. Loraine was a homemaker and raised 3 daughters. Though she had a simple life, it was filled with love, laughter, and joy.

For many years she served on the Hornbeck First Church Vacation Bible school refreshment team and later on the Bereavement Committee, sharing her love for others. A tradition that Loraine faithfully kept each Christmas, before opening gifts, was to have a grandchild or great-grandchild rotate the special task of reading the Christmas story from her Bible. This tradition is now taken up by her children and grandchildren in their own families.

She was always kind and willing to lend a helping hand, always encouraging us to do our best and to never stop trying. She never doubted for a second that we would all do well. She was a hard-core LSU Tigers and Saints fan but wasn’t afraid to turn off the TV when the Tigers just weren’t cutting it and then back on to see if they were winning yet. She loved flowers, loved to read, perusing flea markets and antique shops with her daughters, doing word-find puzzles, being outdoors, and talking to her friends. She made the best handmade dumplings ever. She enjoyed sitting on the back porch watching hummingbirds, condemning the squirrels, and fussing about the armadillos getting under the house. She attended hundreds of basketball, t-ball, and softball games by her grandchildren. Anytime you were around her, she would have some sort of story to tell you.  Whether it was about an old memory or some phone call she got, she always captured your attention and would find a way to make you laugh. She was goofy, quick-witted, always scheming something silly. She would say things like “Always good to have PawPaw and MawMaw close by school,” and “What happens at MawMaw’s house stays at MawMaw’s house”. She loved deeply and always made you feel special in her presence. Though she never wanted to be fussed over, she was the light for everyone in the room.

The family wishes to thank Leslie Harmon, Loraine’s friend and neighbor, and her caregiver Patricia Harlow. The love, care and concern given to our mother is very much appreciated.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Brandon Hodge, Kellen Hodge, Stuart Martin, Stephen Martin, Tommy Tilley, and Bruce Nelms.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kandon Hodge, Easton Hodge, Hudson Hodge.

Bobbie was born December 18, 1937, in Seoul, South Korea to Chin Sop Ko and San Kum Lee. She passed away on January 10, 2024, in Leesville at the age of 86.

Bobbie is preceded in death by her loving husband, John Sr., parents, Chin Sop Ko and San Kum Lee of South Korea, brother, Kwang Ju Ko of South Korea and her sister, You Ok Ko of Chicago, Illinois, and her sister Betty K. Rosen of New Llano, Louisiana.

Bobbie and John met when he was first stationed in Korea from 1960-63. They married in 1962 and built a wonderful life together from then on. Bobbie loved to cook for her family, gardening, and tending to her beautiful rose bushes. She loved her home in Leesville and kept it proudly. She and John formed an enduring bond over his military career and their love for each other spanned over 59 years. They settled in Leesville, Louisiana and created lasting friendships in a community who embraced them with open arms. She worked at West Leesville Elementary School until she retired. Over the course of 20 years, she created lasting friendships with the staff and her fellow co-workers. She supported John throughout their marriage and was proud of his service to the military and his service as a Deputy Sheriff in Vernon Parish. She watched her sons grow up and was often seen at their baseball games cheering for them from the side. She understood the value of education and she was especially proud of her sons who both served as career military officers.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, John Clady II (Joy) of Scottsdale, Arizona; and Tom Clady (Stacy) of Harker Heights, Texas; grandchildren, Jake Clady, Mark Clady, Kate Clady, Paul Clady, Kristen Clady and other extended family members in Chicago, Illinois, San Antonio, Texas, and Sycamore, Ohio.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 16, at 12:30 p.m. at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville, with visitation at 11:30 a.m. until time of service.

Celebrating their 20th year providing arts-related events in West Central Louisiana, GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN has firmed up the exhibit schedule for the first half of 2024. The exhibition season will start with a reception at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, for “Art in the Third Dimension”, an invitational sculpture show featuring artists from across the region who produce various forms of three-dimensional work. This exhibit will run from January 25 through March 9.

In March, the gallery will feature a group exhibit of painters from the Beauregard Parish area curated by Joey Governale of DeRidder. The reception for this exhibit will be on March 23, and the show will run from March 14 through April 27. Also in April will be the return of the “Art of the Eat” fundraiser, this year featuring Louisiana seafood. More details on this popular event will be forthcoming.

In May during MAYFEST, the gallery will again host CLAYFEST, featuring potters and clay artists from across the state. May 11 is National Train Day, and we will have an opening reception that day for the exhibit “The Thing about Trains”. This exhibit will feature painting, photographs, exhibits, and other information pertaining to the train industry. This exhibit will run through June 22.

Belly dancing classes are on Tuesdays; Magnolia Music Classes are on Wednesdays; and some other special classes are being scheduled. For information on any of these events, please email to galleryoneellleven@gmail.com or message on Facebook at Leesville Art.

