The Vernon Parish E-911 Communications Division is now accepting applications for Public Safety E-911 Dispatchers. Full-time and part-time positions are available.

New hires will participate in a six- to eight-week on-the-job training program (APCO) to prepare for a career in public safety communications.

Applications may be picked up in person at 190 Ned Woodham Road, Leesville, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to pass a background check and drug test.

Benefits, hours, and additional details will be discussed during the initial interview. The department requests no phone calls or messages regarding the application process.

Vernon Parish E-911 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOURNAL STAFF

Kim Sims was the winner of $100 in the Sawgie Bottom Outdoor Power Sports High School Football Pick ‘Em Contest.

There’s another $100 prize on the line.  You have until Friday afternoon at 4 to enter this week’s contest. Anyone has the chance to win the $100 prize as the week’s top predictor of High School football games.

Participation is very simple. Just click on this link:

CLICK HERE TO PICK YOUR WINNERS!

Win $100 weekly just by picking the winners in ten high school football games.  You must also pick the total number of points scored in two tie-breaker games.  You can win $100 with some knowledge and a little good luck.  MUST BE 18 TO PARTICIPATE.  All you need is an e-mail address.  The contest will continue through the high school playoffs and the State Championship games in the Superdome. 

The list of games to pick will come out in the Wednesday edition each week during the season, and you will have until Friday at 4 p.m. to make and submit your selections.  The weekly winner will be announced in the following Wednesday’s edition of the Vernon Parish Journal.

Our thanks to our Title and Anchor Sponsor – Sawgie Bottom Outdoor Power Sports for joining us on the 2025 Vernon Parish Journal Pick Em Contest. 

Advertising space is still available at a great low price.  Contact the Vernon Parish Journal at 318-564-3609 for information on advertising rates in the Vernon Parish Journal.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL PICKIN’?

Why would anyone walk away from fishing for a living? Who in their right mind would want to give up this lifestyle? Well, if you sit down and visit with any one of several anglers who have lived “the dream” and fished professionally, you’ll understand the trials and tribulations that go with the job. 

It’s truly a lifestyle very much like those we call gypsies. Traveling the country like a circus from town to town or in the fishing world, lake to lake. Anglers traverse the United States from the south with Florida’s Lake Okeechobee to as far north as the Great Lakes. From Lake Murray, South Carolina, in the east to as far west as Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas. 

Nothing ages a person more than travel and stress. It’s hours upon hours of lonely windshield time. Each tournament can mean anywhere from 15 to 18 hours of travel time one way depending on where they choose to call home. 

But some anglers have tried to make their drives much shorter by uprooting their families and moving to the southeastern part of the United States since the majority of the tournaments are in this part of the country. 

Many anglers who have grown up on the west coast looking to pursue “the dream” of a professional bass fishing career have made a career move to Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee just to help cut down on road time in between events.

This life-changing move is not just about the angler, but their families as well. Talking to several pro anglers over the years, time away from family is the hardest part of pursuing the life of a professional angler. 

Sacrifices are made like missing birthdays, Mother’s Day, Easter and many more events that are considered family time. Many tears have been shed by anglers as they leave their driveways headed for the next event as they look into their review mirror and the wife and kids are waving goodbye, wondering when dad will return.  

This is the emotional sacrifice ALL professional anglers endure. Like so many other jobs, it takes a toll on the angler himself and the family. Many divorces have been had over an angler chasing this so-called dream. 

It takes a special wife who is strong and can handle the challenges of raising kids, running a household and dealing with everyday life while the man of the house is gone for several weeks straight.  A conversation I had with pro angler Shaw Grigsby revealed that he figured up that he had slept in his own bed only three days out of the month of April one year. 

This time away from home is the norm and not the exception. That’s why so many successful touring pros give all the credit to their wives for their success because she is the one holding down the fort while they as anglers try and do their jobs. 

So, what’s the attraction to be a professional angler? Is it the fancy truck and boat wraps? Is it the cool looking logoed shirts the anglers wear? Yes, to both of these, and the same as any other high-profile job, the fame and fortune and a lifestyle that’s like no other. 

But if you think “going fishing” everyday sounds like fun, understand this. While you’re going to the office for your job, their office as professional anglers is at the lake. Their job requires them to back their boats in the water every single day in all types of weather. 

Their office is outdoors and very seldom do they get days off just because it’s raining, cold or hot. They still must find fish and figure out how to compete and catch bass in all types of weather conditions. Their day starts at sunrise and ends at sunset! 

While we see these anglers at an expo or the weigh-ins, what we don’t see are the number of hours they put in researching their next body of water, tackle preparation, social media postings, and sponsor meetings. 

To be a professional angler is a full-time job that not just anyone can do. It takes a person with special talent who is committed and dedicated to being a professional angler. It also takes a team to make an angler successful. In most cases it’s the wife/business manager that helps to make these pros successful in the bass fishing world.

I hope you now have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a professional bass fisherman. So, if you think this is the life for you, good luck because you’re going to need it. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

As the air begins to turn crisp in Vernon Parish, the season comes alive with art, music, food, and cherished traditions. Fall invites you to experience lively festivals, Halloween celebrations, and countless ways to enjoy history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re seeking family fun or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Louisiana’s Legend Country this autumn.

West Louisiana Forestry Festival

Celebrate the region’s forestry heritage at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival. The event runs from Wednesday, October 1st through Sunday, October 5th, and features a parade, carnival rides, livestock shows, food vendors, and live music. It is a tradition that brings the entire community together to honor the forest industry in Vernon Parish at the West Louisiana Forestry Fairgrounds.

https://vernonparish.org/event/west-louisiana-forestry-festival-2/

Lions Club Rodeo

The Leesville Lions Club invites the community out for three nights of rodeo action at the Vernon Parish Rodeo Arena. The event begins on Thursday, October 2nd, and continues through Saturday, October 4th. From bull riding to family entertainment, this annual rodeo is a local favorite that promises excitement and plenty of fun.

https://vernonparish.org/event/lions-club-rodeo/

Scare the Crows off Main Street!

Come out to see the best scarecrows in downtown Leesville from October 10 to November 1! Explore Main Street and discover your favorite festive creation—each one full of personality and fall flair. 

https://vernonparish.org/event/scare-the-crows-off-main-street/

Derby Daze

Downtown Leesville will be buzzing with excitement during Derby Daze, the annual Soap Box Derby. On Saturday, October 25th, racer registration begins at 8am on Texas Street, followed by practice runs. The official races start at 9:30am and the competition wraps up with an awards presentation at 3:00pm.

https://vernonparish.org/event/derby-daze-soapbox-championships/

Veterans Golf Tournament

Golfers and supporters are invited to take part in the Veterans Golf Tournament at Warrior Hills. The tournament will be held on Friday, October 31st, offering teams a chance to register and compete while community members cheer them on. This event is a meaningful way to celebrate the day while supporting the veteran community.

https://vernonparish.org/event/golf-tournament/

Witch Way to Main Street

Halloween takes center stage at Witch Way to Main Street. On Friday, October 31st, families can enjoy live music, food, activities, and plenty of candy as kids trick-or-treat through downtown Leesville. The event takes place from 6pm to 8pm and is one of the parish’s most beloved fall traditions.

https://vernonparish.org/event/witch-way-to-main-street/

Giggles and Ghouls Movie Night

End the season with Giggles and Ghouls Movie Night, a Halloween double feature under the stars at the Fort Polk Outdoor Stage. On Friday, October 31st, a fun movie kicks off the evening at 5:30pm, followed by a spooky selection for those who love a good scare. The event continues until 10pm, making it the perfect finale to a month of fall fun!

https://vernonparish.org/event/giggles-ghouls-movie-night/

For more information on events throughout the year, go to http://www.LegendCountry.com/Events. Tag us on social media at #LALegendCountry and share your legendary fun this fall!