The road to the state basketball championships started in earnest Tuesday night, January 9, as local boys’ and girls’ teams began play in their respective districts. The LHSAA State Girls’ Championships will be held February 26 – March 2 at the Southeastern University Center in Hammond, Louisiana.

Ladies
In action Tuesday night from District 4-B, Anacoco’s Lady Indians beat Elizabeth 75-44 in their opener. They travel to Pitkin tonight for a big matchup with the Lady Tigers. Pitkin this week beat East Beauregard 56-52 in a non-district contest. The Hicks Lady Pirates opened the district season with a 68-57 win over Oak Hill. Hicks plays at Elizabeth tonight.

District 3-C play began as well with Evans beating Ebarb, 69-31. The Lady Eagles played Many last night (score unavailable at press-time) and play at Merryville tonight. Simpson fell in their district opener at Pleasant Hill 60-56. The Lady Broncos host Ebarb tonight. Hornbeck’s Lady Hornets begin district play tonight hosting Pleasant Hill.

The Leesville-Pickering game this week was cancelled due to bad weather, but the Lady Wampus Cats managed to go on the road to beat North Central 65-37.

District 4-2A play tonight features Rosepine at Pickering in a great matchup. Pickering opened district play losing to Holy Savior Menard 43-37. Rosepine beat Glenmora in district play 80-33 Tuesday night.

Men
District 4-B play gets off to a great start in Pitkin tonight as Anacoco comes calling. Pitkin tuned up for the game with a non-district win over East Beauregard, 71-48. The Tigers game last night against Northside Christian was cancelled.  Anacoco beat Elizabeth in their district opener Tuesday 69-30.

The Hicks Pirates blasted Oak Hill in their district opener Tuesday 66-29. Hicks will play at Elizabeth tonight.

District 3-C opened this week with Evans losing to Ebarb 75-31. Hornbeck opens district action tonight at home against Pleasant Hill. Simpson’s Broncos lost their district opener at Pleasant Hill, 71-45. They host Ebarb tonight.

Leesville will open district 3-4A play later this month. They play Lake Charles College Prep at Leesville on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

District 4-2A hits the ground running tonight as arch-rivals Rosepine and Pickering meet at Pickering. Pickering had a game with Leesville cancelled this week due to bad weather. They traveled to Lake Charles College Prep and lost 79-55. Rosepine had their game at Merryville cancelled due to the weather on Monday.

The LHSAA boys Marsh Madness State Championships will be played at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, March 4 – 9.

Billy Crawford, a friend to many in Leesville, now lives in Algiers, Louisiana.  He wrote this column in memory of his dear brother, Charles E. Crawford, Jr.

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I have to admit that for most of my life I have not been keen to make New Year’s resolutions. Now, in my later years, with my wife’s encouragement, I have begun to at least make an effort–(I am tired of having to “redo” what I forget to do)!

In a few days I will be 78 years old, so my effort this year is to follow the six lifestyle choices that can slash risk of developing dementia.

Numerous studies that have followed over 30,000 adults from many different countries for over a decade have pinpointed six lifestyle choices that can help slash risks of dementia. My goal is to follow these lifestyle choices. They are:

Eating a healthy diet was found to have the strongest effect, recommending intake of seven out of the twelve food groups, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts.

Cognitive activity such as playing dominoes/cards, crossword puzzles, and reading was the second most impactful behavior.

Regular exercise is next defined as 150 minutes of moderate-intensive or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity every week.

Socializing twice a week, by visiting friends and family or attending meetings.

No smoking and limited alcohol intake

Findings from these studies found that people with four to six heathy lifestyle habits were 90 percent less likely to develop dementia than those who had zero or one. People with two to three were 30 percent less likely.

Dr. Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s research UK, said, “While our genetics play an important part in the health of our brains as we age, this research found a link between healthy lifestyle and slower cognitive decline even in participants with a key risk gene.”

“Too few of us know that these are steps we can all take to reduce our chances of dementia in later life. It is never too early or too late to think about adopting healthy habits,” Dr. Mitchell emphasized.

Please “cross your fingers” and wish me luck in this effort. And consider joining me if you wish.

MINDY CAMILLE ERWIN
January 19, 1983 – January 8, 2024
Service: January 12, 2024, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hornbeck at 2:00 p.m.

LORAINE MARTIN NELMS
March 9, 1938 – January 10, 2024
Service: January 13, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 11:00 a.m.

CULLEN RAY CARVER
November 5, 1933 – January 10, 2024
Service: January 14, 2024, at Walnut Hill United Pentecostal Church in Leesville at 2:00 p.m.

PEGGY LOU ELSER
December 18, 1939 – January 8, 2024
Service: January 16, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in DeRidder at 12:10 p.m.

BOBBIE JEAN CLADY
December 18, 1937 – January 10, 2024
Service: January 16, 2024, at Jeane’s Funeral Service in Leesville at 12:30 p.m.