There’s a special place in the afterlife for whoever decided that plastic wrap should be the default packaging for every item that’s already hard to open. You know the ones—DVDs (back when those existed), cucumbers, remote controls, and the dreaded double-layered plastic fortress around batteries. It’s like the manufacturers said, “This item is mildly inconvenient to open. Let’s make it a spiritual trial.”

You tug, you peel, you slice, you pray. And just when you think you’ve made progress, the wrap retaliates—clinging to your fingers like a needy toddler, refusing to be discarded. It’s not just packaging. It’s a test of character.

But what, exactly, are they protecting?

Is the cucumber going to escape? Is the remote control plotting a rebellion? Are the batteries going to unionize and demand better working conditions? No. The plastic wrap is there to protect the item from… us. From our grubby, impulsive, human hands. It’s a barrier. A shield. A clingy, transparent “Do Not Enter” sign for consumer goods.

And here’s where it gets theological.

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the “armor of God”—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word. It’s divine packaging, really. A spiritual cling wrap designed to protect us from the world’s sharp edges. Because let’s be honest: life is full of metaphorical box cutters. Gossip, temptation, passive-aggressive emails, and people who say “Let’s circle back.”

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Just like that shrink-wrapped pack of AA batteries, we too need layers. Not to keep others out entirely, but to slow down the unwrapping. To make people pause and consider: “Is this worth the effort?” Because vulnerability is sacred. You don’t just hand it out like free samples at Costco.

Jesus himself had boundaries. He withdrew from crowds. He napped during storms. He didn’t answer every question. He didn’t heal every person. He wrapped himself in solitude, prayer, and intentionality. Not because he was hiding, but because he was protecting the mission.

So maybe the plastic wrap isn’t just annoying. Maybe it’s a parable.

Maybe it’s saying: “Hey, not everything should be instantly accessible. Some things are worth the struggle. Some things need protection. Some things—like your peace, your purpose, your spiritual batteries—should be wrapped up tight until the right moment.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should start shrink-wrapping our emotions or encasing our personalities in bubble wrap. But it does mean we get to choose who gets access. Who gets to peel back the layers. Who gets to see the real you underneath the cling.

And if someone’s not willing to wrestle with a little plastic wrap, maybe they’re not ready for the contents.

So next time you’re battling a stubborn package, take a breath. Channel your inner apostle. Remember that even the holiest things come wrapped. And maybe—just maybe—that frustrating layer is a divine reminder:

You are worth protecting.

Even if it takes scissors, a minor meltdown, and a YouTube tutorial to get there.

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email: DougDeGraffenried

On May 24, 2025, 137 passengers and six crew members boarded an Airbus A320 for flight DE1234 from Zurich, Switzerland to Heraklion, Greece. Many of the passengers were anticipating a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in Heraklion, which is on the beautiful island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Vacationers planned to visit any number of famous beaches, the Archaeological Museum, and the ancient Palace of Knossos. They just had to get there first. The flight was supposed to depart at 6:20 a.m. and routinely took about 2 hours and 55 minutes, but this was not a routine flight from the beginning. After a short delay, the jet took off at 6:51 a.m. and flew its usual route to the southeast. Two hours into the flight, the pilot began the jet’s descent as they passed over Athens, Greece. As they neared the idyllic Greek isle, winds buffeted the jet. The turbulence worsened exponentially as they descended. The turbulence was such that some of the passengers became nauseous and some vomited. Air Traffic Control told the pilot that the winds were too strong to land at the moment. The pilot had no choice but to pull up and circle around the airport until the winds died down. When the pilot announced the delay to the cabin, a few people groaned, but most of the passengers were relieved to be out of the turbulence. The pilot and co-pilot watched their fuel gauges carefully to ensure that if the wind did not subside, they had enough fuel to make it to another airport to refuel. After circling for nearly an hour, that time had come. Despite groans from the passengers, the pilot aimed the A320 to Athens, Greece. The jet landed safely at the Greek capital after a three-and-a-half-hour flight. Standard airline practice is not to top off the fuel tanks, but to add enough fuel plus a little reserve to make it to the intended destination to reduce the risk of fire in case of an emergency landing.

After refueling, flight DE1234 departed from Athens at 1:50 p.m. and flew towards Heraklion. The flight should have taken about 45 minutes. Just as before, turbulence buffeted the plane horrendously as it descended and the pilot was forced to climb into a circling pattern. Again, passengers had become nauseous and some vomited. The pilot and co-pilot, always aware of the fuel gauges, circled as long as they could, but the wind had not subsided. This time, the pilot diverted the jet to the island of Kos, Greece, about 55 minutes to the northwest. Once the jet was refueled, flight DE1234 departed KOS, but did not fly southwestward toward their original destination of Heraklion. The wind at Heraklion still had not subsided and the flight crew had nearly exhausted the allotted time that they could fly. They were legally required to get some sleep. Condor airlines determined that Thessaloniki, Greece, was the best place for the crew and passengers to spend the night. The passengers groaned as they learned they would not make it to their destination on that date, but what could they do? The pilot aimed the A320 to the northwest and, after a flight of just over an hour, the jet landed in Thessaloniki without incident about 11 hours after they first departed Zurich.

On the following morning, flight DE1234 with its 137 passengers and 6 crew members departed Thessaloniki for Heraklion. Once again, severe weather prevented them from landing and, after circling for a prolonged length of time, the jet was diverted to Athens to refuel. At 1:24 p.m., the jet departed from Athens. An hour and 20 minutes later, the jet landed in perfect weather, but not at its originally intended destination of Heraklion. After two days in the jet, after five takeoffs and landings, 32 hours after they departed Zurich, the airline brought the passengers back to Zurich. They were right back where they started.

Sources:

1. Ben Schlappig, “Condor A320 Operates 32-Hour Journey To Nowhere, With Five Landings,” One Mile At A Time, June 6, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://onemileatatime.com/news/condor-a320-32-hour-journey-nowhere-five-landings/.

2. Ben Cost, “Horrid flight as passengers stuck on 32-hour trip to nowhere — and wind up right back where they started,” New York Post, June 9, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/06/09/lifestyle/passengers-endure-32-hour-flight-to-nowhere-after-5-emergency-landings/.

3. Kathleen Wong, “Passengers stuck on a 32-hour flight with multiple diversions never made it to destination,” USA Today, June 13, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/06/13/condor-passengers-trapped-flight-diversions-greece/84187436007/.

On October 1, 1954, something unusual flickered onto black-and-white television sets across America: Disneyland. No, not the park itself—Walt Disney’s ambitious, almost unthinkable plan to build a theme park in the middle of California orange groves didn’t open until July 1955. But nearly a year before the gates opened, Walt Disney turned to the new medium of television to sell his dream.

The show was called Disneyland, and its first episode aired on ABC on October 1. Disney used the program as a weekly showcase for the company’s films, shorts, and characters—but more importantly, it doubled as a 60-minute commercial for the construction of Disneyland. In other words, one of the most famous amusement parks in the world started as a glorified infomercial.

That in itself might not sound strange, but what made the show unique—and a little weird—was its presentation. Each week, the program was divided into four segments, each tied to one of Disneyland’s future lands: Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and Fantasyland. Some nights, viewers would find themselves watching vintage Mickey Mouse shorts. Other nights, they’d get eerie science-fiction tales about rocket ships to Mars. And sometimes, Disney dipped into the macabre.

One of the most notorious early broadcasts featured a half-hour version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Ichabod Crane. It was hosted by none other than Walt Disney himself, who calmly introduced the terrifying tale of a headless horseman galloping through the Hudson Valley. Families who tuned in for a lighthearted Mickey Mouse cartoon instead got a dose of gothic horror beamed straight into their living rooms.

The Disneyland series became a cultural phenomenon, and it had a spooky ripple effect. To keep viewers entertained, the show often explored ghost stories, monsters, and even futuristic doomsday scenarios.

Episodes like “Man in Space” mixed real science with speculative disaster, depicting nuclear-powered rockets and cosmic catastrophes with almost gleeful seriousness. For many children of the 1950s, these episodes were the first introduction to both science fiction and horror—delivered under the comforting smile of Walt Disney.

Historians now note that Disney’s October 1, 1954 television gamble changed two industries at once. The show rescued the struggling ABC network, which at the time was the weakest of the three major broadcasters. It also locked the Disney brand into American living rooms, creating hype for Disneyland before the park had even been built. By the time Disneyland opened in 1955, millions of families felt like they already knew the place.

The oddness of the early Disneyland episodes has faded in memory, overshadowed by the park’s success. But for those who tuned in on that first October night, there was something almost surreal about being invited to imagine rocket launches, haunted forests, and wild frontiers all from their sofas.

Walt Disney, a man often remembered for his wholesome optimism, was also planting seeds of the weird, the futuristic, and the unsettling into America’s cultural imagination.

So the next time you hear about a Halloween special or a theme park haunted house, remember October 1, 1954—the night America’s most beloved amusement park made its television debut by sending ghost stories, nightmares, and visions of the future into homes nationwide.

Because sometimes, history isn’t just about what happened—it’s about what we were watching when it did.

Lula Edith Waller
Service: Wednesday, October 1 at 11 am at Hopewell Baptist Church in DeRidder

Larry Michael “Michael T.” Phillips
Service: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the Bingo Hall in New Llano, located at 426 Vernon St.

Wilfredo “Freddy” Cruz-Rios
Service: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the Central Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Leesville

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or vpjnewsla@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to vpjnewsla@gmail.com).

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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

September 23, 2025

Gary Lee Grosenbacher Jr., age 46, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Simple Battery and one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond has not been set and Grosenbacher remains in the VPSO jail.

September 24, 2025

Kourtney Rose Lewis, age 31, of Florein, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Lewis remains in the VPSO jail.

Gregory Wayne Martin, age 30, of Alco Hutton, was arrested on one outstanding Bench Warrant and two out of jurisdiction Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Martin remains in the VPSO jail.

Jason Scott McDuffie, age 49, of Rosepine, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Bond has not been set and McDuffie remains in the VPSO jail.

Kyle Conerly Brack, age 45, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Bond has not been set and Brack remains in the VPSO jail.

September 25, 2025

Jason Michael Pitts, age 45, of Anacoco, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants. Bond has not been set and Pitts remains in the VPSO jail.

William Robert Freeman, age 44, of Anacoco, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $7,500. Freeman posted bond and was released.

Glenn M. Holmes Jr., age 46, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanism, one count of Operating a vehicle while license is suspended, and two counts of Resisting an Officer. Bond was set at $3,832, Holmes remains in the VPSO jail.

Jessica Brister Cox, age 52, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Distribution of a Schedule I Narcotic and one count of Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility. Bond was set at $20,000. Cox remains in the VPSO jail.

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

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Work has begun on the runway extension project at Leesville Municipal Airport (L39), which will lengthen the runway from 3,800 feet to 5,600 feet. The project is expected to be completed by July 2026.

The first phase, involving excavation and embankment north of the runway, is underway and has no impact on normal airport operations. The next phase will require dirt work closer to the end of the runway, at which time the threshold will be displaced 800 feet, leaving 3,000 feet available for landing. A NOTAM has been issued to inform pilots of the temporary changes.

Sundown Fire Department responded to the Rosepine area on Sept. 24 around 4:20 am to assist Rosepine Fire Department with a residential structure fire.

When personnel arrived, they found the residence fully involved. Firefighters immediately began suppression operations, but the extent of the damage made it impossible to salvage the home.

Agencies on scene included Rosepine FD, Sundown FD, Caney FD, New Llano FD, Sandy Hill FD, Beauregard Parish Fire District 4, Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, MedExpress Ambulance, and BECI.

The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk welcomed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Sept. 25 for a visit highlighting the installation’s mission and priorities.

The day began with a command briefing focused on how JRTC builds the Army’s ready and lethal formations, including updates on infrastructure upgrades, training innovation, and quality-of-life programs that support Soldiers and their Families.

During lunch, the Speaker met with Soldiers to hear firsthand how world-class training at JRTC prepares them for combat and how initiatives such as housing and healthcare improvements strengthen the force and their Families.

His visit underscored a shared commitment to developing disciplined, lethal units and sustaining the Army’s readiness at all times.

JOURNAL STAFF

Richard Smith was the winner of $100 in the Sawgie Bottom Outdoor Power Sports High School Football Pick ‘Em Contest.

There’s another $100 prize on the line.  You have until Friday afternoon at 4 to enter this week’s contest. Anyone has the chance to win the $100 prize as the week’s top predictor of High School football games.

Participation is very simple. Just click on this link:

CLICK HERE TO PICK YOUR WINNERS!

Win $100 weekly just by picking the winners in ten high school football games.  You must also pick the total number of points scored in two tie-breaker games.  You can win $100 with some knowledge and a little good luck.  MUST BE 18 TO PARTICIPATE.  All you need is an e-mail address.  The contest will continue through the high school playoffs and the State Championship games in the Superdome. 

The list of games to pick will come out in the Wednesday edition each week during the season, and you will have until Friday at 4 p.m. to make and submit your selections.  The weekly winner will be announced in the following Wednesday’s edition of the Vernon Parish Journal.

Our thanks to our Title and Anchor Sponsor – Sawgie Bottom Outdoor Power Sports for joining us on the 2025 Vernon Parish Journal Pick Em Contest. 

Advertising space is still available at a great low price.  Contact the Vernon Parish Journal at 318-564-3609 for information on advertising rates in the Vernon Parish Journal.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL PICKIN’?

After finding themselves in an impressive win against Many, Leesville (1-2) will attempt to string together consistent performances when the Wampus Cats head to Pineville (2-1) on Friday.

Meanwhile Pickering and Rosepine will try to stop their losing skids at home this week.
Pickering (1-2) will host a Merryville (0-3) bunch that’s lost two games by one score.

While Rosepine finally doesn’t play on a Friday (first three games of the season were on Thursdays), the Eagles won’t get a reprieve as undefeated Ascension Episcopal (3-0) visits.

LEESVILLE
One thing that Leesville and Pineville have in common (other than having ‘ville’ in their names) – they both got hammered by Tioga this season.

Tioga scored 42 unanswered points against Pineville this past week to break a 14-14 tie and run away with a 56-14 win.

Two weeks ago, Leesville was feeling the sting when Tioga exploded to a 56-20 win.

But the Wampus Cats returned to their rushing roots in a 48-14 win against Many as Grant Braxton collected his second 150-yard rushing game with an unimaginable five touchdowns.

Pineville brings its own explosive running back Kelmarion Phillips, who scored on runs of 66 and 73 yards early against Tioga before the Indians smothered Pineville’s offense.

Tioga ran and through at will against Pineville, and Leesville would love to strike that same balance.

Leesville’s defense bottled up Many’s power rushing attack, but Pineville will bring a spread offense that often features multiple backs at varying depths in the backfield.

While that alignment contributed to Phillips’ long runs, it also was a big factor in the many negative offensive plays Pineville had. Phillips gained 149 rushing yards just on those two plays, but Pineville finished with just 153 yards of total offense.

But Pineville certainly didn’t have trouble moving the ball in two earlier wins (44-34 against New Iberia and 69-14 against Avoyelles).

Another efficient outing from quarterback Trel Bloom (8-for-11 for 152 yards against Many) will give Leesville the offensive diversity to outpace a Pineville offense that can be susceptible to negative plays against good defenses.

PICKERING
The Red Devils will attempt to take advantage of its early home schedule as Friday’s matchup against Merryville is third time in four this season Pickering will be playing at home.

Pickering has just two home games in their final six, so making this one count at home would be beneficial.

While Merryville doesn’t have a win, the Panthers have a pair losses by one score. North Central (46-40 win) and LaSalle (30-22) have a combined record of 5-1 this season.

One number of note – Pickering beat Gueydan (56-14) worse than North Central did (38-14).

The Red Devils can definitely make a stand and get to 2-2 in the early going.

A 2-2 start would Pickering’s best since 2020 (3-1 start), a season in which the Red Devils finished 5-3 in the regular season.

Merryville won this past season’s matchup 30-7 over Pickering.

ROSEPINE
Not playing on a Thursday will be a welcome reprieve for football players who don’t have to wake up for school the next morning.

Playing undefeated Ascension Episcopal won’t offer a similar reprieve as the Eagles are vying for their first win.

The Class 1A opponent has logged all three wins against higher classification teams, topping Class 3A Kaplan (41-7), 4A Archbishop Hannan (21-10) and 3A Abbeville (39-34).

Holding two of its three opponents to 10 points or less likely isn’t a welcome sight for a Rosepine offense that’s been shutout in two of its first three games.

But the Eagles did make some headway with their power running game, something they hope can create running lanes against Ascension Episcopal, who won the 2024 meeting 42-8.

Rosepine does have a home-heavy schedule this season with six games, including its third home date of the season in the first four weeks.

Rosepine’s defense has the ability to force turnovers (four against Grand Lake), so extra offensive possessions would be welcomed against Ascension Episcopal.

The City of Leesville has completed construction of a 1.34-mile paved walking path at the Leesville Municipal Golf Course, providing a safe and scenic route for residents and visitors looking to walk, jog, or enjoy the outdoors.

Heavy rain and muddy trails set the stage for the 2025 Warrior Hills Cross Country Invitational, held Sept. 24 at Warrior Hills Golf Course by the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.

Local high school athletes demonstrated heart, grit, and determination as they pushed through the challenging conditions. Despite the weather, runners showed endurance and competitive spirit, inspiring those who came to support them.

Vernon Parish 4-H has officially crossed over 1,000 members enrolled for the 2025–2026 year.

Leaders credit the milestone to the families who continue to support 4-H and trust the program to help youth grow through leadership, service, and opportunity. Enrollment for the year remains open, giving more students the chance to participate in activities and opportunities ahead.

In addition, the Club Points Contest is underway. School clubs that show a 10 percent increase in paid membership over last year will earn 50 bonus points toward Club of the Year.

Vernon Parish 4-H encourages students and families to keep the momentum going as the program works to make “the best better.” Enrollment is available online at v2.4honline.com.

Vernon Parish Head Start and Early Head Start, in partnership with Merchants & Farmers Bank and The Rapides Foundation, is working to increase access to books and encourage early childhood literacy across the parish.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, all children in Vernon Parish from birth to age 5 are eligible to receive free books delivered directly to their homes. Registration is now open at imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/LAVERNON.

Vernon Parish Head Start emphasizes that education is a collaborative process involving the home, school, and community. Leaders say this initiative will help foster a love of reading and provide developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for all children in the parish.

The program is made possible through the support and funding of The Rapides Foundation, Vernon Parish Head Start Birth to Five program, and Merchants & Farmers Bank in Leesville.